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Beach Tip
A word about resort beaches. Public beach parks are just as nice. Really. If resorts are busy or the parking lot is full, don’t dispair, just drive a little farther and find your place in the sun. All beaches have public access (look for the blue “wave” signs), however parking and other policies must be respected on resort property. Some facilities and equipment are provided for resort guests only (towels, chairs, etc.) Please leave these for the folks who pay for the privilege. Beachside restaurants and bars may be more expensive but the views are priceless, particularly at sunset, and they’d welcome your business. (Swimsuit coverups generally required)
Big Island Beach
Beach Beach Safety Tip
Before we tell you how much fun the beach is, let’s remind families to keep an eye on the keiki (kids) every time they’re near the water. The Pacific is a tricky neighbor who can be deceptively friendly. “Never turn your back on the ocean” is a good local rule to remember. Even if lifeguards are present, please use the buddy system and proper equipment. And, even in the Aloha State, always lock your car and take turns watching valuables, so all you have is glorious beach memories.
What are you waiting for?
We’ve got your beach right here. Remote and romantic, laid back and easy going, rocky and rolling, red, white, black and even green sand to tickle your fancy as well as your toes. To find the best beaches on Hawaii’s Big Island, go west; follow the sun. The Kohala Coast has the most sunny days per year according to a statewide survey, and some of the best beaches you'll find anywhere. Every beach in Hawaii is open to the public, and Big Island state and county beach parks are highly rated by national travel magazines like Conde Nast, Travel & Leisure and ”Dr. Beach,” Stephen Leatherman from the University of Maryland.
For family fun, check out the “best of the best” Big Island beaches
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
Just south of Kawaihae on Highway 19, Hapuna is a long stretch of white sand, with consistently good conditions for swimming, boogie boarding, sunbathing, strolling, snorkeling and seasonal surf. Large restrooms with showers, picnic pavilions, plenty of parking and a good snack bar. Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel is located at the far north end.
Kauna`oa Bay
A peaceful crescent of soft white sand, just north of Hapuna on Highway 19. Generally great conditions for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling, with public restrooms and showers. Reach the beach through the entry gate at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Just ask the guard for a beach parking pass and be a little patient if there’s a wait for space.
Anaeho` omalu Bay Beach Park
About six miles south of Hapuna on Highway 19, “A Bay” is a more pebbly beach, but this is the place for active ocean lovers to jump in and play -- glass bottom boats, kayaks, hydro bikes, boogie boards, snorkel, scuba or sunset sail, windsurfing, seasonal whale watching and the Whale Center offered by Ocean Sports. Restrooms, showers, large parking lot, picnic areas and lots of fun. Food and beverages available at Waikoloa Beach Marriott, Hilton Waikoloa Village, or the Kings Shops food court.
Holoholokai Beach Park
a small, beautiful beach park near the Fairmont Orchid, with parking, restrooms, showers and barbecue grills. Although it’s not a sandy beach, it’s a beautiful place to explore the tidepools, look for shells and go snorkeling.
Big Island Sea Turtle
Near Kailua-Kona, look for White Sands Beach Park
about 4 miles south of town on Ali`i Drive, with restrooms, showers and lifeguard stand (limited parking). Farther south, near the Ohana Keauhou Beach Hotel, www.ohanakeauhoubeach.com, is Kahalu`u Beach Park for good snorkeling, seasonal surf. It offers picnic pavilions, restaurants and showers, lifeguard, parking and concession stands
At the far south end of the island is one of the Big Island’s best black sand beaches, at Punalu`u Beach Park near Pahala. There’s a small boat ramp, a fish pond and shady picnic spots, restrooms and showers.
Experienced hikers might try the trek to amazing Green Sands Beach, glittering with olivine crystals. It’s a 4-mile hike across rugged terrain, and no facilities or water are available. (Call ahead 974-4250 for access information across private property). Commercial ATV tours are also available.
On the Hilo side, don’t worry about the weather (We don’t!). There are gorgeous beaches waiting for you. Check out Kolekole Beach Park just off Highway 19 about 12 miles north of Hilo. You’ll find a jungle-y tropical garden by the ocean, a nearby stream lined with smooth lava rocks, and a waterfall.
Onekahakaha Beach Park
behind Hilo Airport off Highway 137 is a popular spot with a breakwater and enhanced sandy-bottom swimming areas, lifeguards, pavilions, picnic tables, camping area and restrooms. And all it takes is an umbrella to enjoy a walk out to Coconut Island rain or shine, near the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, off Banyan Drive. Although there’s no actual beach, this park is a perfect place to play, picnic and people-watch, with pavilions, public restrooms and lovely views of Hilo Bay. Music and cultural events are scheduled at Coconut Island throughout the year.
Big Island beaches are like our people. They have personalities of their own, and each one has something special to offer a visiting family. Don’t be shy, try more than one. What are you waiting for?