Big Island of Hawaii Beaches
The Big Island has many beaches though none as large
as Hapuna Beach. What you find are many little cove beaches throughout
the island. Unfortunately, some of the beautiful black sand beaches
were recently reclaimed by the volcano that made them.
 Hapuna
Beach State Recreation Area
On Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway (Highway 19), 2.3 miles south of Kawaihae.
Hapuna Beach is the largest white sand beach
on the island. A landscaped beach park with swimming during clam
seas, bodysurfing during periods of shore breaks, sunbathing and
other beach-related activities. During periods of high surf, be
aware of rip currents.
Ka Lae (SOUTH POINT)
Beach
Green sand beaches which are made from olivine
crystals and are rare. The only green sand beach on the Big Island
is located at the southern most tip, Ka u. To reach Papakolea, or
Green Sand Beach, from this county park (the southernmost point
in the U.S.A.) It is about a 3 mile hike. Take South Point Rd. off
Hwy. 11, then take the left fork near the road's end (this is a
rugged jeep trail,and you should check with your car rental agency
before taking it), and when you can drive no further, take a hike.
Steep climb down to the beach, and back up. The views are magnificent
worth the hike.
Punalu'u Beach Park
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach with a natural freshwater
wading pool at the far end of the beach. A perfect spot to relax
and enjoy sparkling cool water and wild turtles. Punalu'u offers
one of the best stops on the long drive between Kona and Hilo. Punalu'u
Beach Park is in the district of Ka'u between the towns of Na'alehu
and Pahala.
A black sand beach on
The Big Island
OLD KONA AIRPORT STATE
RECREATION AREA: 120 acre park on Kailua Bay has
a white-sand beach with calm water great for swimming and snorkeling.
Many tidal pools, shore diving, and good facilities. A great local
favorite.
WHITE SANDS: Also
known as "Disappearing Sands" or "Magic Sands"
because it is washed away each winter and reappears in the summer.
Strong currents prevail here, so be cautious. Good shore diving,
with depths from 2 to 60 ft. with lava tubes and caverns. About
5 min. south of Kailua-Kona off Highway 11.
KAHALU'U: A small
stretch of white-and-black sand just south of White Sands. Protected
by a reef, this beautiful (but rocky) beach is perhaps the best
beach on the island for snorkeling.
NAPO'OPO'O: About
15 min. south of Kailua-Kona, with a marine preserve that's excellent
for snorkeling and swimming. Across from Kealakekua Bay at Ka'awaloa.
HO'OKENA: Half an
hour south of Kailua-Kona, this beach park has both white and black
sand, which makes it look gray. Good for snorkeling, but rocky.
The surf can be rough, be especially careful of the surf in the
winter.
COCONUT ISLAND: A
park on the south end of Hilo Bay. Originally called Mokuola (Healing
Island), there are shallow pools with sandy bottoms that are ideal
for kids. A favorite with the locals for fishing, swimming and picnicking.
ONEKAHAKAHA: At the
eastern end of Hilo, this beach has a rocky shoreline, a breakwater
and several retaining walls, which create shallow ocean pools with
white sandy bottoms. A family place, very popular with the local
population. Excellent facilities and a lifeguard.
LELEIWI: At the eastern
end of Hilo, north of Onekahakaha. This is a very popular spot for
both snorkeling and fishing. Lots of marine life.
HONOLI`I: About 4
miles north of Hilo off Hwy. 19, this is one of the Big Island's
most popular surfing spots. This is a beach for strong swimmers.
WAIPI 'O: At the mouth
of Waipi'o valley is a black sand beach which is accessible only
by a footpath about 3 miles long to hike in on. Worth the walk!
Mahalo for Visiting!
Hawaii Menu - A Vacation Guide to the Big Island
of Hawaii
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