Anaeho'omalu Fishponds - Image 1
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Anaehoomalu Beach Waikoloa Hawaii

4.6
·766 reviews·Waikoloa Village, United States

Anaehoomalu Beach ('A-Bay') offers calm waters for swimming and snorkeling, historic fishponds, and frequent sea turtle sightings. Perfect for familie...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Best for sunset & turtle sightings

CrowdMedium
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Anaeho'omalu Fishponds - Image 1

Anaehoomalu Beach Waikoloa Hawaii

Best Time

Late afternoon

Best for sunset & turtle sightings

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Anaehoomalu Beach ('A-Bay') offers calm waters for swimming and snorkeling, historic fishponds, and frequent sea turtle sightings. Perfect for families and sunset lovers.

4.6
(766 reviews)

"Incredibly exciting experience as we encountered more and more sea turtles—eventually seeing over nine of them!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🐢 Turtle Spotting Tips

Snorkel south of the main beach for more sea turtle sightings . Be patient and respectful of their space!

🌅 Sunset Reflection Magic

Walk behind the fishponds for incredible sunset views and reflections .

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sea Turtle Encounters

Sea Turtle Encounters

South of the main beach area

Witness numerous sea turtles swimming, eating, and even approaching snorkelers. A truly thrilling experience!

Spectacular Sunsets

Spectacular Sunsets

Path behind the fishponds

Capture breathtaking sunset reflections in the fishponds, framed by palm trees. Pure Hawaiian magic.

Calm Waters for All

Calm Waters for All

Main beach area

Perfect for families with young children, offering safe swimming and snorkeling opportunities without big waves.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Calm Waters

Anaehoomalu Beach, or 'A-Bay,' is known for its gentle waves, making it ideal for families and beginner snorkelers. While some find the water murky, venturing further south can reveal clearer spots and abundant sea turtles.Reddit

Sunset Serenity & Turtle Sightings

For the best sunset views, explore the path behind the fishponds for stunning reflections.Reddit Many visitors report incredible sea turtle encounters, especially when snorkeling further from the main beach area.Reddit

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Best for sunset & turtle sightings
Crowd
Medium
When
Before lunch
Why
Less crowded, calmer waters
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Hilton Waikoloa Village, Hawaii Island 🥥🌴🌺🍍🌸 A hotel tram, sunset boat rides, dolphins in the lagoon, peaceful sunsets… (take me back please) #hiltonwaikoloavillage #thebigisland #hawaiitiktok #hiltonhotel #konahawaii #hawaiitrip #hiltonforthestay #travelinspiration #besthotels #hotelsandresorts #creatorsearchinsights
@thetravellingcameras
164.1K likes • 831.1K views

🐢 Turtle Spotting Tips

Snorkel south of the main beach for more sea turtle sightings.Reddit Be patient and respectful of their space!

🌅 Sunset Reflection Magic

Walk behind the fishponds for incredible sunset views and reflections.Reddit

Looking for the ultimate Hawaiian getaway? 🌺 Check out Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island! This massive resort is perfect for families and couples to enjoy thrilling water slides, snorkeling adventures, dolphin encounters, boat rides, and so much more. We had an amazing time exploring everything this beautiful resort has to offer! This room was booked as MAKAI OCEAN VIEW room. Have you stay...
@travelbyashleyz
141.7K likes • 2.9M views
Anaehoomalu Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii is SO beautiful!! We’ve come several times now to play in the ocean and sand, and on the perfect climbing trees that grow right near the water. We are modeling right beside the Lava Lava Beach Club of Waikoloa where I had the most delicious plate of Ono🐟 in my life! Hawaii is definitely our happy place.💛
fioreclaire
290 likes • 3.9K views

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Fun

Ideal for kids with calm waters, but not for boogie boarding or surfing.Reddit

🚗 Parking Convenience

Decent parking is available a short walk from the beach.Reddit

📍Anaehoomalu Beach, Hawaii..Also known as "A-Bay", is a crescent-shaped beach on the Big Island of Hawaii's Kohala Coast, near Waikoloa.  . While primarily white sand, it also has a mix of volcanic pebbles, giving it a "salt-and-pepper" appearance. . It's known for its calm, clear waters, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and various water sports.  . The beach is also recognized for its historic ...
ankita_d0810
59 likes • 620 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐢 Turtle Spotting Tips

Snorkel south of the main beach for more sea turtle sightings.Reddit Be patient and respectful of their space!

🌅 Sunset Reflection Magic

Walk behind the fishponds for incredible sunset views and reflections.Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Fun

Ideal for kids with calm waters, but not for boogie boarding or surfing.Reddit

🚗 Parking Convenience

Decent parking is available a short walk from the beach.Reddit

🤿 Snorkel Gear Rental

Rent beach equipment and supplies from the hut on-site.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(766 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Anaehoomalu Beach is praised for its calm waters, making it ideal for families and swimming. Visitors love the beautiful sunset views, especially the reflections in the fishponds, and the frequent sightings of sea turtles. Some find the water clarity to be inconsistent, and it's noted as a family-oriented beach rather than one for surfing or seclusion.

"Gorgeous beach on the west coast of Big Island, with crystal clear water and many sightings of turtles. It’s easy to see turtles swimming and floating calmly near the shore. The waves are low, there is a shower and changing rooms and it’s a perfect place for families."

Tommaso Bailo

"Not the biggest but still a very pretty and unique beach with calm waters & no big waves. Beautiful sunset scenery, especially if you walk on the path behind the fish pond & see the reflection in it, surrounded by palm trees. Toilets available and an easy walking path too."

Janina

"Always a great play to play in the sand and surf. Lots to see snorkeling, shady trees for resting, live music from the nearby bar. This beach and bay can't be beat! Even the locals turtles love it as much as we do :-)"

Eric Mann

What People Like

Calm waters for swimming
Beautiful sunset reflections
Abundant sea turtle sightings

What People Dislike

Occasional murky water
Not for surfing/boogie boarding

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Anaehoomalu Beach, also known as 'A-Bay,' is conveniently located near Waikoloa Beach Drive on the Big Island's Kohala Coast.Instagram It's easily accessible by car, with decent parking available a short walk away.Reddit Many resorts in the Waikoloa area, like the Hilton Waikoloa Village TikTok+2 and Marriott Beach Resort,Reddit are within close proximity, making it a popular destination for guests.

Yes, Anaehoomalu Beach is well-known and signposted, especially as it's adjacent to popular resorts and developments like Kolea.Instagram+2 Look for signs for 'Anaehoomalu Bay' or 'A-Bay' when driving in the Waikoloa area.

There is decent parking available near Anaehoomalu Beach, though it can fill up during peak times. It's generally a short walk from the parking area to the beach itself.Reddit

Public transportation options directly to Anaehoomalu Beach might be limited. It's generally recommended to have a rental car for exploring the Big Island, especially for accessing beaches like this.

Absolutely! Anaehoomalu Beach is a great day trip destination from Kona, offering a different coastal experience. The drive is scenic and takes approximately 30-40 minutes.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Anaehoomalu Beach is a public beach and does not typically have an entrance fee. You can enjoy the beach and its amenities free of charge.Reddit

As a public beach, Anaehoomalu Beach is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. There are no strict operating hours, but it's advisable to visit during daylight for safety and enjoyment.

No, tickets are not required for Anaehoomalu Beach as it is a public access beach. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.

Generally, there are no specific entry restrictions for Anaehoomalu Beach. However, it's important to be aware of local regulations and to respect the natural environment. An Amber alert was issued for a missing teen near the bay in the past,Instagram so always be aware of your surroundings.

Yes, Anaehoomalu Beach is a public beach and accessible to everyone, regardless of whether you are staying at a nearby resort like the Hilton Waikoloa Village TikTok or Marriott Beach Resort.Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Anaehoomalu Beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the calm waters.InstagramReddit It's also popular with canoeists and paddlers,Reddit and you might spot spearfishers.Reddit The beach is also known for its beautiful sunsets Instagram and opportunities to see sea turtles.Reddit

Yes, Anaehoomalu Beach offers decent snorkeling, especially in the calmer waters near the shore. While the water can sometimes be murky,Reddit venturing further south can reveal clearer areas with more marine life, including numerous sea turtles.Reddit

Yes, Anaehoomalu Beach has restrooms available.Reddit There's also a hut where you can rent beach equipment and a store for beach supplies.Reddit

Anaehoomalu Beach is described as a 'family beach' with 'loads of families with little kids' and 'lots of activity'.Reddit While it can get busy, especially with families, it's typically not as crowded as some other popular Hawaiian beaches, and arriving before lunch can mean fewer crowds.Reddit

Anaehoomalu Beach has a crescent shape with primarily white sand, mixed with volcanic pebbles, giving it a 'salt-and-pepper' appearance.Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the Lava Lava Beach Club is located right beside Anaehoomalu Beach and is highly recommended for its delicious food, particularly the Ono.Instagram Other dining options are available within the nearby Waikoloa Beach Resort.Instagram+2

Bringing your own food and drinks is generally permitted at public beaches like Anaehoomalu Beach. There are also shops nearby where you can purchase supplies.Reddit

Lava Lava Beach Club offers a delightful dining experience with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Visitors rave about their Ono (a type of fish).Instagram

While there may not be designated picnic tables, the beach offers plenty of space to spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic, especially under the shade of the palm trees.Reddit

Yes, there is a store on-site at Anaehoomalu Beach that sells beach supplies.Reddit For a wider selection of groceries and snacks, you can find markets within the Waikoloa Beach Resort area.

📸 📸 Photography

The path behind the fishponds offers stunning opportunities for sunset photos with reflections.Reddit The 'salt-and-pepper' sand Instagram and the surrounding palm trees also make for beautiful shots. Don't forget to capture any sea turtle sightings!Reddit

Absolutely! Anaehoomalu Beach is renowned for its spectacular sunsets.Instagram The reflections in the fishponds create a particularly magical scene.Reddit

Golden hour, both in the morning and late afternoon leading up to sunset, offers the most beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh due to direct sunlight.

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's always best to check with local authorities or the relevant park service for current rules regarding drone operation in the area before flying.

Keep an eye out for the abundant sea turtles,Reddit the traditional Hawaiian fishponds, and the outrigger canoes that are sometimes present.Instagram The 'salt-and-pepper' sand is also a unique textural element.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Anaehoomalu Beach is a fantastic choice for families. Its calm, shallow waters make it incredibly safe for young children to swim and play without the concern of strong waves.Reddit You'll find plenty of space for building sandcastles on the white sand and volcanic pebble mix.Instagram Plus, there are restrooms and a rental hut for beach gear, making a day trip here convenient.Reddit

While snorkeling is possible, the water can sometimes be murky.Reddit However, the main draw for families is the guaranteed safe swimming. It's a popular spot, so arriving earlier in the day can help you secure a good spot, especially under the shade of the palm trees.Reddit It's a great place for a relaxed beach day where everyone can have fun.

🐢 Wildlife Enthusiasts

If your goal is to see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu), Anaehoomalu Beach is a must-visit. Many visitors report seeing numerous sea turtles here, often swimming and feeding.Reddit For the best chances, snorkel south of the main beach area where sightings are more frequent.Reddit Remember to observe them from a distance and never disturb their natural behavior.

Beyond turtles, the beach offers opportunities for observing marine life while snorkeling in its calmer sections. The unique 'salt-and-pepper' sand Instagram and the historic fishponds Reddit also add to the natural appeal. The chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat makes Anaehoomalu Beach a truly special destination for wildlife lovers.

📸 Photographers & Sunset Lovers

Anaehoomalu Beach is a photographer's paradise, especially during sunset. The iconic fishponds behind the beach offer incredible opportunities for capturing stunning sunset reflections.InstagramReddit The palm trees framing the scene add to the tropical allure. This is the perfect spot to capture that quintessential Hawaiian sunset shot.

Beyond sunsets, the beach itself provides varied photographic subjects, from the unique 'salt-and-pepper' sand Instagram to the occasional presence of outrigger canoes.Instagram If you're lucky, you might even capture a sea turtle Reddit in its element. The calm waters can also create beautiful reflections during the golden hours.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of Sea Turtles at A-Bay

Anaehoomalu Beach is a prime location for spotting Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, or 'Honu.' Visitors frequently report incredible encounters, with some seeing over nine turtles in a single visit.Reddit While they can be seen near the main beach, venturing further south often yields more sightings.Reddit Remember to maintain a respectful distance and never touch or feed the turtles. Observing them in their natural habitat is a truly unforgettable experience.

Many travelers list seeing wild sea turtles as a bucket-list item for Hawaii.Reddit The calm waters of Anaehoomalu Beach provide a safe environment for these majestic creatures to feed and bask. Videos and photos often capture turtles swimming close to shore or grazing on seagrass, offering a unique glimpse into their daily lives. The thrill of a turtle swimming right past you, as described by one reviewer, is a highlight for many.Reddit

When planning your visit, consider that while the main beach area is family-friendly, the best turtle viewing might require a bit more exploration. Always be mindful of the ocean conditions and your own swimming abilities. The presence of these ancient mariners adds a profound layer of wonder to the Anaehoomalu Beach experience.

Sunset Spectacles and Fishpond Reflections

The sunsets at Anaehoomalu Beach are legendary, offering a truly picturesque end to the day. For the most stunning views, head to the path behind the historic Hawaiian fishponds.Reddit Here, the calm waters of the ponds create perfect reflections of the vibrant sky, framed by swaying palm trees, resulting in a scene of unparalleled beauty.Reddit This spot is a photographer's dream and a serene place to simply soak in the Hawaiian atmosphere.

These ancient fishponds are not just beautiful; they are a testament to traditional Hawaiian aquaculture. Their presence adds a unique cultural and historical dimension to the beach experience. The contrast between the natural beauty of the sunset and the ingenuity of the fishponds makes for a memorable visual. Many visitors find this area to be a peaceful escape, offering a moment of quiet contemplation amidst the natural splendor.

Beyond the visual appeal, the sunset at Anaehoomalu Beach provides a tranquil ambiance. It's a time when the beach transitions from a daytime family spot to a more serene setting. Whether you're capturing photos or simply enjoying the view, the sunset over the fishponds is an essential part of the Anaehoomalu Beach experience.

Family Fun and Calm Waters

Anaehoomalu Beach is a top choice for families visiting the Big Island, largely due to its calm, gentle waters. Unlike many Hawaiian beaches known for powerful surf, 'A-Bay' offers a safe environment for children to swim and play without the worry of big waves.Reddit This makes it an ideal spot for parents to relax while their little ones enjoy the ocean.

The beach's layout, with its primarily white sand mixed with volcanic pebbles,Instagram provides ample space for building sandcastles and enjoying beach activities. While it's a popular spot for families, it generally doesn't feel overwhelmingly crowded, especially if you arrive before lunch.Reddit The presence of amenities like restrooms and a nearby rental hut for beach equipment further enhances its family-friendliness.Reddit

While it's perfect for swimming and splashing, it's important to note that Anaehoomalu Beach is not a destination for boogie boarding or surfing due to the lack of significant waves.Reddit However, for families seeking a relaxed beach day with safe swimming conditions and opportunities for gentle snorkeling, Anaehoomalu Beach is an excellent choice.

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