Waialea Beach (Beach 69): Good Snorkeling and Clear Waters

Located on the west coast of the Big Island, Waialea Beach (also known as Beach 69 or 69 Beach) is a hidden gem waiting to be explored just a few miles north of the Waikoloa resort area. If you’re planning on visiting the Big Island, Beach 69 is a great spot for many activities like snorkeling and swimming, as the spot boasts sparkling turquoise waters and soft white sands (depending on the time of year and storms, of course).

A few clouds hanging over Waialea Beach. — *A few clouds hanging over Waialea Beach (Beach 69).*

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Waialea Beach Quick Information

Planning a trip to Waialea Beach (Beach 69)? Here’s a list of the activities and amenities available:

swimming
snorkeling
paddle boarding
showers
restrooms
picnic tables
paid parking ($10 per vehicle and $5 per person for out-of-state visitors)
good for families, children, and couples

Waialea Beach (Beach 69)

Overview of Waialea Beach (Beach 69)

Waialea Bay (Beach 69) is a beautiful and secluded destination that features a diverse range of rocky and sandy areas, making it a great pick for families and travelers looking to experience the best of Big Island beaches. The beach is free from development due to its secluded location, and the spot provides visitors with a natural and pristine environment.

Moreover, Waialea Beach offers stunning views of the often crystal-clear waters and lush greenery that surrounds it, including a picturesque stretch of old-growth trees that provides visitors with precious shade from the hot Hawaiian sun. Whether you are looking to lounge in the sun or have fun snorkeling, Waialea Beach is an excellent choice for your next summer vacation in Hawaii.

Why Does Waialea Beach Have So Many Names?

Waialea Beach? Waialea Bay? Beach 69? 69 Beach? Why does it have so many names? Locals tend to refer to the spot as Beach 69 because of the practice of naming beaches by the nearest utility pole number — which was, unsurprisingly, number 69. (No, it’s not a sexual reference, you naughty minds out there!) Although the pole is now gone, the name remains a local favorite and a source of amusement for visitors.

Personally, I refer to it as Beach 69, but if you use any of the aforementioned names, locals will probably know which beach you’re talking about. It’s quite popular both for its shade and its snorkeling.

A Popular Summer Destination

As mentioned earlier, Beach 69 is a popular summer destination on the Big Island. It offers a perfect combination of sun, shade, and usually calm clear water, making it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. Unlike the busier and more famous Hapuna Beach, Beach 69 offers a more laid-back experience, yet still has plenty of amenities for families. Visitors can expect clean restrooms, showers, and ample parking.

A Great Snorkeling Spot

For those looking to explore the underwater world, Beach 69 offers some of the best snorkeling in the area. The southern side of the bay boasts the best reefs, and visitors can expect to see plenty of colorful fish and vibrant coral. During the winter months, you may be able to see breaching humpback whales on the horizon.

Waialea Bay is also a Marine Life Conservation District, meaning that it’s protected from from fishing and harvesting. Because of this, it’s an excellent place to snorkel, swim, and observe the ocean’s diverse tropical marine life. (Note that feeding the fish is prohibited.)

The shape of the beach and bay also helps keep the waves relatively small, making it easier to snorkel, especially for beginners. That being said, it’s still a great spot for experienced snorkelers as well, and you’re bound to see plenty of reef fish, crustaceans, and the occasional sea turtle. As always, give marine life a wide berth, and do not touch the coral with your hands, body, or fins.

Free from Development

One of the unique features of Beach 69 is that it’s free from any kind of development nearby. There aren’t a ton of hotels, restaurants, or other buildings lining the shore, and this means that visitors can experience the natural beauty of Hawaii without any distractions, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination.

Of course, being isolated can have some drawbacks. For example, if you don’t come prepared, it’s not like you can run across the street and purchase some sunscreen from a local store. Make sure you have all your necessities and items before heading to Waialea Beach!

Less-Crowded than Hapuna Beach

Waialea Beach is typically a less-crowded and more accessible alternative to nearby Hapuna Beach. Although Hapuna is the island’s largest white-sand beach and is undoubtedly stunning, it can get quite crowded, especially during the summer months or other times when a ton of tourists are in town.

For those seeking solitude and breathtaking views, Beach 69 is the perfect getaway. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful day with ample space to sit, play, and unwind on this less-developed beach. It’s a great destination for couples and families alike who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the busier tourist locations. So, if you’re after a more tranquil and private beach experience, Beach 69 is the answer.

A Family-Friendly Destination

Beach 69 usually has a good deal of sand lining its shores which means it’s easy for visitors to enter and exit the waters. The waves also tend to be smaller in this area due to the geography around the beach, so it’s easier for young children to swim and snorkel. Depths in the bay also are relatively shallow, ranging from about 10 feet to 30 feet deep, and you can wade quite far out into the water (when the sand is there) as there isn’t a sudden drop off like some other beaches.

You should also be aware that there are rocky outcroppings along the shoreline, but they’re easy enough to avoid as they’re obvious against the white sand. I always advise avoiding the rocky spots because sea urchins tend to accumulate in those areas, and the last thing you want to have to do is find an urgent care center to have urchin spines removed from your hand or foot.

Kenzie’s Recommendations for Waialea Beach (Beach 69)

Beach 69 is one of my favorite beaches for the secluded, private nature of the beach, as well the snorkeling and wildlife. Here are some of my top tips if you plan on visiting Beach 69:

Go Early: If you want a good, shady spot to set up your beach equipment, I’d recommend going early — both for parking and shade. There is plenty of parking, but it tends to fill up and get busy past 10 AM. I recommend arriving before 9 AM.
Check Weather Reports: During the summer months, there tends to be a good deal of sand on Beach 69. However, during the winter months, storms and swells can strip the sand away, leaving the beach as more of a rocky jetty than sandy paradise. If there have been a number of high surf advisories, it’s possible that the beach won’t have much, if any sand on it.
Bring Everything: As I stated before, Beach 69 is secluded and there aren’t a lot of options nearby if you forget anything. For that reason, ensure that you bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and sun protection (hats/sunglasses) in addition to whatever other activities you might participate in (like snorkeling or paddle boarding). If you’re going during the winter months, reef shoes are probably a better bet than sandals or flip flops. If you’re planning on going snorkeling or paddleboarding, be sure to bring your own gear, or rent some beforehand as there isn’t a close rental location to Beach 69 itself.
Be Safe: There are no lifeguards at Beach 69, which isn’t necessarily a problem as the waters are typically calm (especially during the summer months), but it’s something to be aware of.
Snorkel on the South Side: For the best reefs and wildlife, I recommend snorkeling along the south side of the bay, as that tends to have the highest concentration of tropical fish. I’ve seen a few turtles in the area as well, but not many.
Cell Service can be Spotty: Certain cell phone services can be spotty in and around Waialea Bay, so it might behoove you to bring a book or other means of entertainment besides your phone.