Big Island Beaches
Big Island of Hawaii
HAPUNA BEACH STATE PARK
#1 BEACH IN AMERICA 2021
1. HAPUNA BEACH STATE PARK, BIG ISLAND HAWAII
This white coral sand beach resides in a landscape dominated by black lava flows. During the summer months, Hapuna is a perfect place to swim, snorkel or scuba dive in the crystal clear and clean waters, but big waves during the winter can generate powerful rip currents. Fortunately, there are well-trained lifeguards at this state park.
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https://www.drbeach.org/#/hapunadeachstatepark/
Big Island Beaches
The island of Hawaii features some of the most picturesque and varied beach landscapes in the world. From white sand, to black sand beaches (and a few other colors in-between), visitors can see first-hand how volcanic activity has shaped and influenced the beauty of Hawaii. From beautiful resort beaches, to rugged, off-the-beaten-path sands that are wild, remote and rewarding — there is much to explore.
Enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the calm waters at Carlsmith Beach. And, don't forget to keep an eye out for honu (sea turtles) in one of the vast lagoons.
Onekahakaha Beach Park
A favorite with locals, this small, shallow sand-bottomed ocean pool just east of the Hilo Airport is one the safest swimming areas along the Hilo coast, with tide pools and inlets. Perfect for family snorkeling, it also offers lovely views of Hilo Bay.
Leleiwi Beach Park
With its series natural ponds and coves this beach park is a popular destination for snorkelers.
Richardson Ocean Center/Leleiwi Beach Park
The shallow bay fronting Richardson Ocean Center is the most popular snorkeling site on the east side of the island. The center, which is two miles south down Kalanianaole Avenue from Onekahakaha Beach, has picnic pavilions, restrooms, parking and showers.
Honolii Beach Park
A conveniently located beach less than 2 miles from downtown Hilo and is a favorite spot for surfers.
Kau Beaches
Punaluu Black Sand Beach
Thirty miles south of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is island of Hawaii's famous black sand beach and a great place to see honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) basking on the shore. An adjacent campground is popular with local families and fisherman.
Anaehoomalu Bay (Waikoloa Beach Resort)
This stretch of Kohala Coast beach next to the Waikoloa Beach Marriott is a place to rent kayaks, hydro bikes and body boards or to snorkel, scuba dive or sunbathe. There is ample parking, along with picnic facilities and restrooms. A historic Hawaiian fishpond also hugs the beach.
Hapuna Beach Park
The largest white sand beach on the island of Hawaii, this world-renowned beach is located adjacent to the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. There is ample parking with restroom and picnic facilities.
Holoholokai Beach
This small beach park with full facilities near the Fairmont Orchid Hawaii isn’t a sandy beach, but it’s a beautiful place to explore tide pools and snorkel. It’s a short walk from the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve, where you’ll find hundreds of ancient carvings in the lava rock.
Hapuna Beach Park
The largest white sand beach on the island of Hawaii, this world-renowned beach is located adjacent to the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. There is ample parking with restroom and picnic facilities.
Ohaiula/Spencer Beach Park
Popular among families, this Kohala Coast beach, located a half-hour north of Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona), is well protected by an outside reef, which allows for calm swimming and snorkeling waters on most days. The beach park has picnic pavilions, tables and barbeque grills and is within walking distance of Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site.
Waialea
Lined with palm trees, this white sand beach is the home to many tropical fish and marine life.
Kaunaoa Beach
Popular among families, this Kohala Coast beach, located a half-hour north of Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona), is well protected by an outside reef, which allows for calm swimming and snorkeling waters on most days. The beach park has picnic pavilions, tables and barbeque grills and is within walking distance of Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site.
Kona Beaches
Kahaluu Beach Park
