Hapuna Beach

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, natural shade can be enjoyed from the surrounding tree cover. There’s also a public pavilion built to provide respite from the heat of the sun. Umbrellas, sun loungers and bodyboards are all available for hire, while offshore winds help keep Hapuna Beach cooler than other stretches of sand on Big Island in the afternoon hours.

Snorkelling is best at the extremes of the beach, since the fish need rocks to hide out in. Snorkelling here will put you out of sight of the year-round lifeguard stations however. Migrating whales can occasionally be seen offshore in the first months of the year too.

Hapuna Beach sees its fair share of crowds, which tend to be largest on weekends. It’s generally advisable to arrive early to grab the best spots.

Facilities include food stalls, a picnic area, rest rooms and public showers. There is a good amount of onsite pay-for parking, in addition to a small entrance fee for anyone not lucky enough to be a resident of the Aloha state.