Kuki'o Beach is a long, pretty strip of sand surrounded by the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort. While narrow, the beach is plenty long enough to accommodate resort traffic and the general public, and it may not get hit as hard as other nearby beaches that have more of a premier look about them. Kuki'o Beach has a few rocks to deal with both on the beach and in the water, so visitors should watch their step. But there are still plenty of sandy areas where swimmers can wade in without stubbing any toes. The bay itself can be a great place to snorkel when the water is clear, but this can be a rare event.
Kuki'o is a great beach to visit for a chance to see beautiful Hawaiian green sea turtles, which end up resembling the dark rocks at the north end of the beach. For whatever reason, this beach is a favorite spot for the turtles to haul out and bask in the sun. If you're lucky enough to be there when they are, know that the only help they need from you is respectful distance (15 feet is a good minimum); they'll push themselves back to the water once they've rested. Please don't ever touch the turtles, and avoid forcing them to change their position or behavior because of your presence. If you have a telephoto lens, let that do the work. Seeing these turtles is a unique opportunity; while their numbers have been rebounding since their protection in 1978, they are still protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Access to Kuki'o Beach is usually through the Hualalai Resort entrance gate off of Kaupulehu Drive. Once you obtain a parking pass and some directions from the attendant, the parking area is about a mile from the gate. Here you'll find restrooms and showers. From the parking area the walk to the beach is a short one. Alternate access to Kuki'o can be had from the south end of the beach via Kikaua Point Park, which has an ideal swimming area for young children along with another set of public restrooms and showers. The resort facilities abut the beach throughout the length of Kuki'o and Kikaua Point, and the public is kindly requested to keep off of resort property.
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