We drove in through the resort gates. There are signs pointing to the public shoreline parking. Parking lot is nice with lots of trees for shade. Free parking. There are restrooms/ shower at parking lot area. Then you walk only 8-12 minutes to the shoreline where there is another shower/ rinse station. Easy paved trail, able to get our beachgear down and baby stroller. It's a beautiful beach with lava rock with tons of fish for snorkeling. Water shoes not so much needed but good to have read more

Best local beach ever. Great for small kids and snorkeling. I would bring water shoes. It has shaded area close to the water. read more

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I don't know how a beach can be a hidden gem, but this one is it! Located inside the Kona Village Resort is a public bay that is accessible through the private entrance at the Kona Village Resort. Simply drive straight to the guard station and ask for a pass to the beach. They will issue a free parking and admission pass for the day. You reach the shoreline about 1/2 mile from the entrance. It is surrounded by beautiful landscape, trees and grassy areas for picnicking. The Kona Village really takes pride in the property, it is very clean and maintained in pristine condition. We enjoyed a leisurely day in the sun and brought a long a few snacks, we did not notice any food for sale nearby. The areas is preserved very well to ensure the natural land is not disturbed. Bookmark this location if you want to avoid crowded beaches. Don't forget to tell 'em that Rosemary sent ya! read more

Beautiful beach and shore lookout sidewalk. Saw a turtle resting on the shore. Easy parking and public access through four seasons Hialālai resort. Easy to access and the perfect 30 minute walk. read more

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We hand a great time at the beach. Bring your own shade. Not much shade around, a few spots but take quickly.

Great little beach! We came to this beach to take sunset pictures and it did not disappoint! A little bit of a walk from the parking lot, we saw a sea turtle rest on the beach when we were there (apparently they are not too common on this beach). Will definitely be back during the day to relax and try to snorkel. read more

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Terrific beach if you are looking for a peaceful beach that is kid friendly. The cove is very calm allowing kids and adults to play in the water. There is also areas to snorkel. If you walk a little further there is a terrific area to snorkel that is better suited for adults. I will definitely be back. Only negative is that there are very limited spots available. You have to get the parking permit from the office when you drive in before you can access the beach. read more

If you don't like crowded beaches, Kuki'o is your beach. You'll have to drive into the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort to the guard post to get a parking pass but it's worth the hassle. Kuki'o is a great starter beach for snorkeling and for the lil' youngsters to get them comfortable in the water (at the small lagoon). There's beautiful palm trees and tidal pools, but watch out for the lava rock contours, I wore water shoes to protect my feet because I wasn't tryna get any lacerations. Shade is limited though, so bring a hat and umbrella, as well as water and snacks to refuel because there's no food stand. My friends and I came here on a weekday afternoon and there was no wait time to enter. After getting a numbered parking pass, the guard told us where to turn. We did have to wait for a few gates to open before getting to the lot. Each parking stall is marked and supposedly you park in the spot your pass is numbered. We mainly stayed in the southern end of the beach were the small lagoon was. That area is also were the restrooms and showers were. We brought our own snorkel gear, towels and beach mat and posted up close to the tidal pools. Powerade and snacks was what kept us fueled after snorkeling. The water was nice and warm but it was a bit murky in some parts when I was snorkeling. I didn't swim too far out but I did see a few fisheses swimming by. Overall, Kuki'o is a nice white sand beach with a private feel. It's kid friendly and great place to get your snorkel on. read more

One of my favorite beaches on the Big Island. The small cove protects this beach from rough waves that you normally find at other beaches nearby. The white sands and clear calm waters make this beach one of the first places I visit when I get to Kona. My 11 year old feels comfortable getting in the water here and you don't have to worry about too many rocks when you enter the ocean. Parking is easy and nearby so if you have to stuff you want to cart in it's not too bad. However, space is limited. There is a nearby shower head to rinse off and public restroom. I'd recommend bringing a beach umbrella just in case the shaded areas under the palm trees are all taken up. Aloha! read more

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Very intimate small scale snirkeling area, Powdery white sand beach, lots of trees for shade, gorgeous sunsets! Plenty of aquatic animals that snorkeled with us: colorful varieties of fish, turtles, eel, baby crabs burrowing under sand under super clear waters. 2 Outside/uncovered showers available. Bathrooms for changing very clean. Free Limited parking, must secure parking pass at gate. When parking us full, you will get turned away. Must leave 30 min after sunset. read more

(We stayed at the south side of this beach in the lagoon area) This is perfect for family! We have a 3 year old who doesn't like waves and seeing the open ocean and this is the first place he willingly got in the water and played for hours. It has shade and a beautiful walk up. The ride in is tricky because you need to get a pass (for free) at the security gate and then drive back out and around to go to the beach access road, nothing crazy. The views are spectacular and there's a bunch of fish and even saw a turtle!! I'm considering staying at the resort next time in the Big Island. read more

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Kuki'o Beach is located adjacent to the Four Season property, so you have to go to the Four Seasons guard house and ask for a parking pass before going to the beach parking lot. We took family pictures on Kuki'o Beach which is a popular activity around sunset (also weddings), but permits are required. There were a couple of families enjoying the beach, but it was otherwise secluded but it was also late in the day. We even saw a turtle just hanging out on the beach! The lighting is perfect for photos at the "golden hour", even if you're just taking them yourself with a cell phone. read more

Easily one of my favorite beaches on Kona's side! Accessible through the Four Seasons entrance gate, there's plenty of parking for beachgoers no matter the time of day. The beach is expansive without too many visitors even in the summer, which surprised me because I expected more people from the resort. My fiancé and I found a shaded spot to set up, lay out and tan, and run into the ocean to swim when we got warm. The water is soooo clear and blue. Time flies when you're having fun here! read more

My goal was to find a sea turtle and this place did not disappoint! I saw three while Standing on the rocks and it made me so happy. This beach wasn't very busy, which was great. I also saw several fish species and a monk seal on the beach. This place had the most marine life that I could see without even getting in the water. Great area for kids since there wasn't a strong tide. I'll def come back here on my next visit. I recommend water shoes since it is pretty rocky. read more

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Just the best beach on the Big Island. Aces is through the security guard at mile marker 87. Limited passes, so get there early. read more

Kuki'o Beach - Just one area. Great for kids! - Beaches Near Me - Hawaii, Hawaii

On one of the last mornings of our Big Island vacation, my husband and I walked from the Four Seasons to Kuki'o Beach after breakfast. It was a beautiful walk along a path lined by lava and ocean, and it ended at a quiet public beach. We didn't have our swimsuits, but we walked along the beach and dipped our feet in the water while enjoying the view. Kuki'o Beach is on the rocky side, so I don't know that it's ideal for swimming or building sandcastles or whatever else it is folks do at the beach other than lying down and reading. It's gorgeous, though, and apparently sometimes there are turtles. No turtles came out to see us, unfortunately, but we still had a good time. We were too lazy to drive to the island's more famous beaches on this trip, so it was nice to stop by one that wasn't just the beach in front of our hotel. The walk alone was worth our while, and Kuki'o Beach was a lovely destination. read more

Cool Hidden Gem Inside A Resort Community Public beach that feels like a private beach. Parking isn't in ample supply keeping the crowds somewhat limited, which is nice! You enter and the guards are friendly at the gate. You get a pass from them and they tell you where to go. Great bathrooms and a super nice trail take you along the rocks to the little beach where it seems few people are which is a pleasant change from weird tourists everywhere looking lost! Lol.. The beach area has a nice tidal pool area that can take you out into the ocean for some good snorkeling. Plentiful trees provide some much appreciated shade for a nap or picnic while you are here. Nice Snorkeling Spot. All in all a nice spot to get away from the crowds.... Wait, I made a review and now more people are going to go here! PS: DO NOT GO HERE IF YOU HATE TURTLES.... You may find them swimming along your side smiling at you and I know that probably offends someone somewhere so be warned! read more

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On Google Maps, search for Kukio Beach, then look to the right of the pin for Kukio Beach Public Bathroom. That'll lead you to the public parking within the Hualalai Resort. Like other public beaches within private communities, the number of public beach visitors is regulated with paper parking passes. The parking lot here is decently big, and the bathroom and outdoor shower facilities are right by the entrance to the beach walkway. The beach is quite large, with a handful of kayaking companies set up on both ends. When my friend and I visited on 12/27/2019 at 7:20 am, the waves were too turbulent for decent snorkeling. The swirling sand made for unsatisfying views. HOWEVER, sea turtles are aplenty! I managed to spot one in the murky waters, and though I failed to follow it for long, we soon realized that we could easily spot the turtles from the sand by looking carefully for their shadows by the shallow sand shelves. We then spent the next 20 minutes stalking sea turtle shadows and floating in the shallow sand shelves, watching the sea turtles ebb and flow with the waves. It was AMAZING. I think the waves are a bit rougher during winter months, so I would hope that snorkeling is more successful during the summer. Either way, I definitely got my honu fix here. read more

Kuki'o Beach - Rules and regulations of shoreline public access on the back of the parking pass. - Beaches Near Me - Hawaii, Hawaii

Okay beach. Need to get access to parking exclusively from the hotel while entering the beach and they have limited parking. The staff was kind and gave us the pass but I was very disappointed at the raving reviews. This beach has very little sandy part for kids to play. Public was also elderly and no fun. Sorry, definitely a pass for me! read more

This is where I found my "happy place" on the Big island! It is attached to a resort, but since all beaches are public in Hawaii, if you go fairly early, you can get one of the 27 coveted parking spots for this heavenly beach...just ask to exercise your "beach rights" and the gatekeeper will issue you a car tag. We went twice, and had no problem, but it was around 10:00 AM. I know, but the little one was an early island riser....so there you have it! Big thanks to Hawaii Revealed....it was such an asset, we simply would not have found the amazing spots we did without it!!! The same was true on Maui...simply the best book ever!!! I promise to review that, too!! It is a short walk on a paved path to the wonderful keiki pool called Kikaua Beach, then Kuki'o Beach is beyond, nearest the resort. Soft sand...amazing! Clean restrooms, soap, and showers are available. For me it was a grassy spot under a huge tree between the beaches I lounged, and read to my hearts content...so peaceful!!! Plus baby could splash away...close by, and under the supervision of her parents, with all of the other keiki. Family bliss!! read more

Kuki'o Beach - Kuki'o Beach Hi, HI - Beaches Near Me - Hawaii, Hawaii

Too rocky, no shade, limited parking. This is not the place to visit because it has little sand and not great for snorkeling. So many other great places to visit than this spot. read more

Beautiful beach, nice bathrooms and not too crowded Clear water and shade spots as well. read more

Me and my boyfriend went here for the first time the other day. He has been coming to the island for over 20 years. We discovered this amazing beach and it is by far both of our favorites! Highly recommend. Excellent lagoon for children to swim in. Soft sand. Option for Hamic in palm trees. Bathrooms. read more

Kuki'o Beach - Beaches Near Me - Hawaii, Hawaii

Most beautiful beach I came across on the Big Island. I checked in so that I could remember it. Great sand, rocks and trees. Nice area for swimming, snorkeling or just exploring. And very quiet with only what seemed to be a few locals. read more

The southern portion of the beach which is like a little lagoon is perfect for toddlers, safe and fun. However getting to that portion was a pain because of the security guys at the gate. They told us parking is full at 9am and told us to park at four season hotel public parking and walk for 5-10min. The walk is more than 10min and I don't recommend to do it with a toddler an elderly. We did it an I swear the beach was almost empty. Seems like the security guys save the parking spots for some people. I do not know. More disappointing was when my husband walked back to get the car and tried to get in and just pick us up. This time another security guy gave him hard time for a quick pick up. Very very embarrassing for sate of Hawaii. Something was very wrong with the security guys. They lied to us twice same day. read more

Wow! After 2 weeks exploring the island on my last day we found this gem. I feel bad checking in and putting the word out there but this beach is perfect and natural feeling. No touristy stuff just sea turtles, a seal and Sandy beaches. My 3 month old baby even gi5 to get some splashes in at the "pool". There are virtually no waves at this one spot perfect for small babies. I floated around and felt like a fish! 4 seasons entrance is nicer but the first one you go to is nice too with a clean bathroom and shower. read more

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Probably the best public beach with a private beach feel. This is what I call paradise and what I'd imagine Hawaii beaches are like. read more

Kuki'o Beach - Beaches Near Me - Hawaii, Hawaii

Beautiful beach with awesome view. Good for snorkeling. Water is clear and not deep at all.

The place to go for snorkeling! Have good water shoes for navigating rocks. Lots of sea urchins, little tide pools and small lagoons.

Epic beach, snorkeling, turtles and great shower/bathroom facilities. Parking lot is at the end of Aina Kaha Place, accessible after going through the guard gate and getting a temporary parking placard at Kukio Nui Drive (can't see guard house from the Hwy). One of the few beaches I've been to that has grass right up to the lava rocks and water. Ideal for kids and those timid of the ocean as well as more experienced swimmers/snorkelers because there are natural, separate areas. Wear aqua socks or other waterproof shoes with good treads for walking on rocks. Check it the location on the image I've uploaded with this review. read more

Kuki'o Beach - Kukio Bay Aerial Photo - Beaches Near Me - Hawaii, Hawaii

This place is beyond amazing ! The sand is moist . Was saw plenty of sea turtles and the water was perfect .. Oh watch out for the small lizards . read more

Kuki'o Beach - The sea turtles were perfect - Beaches Near Me - Hawaii, Hawaii

Such a beautiful beach that is not very busy. Limited parking so once the spots are filled, no additional spots are available until others leave. Sea turtles come up to sun themselves which was fun for the kids - you have to keep your distance but still fun to see. We were there early enough to get a table in the shade which was helpful. Rocky, so water shoes are helpful but there are places to enjoy the water if you don't have water shoes or forgot to bring them. I would recommend a trip to this hidden gem. read more

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Beautiful to look at, but way too rocky to swim or snorkel. The beach is small and not much shade. Rocks are sharps and everywhere, bring water shoes. They have bathrooms and showers. Less than 10 minute walk to the beach. read more

Easy entrance. Guards were really nice and everything was easy to find. Although some parts were rocky, it was still a nice and uncrowded beach. We got there around 9 and got Pass #17. As people have said, the bathrooms were kept pretty clean. All in all, I'd come back again and explore more. read more

Kuki'o Beach - Nice, calm and overall quiet to most beaches around. - Beaches Near Me - Hawaii, Hawaii

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Soooo beautiful. Limited parking and must check in with security to get parking permit for the day. They'll tell you where to drive to and once there, they open the gate to let you drive in and park. They ask you to return the permit (paper) when you leave. Very nice beach and having limited Parking keeps the crowds away. Bring water and food. Bathrooms are clean but not right on the beach. Turtles you'll see for sure. On the sand and in the water. read more

This is a beautiful relaxing place. I almost don't want to write a review so it can remain as untouched and beautiful as it is. Please, if you visit here, malama the aina and pick up after yourself and leave the place better than when you got there. (Whoa... where did that Hawaiian come from?!?) read more

Beautiful beach near the beautiful grounds of Four Seasons. Simply need to tell the guard you want public beach access & you're in. Read the signs, Please don't harass the turtles! read more

A public beach, located just outside a private, gated community, which means, you have to check in with security guard shack to enter. There are also limited parking spaces, so if you are planning, carpool and go early. One of the few public beaches where you will find soap, paper towels, and clean restrooms. The swimming area is ideal for keiki's and toddlers, with little wave action. You will also see some fish swimming around, but not your traditional reef fish. The walk from the parking lot to beach is approximately 50 yards of paved sidewalk. Be sure to stay on the path due to Hawaiian sensitivity issues. Security is constantly monitoring area. Kukio is located 5 miles north from Kona International Airport. read more

Another perfect beach to swim, snorkel, paddle board or chill at. Bring a plate lunch, picnic, relax with a book or play in the water all day. Soft sand and clear blue Pacific water will keep you coming back. Keep your annoying kids away from the green turtles that are sunning, ha'oles. Mahalo. read more

Three days in a row we saw incredible sights below the surface and got there early enough to have shade all three days. Showers and CLEAN restrooms only a quick walk away. The resort employees were awesome to us and even let us borrow some equipment for as long as we needed. Makes me actually want to stay at the Four Seasons again. Sometimes great service is worth the expense. We did Airbnb this trip but next time we will do a combination of resort and Airbnb. Saw multiple turtles each day, by hugging the reef to the right of the entrance and we saw so many tropical fish. More than 2 Step and more the Mauna Kea Beach. read more

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