Puako Shoreline


Puako is known for its large, attractive tide pools. There are multiple public shoreline access points along Puako Beach Dr, but the entrance area before the end of the road has parking space for several vehicles and is located near a small, rocky beach. The rest of the shore is a pretty strip of pulverized coral and lava rock.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Holoholokai Beach Park

0.31 MILES

Forget about sand and enjoy picnicking and strolling at this pleasantly uncrowded beach, blanketed by chunks of coral and lava. Facilities include…

2. Puako Petroglyph Preserve

0.41 MILES

With more than 3000 petroglyphs that date back as far as the 16th century, this preserve is among the largest collections of ancient lava carvings in…

3. Hale ‘I‘ike

1.07 MILES

Part of the lobby space of the Auberge Mauna Lani resort is taken over by this museum, which showcases a wide range of royal artifacts, shark-tooth…

4. Kalahuipuaʻa Historic Trail

1.26 MILES

The first segment of this easy trail meanders through a 16th-century Hawaiian settlement, passing lava tubes once used as cave shelters and a few other…

5. Kalahuipuaʻa Fishponds

1.44 MILES

These ancient fishponds are among the island's few remaining working fishponds. As in ancient times, they're stocked with awa (Hawaiian milk fish). Water…

6. Hokuloa United Church

1.64 MILES

Heading toward Puako ‘town’ you’ll pass the Hokuloa United Church on your right. This may be the cutest little white seaside church on the Big Island…

7. Beach 69

2.37 MILES

This lovely powdering of white sand is a local favorite but remains somewhat off the tourist radar. Both family-friendly and gay-friendly, its calm,…

8. Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area

3.06 MILES

Hapuna Beach is world famous for its magnificent half-mile sweep of white powder sand and fabulously clear waters. In summer, waves are calm and allow…