Hawaii, Beachfront Resorts open to the public at a daily rate?
 

Hi, My husband and I will be in Hawaii for two weeks in April. We are staying in timeshare resorts, 1 week in Waikiki and 1 week in Kihei, Maui. Unfortunately, neither resort is located on the beach. Does anyone know if any of the beach front resorts allow the public to use their beach and/or facilities for a daily rate? We've done this on a couple of cruises we've been on, while in ports in the Caribbean and in Mexico, with great success. It seems to be pretty common practice there, but perhaps only for cruise passengers? We would love to visit one or more of the beautiful beach front resorts while in Hawaii, and hope that there are some who offer a daily rate to use their recreational facilities and restaurants. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks for your help!

I'm not aware of resorts that allow you to use their recreational facilities (such as pools or fitness centers) for a price. Likewise, I can't think of a single hotel that does not allow the general public to enjoy food at their restaurants. Beaches are public in Hawaii and open to anyone for use.

All of the beaches we went to had rental huts for chairs and activities, but I think you might be limited at hotel resorts if you tried to use their pools, waterslides, showers and rooms... anyone can walk up to a bar or food place...

NO.

There is free beach acces, but beachfront hotels do not sell passes that allow you to use the pools, waterslides, beachchairs, or other concessions. This is especially pertinent to the Grand Wailea where pool access is very much limited to hotel guests.

The important point is that when you get to the gate of a resort, say the magic words, "public access" and they will let you in and direct you to a parking area for the public. You can then use their beach without paying a fee. And usually there is also a restroom provided. All beaches are open to the public, thanks to a law passed in Hawaii years ago. But you can't use any resort facilities.

There are also lots and lots of public parks with beaches. And in Kihei there are several miles of beaches available.

And of course, the resorts will happily let you in to spend money at their restaurants.

Thank you all for your replies. Really glad to hear about the "public access" to all beaches, as this was my main concern. Both of our timeshare resorts have pools and fitness facilities, so we are all set on that score. We will be leaving Friday, spend 3 nights in Seattle, then on to Honolulu on Monday - Aloha!

bring a backpack
pick yourself up a couple of straw mats on island for a couple of dollars
if your rental has beach chairs, all the better
hit every beach you can
and at least on day
pack a picnic and do sunset at Makena

I can tell you about Waikiki. At either end are two beautiful parks (Kapiolani & Fort de Russy). They both offer snack bars, restrooms, outdoor showers. So it's easy to spend a day at the beach there simply with supplies from any ABC Store (they are everywhere) and either your own grass matts or you can rent chairs from Snorkel Bob or others along the beach.

I am not aware of any of the Waikiki beachfront hotels that offer day passes like you find in Mexico or the Caribbean.

When we go to the beach we stop at the KTA supermarket in Kona and buy their made to order meat and cheese sandwiches. We like them better than Safeway's. And you get a sandwich and chips for $4.99.

Oops! I meant to say that Kona is on the Big Island, but if they have KTA on the other islands, you should give it a try.