Know the Rules/Fishing Regulations/Marine Managed Areas/Hawai‘i Marine Life Conservation Districts/Waialea Bay
Hawai‘i - Waialea Bay Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD)
- Hawai‘i Island — HAR 13‑35
- 35 acres | Established 1985
Waialea Bay lies along the western coastline of Hawai‘i Island in the southern portion of Kawaihae Bay. Although the access road is rugged, the area is extremely popular among Big Island residents for its scenic beach—known locally as “Beach 69”—and excellent snorkeling.
To reach the bay, take Highway 19 north from Kailua‑Kona for about 23 miles, or south from Kawaihae for about 5 miles. Turn onto Puakō Beach Drive, then take the first right onto Old Puakō Road. Watch the telephone pole numbers and turn left between poles 69 and 70. Parking is available near the shoreline.
MLCD Boundaries
The MLCD extends from the highwater mark out to a line drawn between:
- The point immediately north of ‘Ōhai Point, and
- Kānekanaka Point
This protected area includes high‑quality coral reef, rocky shoreline features, and one of the region’s healthiest nearshore marine ecosystems.
Beach & Marine Environment
Waialea Beach (Beach 69)
- Known for its beauty and popularity with kama‘āina
- Experiences seasonal erosion during winter due to strong surf
- Remains pristine and calm during summer months
A small intermittent stream enters the bay, reducing surface visibility at times when freshwater flows are high.
Reef Structure & Marine Life
The best coral reef lies in the southern portion of the MLCD, extending beyond the protected boundary. Key features include:
- Depths ranging from 10 to 30 feet
- Coral communities around the rocky prominence inside the bay
- Exceptional marine life diversity, among the richest in all of Kawaihae Bay
- Popular snorkeling and SCUBA areas with high fish abundance
During winter, humpback whales are often sighted just outside the bay.
Safety Considerations
- Waialea is relatively sheltered, but high surf can occur in winter months.
- There are no lifeguards on duty at the beach.
- Visitors entering the water should exercise caution during swell events.
Facilities
- None (no restrooms, showers, or lifeguards)
Regulations
Permitted Activities
- Possessing a fishing pole and hook‑and‑line, and fishing for or possessing finfish using this gear.
- Possessing in the water any knife, shark billy, bang stick, powerhead, or CO₂ injector.
- With a permit:
- Using legal nets to take finfish over sandy‑bottom areas within the District
- Engaging in scientific, propagation, or other approved activities
Prohibited Activities
- Fishing for, taking, or injuring any marine life (including eggs), or possessing any device used for taking marine life—except as allowed above.
- Taking or altering sand, coral, or any geological feature, or possessing equipment intended for this purpose.
- Fish feeding or attempting to feed marine life.