Niumalu Beach (Kanuha Beach)

Niumalu Beach is a small pocket of sand and lava rocks with easy access to Kailua Bay. It’s located on the waterfront of Kailua-Kona across from the best shave ice in town.

This is not a sunbathing beach. It’s simply a protected place to get into the water. The beach and the rock walls all around it are frequently populated with urban locals. Behind the beach is Hulihe’s Place is a gorgeous private property with guided tours operated by the Daughters of Hawaii. Shade at the beach is provided by palm trees on the Hulihe property (Niumalu means “shade of the coconut tree” in Hawaiian).

Nearby you’ll find rental shops with snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboards if you want to get farther into the water here. You can get also get into the water at Dig Me Beach at the other end of the concrete wall protecting Ali’i Drive. The snorkeling on the bay can be quite good including large schools of fish. You can explore the shoreline south of town if you feel more adventurous.

Across Ali’i Drive from Niumalu Beach you’ll find several shops and restaurants plus the delicious and highly recommended Scandinavian Shave Ice shop.

Parking can be found along Alii Drive and in the public lot between Likana Lane and Kuakini Highway.

Address

Likana Ln & Ali‘i Dr
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Park Name

Kailua Bay Beach Access, Kailua Bay Fisheries Management Area

Other Names

Huiha Surfbreak

Owner

Public

Fees

Free and paid parking lots nearby

Activities

Swimming, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Snorkeling

Amenities

Shops, Restaurants, Rentals

Links

Webcam for Kailua Bay