The beach at Pauoa Bay offers a nice white sand beach at the Mauna Lani Resort near the Fairmont Orchid. This white sand beach is located on a bay and is great for snorkeling. Due to it being just in front of the Fairmont Orchid a lot of the beach is taken up with chairs and other amenities exclusively for guests of the Fairmont Orchid so it is not always the best beach for people not staying at the Fairmont Orchid.
The bay is relatively large and offers space for plenty of people to snorkel. As with any of the bays on the Big Island of Hawaii, it is recommended to stay within the bay if you are not familiar with the waters. The beach has nice sand with not too much rocks so is good for families.
The closest access to the beach other than trying to valet park at the Fairmont Orchid is at Holoholokai Beach Park. Access to this area is just before you reach the Fairmont Orchid entrance. You will drive along a road that will eventually reach a parking area with restrooms and tables near the beach. Holoholo Kai Beach Park is a great spot for lunch, but not the best for swimming due to the rockiness. Once you park here you can take a left along the ocean towards the Fairmont Orchid and Pauoa Bay. You will pass by one of the signature holes of the beautiful Mauna Lani golf course on your way to the beach.
Pauoa Bay is also home to some of the most luxurious homes within the Mauna Lani Resort, Pauoa Beach. This spectacular development is one of the few beachfront private home areas in the Mauna Lani Resort.
If you are looking for a place to stay near Pauoa Bay, the Mauna Lani Terrace condos are a great option. They are beachfront condos near the Mauna Lani Bay hotel, but are a short drive away from the beach at Pauoa Bay.