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Kaunaoa Beach Review

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Kaunaoa Beach

Fodor's Review:

(Mauna Kea Beach). Hands-down one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, Kaunaoa is a long white crescent of sand. The beach, which fronts the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, slopes very gradually. It's a great place for snorkeling. When conditions permit, there is good body- and board surfing also. Currents can be strong, and powerful winter waves can be dangerous, so be careful. At this writing, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel was closed for repairs to damages sustained in the 2006 earthquake, but the hotel's outdoor Hau Tree gazebo bar and restrooms are still open to beachgoers. While the hotel undergoes renovation, there are more public parking spots than usual, but when it reopens public spots will again be limited to only 30, in which case it's best to arrive before 10 AM. If the lot is full, head to nearby Hapuna Beach, where a huge parking lot is never full, and try this spot again a different morning.

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