Black Sand Beach Route
Tucked into the farthest reaches of the Mauna Lani Resort (only 2 miles from our shop) is a great black sand beach perfect for sunbathing, snorkeling, and relaxing Hawaiian style. Want to get there? Follow this great route.
- From Big Island Motorcycle Co. follow Waikoloa Beach Drive to the traffic signal and take a left heading north.
- After 2 miles take a left into the Mauna Lani Resort.
- At the round-about take the road farthest to the left going south. Follow this road about a mile, looking out for the (small) residential looking sign that says "49 Black Sand Beach" on your left. This is a gated community but also a public beach access point.
- Tell the guard you wish to go to the beach. He will have you sign in and you are free to access the beach.
- Follow the main road inside all the way to the end where you will find the beach parking lot.
- There are bathrooms and fresh water showers. Don't forget your snorkel gear!
Kohala Beaches
(minimum 2 hours with no stops)
- From Big Island Motorcycle Co., take a left on Queen K Hwy (Hwy 19). Remember! Your moped does not belong in the road with traffic, you must ride on the shoulder!
- After 1 mile turn left onto Mauna Lani Dr. Please be careful making this turn as it is simply a left turn lane, not a traffic signal. Yield to all vehicles, even if you have the right of way.
- Once inside the Mauna Lani Resort, you have several beach options. We recommend following the signs to the Malama Petroglyph Trail and beach access (north end of the resort). There is an extensive, if somewhat rocky beach here, and an amazing petroglyph site which is an easy 15 minute hike to reach the viewing area, just follow the signs. You will need sturdy or thick soled shoes to do the hike as there are plentiful kiawe thorns lining the trail, and those suckers go right through regular flip flops. If you'd like to explore the other beaches at this resort, ask at the security office near the entrance. They will give you directions and a beach pass.
- Leaving the Mauna Lani, turn left back onto the highway. Again, always yield to any vehicle, never assume they see you and always ride on the shoulder.
- After 3.5 miles, turn left again onto Puako Beach Dr. Look for the signs that say "Puako."
- Make a right onto Kohola Way (not marked but is the 1st right) after .5 miles then left into the beach parking lot (this will be obvious). This beach is called "69's" and is great for snorkeling and swimming. Sandy bottom, lots of shade and space to spread out. The short road to the parking lot is not paved. We do not allow you to ride the moped off-road so please walk the mopeds to the parking lot and lock them to something, or to each other. Those little tires can't handle gravel, so you might get a flat or end up flat on your back if you decide to ride them off road.
- From 69's take a left out of the parking lot onto Old Puako Rd (not marked). This is a one lane road so be aware of oncoming traffic.
- This will take you straight into Hapuna Beach Park. This beach is the most popular by far, and you will see why. There is a nice boogie boarding break at this beach with a sandy bottom. Lots and lots of room to find a great spot. We do not recommend this beach for snorkeling, if you want to snorkel, head back to 69's.
- To get back to Big Island Motorcycle Co., get on to Hapuna Beach Rd, take a right onto the shoulder of the highway, go about 7 miles, then take a right onto Waikoloa Beach Drive. We will be on your right hand side, in the Kings' Shops.
- While there are other beaches nearby that we didn't mention, these are your best bet. Also, feel free to mix this route up a bit, or narrow it down if you are short on time. We will come up with the best route for you when you come in to get your moped, so no worries!
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Snorkel and Scoot
(minimum 2 hours)
- Gear up with snorkel gear and mopeds at Big Island Motorcycle Co. in the Kings' Shops in Waikoloa. Yes, we will give you a "bundle" deal for the rentals, just mention this route posting!
- From the shop make a left out onto Highway 19 heading north.
- Mopeds have a speed threshold of 30 mph so you must ride on the shoulder! Be sure to yield to all traffic, assuming that they do not see you. Also, please obey all traffic laws including traffic lights and stop signs.
- Proceed about 4.5 miles north on Hwy 19, turning left onto Puako Beach Dr., look for the signs that say Puako. This left turn will take you out into a turn lane (not a traffic signal) so please yield to all traffic in both directions.
- Make a right onto Kohola Way (not marked but is the first right) after about .5 miles then left into the beach parking lot (this will be obvious). The short road to the parking lot is not paved. We do not allow you to ride the mopeds off-road so please walk the mopeds to the parking lot and lock them to something, or to each other. Those little tires can't handle gravel, so you might get a flat or end up flat on your back if you decide to ride them off-road.
- This beach is called "69's" or Waialea Bay and is great for snorkeling and swimming. A sandy bottom, lots of shade and space to spread out makes this spot one of our favorites. There are fresh water showers and bathrooms at this beach as well as a few picnic tables. Provisions can be purchased at a small grocery store in Puako proper, about a mile south of the beach. When snorkeling you will want to enter on the south end of the beach area where there is more coral and less cloudiness due to waves.
- When snorkeling be sure to follow the "look but don't touch rule," to avoid damage to coral and other wildlife. Be mindful of your fins and never stand on the coral as simply touching the coral can kill it.
- This could easily be an all day adventure, so relax and enjoy some of the best snorkeling on the island. Fun is easy!
- To get back to Big Island Motorcycle Co., simply come back the way you came.
