Ka Pāʻani (The Play)

While the history of A-Bay is deep and fascinating, it's also a place for pure, simple fun. The combination of calm waters and great amenities makes it one of the best "playgrounds" on the coast.

ʻOhana Time: Swimming and Sunbathing

First and foremost, A-Bay is a fantastic family beach. As I mentioned, that big offshore reef knocks down most of the wave energy, creating a gentle, protected swimming area. The ocean bottom slopes gradually, so it's a safe place for little ones to splash around in the shallows. For the adults, the long, quarter-mile stretch of sand and the shady palm grove offer the perfect setup for a relaxing day of sunbathing and reading a good book.

Kalani's Guide to Snorkeling A-Bay (The Real Story)

Now, let's talk about snorkeling. You'll see a lot of people with masks and fins in the water right off the main beach, especially since there are rentals available right there. And while it's an easy place to get started, I have to give you the real story: the water in the main part of the bay can be pretty cloudy. The combination of the fine, sandy bottom, all the swimmers, and the boat traffic means the visibility often isn't great. You might see a few fish, but it's not the crystal-clear experience you might be hoping for.

It's a true hidden gem, and well worth the short hike. If you don't want to walk that far, the rocky areas at the far northern end of the bay, near the Hilton Waikoloa Village, can also offer better visibility than the sandy center.

So, what might you see? Keep your eyes peeled for schools of yellow tang, colorful parrotfish, and other reef dwellers. But the real stars of the show here are the honu, our beloved Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. They are very common in Anaehoʻomalu Bay, often seen cruising gracefully through the water or even hauling out on the sand for a nap. If you are lucky enough to see one, please remember that they are protected. Give them plenty of space (at least 10 feet is a good rule), never touch them, and just enjoy the privilege of sharing their home.

On the Water: Paddling, Boating, and More

If you want to get out on the water, you're in the right place. The main outfitter right on the beach is Hawaii Ocean Sports, which operates out of a little "Beach Hut" about halfway down the beach. They rent everything you need for a day of fun, including stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), single and double kayaks, and boogie boards.

They also offer some fantastic tours that are great for the whole family. Their glass-bottom boat cruise is a huge hit, especially with kids or anyone who wants to see the reef without getting wet. They also run snorkel cruises that will take you to the best spots based on the day's conditions, and from December to March, this is a great place to hop on a whale watching tour.

Another great option is Hulakai Hawaii, located in the nearby King's Shops. They offer rentals of surfboards, SUPs, and other gear, and they can even deliver them right to A-Bay for you, which is super convenient.