Beach Treasures and Treasure Beaches

Isn’t every beach in Hawaii gorgeous?  We seem to talk a lot about the stunning blues of the water, the soft sand between our toes, the amazing island scenery… and we go on and on about the countless Hawaiian beach activities.  We can beachcomb, sunbathe, swim, and snorkel. We can welcome the new day by watching the changing pastel colored sky at sunrise and we can end the perfect day in paradise by admiring the bolder colors of the Hawaiian sunset.

Palms along ‘Anaeho’omalu Bay, The Big Island (Photo: Polihale/Wikimedia Commons)

Here’s a Hawaiian beach that offers something  a little different!  Greg and I discovered ‘Anaeho’omalu Bay when we stayed  in the Waikoloa Beach Resort area on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii, “The Big Island.” We headed off of the Hilton Waikoloa Village property, following a rather rugged, black lava and broken white coral trail south and found a lovely public beach. The locals call this popular spot “A” Bay (for good reason!).  About 17 miles north of the Kona airport, the beach at A Bay sports the expected Hawaiian amenities. Here you’ll find a beautiful, curved, black and white sand beach, palm trees, a hut that rents snorkeling, kayaking and windsurfing gear, and restrooms.

“A” Bay Beach Treasures

The water is relatively calm at ‘Anaeho’omalu Bay due to the protective offshore reef. When beachcombing here, we found a quite a few very small shells and coral pieces along the beach (possibly due to the tranquil water?).

Aerial view of ‘Anaeho’omalu Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii.  (Photo: Polihale/Wikimedia Commons)

So, what’s different about ‘Anaeho’omalu Bay? Did you notice the two ponds just beyond the sands of the beach in the photo above?  Those are Ku’uali’i and Kahapapa, very large fish ponds, used by the ancient Hawaiians for raising mullet. There is an marvelous trail here with a few interpretive signs along the way, explaining how family groups (ohana) tended these fish farms. It’s a peaceful stroll and it’s quite educational, too!  This different ~and rather unexpected~ Hawaiian beach activity is well worth the time! Aloha!

Have a great day at the beach!