Beaches & Coastline
Beach
Hapuna Beach
Old Puako Road, Puako, HI 96743
Consistently rated one of best beaches in America, half-mile of white sand
Local Tips
Visit Hapuna Beach on weekday mornings before 10 AM to have the best stretch of white sand almost to yourself - locals know that tour buses and mainland visitors typically arrive after 11 AM, making early mornings perfect for peaceful swimming and the best parking spots.
The north end of Hapuna Beach has a dangerous shore break and strong currents that can catch even experienced swimmers off guard - locals always swim at the central and southern portions of the beach where the water entry is gentler and lifeguards are present.
Bring a beach umbrella or pop-up tent as there's very little natural shade at Hapuna Beach - the few trees are usually claimed early by locals who know the sun reflects intensely off the white sand, making it one of the most exposed beaches on the island.
Beach
Punaluu Black Sand Beach
Off Highway 11 between mile markers 55-56, Naalehu, HI 96772
Famous black sand beach where green sea turtles bask on the shore. Beautiful contrast of black sand, blue ocean, and coconut palms.
Local Tips
Never touch or get too close to the Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) that frequently bask on the black sand - federal law requires you stay at least 10 feet away, and rangers do patrol and issue $15,000+ fines. The turtles are most active in late afternoon, so keep your distance while still enjoying this incredible sight.
Visit early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) when tour buses aren't there and parking is available. Mid-morning to mid-afternoon gets extremely crowded with tour groups, making it hard to find parking and get good photos without crowds.
The black sand gets scorching hot by midday - bring water shoes or old flip-flops you don't mind getting sandy. For the best photos, position yourself near the coconut palms on the north end of the beach where the contrast between green palms, black sand, and blue water creates the most dramatic shots.
Beach
Kehena Black Sand Beach
Puna District, Highway 137
Secluded black sand beach popular with locals. Clothing-optional. Steep path down from parking area. Beautiful setting with palm trees.
Local Tips
The currents at Kehena can be extremely dangerous and unpredictable - locals know to never turn your back on the ocean here. The shore break is notorious for catching people off guard, and the black sand gets scalding hot by midday, so bring reef-safe shoes or sandals.
Kehena has a clothing-optional section that's been traditionally used by locals for decades - it's generally accepted and respected as part of the beach culture. If you're not comfortable with this, stick to the northern end of the beach.
Visit early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) to avoid both the intense heat that makes the black sand unbearable and the midday crowds. Early morning also offers the best chance to spot dolphins offshore.
Beach
Onekahakaha Beach Park
Hilo, East Hawaii
Protected shallow pools perfect for kids. Black sand beach with wading pool created by a wall. Great for families.
Local Tips
Visit on weekday mornings before 10am to have the protected lagoon practically to yourself - locals know weekends get packed with families, especially after noon when the shallow pools warm up perfectly for kids.
The rocky tide pools can have sharp volcanic rock and sea urchins hiding in crevices - locals always wear reef shoes or old sneakers when exploring, never go barefoot even in the sandy areas near the rocks.
Bring a small cooler with ice packs - there's no food vendors here and the nearest store is a 10-minute drive, plus locals know the shaded pavilion tables fill up fast on busy days.
Beach
Richardson Ocean Park (Richardson Beach)
Hilo, East Hawaii
Black sand beach with excellent snorkeling in protected cove. Sea turtles frequent the area. Tide pools for exploring.
Local Tips
Visit on weekday mornings before 10am to have the black sand beach almost entirely to yourself. Locals know that weekends get packed with families, and afternoons bring tour groups from the cruise ships.
The black sand gets scorching hot by midday - bring reef-safe flip flops or water shoes. Many tourists get burned feet walking barefoot on the volcanic sand, especially during summer months.
Walk to the far left side of the beach past the main swimming area to find small tide pools perfect for kids, plus a less crowded section where locals often bring their families. The water is calmer here too.
Beach
Carlsmith Beach Park
Hilo, East Hawaii
Series of protected pools and coves with black sand and lava rocks. Good for families and snorkeling.
Local Tips
Visit early morning before 8am or late afternoon after 4pm to avoid the tour bus crowds from Hilo hotels. Weekday mornings are especially peaceful, and you'll often have the protected swimming areas mostly to yourself.
Watch out for the sharp lava rock edges when entering the water, especially at low tide. Locals always wear reef shoes or old sneakers here - the natural lava rock pools look inviting but can cut your feet easily if you go barefoot.
Walk past the main pavilion area to the far left (east) side of the beach where there's a lesser-known protected cove with calmer, warmer water perfect for kids. Most visitors stick to the central area and miss this quieter spot.
Beach
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
Old Puako Road, Puako, HI 96743
Consistently rated among Hawaii's finest beaches, Hapuna offers over a half-mile of wide, white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. The beach slopes gently into the ocean, making it excellent for swimming, bodyboarding, and snorkeling when calm. Facilities include restrooms, showers, and lifeguards. This is the Big Island's quintessential beach experience.
Local Tips
Visit early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) to avoid the tour bus crowds that arrive mid-day from Kona resorts. The beach is nearly empty at these times, and parking is abundant.
The powerful shore break can create dangerous conditions even when the ocean looks calm. Many visitors underestimate the waves here - always enter the water slowly and watch for several wave sets before going in deeper.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and reapply frequently - the white sand reflects intense UV rays that can cause severe burns even on cloudy days. Locals know this beach has some of the highest UV exposure on the island.
Beach
Mauna Kea Beach (Kauna'oa Bay)
South Kohala, Kohala Coast
Crescent-shaped white sand beach at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Beautiful clear water, good snorkeling, and one of Hawaii's most iconic beaches.
Local Tips
Visit on weekday mornings before 10am to enjoy the beach with minimal crowds. The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel guests tend to arrive at the beach around 10-11am, and day visitors typically don't arrive until late morning due to the drive from other parts of the island.
The public parking area only has about 10 spots and fills up quickly, especially on weekends. If the lot is full, you legally cannot park along the road or in the hotel area - you'll need to leave and come back later. Arrive early or have a backup beach plan.
Beach
Mauna Lani Beach (Makaiwa Bay)
South Kohala, Kohala Coast
Small white sand beach with calm waters protected by lava rocks. Good snorkeling and swimming. Ancient fishponds nearby.
Local Tips
Visit early morning around 7-8 AM on weekdays when resort guests are still at breakfast and day visitors haven't arrived yet. The beach is practically empty, and you'll have the best chance of spotting green sea turtles (honu) resting in the shallow areas near the lava rocks on the north side of the bay.
Walk to the far left (north) end of the beach past the obvious snorkeling areas to find a small protected cove with calm, crystal-clear water that's perfect for floating and often has better fish visibility than the main bay. Most people miss this spot because it requires walking over some lava rock, but it's where locals go to avoid the crowds.
Beach
Anaehoomalu Bay (A-Bay)
Waikoloa Beach Resort, South Kohala
Beautiful white sand beach with ancient fishponds, petroglyphs, and calm water for swimming. Popular for water sports and sunsets.
Local Tips
Visit A-Bay early morning (6:30-8:30 AM) or late afternoon after 4 PM to avoid the cruise ship crowds. When cruise ships dock in Kona, hundreds of passengers are bused to A-Bay around 10 AM-3 PM, making the beach and parking lot extremely crowded.
The ancient fishponds at the north end of the beach are sacred Hawaiian sites - don't walk on the rock walls or disturb the structures. Many tourists unknowingly climb on them for photos, which is deeply disrespectful to Native Hawaiian culture and can damage these thousand-year-old archaeological sites.
Beach
Kua Bay (Maniniowali Beach)
Kua Bay Access Road, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
This stunning pocket beach requires a short walk but rewards visitors with pristine white sand and brilliant turquoise water. The bay's crystal clarity is remarkable even by Hawaii standards. Protected by lava rock headlands, the beach offers calm swimming in summer, though winter can bring large waves.
Local Tips
Arrive before 9 AM or after 4 PM to avoid the crowds and find parking easily. The midday hours (10 AM - 3 PM) can be extremely busy with tour groups and rental car caravans, making the rough lava rock road to the beach feel like a traffic jam.
The white sand gets scorching hot during midday - bring reef-safe shoes or thick flip-flops. Many visitors underestimate how the light-colored sand reflects and retains heat, leading to burned feet when walking from the parking area to the water.
Beach
Kikaua Beach (Kukio Beach)
North Kona
Small secluded white sand cove with excellent snorkeling. Part of Kukio resort but has public access.
Local Tips
Visit during weekday mornings before 10 AM when the Kukio Golf Club members are on the course - you'll have this pristine white sand beach almost entirely to yourself, as most resort guests sleep in and day visitors haven't arrived yet.
Park only in the small public parking area near the beach access trail - DO NOT park along the road or in any areas marked private, as Kukio security actively patrols and will have your car towed within minutes due to the ultra-exclusive nature of this resort community.
Beach
Maniniowali Beach (separate from Kua Bay)
North Kona, Kekaha Kai State Park
Beautiful white sand beach in Kekaha Kai State Park. Requires short walk from parking.
Local Tips
Visit on weekdays before 9 AM or after 4 PM to avoid the cruise ship crowds that flood this beach when ships dock in Kona - check the cruise schedule online beforehand since some days can have 2-3 ships arriving simultaneously.
The walk from the parking area down to the beach is deceptively steep and rocky - wear proper shoes with grip and bring plenty of water, as many visitors underestimate the challenging hike back up in the heat and end up needing assistance.
Beach
Spencer Beach Park
South Kohala
This calm, protected beach near the historic Pu'ukohola Heiau temple is ideal for families with young children. The reef creates a natural swimming pool with gentle waves, and full facilities including restrooms, showers, and picnic areas make it comfortable for extended stays. The camping area is popular with locals.
Local Tips
Visit Spencer Beach Park on weekday mornings before 9 AM to have the beach practically to yourself. Most tourists arrive after 10 AM, and locals typically come for pau hana (after work) sessions in the late afternoon.
The restroom and shower facilities close at sunset, but many visitors don't realize this until they're covered in sand and salt. Plan accordingly if you're staying for the beautiful sunset views, as the nearest alternative facilities are back in town.
Beach
La'aloa Beach (Magic Sands Beach/White Sands Beach)
Kailua-Kona, Alii Drive
Small white sand beach that sometimes disappears in winter (hence "magic"). Popular for bodysurfing and locals' favorite.
Local Tips
The beach's sand literally disappears during winter swells (typically October through March), leaving only black lava rock and making swimming dangerous. Locals know to check recent wave reports before heading down - if there's been any significant south or west swell in the past few days, the white sand will be completely gone and won't return until calmer summer conditions.
Visit on weekday mornings before 10am to have the beach mostly to yourself. Locals avoid weekends when tour groups and rental car crowds arrive, and afternoons when the offshore winds pick up and make the water choppy. The calmest, clearest water is typically in the early morning before the trade winds strengthen.
Beach
69 Beach (Waialea Bay)
South Kohala
Beautiful secluded cove with white sand and turquoise water. Named after old telephone pole marker.
Local Tips
Arrive before 8:30 AM on weekdays to snag one of the limited parking spots along the roadside - after 9 AM you'll likely have to park much further away and walk. Weekend mornings fill up even earlier, so aim for 7:30 AM on Saturdays and Sundays.
The rocky entry points can be extremely slippery when wet - locals always bring water shoes or reef-safe booties since the lava rock becomes treacherous with even a little moisture. The smooth-looking black rocks are deceptively slick.
Beach
Pololu Valley Beach
North Kohala
Remote black sand beach at bottom of valley. Requires steep 15-20 minute hike down.
Local Tips
Visit Pololu Valley Beach early morning (before 9 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) to avoid the crowds and tour buses. The parking area fills up quickly between 10 AM and 3 PM, and you might have to park dangerously along the narrow Pololu Valley Road if you arrive during peak hours.
Never turn your back on the ocean at Pololu Valley Beach - the waves can be deceptively powerful and unpredictable, with dangerous rip currents. The black sand gets extremely hot during midday, so bring water shoes or reef-safe sandals. Swimming is not recommended even for strong swimmers due to the treacherous conditions.
Beach
Mahukona Beach Park
North Kohala
Old harbor with excellent snorkeling. No sand beach but great for diving and exploring underwater ruins.
Local Tips
The old pier ruins have sharp, rusty metal and concrete remnants underwater that aren't visible from the surface - always wear water shoes and enter slowly near the pier area. Locals know to swim further north along the rocky coastline where it's cleaner and safer.
Visit during weekday mornings before 10am to have the snorkeling spots practically to yourself. Most tourists hit the Kona beaches first, so this north Kohala gem stays quiet until afternoon when locals finish work and bring their families.
Beach
Papakolea Beach (Green Sand Beach)
South Point Road, Naalehu, HI 96772
One of only four green sand beaches in the world. Sand gets green color from olivine crystals. Requires 5-mile roundtrip hike or 4WD shuttle.
Local Tips
Visit during weekdays between 7-9 AM when tour groups haven't arrived yet and the lighting is perfect for photography. Most tourists come via afternoon tours, so early morning gives you nearly private access to this remote beach.
Don't attempt the 2.5-mile hike in flip-flops or regular sneakers - the sharp lava rock and loose cinder will destroy your feet. Locals wear sturdy hiking boots and bring twice as much water as you think you need, as there's zero shade and the sun reflects intensely off the black rock.
Beach
Makalawena Beach
North Kona
This remote, pristine beach requires a 20-30 minute hike over lava rock but rewards the effort with stunning turquoise water, fine white sand, and few crowds. The secluded cove feels like a private paradise. No facilities exist, so bring everything you need including plenty of water for the hot hike.
Local Tips
Visit Makalawena Beach on weekday mornings before 10 AM to have this stunning white sand beach almost entirely to yourself. Most tourists don't make the 20-minute hike from the parking area until later in the day, and locals typically come in the late afternoon.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and plenty of water for the hike in - there are no facilities, shade, or freshwater at Makalawena Beach. The lava rock trail can get scorching hot by midday, and the strong offshore currents make swimming dangerous during high surf conditions.
Beach
Kiholo Bay
North Kona
Scenic bay with mix of black lava, white coral sand, and turquoise water. Sea turtles love this area. Requires short hike.
Local Tips
Visit Kiholo Bay early morning (before 9 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) to avoid tour groups and have better chances of seeing green sea turtles resting on the black sand beaches - they're most active during these cooler parts of the day.
The 1.5-mile hike from Queen K Highway crosses sharp a'a lava rock that will destroy thin-soled shoes or flip-flops - wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and bring more water than you think you need, as there's no shade and the black lava amplifies heat significantly.
Beach
Kekaha Kai State Park Beaches
North Kona
Multiple beautiful white sand beaches within the state park including Kua Bay, Maniniowali, and Mahai'ula.
Local Tips
Visit on weekdays before 10 AM or after 3 PM to avoid the tour bus crowds from cruise ships and resort day trips. The parking lot fills up fast between 10 AM-3 PM, especially when cruise ships are docked in Kona.
Bring reef-safe water shoes and stay close to shore - the lava rock coastline has sharp edges and the currents can be strong beyond the protected areas. Also, there are no facilities or shade, so pack everything you need including plenty of water.
Beach
Kahaluu Beach Park
78-6702 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
The island's best easy-access snorkeling beach. Shallow reef close to shore with abundant fish and sea turtles.
Local Tips
Visit on weekday mornings before 9 AM to avoid the tour bus crowds and have the best chance of snorkeling with green sea turtles (honu) who feed on the algae during cooler morning hours.
Never touch or chase the sea turtles - it's illegal and can result in hefty federal fines up to $100,000. Maintain at least 10 feet distance and let them approach you naturally while snorkeling.
Beach
Honaunau Bay (Two Step)
South Kona
Premier snorkeling spot with lava rock entry. Crystal clear water with abundant marine life, dolphins, and turtles.
Local Tips
Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to avoid the cruise ship crowds and tour groups. The snorkeling is actually better in the late afternoon when the fish are more active and the lighting underwater is softer.
Don't enter the water from the main rocky platform when the surf is up - instead, use the small sandy entry point about 20 yards to the south. Locals call it the 'chicken exit' but it's much safer than getting smashed against the lava rock steps.
Beach
Mauna Kea Beach
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive, Kohala Coast, HI 96743
This stunning crescent of white sand fronting the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is often called the most beautiful beach on the Big Island. The calm, clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and the hotel's presence ensures immaculate conditions. Limited public parking makes early arrival essential.
Local Tips
Visit Mauna Kea Beach early morning before 9 AM or after 4 PM to avoid the resort crowds and secure the best parking spots. The beach is technically public, but parking fills up quickly with hotel guests during peak hours (10 AM - 3 PM).
Be extremely cautious of the strong shore break and powerful undertow at the north end of the beach, especially during winter months (October-March). Even experienced swimmers can get caught off guard - stick to the more protected central area near the resort.
Bring your own beach gear and snacks since the resort charges premium prices for rentals and food. The public restroom and shower facilities are located at the south end of the beach near the parking area, not through the hotel.
Beach
Kealakekua Bay
Kua Bay Access Road, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Marine sanctuary with crystal clear water and abundant fish
Local Tips
Go early in the morning (7-9 AM) when the water is calmest and clearest for snorkeling. Afternoon trade winds create choppy conditions and poor visibility, plus tour boats start arriving around 10 AM making it crowded.
The hike down to the bay is steep and rocky - many tourists underestimate it. Bring plenty of water and wear proper hiking shoes. The climb back up in the heat is brutal, and there's no shade. Allow 2-3 times longer for the return hike.
Park at the Captain Cook Monument trailhead and take the kayak/snorkel gear rental shuttle service that some local operators run. It saves you the grueling hike while still getting the authentic experience, and costs less than the big tour boats.
Beach
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
Off Highway 11 between mile markers 55-56, Naalehu, HI 96772
This iconic black sand beach, created by lava meeting the ocean, hosts a resident population of Hawaiian green sea turtles that bask on the warm sand. The dramatic contrast of jet-black sand against blue water and green palm trees creates unforgettable photos. Swimming is generally unsafe due to currents, but the turtles and scenery make it a must-visit.
Local Tips
Visit early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) when the tour buses haven't arrived yet and the black sand isn't scorching hot. Midday temperatures can make the sand painfully hot to walk on barefoot, and crowds from Volcano tours peak between 10 AM-3 PM.
Never approach or touch the Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) that frequent this beach - federal law requires staying at least 10 feet away and violations carry hefty fines up to $25,000. Local volunteers often monitor and will report violations to authorities.
For the best contrast photos, position yourself so the white foam of the waves creates a striking line between the jet-black sand and blue ocean. The coconut palms on the north end of the beach frame shots beautifully, and the old stone ruins near the boat ramp add interesting foreground elements.
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