The beach is great if the crazy guards let you in. Supposedly they count the 40 allowed cars but they need to go back to grade school to learn to count to 40. We drove down to the parking lot and took pictures of open spots to prove there were open spots. Finally were given a ticket to access the beach….Also, it is important to note this is supposed to be a PUBLIC beach…why is there a gate and guards managing who can use the beach?

Very limited public beach parking, come before 10am. We got here just before 10am on a Tues and got the second to last spot. Go to the front gate, ask for public beach access. They will give you a pass which resembles a dollar bill. Follow the public beach access signs to the end and you will come to a small parking lot, there is a pay to park machine before the cross bar. Put your "pass" dollar bill into the cash part with the dark side facing up and the cross bar lifts. Only park in the labeled beach parking spots. Follow the trail down at the end of the parking lot, VERY nice beach, great easy snorkeling to the far left, shaded areas. We saw sea turtles and schools of fish. Calm, relaxing swimming, can walk out far and still stand up. Bring snacks and drinks, they do have nice bathrooms and a shower.Lovely

This beach area is a beautiful hidden gem a short walk from parking. We went for sunset and enjoyed a restful evening on the beach. There were very few people the day we went. The water was pristine and the sand was well manicured. As you may know, beaches in the state require a public right to access so this is behind the gate, but just telling the guard your heading to the beach will suffice. They will provide a paper token for parking. There are several spots and we’ve not seen it full. There is also a restroom facility a short walk from the beach. This is a great place to relax near the hustle of Waikoloa.

Seems impossible to get into the public access parking. But! If your up for a gorgeous 0.9 miles hike (shoes needed) park at Hapuna Beach and hike over the hill into Mauna Kea. Easy hike, amazing views!! We saw turtles swim in the clear beautiful water.. !!

It’s a beautiful, calm beach in a beautiful bay. It is great for swimming and snorkeling. We watched a beautiful sunset.

Really beautiful beach! We got lucky and were able to snag a spot in the public lot, accessible through the resort's entrance. The gal at the gate was able to let us know parking availability before we event entered resort grounds, which we greatly appreciated. Once there, it's a short walk down to the beach and there's a nice restroom/shower facility along the way. The beach itself is beautiful - soft, buttery white sand, much like what you'll find at Hapuna. There's a lot of shady spots under the trees, but if you want to be closer to the water, consider bringing an umbrella for sun protection. The water here was clear and warm - really lovely for swimming and snorkeling. We came in the afternoon at a time when most beaches have choppy water, but the waves here were gentle. Great spot for all ages, but definitely one to consider if you're visiting with kids and don't want to worry about intense swells.

Excellent place to spent a week or two with friends and family. Too windy in winter time and spring time. Highly recommend

This is an okayish beach. You've to enter through the hotel which does give you free access. But once you park the car it is a bit of a walk to the beach. I didn't try snorkeling here but I didn't see a lot of people doing that either. It is good for if you're just looking to hang out at the beach.

I had higher hopes for this resort beach. While it’s perfect for swimming and has white sands and no lava rocks in the swell, it’s crowded and there is lots of vegetation on the public beach side so not a lot of room to sit.

After you interact with an indifferent security guard, they’ll give you a pass for the parking lot. Not the place to Snorkel but an absolutely gorgeous Beach. Water is warm with a sandy bottom, there’s a little bit of shade but usually full of people. Nice bathroom facilities. People are always coming and going so parking is available, just be patient.

Guard for resort out out a sign: public parking is full. Stopped visitors to come in, even drive through not parking, he do not allow us to enter the gate” it is Public beach! And we do not have to park”. Tried couple time, still full, of course.

Purely awesomeness! This beach is just AMAZING!!! Awesome, warm water, the sand is great, very beautiful view!

3/5 stars for visitors because there is only 30 spots of parking and if there is not public parking then you have to get valet parking which costs a lot of money, but the beach is picturesque and amazing.

This might be a perfect beach. Absolutely perfect. It's not the easiest beach to get to, but absolutely worth it. Go early in the morning because public parking is limited. The water was perfect, the sand was perfect, and the sandy shore just went on and on. The public restrooms and changing areas were good and clean. It's a post-card perfect beach.

Great place to view a sunset. Great beach as well. Parking is limited.