(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Some incorrect info on Kua here. Kua is nowhere near Hilo...at least 2.5 hours away by car. Stay in Kona or Waikoloa...Hilo would be a horrible choice for visiting Kua. Second, localism...what localism...I go every day and I never see it and I have seen it elsewhere all my life. We love tourists and visitors at Kua...please come and feel welcome. Third, the beach is one of the gems of the world...you will love unless it is heavy surf in winter..then you might want to go elsewhere as the surf pulls out most of the sand. Last, it is not a board surf break...mostly body surfers and boogie boards...shore break and lots of fun. However, when it gets big...don't try it unless you are an expert in the ocean...can be a killer. If you like clear water that is warm all year round, turtles, dolphin, fish, and friendly people...come see Kua.”
Don Hurzeler from UNITED STATES - 23 Mar 2021
Kua Bay Ratings
Overall: 4.0. Based on 10 votes and 4 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 3.9(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 2.7(1: Kua Bay is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 3.0(1: Kua Bay is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Big Island. 5: the best break in Big Island). |
Difficulty Level: 2.7(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 2.4(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Kua Bay can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 2.6(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Kua Bay, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 2.2(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Kua Bay are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 4.9(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 2.3(1: Often too crowded. 5: Kua Bay is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 4.4(1: Getting to Kua Bay requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 5.0(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 3.4(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 2.0(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Kua Bay for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 1.5(1: Camping at Kua Bay is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 2.5(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Kua Bay is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 1.6(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 2.2(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Kua Bay, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 2.5(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Kua Bay where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“I love this beach. The summer swell is frustratingly inconsistent, and usually flat, but from November to February the winter swell stars to pound and you can see some overheads (sometimes double overheads) all day. I like it because it is close to Kona. The wind is usually on shore but not strong enough to mess us the surf... usually”
Grant from UNITED STATES - 20 Nov 2016
“My whole family loves Kua bay not only for the waves but for the beautiful beach and sunset.”
jason from UNITED STATES - 24 Apr 2015
“I like to bodyboard here. It is sick. I live here in Hawaii in Kona.”
Caleb Barville from UNITED STATES - 08 Mar 2014
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