Enjoy Beautiful Turquoise Waters In Hawaii's Maunalua Bay
By Megan Shute|Published August 29, 2019
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
With approximately 750 miles of coastline, the Hawaiian Islands are home to incredible beaches, beautiful inlets, jaw-dropping peninsulas, and breathtaking bays. From marine life conservation districts and protected bays perfect for snorkeling to historic bays and those used in film productions, the bays you will find throughout the state are truly second to none, but only in this stunning pay will you find water this vibrant.
Nestled along the southeastern shore of Oahu in Hawaii Kai is Maunalua Bay, a favorite place among kayakers, boaters, canoe paddlers, picnickers, and fishers.
Maunalua translates to "two mountains" in Hawaiian, referring to the two mountains that are found inland from Portlock Point: the 645-foot tall Koko Head and two miles east thereof, the Koko Crater, the walls of which rise to 1,207 feet.
Bordering Kalanianaole Highway, Maunalua Beach Park is home to sweeping panoramic views, large grassy areas, a boat launch, canoe storage, several parking lots, and even a sandy stretch of beach.
While we appreciate the amenities, we visit Maunalua Bay for its crystalline turquoise waters. Calm, clear, and shallow, the water here is as vibrant as can be.
Because the ocean floor is shallow and rocky, swimming conditions aren’t ideal here, but the views — and the other opportunities for ocean activities — make up for it.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Maunalua Bay to rent jet skis, enjoy a scuba excursion, or take your paddleboards for an adventure, don’t forget your camera!
If you haven’t visited this water sports haven yet, you’re totally missing out. Even if all you do is grab lunch from the nearby Hawaii Kai Shopping Center and enjoy a picnic, you’ll feel at peace here.
Address: 6505 Kalanianaole Highway, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96825
Have you ever enjoyed the beauty of this Hawaiian bay? Share your favorite go-to coastal oases with us in the comments below, then click here to read about the Oahu bay that transforms with the seasons.
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