Anaehoomalu Point, also known as A-Bay, is a beautiful crescent-shaped beach on the Big Island's Kohala Coast. With its calm waters, ancient Hawaiian fishponds, and stunning sunsets. Visitors can also explore nearby resorts, restaurants, and historical sites, making it a great destination for families.

TRAVEL TIPS

• Weather: ʻAnaehoʻomalu Point enjoys warm, dry, and breezy weather year-round thanks to its location on the sunny South Kohala coast. Mornings are typically calm with softer light—ideal for walking or photography.

• What to Wear: Comfortable beachwear and sandals are perfect.

• What to Bring: This is a great spot to have a picnic or watch the sunset. Not so much for swimming.

• Phone Service: Cell reception is generally strong in the Waikōloa area.

• Bathrooms: None.

• Parking: Free public parking is available along Naupaka Pl, the road near Waikōloa Anchialine Pond Preservation Area. From there, it’s a short walk to ʻAnaehoʻomalu Point along the trail.

• Check-In Booth: None. This is a self-guided coastal area within the Waikōloa Beach Resort, accessible to the public.

• Photography: The point offers sweeping views of the Pacific, tidepools, ancient fishponds, and unforgettable sunsets. It’s a favorite for landscape photographers and peaceful moments away from the crowds.

• Accessible for Disability: None.

ʻAnaehoʻomalu Point – History and Cultural Significance

1. Part of the Ancient ʻAnaehoʻomalu Ahupuaʻa:
   ʻAnaehoʻomalu Point lies within the traditional land division (ahupuaʻa) of Waikōloa, once part of a larger district overseen by aliʻi (royalty). The area was highly valued for its access to marine resources, freshwater springs, and proximity to coastal trails used for travel and trade.

2. Meaning of the Name:
   The name ʻAnaehoʻomalu refers to “restricted mullet,” pointing to the area's use of ancient Hawaiian fishponds (loko iʻa) where prized fish like ʻanae (mullet) were cultivated under kapu (protected) systems for chiefly consumption.

3. Fishpond Engineering:
   The shoreline near the point is home to Kuʻualiʻi and Kahāpapa fishponds, ingenious lava-rock structures used for sustainable aquaculture. These traditional methods showcase the sophisticated resource management systems used by Native Hawaiians long before Western contact.

4. Spiritual and Navigational Importance:
   ʻAnaehoʻomalu Point may have also served as a coastal landmark for double-hulled voyaging canoes traveling between Kona and Kohala. Like many prominent points along the coast, it held both practical and spiritual significance, connecting people to the sea and their ancestors.

5. Modern Preservation:
   While development has transformed the area into a resort zone, efforts have been made to preserve and interpret its cultural features. Interpretive signs near the fishponds and shoreline trails provide educational context for visitors today.