Anaeho'omalu Bay

Anaeho'omalu Bay, also called A-Bay, is a Waikoloa shoreline with white sand, coconut palms, ancient fishponds, sunset views and Kohala Coast resort scenery.

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Anaeho'omalu Beach, Big Island

Anaeho'omalu Bay (also known as A-Bay), located on the Big Island of Hawaii's west shore near the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort, is one of the better-known beaches in this area. It features a long white-sand beach, several tide pools, fishponds and a large grove of coconut palms. You'll also find it better equipped than its neighbors, with restrooms, showers and a parking lot conveniently located nearby.

Like many of the Big Island beaches, Anaeho'omalu is protected by an offshore reef. The ocean bottom drops off gently here, and the beach is popular for a variety of ocean sports, including swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, scuba diving and surfing. Dangerous ocean conditions may occur during storms or high surf.

Located just behind the beach are two ancient Hawaiian fishponds, named Ku'uali'i and Kahapapa (Ku'uali'i is the larger of the two). The ponds were once used by Hawaiian royalty to raise mullet and other small fish. They were maintained by the fishermen who lived in this area, and the fish that were raised here were only given to royal people. That's probably why this beach was named Anaeho'omalu, which means "restricted mullet" in the Hawaiian language.

The area is surrounded by educational plaques offering interesting tidbits of Hawaiian history. Today the ponds are a favorite photo spot, especially around sunset when the light reflects across the water.

If you'd like to explore a bit, you can hike the nearby King's Trail, which leads through a 2-acre (8,094 sq. m) historical park featuring rock shelters, petroglyphs (rock carvings) and other ancient artifacts. Another trail will take you to the Hilton Waikoloa and other luxury hotels.

In March 2011, Anaeho'omalu Bay was damaged by a tsunami wave that was caused by the devastating earthquake in Japan. The tsunami literally sliced Anaeho'omalu Bay into two pieces and broke the wall of the ancient Ku'uali'i Fishpond. The 100-foot gaping hole in the beach has been fixed.

Key Features

White-sand bay near Waikoloa Beach Resort
Also known as A-Bay
Ku'uali'i and Kahapapa fishponds sit behind the beach
Ku'uali'i is the larger of the two fishponds
Anaeho'omalu means restricted mullet in Hawaiian
Coconut palms and fishpond reflections make the area popular near sunset
Nearby King's Trail passes through a small historic park area
The 2011 tsunami damaged the beach and fishpond wall before repairs were made
Resort setting gives the beach a busier Waikoloa feel
Visitors should stay on established paths and avoid disturbing fishpond walls or cultural features

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is Anaeho'omalu Bay most scenic?

Late afternoon is especially popular because the palms, fishponds and bay often catch warm sunset light, making the area one of Waikoloa's classic photo spots.

What makes the fishponds important?

Ku'uali'i and Kahapapa fishponds show how Hawaiians managed shoreline water and raised fish in a protected coastal setting connected with royalty.

Is Anaeho'omalu Bay a remote beach?

No. It sits beside the Waikoloa resort area, so the beach has a more developed feel than remote Kohala or Ka'u shorelines.

Can visitors walk beyond the main beach?

Yes. Nearby paths can lead toward the fishponds, shoreline areas and historic walking routes, but visitors should stay on established paths and respect signs.

What happened after the 2011 tsunami?

The tsunami damaged the bay and broke part of the Ku'uali'i Fishpond wall. The breach was later repaired, and the shoreline remains part of the area's story.