10 Best Beaches on the Big Island: Island of Hawaii Beach Guide

Looking for the best beaches on the Big Island? Whether it’s the expansive golden sands of Hapuna Beach or the unique black sands of Punalu’u, I’ve got you covered in this guide.

Aloha, I’m Bryan Murphy, your guide and the voice behind Hawaii’s Best Podcast.

What Are the Best Beaches on the Big Island

The best beaches on the Big Island are:

1. Hapuna Beach: A long stretch of golden sand perfect for swimming and sunbathing. It has showers and restrooms.
2. Mauna Kea Beach: Soft white sand with clear blue water, great for swimming and snorkeling
3. Punalu’u Beach: A famous black sand beach where you can often see green sea turtles.
4. Waialea Beach: Also called Beach 69, it’s great for snorkeling and might have dolphins in the bay.
5. Manini’owali Beach: Also known as Kua Bay, it has clear waters for swimming and snorkeling.
6. Papakolea Green Sand Beach: One of only four green sand beaches in the world, but you need to hike to get there.
7. Mahaiula Beach: A hidden gem with white sand and lava rocks, but you need a 4-wheel drive car to reach it.
8. Ho’okena Beach Park: A mix of black and white sand, good for swimming and snorkeling.
9. Spencer Beach Park: Calm waters great for families, with lots of shade and facilities.
10. Makalawena Beach: A beautiful white sand beach that requires a hike to reach, but offers peace and quiet.

Location of the Best Beaches on the Big Island

Top Beaches on Big Island

Big Island has some of the best beaches in Hawaii. You’ll find white sand, black sand, and even green sand beaches here.

1. Hapuna Beach

Hapuna Beach is a gem on Big Island’s Kohala Coast. You’ll find a half-mile stretch of golden sand waiting for you. It’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up the sun. The beach has showers and restrooms, making it easy to spend a full day here.

You can enjoy many fun activities at Hapuna Beach. Rent beach gear to make the most of your visit. Take a hike on the Ala Kahakai coastal trail for great views. Lifeguards are often on duty, but always check before you swim.

There’s a small fee to enter: $5 per person or $10 per car. Hawaii locals get in free with ID. Bring the whole family – there’s even food nearby when you get hungry.

2. Mauna Kea Beach

Mauna Kea Beach is a gem on the Big Island. You’ll find soft white sand and clear blue water here. It’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The beach sits in front of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

You can see the Mauna Kea volcano from here, too.

This beach is less crowded than others. You’ll have space to relax and enjoy the sun. There are restrooms nearby for your comfort. To get here, take Highway 19 north from Kailua-Kona.

Look for the sign for Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Park in the public lot and walk down to the beach. Be sure to bring snorkel gear to see colorful fish in the bay.

3. Punalu’u Beach

Punalu’u Beach is a must-see spot on the Big Island. This famous black sand beach sits between Kona and Hilo, near Volcano Village. Its dark sand comes from lava, making it a unique sight.

You’ll often see green sea turtles here, basking in the sun or swimming in the waves.

The beach offers more than just sand and turtles. You can use the restrooms and picnic areas nearby. It’s a calm place to relax and take in the beauty of Hawaii. To get there, drive south on Highway 11 from Volcano Village.

Look for the clear signs pointing to Punalu’u Beach Park. Pack your camera, sunscreen, and a picnic lunch for a perfect day out.

4. Waialea Beach (Beach 69)

Waialea Beach, also called Beach 69, is a hidden gem on Big Island. It’s part of a Marine Life Conservation District, making it great for snorkeling and scuba diving. The beach has calm waters and a mix of sand and rocks.

You might even spot dolphins playing in the bay!

Get there early to beat the crowds. The beach can get busy, especially on weekends. Bring your snorkel gear to see colorful fish and coral. There are trees for shade, but pack sunscreen and water.

To find it, look for the small sign off Highway 19 between mile markers 69 and 70.

5. Manini’owali Beach (Kua Bay)

Manini’owali Beach, also known as Kua Bay, is a gem north of Kona. This beach sits in Kekaha Kai Beach Park. Its clear waters make it great for swimming and snorkeling. You might even see turtles or dolphins playing in the waves!

To get there, take the access road off Highway 19. The beach has restrooms and showers for your comfort. Weekdays are best if you want to avoid crowds. Don’t miss the amazing sunsets, but keep in mind the road closes at 7 PM.

Pack a picnic and enjoy a full day at this beautiful spot.

6. Papakolea Green Sand Beach (Mahana Beach)

Papakolea Green Sand Beach is a rare gem on Big Island. It’s one of only four green sand beaches in the world. The sand gets its unique color from olivine, a mineral found in volcanic rocks.

To reach this special spot, you’ll need to hike 2.7 miles. Make sure to bring water, reef-safe sunscreen, and good shoes.

This beach is far from the crowds. The closest airport, Kona International, is 71 miles away. There’s no fee to visit, but there are also no bathrooms. The trek is worth it for the stunning views and rare green sand.

You can swim, but be careful of strong waves. Don’t take any sand home – it’s against the law and bad luck!

Things to Do at Each Beach

Each beach on the Big Island offers fun things to do. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or have a picnic at most spots.

Swimming and Snorkeling

Big Island’s beaches offer great spots for swimming and snorkeling. Hapuna Beach is perfect for both. Its clear waters let you see lots of fish. Anaehoomalu Bay Beach, also called A-Bay, is another top pick.

Here, you can swim, snorkel, and even try paddle boarding. For the best snorkeling, head to Honaunau Bay. Locals call it “Two Step” because of the rocks you use to enter the water.

You’ll see colorful fish and maybe even sea turtles!

Don’t miss Richardson Beach Park for a fun day out. It has calm waters and tide pools, great for families. You can swim, snorkel, and have a picnic there too. After a busy day in the water, relax at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach.

The dark sand is warm and soothing. You might spot sea turtles resting on the shore. Always stay safe and follow beach rules when you swim or snorkel.

Sunbathing and Beach Activities

Big Island’s beaches offer more than just sunbathing. You can enjoy many fun activities on the sand and in the water. At Hapuna Beach, grab a boogie board and ride the waves. It’s a great spot for catching some sun too.

If you love sea life, head to Honaunau Bay. You can snorkel and see colorful fish, coral, and maybe even dolphins. For a unique experience, visit Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. It’s the most famous black sand beach on the island, perfect for photos and relaxing.

Picnicking and Beach Amenities

Big Island’s beaches offer great spots for picnics and fun. Many have tables, grills, and shade for your outdoor meals. At Carlsmith Beach Park, you can enjoy your lunch while watching sea turtles swim by.

It’s a perfect place for families to relax and eat together.

Spencer Beach Park is another top pick for picnics. It has parking, bathrooms, showers, and plenty of tables. You’ll find everything you need for a comfy day out. Some beaches, like Makalawena, don’t have facilities right there.

But nearby Mahai’ula Beach has what you need. Pack a cooler and bring your own food to these more remote spots for a quiet picnic by the sea.

Hidden Gems of Big Island Beaches

The Big Island hides some real treasures. These less-known spots offer quiet beauty and local charm. Want to find out more about these secret beaches?

7. Mahaiula Beach

Mahaiula Beach is a hidden gem in Kekaha Kai State Park. You’ll find this beach tucked away on the Big Island’s west coast. It’s a bit tricky to get to, but the trip is worth it. The road is rough, so you’ll need a 4-wheel drive car.

Once there, you’ll see why it’s special.

This beach offers a mix of white sand and lava rocks. Coconut palms line the shore, giving it a true tropical feel. Swimming can be tough due to the lava shelf offshore. But the views are amazing.

It’s less crowded than other beaches, making it perfect for a quiet day out. Pack a picnic and enjoy the peaceful setting.

8. Ho’okena Beach Park

Ho’okena Beach Park is a hidden gem south of Kailua-Kona. This beach offers a mix of black and white sand, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. You can swim, snorkel, or camp here.

The water is often calm, making it great for families.

The beach has a rich history. In the 1880s, ships used to stop here. Now, you’ll find showers, restrooms, and a small store. Want to camp? You need to plan ahead. Get a permit at least 72 hours before you go.

Pack your gear and enjoy the beauty of Ho’okena Beach Park!

9. Spencer Beach Park

Spencer Beach Park is a gem on the Big Island. It sits in Kawaihae Harbor, making it perfect for families. You’ll find calm waters great for swimming and snorkeling. The beach has lots of shade, which is nice for picnics or just relaxing.

This park has everything you need for a fun day out. There’s parking, bathrooms, showers, and picnic tables. You can even camp here if you get a permit first. Kids love playing in the gentle waves.

It’s easy to get to and has all the comforts you want at a beach. Spencer Beach Park is a top spot for locals and visitors alike.

10. Makalawena Beach

Makalawena Beach is a hidden gem on the Big Island. It’s about 3.5 miles north of Kona Airport. To get there, you’ll need to hike across a lava field. The walk is tough, but the reward is worth it.

You’ll find a stunning white sand beach with clear blue water.

This beach is perfect for those who want peace and quiet. There are no restrooms or food stands here. Bring your own supplies and water. The waves can be strong, so be careful when swimming.

Next to the beach, you’ll see Opa’eula Pond. It’s an old fishpond and now home to many birds. If you need facilities, head to nearby Mahai’ula Beach.

Tips for Visiting Big Island’s Beaches

Visiting Big Island’s beaches can be a blast, but you need to be smart about it. Here are some tips to make your beach day safe and fun. These pointers will help you enjoy the sun and sand while taking care of yourself and the island.

Beach Safety and Water Guidelines

Stay safe at Big Island beaches! Always swim where lifeguards are on duty. They keep watch and can help if you need it. Never turn your back on the ocean. Big waves can sneak up on you fast.

Some beaches have tricky waters. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach and Papakōlea Beach aren’t great for swimming. Be extra careful there. Look for beaches with natural lava rock walls. These help protect you from strong waves.

Always check beach signs and listen to lifeguards. They know the water best.

Local Regulations and Beach Etiquette on the Big Island

Exploring the best beaches on the Big Island is a journey through some of the most stunning landscapes Hawaii has to offer.

To ensure that everyone can continue enjoying these natural treasures, it’s essential to adhere to local regulations and practice proper beach etiquette.

Respect for Nature: The Big Island’s beaches are home to diverse ecosystems, including endangered species like Hawaiian green sea turtles and monk seals. It’s crucial to observe these creatures from a distance and never disturb their natural behaviors. Remember, it’s illegal to touch or harass sea turtles and seals.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Protecting the coral reefs is a priority, as these are vital to the marine life and overall health of the ocean. Please use sunscreens that are free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, two substances known to harm coral reefs. Opting for mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide helps protect your skin and the environment.

Pack In, Pack Out: To keep the beaches pristine, carry out whatever you bring in. This practice helps reduce litter, protect wildlife, and maintain the natural beauty of the beaches. Use the available trash and recycling bins or take your trash with you when bins are not available.

Stay Safe and Informed: Always check local signs for beach rules and regulations. Some beaches may have strong currents or surf conditions not suitable for all swimmers. Heed warnings and stay within designated swimming areas, especially at beaches without lifeguards.

Cultural Respect: Many beaches on the Big Island hold historical and cultural significance. Treat these areas with respect, follow any guidelines, and avoid disturbing or removing any artifacts.

By following these guidelines, you help ensure that the beaches remain beautiful and accessible for future generations.

Whether you’re lounging on the sands of Hapuna Beach or exploring the unique black sands of Punalu’u, your mindfulness contributes to the preservation of these magnificent places.

Let’s enjoy and protect the best beaches on the Big Island together, creating unforgettable memories while respecting the natural and cultural heritage of Hawaii.

Sun Protection and Sustainability

Protect your skin and the ocean on Big Island beaches. Use reef-safe sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These don’t harm coral or sea life. Apply it often, even on cloudy days.

The sun is strong here, so wear a hat and sunglasses too.

Keep the beaches clean for everyone. Bring a reusable water bottle to cut down on plastic waste. Pack out all your trash, even food scraps. Don’t take sand or rocks as souvenirs. Leave nature as you found it.

This helps keep Big Island’s beaches beautiful for years to come.

Useful Information and Cost-saving Tips

Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks to save money at the beach. Many Big Island beaches have picnic areas, so you can enjoy meals without spending at pricey restaurants. Bring your own beach gear like chairs, umbrellas, and snorkel sets to avoid rental fees.

Some hotels offer free beach equipment, so check with your lodging first.

Look for free parking near beaches to cut costs. Arrive early at popular spots to snag a good spot and avoid crowds. Check out less-known beaches for a quieter experience and often lower parking fees.

Always lock your car and hide valuables out of sight. Bring cash for any entrance fees or amenities, as some beaches don’t take cards.

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