'Anaeho'omalu Bay (A-Bay)

The short answer

‘Anaeho’omalu Bay, known to everyone as A-Bay, is the beach at the center of Waikoloa Beach Resort and the one most Hali’i Kai guests visit first. The water is calm and shallow enough for easy swimming, the sand is soft underfoot, turtles haul out most afternoons, and the bay faces due west for one of the most reliable sunsets on the island.

Sand, swimming, and turtles

The bay curves in a broad crescent backed by coconut palms and the old Hawaiian fishponds that give it the “‘Anaeho’omalu” name. The water stays protected and calm for most of the year, so it is an easy beach for swimmers of any age and a favorite spot for green sea turtles to rest along the shoreline rocks. Come early in the day for the flattest water and the fewest crowds.

Snorkeling the north end

The rocky point at the north end of the bay holds the best snorkeling, especially on calm mornings before the wind picks up. Expect turtles, tangs, and needlefish rather than a coral garden. Guests wanting a bigger reef should ask the concierge about a Kohala Coast snorkel tour further up the coast.

Sunset and dinner on the sand

A-Bay faces west, which makes it the sunset beach on this stretch of coast. Lava Lava Beach Club sits directly on the sand, so it is easy to time a table for the last light over the water while the old fishponds behind the beach glow gold.

Getting there from Hali’i Kai

A-Bay is four to five minutes by car from Hali’i Kai, or a 20 to 30 minute walk through the resort depending on which building you start from, for guests who would rather stretch their legs. Most people drive so they can bring coolers and beach gear, which every Polu suite includes. For the fuller picture on getting around Waikoloa, see Do You Need a Car in Waikoloa?