The 12 BEST Big Island Beaches for Hawaiian Vibes & Good Times
The 12 Best Beaches on Hawaii's Big Island — From Black Sand to Turquoise Coves
Hawaii's Big Island offers the most diverse beach landscape in the Hawaiian chain, including rare black sand beaches (Punaluu), green olivine beaches (Papakolea), and classic white-sand shores near Kailua-Kona like Mauna Kea Beach and Hapuna Beach. Hapuna Beach is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. For snorkeling, Kahaluu Beach Park and Two-Step near Honaunau are top-rated. Most beaches along the Kohala Coast require paid parking or resort access, so planning ahead is recommended.
Thinking about booking a tropical getaway to the island of Hawaii? Finding the best beaches Big Island has to offer is probably at the top of your vacation to-do list!
The famous Hawaiian island is a dynamic, geologically unique paradise where volcanic activity has created a jaw-dropping mix of coastal landscapes including the best snorkeling spots, black sand beaches, and hidden hiking trails.
Sea the Best Big Island Beaches
Whether you are searching for family-friendly swimming coves near Kailua-Kona or rugged, off-the-beaten-path adventures along the dramatic Kohala Coast, this guide has you covered!
Plus, we’ve even thrown in some helpful tips on where to stay and what to pack.
So, let's dive into the ultimate list of the best Big Island beaches for pure Hawaiian vibes and unforgettable memories!
| Beach Name | Best For | Vibe / Setting | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Hapuna Beach | Sunbathing & swimming | Wide, sweeping resort-adjacent white sands | Consistently ranked as one of the top white-sand beaches in the United States. |
| 2. Punaluu Beach | Wildlife viewing & photography | Stark volcanic black sands lined with coconut palms | Famous for its dark sand and resident Honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) basking on shore. |
| 3. Kauna'oa (Mauna Kea) | Safe family swimming | Luxurious, manicured crescent cove | Features a perfectly sloped shoreline and nighttime manta ray viewing stations. |
| 4. Kahalu'u Beach Park | Beginner snorkeling | Shallow, reef-protected "salt and pepper" sand bay | Acts like a natural aquarium teeming with vibrant tropical fish right near downtown Kona. |
| 5. Papakolea Beach | Rugged adventure | Remote, wind-swept volcanic cinder cone | One of only four green olivine sand beaches in the entire world. |
| 6. Kealakekua Bay | Advanced snorkeling & history | Pristine marine sanctuary with a historic monument | Extraordinary 100-foot underwater visibility and frequent wild dolphin sightings. |
| 7. Two-Step (Honaunau) | Scuba & free diving | Smooth, sun-warmed lava flats | Natural rock steps make sliding directly into a massive coral reef effortless. |
| 8. Magic Sands Beach | Bodyboarding & action | Lively, high-energy neighborhood hangout | White sand completely vanishes in winter and magically returns every spring. |
| 9. Spencer Beach Park | Toddlers & young kids | Fully protected, calm shallow basin | Shaded grassy lawns, pavilions, and water as calm as a swimming pool. |
| 10. Makalawena Beach | Escaping the crowds | Untouched, pristine wilderness bays | Stunning white dunes and uncrowded shores hidden behind a lava rock hike. |
| 11. Anaeho'omalu Bay (A-Bay) | Water sports & sunsets | Bustling beach backed by historic fishponds | Prime west-facing spot for catamaran cruises, paddleboarding, and beachfront dining. |
| 12. Waialea Bay (Beach 69) | All-day relaxing | Shaded, cozy pockets of sand | Huge kiawe trees grow directly out of the sand, providing perfect natural shade. |
1 | Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area | If your idea of a perfect beach day involves a massive stretch of powdery white sand and brilliant turquoise water, Hapuna Beach needs to be your first stop.
Located along the sunny Kohala Coast, Hapuna is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the United States, and it is easy to see why.
During the summer months, the water here is calm, clear, and perfect for swimming, bodyboarding, and casual snorkeling along the rocky edges. But be warned: big winter swells can bring powerful shore breaks that are best left to experienced bodyboarders.
Insider Tip: There is a $10 parking fee and a $5 per-person entry fee for non-Hawaii residents.
Where: Old Puako Rd, Waimea, HI 96743 | Who: (808) 961-9540
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2 | Punaluu Black Sand Beach | For an experience that feels truly otherworldly, head to the Kau coast on the southeastern side of the island to visit Punaluu Beach.
This is the most famous black sand beach on the island, formed when hot basaltic lava poured into the cold ocean and exploded into tiny glass fragments over centuries.
Beyond the incredible scenery, Punaluu is famous for its locals: the Honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) and Honu'ea (hawksbill turtles). You will almost always spot them basking in the sun right on the dark sand.
Where: Ninole Loop Rd, Pahala, HI 96777 | Who: (808) 961-8311
3 | Kauna'oa (Mauna Kea) Beach | Kauna'oa Beach is a quintessential Hawaiian crescent cove.
With its soft white sand and a perfectly sloped shoreline, it offers some of the safest swimming conditions on the island during calm weather, making it popular among families with kids.
Insider Tip: Because the beach is shared with a resort, public parking is limited, so show up early or plan an early dinner at the resort to catch their famous nighttime manta ray viewing station!
Where: 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743 | Who: (808) 882-5470
4 | Kahalu'u Beach Park | If your main goal is to see as many colorful tropical fish as possible without swimming miles offshore, Kahalu'u Beach Park is your absolute best bet.
Located just south of downtown Kailua-Kona, this shallow, sheltered bay is protected by a natural fringing reef, making it a calm haven for marine life.
You’ll spot yellow tangs, parrotfish, and sea turtles swimming over the coral gardens in just a few feet of water, and the sand is a unique "salt and pepper" blend of crushed coral and black lava rock.
Insider Tip: The reef is protected, so be sure to pack some reef-safe sunscreen if you plan on getting in the water.
Where: 78-6702 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 | Who: (808) 961-8311
5 | Papakolea Green Sand Beach | Looking for an adventure that will leave your friends green with envy? Papakolea Beach is one of only four green sand beaches in the entire world!
Its distinct olive-green hue comes from olivine crystals, a heavy mineral created during volcanic eruptions that gets left behind while lighter ash and sand wash out to sea.
Getting there is a journey, but it’s part of the fun. It requires a hot, windy, 2.5-mile hike along a rugged dirt trail starting from South Point.
If you’re not up for the hike, many local drivers do offer 4x4 rides to the beach for a fee.
Where: Naalehu, HI 96772 | Who: N/A
6 | Kealakekua Bay & Captain Cook Monument | Kealakekua Bay is a marine life conservation district that holds both immense historical importance and some of the most pristine coral reefs in the state.
On the far side of the bay stands a 27-foot white stone monument marking the spot where British explorer Captain James Cook lost his life in 1779.
The waters surrounding the monument are extraordinarily clear, dropping off into deep trenches where wild spinner dolphins frequently play. While the beach at the monument itself is rocky and small, the underwater world here is unmatched, offering visibility that often exceeds 100 feet.
Where: Captain Cook, HI 96704 | Who: (808) 961-9540
7 | Honaunau Bay | Directly adjacent to the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park (the City of Refuge) lies Honaunau Bay.
Known as "Two-Step" by locals, the nickname comes from two natural steps formed by smooth lava rock that make entering and exiting the deep water incredibly easy.
There is virtually no sand here; instead, you lounge on flat, sun-warmed lava flats before sliding into the pristine, calm water. The visibility is spectacular, and a massive coral shelf teeming with marine life sits just feet from the entry point.
Where: 84-5571 Honaunau Beach Rd, Captain Cook, HI 96704 | Who: N/A
8 | La'aloa (or Magic Sands) Beach Park | Located right along the bustling Alii Drive in Kona, Magic Sands gets its fun name from a quirky natural phenomenon.
During the winter months, strong surf pulls all the white sand completely off the shore, exposing a stark lava rock shelf. Then, come springtime, gentle currents push the sand right back, magically restoring the beautiful beach!
Where: Ali'i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 | Who: N/A
9 | Spencer Beach Park | If you are traveling with toddlers or young kids and want a beach day completely free of stress, Samuel M. Spencer Beach Park is a fantastic choice.
Located on the northern Kohala Coast, this beach is fully protected by an offshore reef and a large harbor breakwater, resulting in water that resembles a calm swimming pool.
The park features a massive, grassy lawn shaded by large trees, making it an excellent spot for a relaxing picnic or just lounging and catching some sun.
Insider Tip: The park is a popular weekend spot for families and can get very busy. Visit during the week for a peaceful, uncrowded experience.
Where: 62-3461 Kawaihae Rd, Waimea, HI 96743 | Who: (808) 961-8311
10 | Makalawena Beach | For those willing to do a little work for a slice of untouched paradise, Makalawena Beach is widely considered the most beautiful wilderness beach on the island.
Located within the Kekaha Kai State Park, it requires a 20-to-30-minute walk across a rugged, unpaved lava path.
Your reward is a series of breathtaking, uncrowded crescent bays featuring bright white sand dunes, shady ironwood trees, and pristine, crystal-clear swimming pools formed by the surrounding lava rock.
Where: HI-19, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 | Who: N/A
11 | Anaeho'omalu Bay | Anaeho'omalu Bay is a large, sweeping white-sand beach backed by ancient Hawaiian fishponds and a grove of beautiful coconut palms.
Because it is located right in front of the Waikoloa Beach Marriott, it functions as a one-stop shop for water sports. You can rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, hydro-bikes, or book a sunset catamaran cruise directly from the beach hut.
Insider Tip: The bay faces due west, making it one of the premier spots on the island to watch the Hawaiian sunset.
Where: Waikoloa Beach Resort, HI 96738 | Who: N/A
12 | Waialea Bay | Nicknamed "Beach 69" because of the number on a utility pole that used to sit near the entrance, Waialea Bay is a favorite among.
Unlike many of the wide, exposed beaches on the Kohala Coast, Waialea features huge, sprawling kiawe trees that grow right out of the sand, offering shade from the intense Hawaiian sun.
The beach has a gentle slope, and during the summer, the snorkeling around the rocky points and tiny rocky islets inside the bay is spectacular.
Insider Tip: Like Hapuna, there is a paid parking system for out-of-state visitors.
Where: Old Puako Rd, Waimea, HI 96743 | Who: N/A
Pro Travel Tips for Big Island Beach Days
To ensure your beach days are safe, respectful, and completely stress-free, keep these essential tips in mind:
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Always Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Hawaii has strict laws banning the sale of sunscreens containing chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which bleach and destroy coral reefs. Opt for mineral-based sunscreens utilizing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead.
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Respect the Wildlife: Keep a respectful distance from marine animals. It is illegal to harass or approach Hawaiian green sea turtles (Honu) and Hawaiian monk seals. Maintain a distance of at least 10 feet for turtles and 50 feet for seals.
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Check Ocean Conditions Daily: The Pacific Ocean is incredibly powerful. A beach that is flat and calm in July can feature dangerous 15-foot shore breaks in January. Always check with lifeguards or consult local surf reports before heading out.
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Pack Out What You Pack In: Help keep the islands beautiful. Leave nothing behind but your footprints, and always pick up any loose trash you see along the shorelines.
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Stay Central: Choosing your home base is key! Sea Mountain is ideally situated to explore all that Big Island has to offer, just moments away from popular attractions, dining options, and beautiful beaches.
Catch a Wave!
Whether you are floating over the vibrant coral reefs of Kahaluu, hiking the rugged paths to Makalawena, or catching a fiery sunset at A-Bay, these shores deliver the ultimate mix of relaxation and pure island adventure.
Now that you know exactly where to find the best beaches the Big Island has to offer, it is time to turn those tropical dreams into reality.
Ready to say aloha to the Big Island? For more expert destination guides, curated packing lists, and local travel secrets to help you navigate the Hawaiian Islands like a pro, check out our Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.
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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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