This is one of the longest walks to a beach but well worth it. It is about a 15-20 minute walk, so large ice chests and anything you can’t carry for 20 minutes might want to stay in the car. You may read/see a few things that say the beach club is private. However, the beach or access to it is not private, and we have never been questioned when wanting to eat there. Most all hotel beaches on the Big Island have some sort of public access. This is one of our go to beaches and we visit this beach often. As you turn onto the Mauna Lani resort road from the highway, you will travel through a roundabout heading to the Mauna Lani Resort. Look for the signs for the Mauna Lani Sports and Fitness Club. There is a parking lot across the street from the Mauna Lani Sports and Fitness Club where you will see signs for Public Shoreline access. There is an asphalt path that will lead you along a scenic trail where you will see a few small lava tubes and small signs with landmark information. You will cross over the path for the golf course carts where you will see condos on your right and homes to your left. Continue along the path, staying to your left, you will see the fish ponds on your right and left. The restaurant will be in front of you just up a short hill. You will see the beach to your right as you approach the restaurant. You will see a wonderful white sandy cove with lots of chairs and cabana’s. The chairs and cabanas are for the home owners at the Mauna Lani but the beach is public. Find a spot and pitch your umbrella and chairs. The water is often protected from trade winds here and very calm. There is some pretty good snorkeling around the southern tip of this beach. You can also rent a paddle board and give boarding a try. It is a great beach for kids as the waters are shallow and it is pretty easy for parents to keep a watch on small children. There is a beach club that serves lunch and a full bar if you want to get a cocktail. This is a great place to plan lunch around as you can set up all your beach gear then walk about 50 yards away and have lunch and still keep an eye on your beach gear. The fish and chips are pretty good as well as their appetizers…. They also have clean restrooms at this beach club which is very nice. The view from this beach club and at the beach itself is spectacular. If we cannot get into the Mauna Kea this is normally the beach we go to. Great for all ages, food, drinks and clean restrooms. Just about perfect and about a 45 minute drive north of the condo.
