Puako and Beach 69 Great for Kids

On a recent swim we saw this Yellow Stripe Coris ...

Puako

   Just south of Hapuna is the beach community of Puako.  If you take the windy dirt road south of Hapuna, it will lead you to Waialea Beach Park, previously known as Beach 69  (after the number on the adjacent light pole.)  There are clean restrooms and a shower.  In clement conditions, this bay has a soft sand entry and excellent snorkeling.  From the end of the short trail turn right and grab a patch of white sand near the bay.   This is a superb spot for children with soft diggable sand and minimal surf.  And plenty of shade near the water for mom and dad.

and a Shortnose Wrasse!  Does fishwatching get any better?

    Not only that, but the bay is posted: no fishing by spear or net.  And someone is there to enforce this rule.  Perhaps unique on the Big Island.  And this pays off with the presence of some really good fish and critters that are a bit more approachable than elsewhere.  From the beach turn right toward the north cusp and  snorkel the decaying coral heads.  Wonders await!  Of course like any sandy spot, it is cloudy when conditions are rough.
    If you drive into the community of Puako you will notice that the lots are numbered with houses on both sides of the road.  At lot 102 there is a beach access.  Walk to the beach and turn left and walk south 40 yards.  Before you is a large tide pool with a sandy entry If you head straight out you find an entrance to the ocean between two rocks.  The ocean beyond did not seem very special.  The tide pool did have a variety of critters and I would recommend this for an otherwise rough day.  The people whose properties front this beach were friendly and deserve our repect.
    There are no facilities here but you’ll find the works back at  Waialea or Hapuna.

                                                                                ©  Jeffrey Hill  2011