Beaches
malama ‘aina (care for the land)
As you venture to the beaches of the Big Island, please remember to be prepared, observe all posted warning and information signs, be careful (never turn your back to the ocean in rough water), and practice aloha and malama 'aina (respect and care for the land). Always be sure to carry out whatever you carry in. If you plan to venture to the less sandy beaches and snorkeling spots, water shoes are recommended as the lava rocks can be tricky to navigate barefooted. Also, be sure to follow the guidelines for the protection of sea life on the island:
Be careful with the coral. Corals are complex and extremely fragile marine invertebrates. It takes decades for them to grow and thousands of years to form a healthy reef. Coral grows at only .3 to 2 cm per year! So, it takes a very long time for coral to repair damage caused by humans and too much damage will actually kill the coral (taking with it all the lovely fish we enjoy snorkeling with).
Please don't touch the corals: this includes not standing on, touching, or kicking with flippers while snorkeling. Make sure your equipment works and is watertight. Do this while you are in a sand or lava-bottomed area to help prevent the need to make equipment adjustments while you are in the water over coral.
Use reef-safe sunscreen. Don’t use sunscreen or other products that contains oxybenzone when you are planning to be in the water. Scientists have confirmed that this chemical (commonly used in sunscreen lotions/sprays, soaps, and cosmetics) is highly toxic to the coral reef. It kills baby corals and contributes to coral bleaching and deformity. Using mineral-only sunscreen is suggested. (Beware, just because the packaging says "reef-safe", doesn't mean it is. We recommend carefully reading the ingredient list.)
Don't touch the marine life. Many species of marine life, for example starfish and creatures that live in shells, have defense mechanisms. Don't touch or pick up anything to avoid accidental injury to yourself, or the sea life.
Don't feed marine animals. Wild creatures live in the ocean. Don't feed fish and other marine animals, doing so can harm them.
Don’t chase or harass protected marine animals. In Hawaii, it’s illegal to chase, ride or grab green sea turtles in water (or on land). They are protected by both State and Federal laws. Fines can be as high as $25,000 and may include a year in prison.
In 2021, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also implemented a rule under the Marine Mammal Protection Act which prohibits the harassment of spinner dolphins. The rule prohibits people and vessels from coming within 50 yards of the mammal. Approaching or chasing wild dolphins is prohibited.
If you encounter a green sea turtle or spinner dolphins while snorkeling, kayaking or participating in any other water activity, back away and admire them from a distance. It’s for your safety and the animal’s protection.
This page is intended to highlight beaches you may want to visit for a relaxing day at the beach or for their unique geological characteristics. Also check out the Snorkeling section of the Activities page for beaches highlighted as snorkeling destinations (but aren't the best lounging beaches.).
Kona
Magic Sands Beach
This beach is known as Magic Sands (also known as White Sands) because with particularly strong surf in the winter, the sand can literally disappear overnight, swept out to sea and exposing normally submerged lava rock. The sand then reappears over the following days. It is the only white sand beach in Kona and, unsurprisingly, therefore gets very busy. It’s almost always packed, but offers good people watching, great sunsets, and great bodysurfing and bodyboarding. Beware if you are a novice, as the waves here are usually powerful. It’s fun, but can also be dangerous if your are inexperienced and the waves are strong. This is especially true on the north side of the bay which has more rocks.
Beach facilities include restrooms, showers, picnic tables and a volleyball court. A lifeguard is on duty daily.
There is a restaurant right next to the beach – Magic Sands Grill – but you need reservations – for lunch or dinner (but you can sometimes get a seat at the bar without a reservation.)
Location: 77–6452 Ali’i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (Magic Beach Grill) Google Map Pin
Hours: Closes at 9:00 PM
For more information: https://thishawaiilife.com/magic-sands-beach/
Between Kona & Waikoloa
Kuki’o Beach
Kiki’o is a small, white sand, beach on the NW shore. While swimming is possible, the shoreline is rocky which can make entry and exit tricky – especially without water shoes. It is therefore not known as a swimming beach. If you choose to swim, the best entry and exit point to the water is at the south end of the beach. There is a small opening in the rocks (near neighboring Kikaua Beach) which makes entry and exit a bit easier. Fishing is good at Kuki’o but be sure to cast out and not leave hooks in the water.
Turtles also sometimes crawl onto the sand to sun themselves. If you are lucky enough to see them resting on shore; please maintain a 10-foot perimeter and don’t disturb.
Note that there are very nice restrooms and showers accessible at the top of the boardwalk near the parking lot.
Location: Google Map pin
Kuki’o can be accessed through the entrance gate at the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort (72-100 Ka'upulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740). Drive to the security hut and tell them you would like to go to the public beach. Turn left just after the security hut and follow the road until you reach the paved parking lot. The walk to the beach along a boardwalk is short and very easy and gentle.
Hours: Daylight hours
For more information: https://bigislandguide.com/kukio-beach
Manini’owali Beach (Kua Bay)
Maniniʻowali is a beautiful three-quarter-mile, fine, white sand, beach backed by lava rock. This beach offers some of Kona's clearest ocean views to turquoise reef. A reef extends along the shoreline ensuring an interesting collection of sea life inside its perimeter. Manini’owali is a wonderful spot for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking. You can often see tropical fish while swimming. Green sea turtles sightings are also not uncommon. If you want to go snorkeling, bring equipment or rent it from one of the local vendors on the beach.
In the winter months, however, the surf is often excellent for bodyboarding and on weekends you can sometimes see a solid line of wave chasers lined up in the water waiting for the next rolling wave to carry them up and over.
Access along the “newly” paved road is easy, and there is parking all along the road. There is a turn-around at the end by the restrooms so you can drive all the way to end to look for the closest spot, but beware in the afternoons, you will have to park farther away.
The beach is accessed down a short flight of stairs directly onto the beach or by scrambling down about 10 feet of lava rock. The area right at the bottom of these two access points gets the most crowded. If you walk around the lava cropping to the left, however, the beach is much less crowded. There are no trees or shade on the beach, so bring the umbrellas or sunshade and a hat.
Go as early in the day as possible to avoid the crowds and get a parking spot close to the beach. The beach will frequently fill up by mid-day. Weekdays are also less populated than weekends, as the beach is quite popular with locals.
Sunsets at Kua bay are amazing but can generally only be enjoyed in the Fall and Winter months because the access road to the beach closes at 7:00 PM. The road closes to both entrance and EXIT traffic, so you must be out by 7:00 PM. It can be a long day to stay from 9:30 AM to sunset, but if you have time to make a late afternoon trip, a sunset picnic can be amazing. Set an alarm though, to make sure you make it to the entrance gate by 7:00 PM and don’t get locked in!
Lifeguards are on duty daily. There are also showers and restrooms, but no food so pack accordingly
Location: Maniniʻowali is part of the Kekaha Kai state park, just north of the Kona airport. Take the second exit to the left, 4.6 miles (7.5 km) after passing the airport. The exit is opposite the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery. Google Map Pin
Hours: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
For more information: https://bigislandguide.com/maniniowali-beach-kua-bay
Makalawena Beach
Makalawena is not accessible by road without a 4-wheel drive vehicle and a sense of adventure. You can also hike in. But the beauty is worth it! It is one of only a handful of bays on the Kona Coast with gorgeous white sand and plentiful shade from palm trees. The hike/drive keeps crowds away, especially on weekdays. Swimming is safe when the waters are calm. The most northerly bay has a protected spot that's very calm.
The land behind Makalawena is private. The 12-acre ʻŌpaeʻula Pond located behind Makalawena is a National Natural Landmark that protects nesting and breeding areas for some native Hawaiian birds. It's surrounded by private property, and therefore inaccessible from Makalawena.
The trails are rough, so sturdy shoes or boots are recommended. There are very limited facilities. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Plan on packing and carrying all your trash out from the beaches.
Location: Highway 19 (Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway) between mile markers 88 and 91. Google Map Pin
From the North – Trailhead #1 – 4 miles round-trip:
Take Hwy. 19 north of Kailua-Kona and Kona International Airport. The dirt road to Makalawena Beach is located just south of the paved road to Kua Bay, between mile markers 88 - 89. 2-wheel drive vehicles can park just off of the highway before the road begins to get rough. 4-wheel drive vehicles can continue for 1.6 miles of very rough road to a gate and small parking area just north of Makalawena Beach. There are no services of any kind at either parking area.
To hike from the 2WD parking area just off the highway indicated as Trailhead #1 on the map above, walk west on the road. Over 1.6 miles, the rough road passes a few fainter trails/roads, and then breaks southwest toward Awakee Bay. This portion of the road is really rough. Continue past the beautiful coral and lava Awakee bay and find a gate and 4-wheel drive parking area just north of Makalawena. Continue a quarter mile to the center of Makalawena beach. The most northerly bay has a protected spot that's very calm.
From the South – Trailhead #2 – 2.2 miles round-trip:
Take Hwy. 19 north of Kailua-Kona and Kona International Airport. Find the road to Mahai'ula Bay between the mile markers 90 - 91. Hike north to Mahai'ula Bay and find a well-defined trail through an ʻaʻā lava field with expansive views. The lava field transitions into a field of huge white sand dunes covered with pōhuehue (beach morning glories). Hike through the dunes toward the back of Makalawena beach. At the northern edge of the dunes, find a short spur trail to a small brackish pond set in a stand of palm trees. Do not swim in the pond. There are restrooms and picnic tables at this trailhead. There is no water.
Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:45 PM daily
For more information:
http://www.best-big-island-hawaii.com/makalawena-beach.html
https://www.explore-the-big-island.com/makalawena-beach.html
Waikoloa
Kiholo Bay (Kiholo State Park Reserve) and Queen's Bath
Kiholo was once a busy fishing village and home of Hawaiian chiefs and Wainanali'i Pond (one of the largest fishponds in Kona). The rocks surrounding the lagoon are remnants of the man-made fishpond that destroyed in 1859 by a Mauna Loa eruption. This stunningly beautiful beach is rarely crowded and offers dappled shade. The beach is crushed lava intermixed with gravel, coral and shell. At low tide, you can walk over smooth pahoehoe lava. Sea turtles are regularly see at Kiholo.
On the south end of the bay (a few hundred yards from the end of the road) is Queen’s Bath. This is a spring-fed freshwater pool inside a lava tube and swimming is possible. Please be sure to rinse off any sunscreen or body oils before taking a dip!
On clear, sunny, days, the shockingly turquoise color of the water can be best seen on the north end of the bay. The color is due in part to large quantities of phytoplankton (algae) in the shallow water which alters the light and creates the dramatic turquoise color. Green sea turtles also frequently gather towards the north end and are also frequently seen swimming in the lagoon, eating sea grass and limu (algae) along the rocks or just gliding freely through the water. If you are lucky enough to see them resting on shore; please maintain a 10-foot perimeter and don’t disturb.
Location: 71-1890 Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Google Map Pin
Kiholo is accessed via a dirt road located between mile markers 82 and 83 on Highway 19. Follow the road one mile toward the ocean, continuing straight where the road forks to the left. At the end of the road, park and continue straight until you reach the shore, then walk north (right) along the beach.
You can also walk from the highway along a shorter trail which starts just south of mile marker 81 on Highway 19 and leads to the north end of the bay. The walk takes about 20 minutes across the barren and exposed pahoehoe lava flow. While the experience is unique, it can be very hot if traveled in mid to late afternoon. Sturdy, rubber soled, footwear as well as sunscreen and hats are strongly recommended!
Hours: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
For more information: https://en.wikipedia.org
Anaehoomalu Bay (aka A-Bay)
A-Bay is a large crescent shaped white sand beach with gentle slopes and waters. It’s a great place for adults and children alike. Wade into shallow waters, float on gentle waves or relax on the sandy beach. There are showers and restrooms available, and at the north end of the bay is the famous Lava Lava Beach Club restaurant (unfortunately closed until October 2022 for renovations). Near Lava Lava is a lava rock formation at which green sea turtles can frequently be seen.
While in this area you may consider exploring the nearby King’s Trail, which winds through ancient Hawaiian lava rock carvings at the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological District and the Waikoloa Petroglyph Reserve.
There are also two historic fish ponds nearby: Ku’uali’i and Kahapapa. Swimming and fishing in the ponds are not permitted.
Sunset is amazing at Anaehoomalu and for that reason Lava Lava (which does not take reservations) is a very popular dinner spot.
Beach parking is available at the end of Ku’uali’i Place road. Note that there is very limited parking right next to the beach entrance. And also some reserved parking for Lava Lava. There are, however, several parking lots along this road close to the beach.
Location: 69-1081 Ku'uali'i Pl, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738 (Lava Lava) Google Map Pin
Travel north from Kona on Highway 19 (Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway). Turn left at the first entrance to the Waikoloa Beach Resort (near mile marker 76). Turn left again off Waikoloa Beach Drive at the intersection across from Kings’ Shops (follow signs to Lava Lava Beach Club).
Hours: Daylight hours
For more information: https://www.lovebigisland.com
Hapuna State Beach Park
Hapuna regularly ranks high, and has been ranked #1, among the top U.S. beaches. It’s an expansive crescent of smooth white sands. It offers reliably good conditions for swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing and (some say) snorkeling. The beach has a shaded picnic pavilion and is lined by trees. But to get a prime shady spot you must arrive early. While the waters are calmer on this beach, higher surf results in rip currents so be cautious if body boarding in waves greater than 3 feet tall.
Three Frogs Cafe (located in the park) offers food and drink and also rents beach gear (boogie boards, beach chairs/umbrellas, and snorkeling gear). (Open 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily; north side of parking lot.)
Facilities include restrooms, outdoor shows and lifeguard on duty. Parking is quite easy. Entrance and parking fees apply (there is a payment kiosk for payment).
Location: Old Puako Rd, Waimea, HI 96743 Google Map Pin
Hours: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM Daily
For more information: https://hawaiistateparks.org
Wailea Beach (Beach 69)
Wailea Beach is another beach which has appeared on the Best Beaches in the U.S. Top 10 list. It is referred to as “Beach 69” because the parking area is close to the #69 utility pole. The beach offers sun, shade and good snorkeling. There is plenty of white sand in the summer months, but the sand erodes quite a bit over the winter months. The best snorkeling/diving is at the reefs alongside the southern side of the bay. There is also plenty of coral around the large rock formations rising out of the water inside the bay and near the rocky point on the north (right) side of the beach.
Location: Google Map Pin
Travel north on Highway 19 from Kona for approximately 23 miles. Turn left onto Puako Beach Drive after you pass the Waikoloa resorts. If you see the exit to Hapuna Beach, you have gone too far.
From Puako Beach Drive, take the first right onto Old Puako Road. You will pass numbered telephone poles along this road. Turn left between poles 69 and 70 (about half a mile). Paid parking is available near the beach.
Hours: Daylight hours
For more information: https://www.explore-the-big-island.com
North of Waikoloa
Spencer Beach Park
One of the few white-sand beaches on island, Spencer Beach offers soft, smooth shoreline and ample shade under large native trees. The water at Spencer’s is usually calm and the atmosphere relaxing. Parking is close and access is easy. A long, shallow reef offshore keeps out high waves and strong currents. The water near the shore is shallow and excellent for kids.
The Park has a large picnic pavilion with tables and electrical outlets. The Park also has restrooms, lifeguard on duty and outdoor showers.
While you are here, consider taking a walk to the adjacent temple sides Pu'ukohola Heiau (built by King Kamehameha I in 1790-91) or Mailekini Heiau (on Pelekane Beach, considered a sacred area).
Location: 62-3461 Kawaihae Road, Waimea, HI 96743 Google Map Pin
Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Overnight Camping (by permit)
For more information: https://en.wikipedia.org
South of Waimea
Laupāhoehoe Point Beach Park
Laupāhoehoe is situated on a peninsula along the Hāmākua Coast on the NE side of the island. It is surrounded by thriving rainforest and spectacular views of the rugged coastline. The surf is often big, and the crashing waves are mesmerizing. Swimming is not recommended. The water is usually rough and the currents strong. On calm days, dip your feet in the water or explore the tide pools. Check current conditions and pay attention to posted signs regarding ocean conditions and safety. Although submerging in the waters is not recommended, beachside park facilities include large pavilions, picnic tables, campsites, potable water, showers and restrooms make for a very enjoyable day by the ocean. You can also shoreline fish from lava branches extending from the south side of the shore and locals frequently throw fishnets here. There is a memorial for those lost in a tsunami in 1943 and there are also some WW1 Armory relics available for viewing.
You may consider combining Laupāhoehoe with a trip to Waimea and Honnokaa.
Location: 17 miles south of Honokaa (NE side of the island off Highway 19. Google Map Pin
Hours: 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM
For more information: https://bigislandguide.com
Captain Cook
See Activities / Snorkeling
Between Captain Cook & Volcanoes
Punaluu Black Sand Beach
Black sand beaches are made of crushed lava rock. Punaluu Black Sand Beach offers jet black shoreline which is a unique and unforgettable sight. Coconut palms line the upper edge of sand making a dramatic and beautiful landscape.
Swimming is not ideal at this beach, but it is a nice stopover on the way to Volcanos to picnic, take in the novelty and checkout out the fishpond covered in lily pads. Hawaiian green sea or Hawksbill turtles are frequently seen basking on the warm beach sand. Hawksbill turtles are on the endangered species list so be extra-observant of the rule to give them a wide berth and not cause external stress by getting too close. At times Hawaiian monk seals can also be seen. These are also endangered species and should not be approached in any event.
Last, although it may be tempting, black sand is a novelty and in short supply. Please do not remove any black sand from the beach.
Despite all the “don’t touch or take rules”, this beach is worth seeing as a truly unique geological experience. There is parking, restrooms, showers and a picnic pavilion.
Location: Between the towns of Pahala and Naalehu in Kau. Enter off Highway 11 just south of the 55-mile marker. Google Map Pin
Hours: Daylight hours
For more information: https://bigislandguide.com
Hilo & Southeast Beaches
We don't spend much time discussing beaches in the Hilo or southeast region of the island on this page. Of course if you choose to spend a few days on the Hilo side, we recommend you check out our Other Island Resources to help get you to some great spots. There are, however, two beaches we want to make sure you know about:
Isaac Hale State Beach Park (Pahoa)
This is the newest black beach sand on Hawai'i and is also referred to by it's Hawaiian name, Pohoiki beach. This beach may not be in existence forever due the manner in which it was formed and it's location. It is covered in black sand deposited after the 2018 volcanic eruption of Kilauea volcano. The beach park existed prior to the eruption and narrowly escaped destruction by lava flows. One flow came into the park from the left side about 20 feet tall. This resulted in the former boat launching site being closed off which has now become a pond. The flows also created a new black sand beach which is semi-circular on the entire ocean side of the park. This beach is a monument to the power of Pele and how she has formed Hawai'i over time.
The beach is beautiful, and a lifeguard is typically on duty during open hours, but this is not a good swimming or snorkeling beach. The water can be rough and there are dangerous ocean currents. There are no facilities (including restrooms (porta potties only) or running water). It can also get very warm on the beach as you are surrounded by black lava and the sun reflecting off of it. Arriving before the hottest time of day is more enjoyable. Bring water. Snacks or a picnic is also advisable if you plan to stay a while or make the stop over a meal time hour as this beach is a bit out of the way. The closest businesses are in Pahoa.
Location: GPS directions to Pohoiki should not be trusted. The old access roads were overrun by lava and a new road between MacKenzie State Park and Pohoiki was cleared. Not all maps have been updated. Head South from Pahoa on Highway 130 all the way to the end. Turn left onto Highway 137 along the coast which ends at Pohoiki. You will pass over three high volcanic flows, with the road being rebuilt to go over each of the volcanic flows and travel past Kaimū Beach Park. (see favorite scenic drives.
Note: Kaimū Beach Park is also quite interesting. It does require a little bit of a hike over a lava field that blocked access to the beach which is reinventing itself. It has it's own interesting story. No facilities.
Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
For more information: https://www.lovebigisland.com
Richardson Ocean Park and Carlsmith (Four Mile) Beach Park (Hilo)
These are the two most popular beaches in a chain of beaches near down Hilo.
Richardson's is an interesting beach near Hilo. The sand is green (comprised of olivine crystals) and black (comprised of lava). The other beaches with green sand are quite a challenge/commitment to reach. So if you really want to see what green sand looks like, but are not able to make it to the distinctly green sand beaches, this is an alternative. The water in front of the beach is also shallow and very clear making for great snorkeling. There are also tide pools which keikis love to explore. Richardson's has a lifeguard on duty during park hours as well as picnic areas, showers, restrooms, and parking.
Carlsmith is another great place for keikis to get out of the car and burn off some energy in the protected pool-like swimming area which is also great for snorkeling in calm waters. A lifeguard is on duty on weekends and holidays between 9:30 and 4:45 p.m., and there are restrooms, a shower, drinking water and a picnic area.
Both of these beaches get VERY busy on the weekends.
Location: Go east from downtown Hilo on Kalaniana’ole Avenue to reach a series of beach parks. Carlsmith is about 4 miles/10 minutes from downtown Hilo and Richardson's is another mile after that.
Richardson's: Google Map Pin
Carlsmith: Google Map Pin
Hours:
Richardson's: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Carlsmith: 9:30 AM to 4:45 PM (lifeguard hours)
For more information:
Carlsmith: https://www.lovebigisland.com/Carlsmith
Richardson's: https://www.lovebigisland.com/Richardson's