KAILUA-KONA — Kua Bay, also known as Maniniowali Beach, is among seven Hawaii sites on TripAdvisor’s best beaches in the United States.
Located north of Kona International Airport, Kua Bay is the northern most of three beach areas within the 1,642-acre Kekaha Kai State Park. It features soft white sand and pristine waters perfect for sunbathing, snorkeling, swimming and playing in the waves, however, there are no lifeguards.
Of the 235,700 people the state estimates visit the state park annually, nearly 69 percent, or 162,300, head to Maniniowali, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Most of the visitors to Kekaha Kai State Park, 57 percent, are from out-of-state while the remaining 43 percent call the state home.
TripAdvisor ranked the North Kona beach No. 14 in its list of the 25 top beaches in the United States for 2016 released Wednesday. The U.S. Travelers’ Choice award-winning beaches were determined based on the quantity and quality of traveler reviews and ratings for beaches on TripAdvisor gathered during a 12-month period.
“I went to this beach, based on the reviews I read. I arrived early in the morning,” wrote New Jersey resident Diane W. in an online review, after vising the beach this month. “Only a few people were scattered on the beach. You can choose to sit on open sand, or among rock formations. There are limited shady spots. The water and sand are pristine.”
A second phase of improvements is on the way for the state park as the state works to secure a special management area use permit. Among the work proposed by the Department of Land and Natural Resources the Maniniowali and Mahaiula sections is minor repairs and safety improvements to roadways and parking areas; a stairway to replace a dilapidated ramp; a new storage and water tank building to provide water for cleaning and maintenance; two showers; several new or refurbished picnic tables and barbecue pits; among others. The project’s estimated to cost about $1.03 million.
The application was heard Thursday by the Hawaii County Leeward Planning Commission. It was approved with conditions.
Kua Bay remained largely inaccessible to people until 2004, when improvements created a two-lane paved roadway and parking, restrooms, showers and picnic facilities.
Lanikai Beach, in Kailua, Oahu, was edged by Clearwater Beach in Florida as the top U.S. beach. Other Hawaii beaches ranking in the top 25 were Waianapanapa in Hana, fifth; Kaanapali, sixth; Haunama Bay on Oahu, 12th; Poipu Beach Park on Kauai, 13th; and Hanalei Beach on Kauai, 24th.