Facility Overview

Waialea Beach Parking serves as the dedicated public access lot for the renowned Waialea Bay (popularly celebrated by locals and travelers as \"Beach 69\" due to historical utility pole numbering). Nestled along the rugged South Kohala coast of Hawaii\'s Big Island near Puako and Waimea, this facility operates under the jurisdiction of the Hawaii Division of State Parks as part of the broader Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area. The car park is an organized open-air surface lot seamlessly embedded into a natural coastal kiawe tree grove. Because the lot is completely uncovered, there are zero vertical height clearance restrictions, making it exceptionally accommodating for high-roof camper vans, lifted 4x4 pickup trucks, adventure-ready full-size SUVs, and standard passenger rental cars alike.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

This parking area is the gateway to one of the most beloved, tree-lined white sand beaches in the Hawaiian archipelago. Unlike many exposed Hawaiian shorelines, Waialea Bay offers extensive natural shade right at the water’s edge along with vibrant marine life. Key nearby destinations and walking access points include:

• Waialea Beach (Beach 69): Direct footpath access (less than a 2-minute stroll) leading directly onto the soft sands, calm tide pools, and premier reef snorkeling zones filled with Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) and reef fish.
• Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail: Direct pedestrian connection to coastal segments of this historic 175-mile trail corridor tracing traditional Hawaiian shoreline routes.
• Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area: Situated just 1.5 miles north by car, offering one of Hawaii\'s widest stretches of golden sand and seasonal bodyboarding waves.
• Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve: Located approximately 3 miles south, boasting over 3,000 ancient Hawaiian rock carvings.
• Kohala Coast Resorts & Golf: A short 5 to 10-minute drive to premier resort amenities at Mauna Lani, Waikoloa Beach Resort, and the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Accessing Waialea Beach Parking is straightforward via Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway (Route 19), the primary artery linking Kailua-Kona and Kohala. Drivers turn west onto Puako Beach Drive, then make an immediate right onto Old Puako Road, following the paved route toward the marked entry lane for Waialea Bay. Ingress and egress are controlled via a dedicated gated driveway that smoothly routes vehicles through a single-loop pattern. While rural South Kohala features limited municipal transit through the county Hele-On Bus along Route 19, personal vehicles and rental cars represent the primary mode of transit. The access road is fully paved, ensuring easy passage for standard sedans without requiring four-wheel drive.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Open-Air Surface Stalls: Paved and delineated parking bays nestled among shade trees, including designated ADA accessible stalls adjacent to beach trailheads.
• State Parks Pay Station: Modern electronic automated payment kiosks accepting credit/debit cards, along with scan-to-pay QR codes for convenient contactless payment.
• Park Comfort Station: On-site modern restrooms, clean changing areas, and outdoor rinse-off foot/body showers to wash away salt and sand.
• Waste Management: Public rubbish receptacles and recycling bins to help preserve the fragile coastal marine ecosystem.
• Gated Security: Regulated daytime operational gate that is securely locked each evening at dusk.

Ideal For

• Snorkelers & Swimmers: Perfect for ocean enthusiasts carrying snorkel sets, paddleboards, and flippers to the calm morning waters of the marine sanctuary.
• Family Beachgoers: Highly suitable for families seeking shade-sheltered picnic spots under kiawe trees paired with gentle surf.
• Coastal Hikers: A convenient trailhead base for trekking sections of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail.
• Island Daytrippers: An essential Kohala coast stopover for visitors driving the scenic northern circuit between Kailua-Kona, Kawaihae, and Waimea town.

Visitor & Driver Tips

• Arrive Early: The lot frequently reaches full capacity by 10:00 AM on weekends and peak summer travel periods. Arriving before 9:00 AM ensures optimal stall availability and the calmest snorkeling conditions.
• Fee Structure & State Compliance: Non-resident visitors are required to pay a daily parking fee ($10 per vehicle) plus non-resident entrance fees ($5 per person) at the automated kiosk. Hawaii residents with valid state identification park and enter for free.
• Gate Closure Times: Pay close attention to posted seasonal gate closure hours (typically 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM). Ensure your vehicle exits before the gates lock for the night to prevent lock-in fees or stranding.
• Kiawe Thorns Caution: Kiawe trees drop sharp thorns throughout the perimeter. Avoid driving off the paved asphalt into unpaved dirt shoulders to protect tires from punctures.
• Leave No Valuables: Always roll up windows, lock vehicle doors, and keep all luggage or personal electronics concealed in the trunk or left at your accommodation.