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Anaehoomalu Bay
Waikoloa Beach Resort Big Island of Hawaii Anaehoomalu, or "A" Bay, is the inlet bordering Waikoloa Beach Resort along Hawaii's South Kohala Coast. Its gentle aqua waters are a haven for snorkelers, divers and swimmers and a mooring spot for small boats. This beach’s golden sand lined with coconut palms is a favorite retreat for both sunbathers and sunset-watchers. Activities such as boogie boarding, wind surfing and kayaking may be enjoyed here as well as various charter boat cruises. A volleyball net and a short fitness course lie on the northern end.
Beach Activities. To make reservations for one of the many sailing tours available, or to rent a kayak, boogie board, snorkeling masks and other items, visit the Ocean Sports concession stand located on the beach. Staff members will take time to provide instructions where needed. You can also pick up some light refreshments. Boat adventures may be booked in advance by calliing 888-724-5924 or 808-886-6666. Red Sail Sports offers a Waikoloa Dinner Sail from Anaehoomalu Bay; call 808-886-2876. Dorkels Snorkel, located in Waikoloa Village, carries a variety of beach equipment for daily or weekly rentals as well as an array of baby items, at 808-883-3675. Delivery is available.
Anchialine Ponds. An intricate fishpond system weaves from the ocean's tides through the surrounding lands. This Waikoloa Anchialine Pond Preservation Area has several ancient pools in which fish were harvested for Hawaiian chiefs and noble voyagers. Fishermen who lived in the region kept the ponds clean and protected them from poachers. The preserved aquaculture site is still a haven for numerous marine species, including indigenous red shrimp and certain types of estuarine snails. The ponds combine seawater with the fresh spring waters that flow from the mountains. Young fish enter the ponds from the sea through a grate of poles and are nurtured here. The name Anaehoomalu comes from the mullet ('anae) that were once protected (ho'omalu) for the rulers of this Waikoloa region.
 Green Sea Turtles are often seen in Waikoloa Bay or basking on the sands of A Bay beach. The green sea turtle, or honu, is the most common of the four types of turtles found in Hawaiian waters. These reptiles evolved from their original land species over 150 billion years ago. Their shells, having adapted to the ocean, are lighter than those of other turtles, and their limbs act as flappers to help them swim. The carapace (back) and plastron (belly) shells protect them from predators. Green sea turtles shed salts accumulated from seawater through special glands behind their eyes. Adult sea turtles have an efficient oxygen storage system that allows them to remain under water without breathing for more than two hours. Female green sea turtles migrate hundreds of miles from their feeding areas to reach their natal beach in order to lay eggs. Green sea turtles eat only plants and are commonly found along the shoreline’s coral reefs where limu are found. They can weigh up to 500 pounds. The type of green sea turtle found in Hawaii is under threat of extinction and is protected by a Hawaii State law.
A-Bay Beach Access Points
Walking
-- Across from Keana Place (the street before the Hilton and after the Kings' Shops), walk along the shoreline towards Naupaka Place until you reach the stairway entry. Follow the path through the anchialine pools, then down a short rocky trail that leads to the beach.
- Find a public beach access trail at the end of the community parking lot to the left of the Kolea condominium property entrance.
-- Across from the Kings' Shops at the four-way intersection, follow the street past the parking lots until you reach the official beach entrance.
Driving
-- Drive to the fourth stop sign on Waikoloa Beach Drive and veer off to the left. Follow Waikoloa Beach Drive to where it dead ends at Naupaka Place. You will find a small parking lot with limited spaces across from the Naupaka Place shoreline access trail.
-- There is a free public parking lot just to the left of the Kolea entrance. Find a shoreline access pathway within that lot.
-- Across from the Kings' Shops at the four-way intersection, turn and drive straight until you reach the beach parking lot.
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A Gentle Bay |
Island Style Comfort |
