The island of Hawaii is home to a variety of beaches with options for swimmers, surfers, snorkelers, and nature lovers. In addition to the white-sand beaches, the Big Island has many black-sand beaches created by lava rocks, as well as a stunning green sandy beach, one of only four worldwide.
Due to the relatively youth of the island, the sand here tends to be finer, and many beaches have a variety of coarse lava rocks that can make walking difficult without proper footwear.
It's also good to remember that even the lightest sand quickly absorbs the hot Hawaiian sun, and darker beaches can burn their feet.
Visitors should note that not all beaches are suitable for swimming due to the harsh conditions, and that lifeguards are not on duty at all beaches.
Some of the island's most beautiful beaches are the most dangerous, and even the most famous spots can be challenging, so always check local conditions before considering swimming.
In general, the water is calmer during the summer and more turbulent during the winter, although more sheltered areas may be suitable for swimming or snorkeling year-round.
Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities for tourists visiting the Big Island, and there are many beaches with rental shops.
There are also many tours and lessons available for beginners, as well as diving instruction for all levels. Divers have a very good chance of spotting the endangered green sea turtle, and will always be able to spot an impressive array of live tropical fish inside the reef.
Plan your day near the sea with our list of the best beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii.
1. Hapuna State Beach
The Big Island's most famous beach is located on the Kohala Coast on the island's northwest shore.
This half-mile stretch of white sand is beloved by many for its quiet swimming conditions, ideal for families with younger children, as well as great for snowboarding and snorkeling.
There are lifeguards on duty, and the garden offers showers and restrooms; Food and drinks are also available, as well as shaded picnic tables.
Due to its popularity, Hapuna Beach can get very crowded, so it's a good idea to arrive early to ensure a parking spot and a shaded place to put your blanket.
The southern end of the beach is the best place for snorkeling, and experienced divers and divers will want to go as far south as around Kanekanaka Point.
These large reefs wrap around the point that separates Hapuna Bay and Waialea Bay, providing a huge underwater world to explore. Note that there are no lifeguards in this area.
Tourists can stay just steps from the beach at The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, a large four-star luxury resort that is also adjacent to Hapuna Golf Course. The resort welcomes the whole family, even from four feet, and has plenty to do on site.
2. Manini'owali Beach
Also known as Kua Bay Beach, this white sand beach is located on the western shore facing Kua Bay, just north of Kona city within the boundaries of Kekaha Kai State Park.
During the summer, this is an excellent place for snorkeling and swimming, and during the winter months, the waves can get quite large, allowing for great surfing conditions.
Visitors often catch a glimpse of dolphins playing in the distance, and sea turtles are frequently spotted.
Make sure to wear sneakers or shoes that allow you to climb over the lava rocks on your way to the sand, and beach umbrellas are recommended as there is no shade here. You will also need to bring lunch, snacks and water, as there are no compromises here.
Fortunately lifeguards are working on the beach now, and there are restrooms and shower facilities. As with most of the more famous beaches on the Big Island, Manini'owali Beach can be very crowded on the weekends, and parking can be challenging.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is a premium five-star resort located on its own stretch of sand adjacent to Manini Awali Beach.
If conditions for swimming in the ocean aren't ideal during your stay, there are seven pools within the complex, including a saltwater pool, an adults-only pool, a kids' pool, and more.
3. Kaunaoa Beach
Located on the Kohala Coast near Hapuna Beach, this popular white sand beach is popular for swimming, snorkeling, and a family atmosphere.
It's also known as Mauna Kea Beach due to its location along the property of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, the island's first resort, but the beach is open to the public.
It's well-protected by coral reefs, located at each end of the crescent-shaped beach, and both are excellent snorkeling sites.
Although parking can be a bit of a walk if you don't make it early enough to snag one of the hotel's public parking spaces, the availability of hotel amenities is an obvious positive aspect of the hotel's location.
In addition to lifeguards and basic amenities, visitors can show off at the hotel's restaurant, take advantage of the snorkeling equipment, and rent other equipment the hotel has to offer.
Another advantage is that every night the hotel floods the beach and surrounding reefs with light. This attracts plankton, which in turn attracts manta rays, which can be seen navigating through the water. The hotel also facilitates private night diving and snorkeling sessions.
4. Punalu'u Beach
Punalu'u Beach is located on the eastern shore of Hawaii about halfway between Pahala and Naalehu off the Mamalahoa Highway, making it very easy to get to.
It is also known as the black sand beach thanks to the granular lava that forms the shoreline. Visitors who want to swim should check conditions first, as the waters can have strong currents, however there is a lifeguard on duty who will always have the latest information.
Visitors should remember that this black sand absorbs the heat of the Hawaiian sun, so be sure to bring appropriate footwear.
Fortunately, this same heat is what attracts the green sea turtle (locally known as honu) to make this beach their home. It is common to see at least a few of these beautiful, endangered creatures swimming or warming themselves on the hot sand.
Those hoping to do some snorkeling at the black sand beach won't be able to see much, but there is excellent snorkeling at nearby Ninole Cove, which is easily reached via a short path from the beach parking lot. This same path offers a beautiful seaside walk with excellent views.
Just a five-minute drive from the beach, Pahala Plantation Cottages offers a great getaway in a small town surrounded by coffee and macadamia nut plantations.
Guests can stay in the main house or in one of the two-bedroom cottages that feature fully furnished kitchens and family rooms.
5. Waialea Beach
One of the busiest beaches on the Big Island, this white sand beach is a summertime favorite and is located on Waialea Bay.
There is a gradual slope to the surrounding reefs, protecting the water from the turbulence and currents of the open sea, making this beach one of the best beaches for families. These coral reefs are also home to some of the most diverse marine life in the area, and are some of the best for diving and snorkeling.
During the winter, when the sea is too rough for swimming and snorkeling, visitors can often see expert surfers on the waves here.
Visitors will find restrooms and shower facilities on site, but there is no lifeguard on duty. When looking for a beach parking lot, keep an eye out for the utility pole numbers, then turn around when you see the number 69 - this indicator has become so much a part of beach identity, that many refer to it simply as "Beach 69."
6. Kahalu'u Beach Park
One of the best places on the Big Island for snorkeling is Kahalu Bay, located near Kailua-Kona, which is a prominent tourist destination.
The coral reefs here are teeming with life, including a variety of bright tropical fish, endangered sea turtles, sea urchins, and even an octopus.
Even swimmers who stay in shallow waters often see groups of small fish, as well as sea turtles, and the water conditions here are usually calm and safe for children.
Vacationers without their own equipment have two equipment rental options, but most prefer to go to the Kahalu Bay Education Center because the proceeds go toward conservation and education about the bay's unique ecosystem.
The southern end of the bay is the best place to go snorkeling, and Lifeguard II's Tower serves as the surfing spot, so divers can be sure to stay safe in the calm waters.
Kahalu'u Beach Park offers restrooms and shower facilities on site, and there are shaded spots for those who arrive early enough to claim them. There are also picnic tables and a pavilion, and the beach is within walking distance of town where you can find restaurants and snacks.
7. Kamakahonu Beach
Also known as Kids Beach or King Cam Beach, this small beach is an excellent choice for families with younger children thanks to the soft sand and incredibly calm waters within the sheltered bay.
Kamakahonu Beach is located between Kailua Pier and the Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark in Kailu-Kona, and although it has only about 200 feet of waterfront, it's a popular spot any day of the week.
There is an equipment rental shop right on the beach with a large variety of water sports options, including not only snorkeling gear but also kayaks and motorized ships.
The pier shop also rents a variety of equipment and offers lessons for beginners in snorkeling and scuba diving.
Visitors will also find a restaurant right on the beach, as well as multiple options within a two-minute walk.
8. Spencer Beach
Located on the northwest shore of the Big Island, also known as the Kohala Coast, Samuel M. Spencer Beach Park is a family favorite thanks to its calm waters.
Parents also appreciate the abundance of shady trees, as well as a large covered pavilion with picnic tables, and the sand here is among the softest trees on the island. The coral reefs that protect the shore from rough waves and strong currents are an excellent place for snorkeling and snorkeling.
Visitors can also start on the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail from here, a scenic hike that offers stunning views of the bay and the surrounding landscape.
While visiting the area, be sure to stop by Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, home to the temple built by Kamehameha I in 1791.
9. Makalawena Beach
Thanks to a 20-minute walk along a lava path, visiting Makalawina Beach requires some effort, resulting in a less crowded beach that's perfect for solitude seekers and nature lovers.
Once you get past the lava, the sand becomes very fine before gently descending into the clear waters.
This is a favorite spot for snorkeling thanks to the shallow reef that skirts the shore.
Shaded spots and a few picnic tables can be placed under the scattered trees on the beach fringe, but that's as close as possible to any kind of amenities.
Since there are no facilities, concessions, or lifeguards, this beach is not recommended for children or inexperienced swimmers. What you may find, however, are some roaming chickens and goats who want to make sure no food is wasted.
Makalawena Beach is located in Kona Coast State Park, just north of Kona.
10. Papakolea Beach
Papakolea Beach, also known as Green Sand Beach, is not a place for swimming due to its strong waves and unpredictable currents. However, it is one of the most famous beaches on the Big Island for its unique geology.
One of only four beaches like it in the world, the sand here is an olive green shade. This phenomenon is caused by deposits of the appropriately named olivine, a crystal that formed millions of years ago during a volcanic eruption.
Getting to the beach is very difficult, and the trek should be undertaken only by experienced hikers. After a two-mile trek through the lava fields, visitors must make their way down the sides of the volcanic cone that now forms a semi-circular bay where the beach is.
This wonderful beach can be found on the eastern side of the far south of the island.
11. Waipi'o Black Sand Beach
Although this is not a swimming beach due to the rough and unpredictable waters, visitors looking for some of the island's most scenic views will want to make the effort to get here.
Located on the coast of Hamakua on the north side of the island, the beach can be reached via a scenic stroll down the hill from the Waipi'o Valley Lookout, or by car through a very bumpy dirt road that branches off the Waipio Valley Road.
The hike can be backed up until the lookout is daunting, and the road will only accommodate 4WD vehicles, so there are also local tour options to get to the beach.
Source: PlanetWare - Travel Guides by the Experts