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Numerous Big Island beaches are suitable for snorkelers, surfers, swimmers, and nature enthusiasts. In addition to having white sand beaches, the largest of the Hawaiian islands also contains several stunning black sand beaches formed by lava rocks and one of only four jaw-dropping green sand beaches in the world.
The top beaches on Hawaii’s Big Island are highlighted in this guide, and each of these is wonderful to include in any Big Island itinerary.
Each area of the Big Island features different types of beaches with varying levels of accessibility. Although some Big Island beaches can only be reached by trail, most are manageable to reach. Some beaches feature calm, shallow waters, while others are dramatic with violent, crashing waves. Some are pleasant year-round, while others disappear in the winter months, replaced by nothing but black rocks.
Find your ideal slice of paradise from this list of the finest, must-visit Big Island beaches.
Makalawena Beach
Kailua-Kona Coast | White sand
On the North Kona coast of the Big Island, Makalawena Beach is one of Hawaii’s most underappreciated beaches. There are few people there, especially compared to other well-known Big Island beaches. Instead, palm trees are scattered along the shoreline, and there are some spots where black lava rock protrudes from the water.
This beach features lovely white sand and pristine clear waters, home to many tropical fish and coral reefs. Swimmers and divers like this location for the chance to see marine life up close and personal.
Makalawena is the place to go if you want to unwind and spend some time sunbathing. In addition, you may go kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling. This is a well-liked snorkeling location on the Big Island due to the shallow coral reefs surrounding the coast. There are a few shaded areas and picnic tables as well, but that is it as far as amenities go.
Don’t be surprised if you run into a wandering chicken or wild goat!
Hapuna Beach State Park
Kohala Coast | Golden sand
Hapuna, Hawaiian for “spring” or “pool,” is situated along the gorgeous Kohala Coast. Both residents and tourists rank this Hapuna Beach State Park as one of the best. It is one of the best places to observe whale migration between December and April each year. Due to its beauty and natural surroundings, it frequently appears on lists of the best beaches in the United States.
The Big Island’s most popular beach is a half-mile stretch of immaculate golden sand and azure ocean. There are several covered pavilions where you may have a picnic, showers, picnic tables, snorkel rental equipment, a BBQ, and food stands.
On Hapuna Beach, don’t anticipate much shade. Consequently, on a sunny day, the golden sand becomes intolerably hot. Wear sandals or water shoes if you don’t want your toes to become scorching during the hot summer months.
Furthermore, although there are relatively calm waters in the summer, the winter sees dangerously high surf. Therefore, before entering, be sure to check the surroundings carefully. The south end of the beach offers a variety of fish and coral for snorkelers.
Manini’owali Beach at Kua Bay
Kailua-Kona | White sand
Kua Bay, also known as Manini’owali Beach, stretches across a charming tiny sandbar. Previously challenging to reach, the government invested $1,000,000 to create a good route through the lava; now, it’s simple to appreciate this Big Island wonder.
There are many amenities at Kua Bay beach, including water, barbecues, picnic tables, restrooms, and showers. Try to avoid the weekends because it is popular due to its proximity to the Kona International Airport and Kailua-Kona town. Beware, parking can be a nightmare.
The crystal clear water is typically reasonably calm, making it an excellent location for water sports. However, check with a local before heading out into the ocean here, as there can be strong currents and heavy waves during the winter months. Bring your own snorkeling gear or hire one from a beachside vendor if you want to go snorkeling.
Manini’owali Beach also has lifeguards on duty every day. You can also take advantage of the several hiking paths close to Kua Bay. In addition, you may come across green sea turtles or other marine life. Unfortunately, the beach doesn’t provide the finest sun protection, so bring an umbrella or hat.
Spencer Beach Park
Kohala | Golden sand
One of Hawaii’s best beach experiences is at Spencer Beach, about 45 miles north of Kailua-Kona, at the very end of Kokololio Beach Road. Spencer Beach Park is located on the northwest coast, just south of Kawaihae Harbor. It offers excellent swimming and snorkeling conditions, plenty of shade with big native trees, and a tranquil ambiance.
You’ll want to return time and time again to this beach because of its soft sand, the calm sea, and the ample playground space. This beach is easily among the Big Island’s best for families.
In addition, the well-kept campground at Spencer Beach is one of its outstanding features. People can camp out in this region under the stars and spend days soaking up the beauty of their tropical surroundings.
Papakolea Beach
South Kau | Green sand
Papakolea is one of the only four green sand beaches in the entire world. This otherworldly sandy beach is located in Hawaii’s Kau region outside Naalehu, a little settlement halfway between Volcanoes National Park and South Point. It’s also the southernmost point of the United States.
Olivine, a mineral prevalent in Hawaii’s native volcanic rock, was plentiful in the volcano’s lava spewed after eruption. After Mauna Loa’s 1868 outburst, olivine, which gives this beach its distinctive green hue, steadily replaced the basalt rock due to weather and ocean erosion.
Papakolea Beach, a favorite among both locals and visitors, is a must-see once-in-a-lifetime location. Be prepared to hike about 5.5 miles roundtrip. Though it isn’t strenuous, it does make Papakolea’s location remote. This means when you leave, take everything you came with, including trash. And kindly don’t bring any of the brilliant green sand with you.
We suggest arriving at the beach on a weekday before noon if you want to avoid crowds. Going early will also make the hike more enjoyable due to cooler temperatures.
Punaluu Black Sand Beach
South Kau | Black sand
Punaluu Black Sand Beach on the Big Island is one of Hawaii’s best-known and most popular black sand beaches. The Big Island of Hawaii’s southeast coast is home to Punaluu, surrounded by luscious green hills, leaning palms, and a freshwater spring.
Dramatic vistas of lava rocks and black sand, made of cooled lava particles from Kilauea Volcano that have reached the water, abound! As lava rushes into the water, the mighty waves cause it to cool off quickly. In addition to being extremely porous, basaltic lava rocks are lighter than typical beach rocks.
The lava breaks into microscopic particles that eventually accumulate to create black sand beaches. Sand is eroded by the waves and returned to the shore. Punalu’u is quite possibly the best and most easily accessible black sand beach around.
Please use caution when lying on this beach because it can get extremely hot in the summer sun. For comfort and to avoid becoming sunburned, consider bringing a towel or a cooling mat. Also, to protect your feet, think about putting on rubber slippers.
There are no lifeguards on duty at this beach. Swimming is not advised at Punaluu Black Sand Beach due to the area’s dangerous rip currents and frequent high surf. Here, the currents can also be strong, and the waves can be forceful if you’re not careful.
However, if there aren’t any significant ocean waves and you feel confident about your snorkeling abilities, consider checking out the snorkeling in Ninole Cove, which is just a short distance from the main beach.
Pololu Valley Beach
Kohala | Black sand
In the lush, verdant meadows of the Kohala region on the Big Island, Pololu Valley is the northernmost of the spectacular valleys carved into the Kohala volcano. This volcano is the oldest of the five main volcanoes that make up the Big Island. It last erupted some 120,000 years ago!
If you want to turn your visit into a brief road trip, there are some incredible things to do close to Pololu Valley.The breathtaking views of the valley and the sheer cliffs that end in the ocean are worth the trip to Pololu Valley Beach on their own.
You may get a stunning view of Pololu Valley and the towering sea cliffs gradually descending towards the ocean from the Pololu overlook. The valley level is 490 feet away from the overlook point vertically. This is also a fantastic area to try to observe humpback whales if you’re traveling during the winter from December to March.
Pololu Valley Beach’s main attractions are the short descent down the valley and the black sand beach at the bottom. The black sand gives this beach the effect of appearing at Earth’s very edge. The rich tropical forest surrounding the beach is bordered by cliffs that reach almost 500 feet into a cerulean blue sky.
One pro tip: If you plan to swim, try to wear shoes that can get wet because the stones can make it uncomfortable to enter the water. Swimming, however, is not safe in the ocean near Pololu Valley. Only go in the sea if you are a skilled swimmer, and don’t get in too deep because there are often high surf, undertows, and rip tides present.
Pohoiki Beach
Puna | Black sand
Within Issac Hale Beach Park, a stunning black sand stretch called Pohoiki Beach is hidden away on the northeastern side of Pohoiki Bay. This 2-acre expanse of lava rock oasis is named for a Korean War casualty.
This beach had a magnificent renovation in May of 2018. The most recent eruption of Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, started in the Puna District from the volcano’s lower-east zone. The lava flow destroyed numerous homes and other buildings in Puna district neighborhoods. However, with its lava flows into the Pacific Ocean, it did add acres to the Big Island.
Isaac Hale Beach Park’s infrastructure was completely destroyed by the volcano eruption, which sent molten rock into the water, where it cooled and formed a magnificent black sand beach.
It might be challenging to locate parking on weekends and holidays, and it’s ideal to show up early in the morning or at an odd hour, like late in the day, to secure a space.
Various lava tube caverns in Isaac Hale Beach Park are wonderful for exploring. Visit Honu Cave for a photo opportunity; the interior’s vibrant green flora contrasts nicely with the cave’s dark lava walls.
Water sports at Pohoiki Beach are aplenty and include:
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Kayaking
- Stand-up paddling
- Camping
- Boat Ramp
Heavy surf is prevalent at Pohoiki Beach, so beware. When the surf is high, swimming at the beach can be risky. Additionally, some boulders immediately offshore can make entering and exiting the water challenging in some locations.
Finally, this location is not just about the beach. Be sure to explore the tidepools and geothermal hot pools in the area as well.
Mauna Kea Beach
Kohala | Golden sand
Mauna Kea Beach is a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle. Visitors can access this beach via Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. This beautiful beach offers a private experience along with a host of comforts to make your stay enjoyable.
Mauna Kea Beach has earned a spot among the best US beaches, and rightfully so. People travel here from all over the world to experience the splendor of this tropical paradise. It is the ideal vacation spot for everyone, especially families looking for adventure and good times. This is due to the calm, clear blue waters, golden sands, lush vegetation, and tropical atmosphere.
Head to Mauna Kea Beach if you want to unwind, take in the sun, surf, or swim. This location offers a variety of activities, such as:
- Swimming
- Bodyboarding
- Kayaking
- Snorkeling
- Scuba Diving
- Nighttime Manta Rays Dive
- Picnic areas
Because there are no lifeguards, be aware that some areas have strong currents and keep an eye on the children. Make a plan and make sure you have everything you need, particularly water and sunscreen. Parking may also be scarce depending on when you arrive.
Mokuola (Coconut Island)
Hilo District | White sand
This island location in Hilo Bay called Mokuola (Coconut Island) has a few tiny beaches and a sizable grassy area with a number of picnic tables. The protected bay is easily accessible, and you can spend a few hours lounging about and swimming there while taking in the scenery.
Of course, watching the local kids show off their jumping skills into the water from a 20-foot tower is always enjoyable. Local families frequently visit Coconut Island to relax on the lawn and enjoy picnics under the pavilions or on the grass. It is a very accessible swimming spot in Hilo. Because it is next to the Queen Liliuokalani Gardens, you may visit both places simultaneously.
The Hilo Pier shelters the two sandy beaches, keeping the waves calm. There are also several tide pools to explore, which is particularly enjoyable for children. Unfortunately, the bay’s water is frequently murky, making Coconut Island a lousy place to go snorkeling. Coconut Island also boasts spotless restrooms.
This tiny island in Hilo Bay may be reached by a bridge from Banyan Drive, which is close to the Queen Liliuokalani Gardens. Just before the bridge, there is a modest parking lot. If the lot is full, you can park on Banyan Drive, a short distance away, and simply walk.
Waipio Valley Beach
Hamakua | Black sand
Waipio Valley, which is about one mile broad and six miles deep, is named after the meandering Wailoa Stream that runs through it. The Hawaiian word “wai-pi’o” means curled water. The valley divides into numerous “fingers” at the back, each with its own waterfall. If you wish to descend to the valley level, you must travel with a tour group.
A lovely black sand beach divided in half by the river lies where the valley ends, and the ocean begins to the north and is easily the region’s main draw. The undeveloped stretch of black sand is undoubtedly the most secluded beach on the Big Island: It’s protected by 2,000-foot cliffs, and the three-mile hike down is strenuous.
After descending the valley, the beach seems lovely and is a great location to unwind, but exercise caution if entering the water. Be forewarned, this beach is notorious for its rip currents and heavy surf, making it risky to swim in, particularly in the winter.
Kahaluu Beach Park
Kona Coast | Gray sand
Kahalu’u Bay contains a substantial amount of Hawaiian cultural history and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Records of royal homes in the 18th and 19th centuries show several heiaus (Hawaiian temples) in the region that indicate that the harbor has been inhabited for at least the last 500 years.
Kahaluu Beach Park offers great snorkeling due to calm waters. In addition to sea turtles, you’ll see coral heads and a variety of vibrant tropical marine life beneath the surface of Kahalu’u Bay’s crystal clear, dazzling blue waters.
Kahaluu Beach, which is in the Keauhou neighborhood immediately south of Historic Kailua-Kona Village, is well-known for the honu (Hawaiian Green sea turtles) that visit its shores. The area is also home to the Kahalu’u Education Center (KBEC), which aims to spread “reef etiquette” to safeguard the bay’s delicate ecosystem. Be forewarned, at times, the beach closes during coral spawning.
Kahaluu Beach Park’s plethora of marine life, a sheltered cove, and fantastic park amenities, including parking, picnic tables, and restrooms, make it one of the best Big Island beaches. A trip here makes an easy day for families or a romantic getaway for a couple – there are no shortage of memorable moments to be had.
The Beaches Of The Big Island Won’t Disappoint
A beach experience on the Big Island is like no other. Colored sands, geothermal pools, and vibrant tidepools make for unique beach experiences. The island features some of the most pristine, well preserved stretches of sand in the world.
After a long day of hiking, snorkeling, and exploring, you’ll need a place to rest your head. Luckily the Big Island is bursting with vacation home rentals and luxury stays in close proximity to any one of these beaches.
