The 11 Best Big Island Beaches
-
1. Hapuna Beach
Polihale Great for:- Family
- Snorkeling
- Swimming
- Surfing
Situated on the Kohala Coast, Hapuna Beach is one of the Big Island's largest white sand beaches. A great choice for families with children, Hapuna is a reliable pick because of its range of attractions. These including sunbathing and sand castle building as well as swimming, snorkelling and bodyboarding thanks to a near-continuous shore break.
Roughly 800 metres long and relatively broad, especially during the summer when the sand builds further,… read more »
-
2. Punalu'u Beach
Famartin Perhaps the most famous of Hawaii's black sand beaches, Punalu'u is located on the southeast coast of the Big Island. Along with the spectacle of jet black sand contrasting the verdant greens of the palm trees behind, the beach here is also known for its turtles.
Both the rare hawksbill and Hawaiian green turtles (Honu) frequent Punalu'u's black sands. Another endangered species that is often spotted here is the Hawaiian monk… read more »
-
3. Manini'owali Beach
Great for:- Family
- Snorkeling
- Swimming
Manini'owali Beach in Kua Bay is the most northerly of a trio of beautiful beaches set in Kekaha Kai State Park. Whilst it would be nearly impossible to say which of these three beaches is the best it is certainly the case that Manini'owali Beach is the most easily accessed. Of course this also means it is the most popular, however the beach here still retains something of a secluded… read more »
-
4. Spencer Beach Park
Terry Ott Great for:- Family
- Snorkeling
- Fishing
- Swimming
Samuel M Spencer Beach Park (to give it its full name) is possibly the best family beach on the Big Island. Located on the northwest coast of the island, just south of Kawaihae Harbor, this white sand beach offers calm waters, plenty of natural shade and a pretty good range of amenities.
Also known as Ohai'ula beach, the sand here slopes gently into the ocean. Along with a large offshore reef providing… read more »
-
5. Kauna'oa Beach
Scott Wright Great for:- Snorkeling
- Swimming
The beach here is often referred to as Mauna Kea Beach because it is in front of the Mauna Kea Hotel. It features a beautiful crescent of white sandy beach with clear green-blue waters, and the sea is safe for families during the summer months. This is the perfect beach for relaxing or splashing in the waters. In the winter, the surf can be high, causing strong rip currents -… read more »
-
-
6. Green Sand Beach
Roy Luck Officially called Papakōlea, and also going by the name Mahana Beach, Green Sand Beach takes its most common moniker from its unusually-coloured sands. It is one of just four known beaches worldwide to comprise green sand through the degradation of a volcanic rock known as olivine.
Located on Big Island's southeast coast at the end of a small inlet, the rocks of an ancient volcanic cone lie on either side. Swimming… read more »
-
7. Pololu Beach
Jeff Set on a remote stretch of coast near the northern tip of the Big Island is the pristine black sand Pololu beach. Only accessible by driving to the end of Highway 270 and then walking the remaining quarter mile, this spot has something of a primeval feel to it - definitely a bit Jurassic Park.
Pololu Beach lies at the foot of an ancient wooded valley which is also home to… read more »
-
8. Waialea Bay
Great for:- Snorkeling
- Swimming
Located on the northwest coast of the Big Island is the ever popular Waialea Bay. Although it isn't difficult to reach the beach from nearby Puako it still retains a rather secluded feel. There really isn't much in the way of development here with just a few houses hidden away beyond the kiawe trees that line the beach.
Waialea beach 69 sits in a little bay which is made to feel… read more »
-
9. Makalawena Beach
Davedawggy Great for:- Snorkeling
- Swimming
- Surfing
Like many of the Big Island's best beaches, Makalawena is situated on the west-facing Kona coast. Hear you will find everything you would want and expect from a Hawaiian beach; powdery white sand, clear blue water and a fringing of lush green foliage.
Like neighboring Manini'owali and Mahaiula beaches, Makalawena is part of the Kekaha Kai State Park. However, Makalawena beach has no direct access from the road with the nearest parking about a mile… read more »
-
10. Kehena Black Sand Beach
Tal Atlas A thin sliver of black sand on the eastern coast of Big Island in Puna, Kehena Black Sand Beach is best accessed by following the path leading from the left of the car park. Because of its isolation, it is often used by nude sunbathers, although this is illegal on Hawaii and those who strip off may face a fine from local law enforcement officials.
Sometimes also called Dolphin Beach because… read more »
-
11. Mahai'ula Beach
dronepicr Great for:- Snorkeling
- Swimming
- Surfing
Set within Kekaha Kai State Park, Mahai'ula Beach is the most southerly of three beautiful white sand beaches. It is also usually the quietest, although part of the reason for this is that the road down to the beach is really bad.
The crescent of sand at Mahai'ula is backed with plenty of shade from the ironwood trees and clumps of coconut palms. Set among the trees at the southern end of the beach… read more »
-
