Want to explore black sand, green sand, and classic white-sand beaches all in one trip? In our 6 years living on the Big Island, we discovered the island's best spots. I lived within walking distance of Ai‘opio Beach which I recommend for snorkeling (get there early in the winter before the water gets choppy). Pack running shoes and you can go for a jog around the fishponds (there is plenty of shade and usually a nice ocean breeze).
These beaches offer volcanic drama, crystal waters, and unforgettable coastal adventures. Whether you are looking for beaches near Kona or Hilo, there is something for everyone.
If you are in a hurry, I recommend:
Unique Beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii:
1. Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area - 30-minute drive from Kona
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Location:
Kohala Coast, Big Island, Hawaii — just 30 minutes north of Kona International Airport, and straight out of a dream.Why We Love It:
With powdery white sand stretching half a mile and sparkling turquoise waters, Hapuna Beach is the classic Hawaiian beach — wide, sunny, and postcard-perfect. Whether you're catching waves, chasing sunsets, or floating your cares away, this place feels like it was made for memory-making.Who Should Go:
Snorkelers, swimmers, sun-worshippers, families with beach gear in tow, and anyone who dreams of that iconic Hawaiian shoreline moment. It’s also a hit with hikers wanting more than just sand between their toes.What We Can't Get Enough Of:
That soft, sugar-white sand underfoot. The gentle slope of the beach into crystal-clear surf. Tree Frogs Cafe’s ono lunch plates. And watching the sun dip low over the Pacific, turning everything golden and magical.- Start Bold: Claim your spot on the sand early — this beach is a favorite for a reason. Then dive into snorkeling, swimming, or surfing depending on the waves and your vibe.
- Roam: Lace up for the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, which weaves through ancient lava fields and past anchialine ponds, revealing the island’s wilder, sacred side.
- Get Curious: Explore the nearby coves, tidepools, and geological formations. The mix of beach and natural history here is quietly jaw-dropping.
- Dive Into the Past: Walking the Ala Kahakai Trail puts you in the footsteps of Native Hawaiians who once traveled this coastline by foot — a moving connection to the island’s heritage.
- Go Beyond: Snag a camping permit and stay the night. With lifeguards on duty year-round and all-day sunshine, it’s a slice of island paradise that never overstays its welcome.
Distance from Kona International Airport:
Just a 30-minute scenic drive up the coast. Bring your shades, beach tunes, and anticipation — this one’s worth every mile.Getting There:
Head north on Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, turn onto Old Puako Road, and you’ll soon spot the shimmer of Hapuna’s sand in the distance. Park, exhale, and let the island do the rest.
2. Ai'opio Beach - 15-minute drive from Kona
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Location:
Kailua-Kona, Big Island — tucked within Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park, just 15 minutes from Kona International Airport.Why We Love It:
Ai'opio Beach is where ancient Hawaiian engineering meets coastal serenity. Shady, calm, and full of soul, this beach isn’t just about sun and sand — it’s about connecting with culture, nature, and history in one peaceful, palm-fringed spot.Who Should Go:
Families with little swimmers, history buffs with sandy feet, nature lovers hoping to spot a honu (that’s a sea turtle!), and anyone who craves a quieter, more meaningful beach day near Kona.What We Can't Get Enough Of:
"The ancient Ai'opio Fish Trap — still visible and still incredible. The gentle tide pools where kids can wade without worry. And those serene encounters with sea turtles grazing just offshore, reminding us to slow down and soak it all in."- Start Bold: Begin at the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park Visitor Center to understand the cultural significance of this sacred coastal area — it’ll deepen every step you take.
- Roam: Walk the Ala Kahakai coastal trail to the beach, winding past lava fields and archaeological sites that whisper stories of early Hawaiian life.
- Get Curious: Explore the shoreline near the Ai?opio Fish Trap. Designed to catch fish at low tide, it’s one of the coolest examples of ancient Hawaiian aquaculture engineering still in existence.
- Dive Into the Past: This entire park is a living classroom. You’ll find remnants of ancient dwellings, temples, and fishponds that reveal centuries of sustainable living and spiritual depth.
- Go Beyond: Bring snorkel gear, a picnic, and a respectful heart. Watch for sea turtles, but keep your distance — they’re protected, and we’re lucky just to share the beach with them.
Distance from Kona International Airport:
Just a 15-minute drive south. Perfect for squeezing in a culturally rich beach day without a long haul.Getting There:
Head south on Highway 19 from the airport, park at Honokohau Harbor, and follow the path into the park. It’s a gentle stroll to the beach — and a giant leap into Hawaiian heritage.Don't Miss:
Go on a night time manta ray adventure.
Review:★★★★★ " Ai‘opio Beach is great for snorkeling in the summer. There are sea turtles (something they swim near you when you snorkel). Check out the fishpond nearby."
3. Carlsmith Beach Park - 15 minute drive from Hilo
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Location:
Hilo, Big Island — just 10–15 minutes from downtown, along the scenic Kalaniana?ole coastline.Why We Love It:
Carlsmith Beach Park isn’t your typical sandy shore — and that’s exactly why it stands out. Think natural lava pools, calm turquoise water, and grassy lounging spots that make it feel like a tropical swimming club. It’s safe, serene, and filled with wildlife — including sea turtles who casually glide past like locals.Who Should Go:
Families with little ones, first-time snorkelers, anyone staying in Hilo who wants a relaxing and easy-access beach day. If you love gentle water, sea life, and shady spots to stretch out, this is your jam.What We Can't Get Enough Of:
The reef-protected water that feels like a giant natural pool. Watching sea turtles feed just feet away. And setting up on the manicured lawn for a chill sunbathing session or shaded picnic break between dips.- Start Bold: Jump into the crystal-clear lagoons framed by lava rocks. They’re calm, shallow, and ideal for swimming or just floating your stress away.
- Roam: Explore the lava and reef formations that create this one-of-a-kind swimming spot. Every little cove has its own charm (and maybe a turtle or two).
- Get Curious: Bring snorkel gear — this is one of Hilo’s top snorkeling spots. The coral is alive with color and the water’s clarity is perfect for spotting marine life.
- Dive Into the Past: Named after James Kealoha, Hawai'i’s first lieutenant governor, this beach park is a local legacy of both beauty and community.
- Go Beyond: Bring a lunch, grab one of the picnic tables, and stay for the day. Lifeguards are on duty on weekends and holidays, and there are restrooms, showers, and shaded lawns — basically everything you need for a mellow beach hang.
Distance from Hilo:
Only a 10–15 minute drive — perfect for a morning dip, midday recharge, or sunset stroll.Getting There:
Take Highway 137 east from downtown Hilo. Watch for signs along Kalaniana?ole Avenue. Parking is easy, and once you step onto the lawn, you’re already on island time.
Romantic Beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii:
4. Coconut Island - walk from Downtown Hilo
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Location:
Hilo Bay, Big Island — just off the shore of Lili'uokalani Park and Gardens, connected by a short pedestrian footbridge.Why We Love It:
This tiny island packs a huge personality. Known locally as Mokuola — meaning “healing island” — it’s a peaceful spot steeped in Hawaiian legend. Add in grassy lawns, picture-perfect views, and a jumping tower into the Pacific, and you’ve got a beach day with meaning, memory, and motion.Who Should Go:
Families looking for a low-key adventure, photographers chasing Hilo’s best angles, and anyone who wants to soak up some culture, swim in calm waters, or just relax on a little slice of island paradise.What We Can't Get Enough Of:
"The 20-foot jumping tower that turns every leap into a laugh. The way the island frames Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea in your camera lens. And the energy — Coconut Island always seems to hum with joy, community, and connection."- Start Bold: Take the plunge from the jumping tower — with two levels to leap from, it’s a rite of passage for adventurous visitors and local teens alike.
- Roam: Wander the grassy lawns and scenic edges, or bring lunch and stretch out at one of the shady pavilion areas.
- Get Curious: Learn the meaning behind Mokuola — a name rooted in ancient beliefs that the island’s waters could heal wounds and restore strength.
- Dive Into the Past: Once a sacred spot used by Hawaiian warriors for ritual purification, Coconut Island still feels spiritual, serene, and sacred in its own quiet way.
- Go Beyond: Bring your camera — the views of downtown Hilo, Mauna Kea, and Mauna Loa are unbeatable, especially in golden hour light.
Distance from Downtown Hilo:
Just minutes on foot — cross the bridge from Lili?uokalani Gardens and you’re instantly on island time.Getting There:
Walk or drive to Lili'uokalani Park in Hilo and follow the path to Coconut Island. Parking is available nearby, and the vibe is relaxed, welcoming, and wonderfully local.
5. Holoholokai Beach Park, Mauna Lani
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Location:
Kohala Coast, Big Island — tucked near Mauna Lani, just steps from luxury resorts and ancient Hawaiian history.Why We Love It:
This beach is more than just a scenic spot — it’s a cultural time capsule. Holoholokai Beach Park brings together dramatic lava-meets-coral coastline, grassy recreation space, and one of Hawai?i’s most treasured archaeological gems: the Puako Petroglyphs. Ancient art, crashing waves, and picnic vibes? Yes, please.Who Should Go:
Culture seekers, history lovers, travelers who appreciate natural beauty with a story behind it, and families looking for a beautiful place to picnic and play (even if it’s not a swim spot).What We Can't Get Enough Of:
The wild contrast of black lava and white coral rubble. The peaceful walk along the Malama Trail to over 3,000 ancient etchings. And the grassy lawns — perfect for a post-hike stretch or laid-back game of catch.- Start Bold: Take the Malama Petroglyph Trail from the beach park — it leads you straight into the Big Island’s largest collection of petroglyphs, carved into massive lava boulders.
- Roam: Wander the beach’s unique shoreline of lava rock and coral rubble. It’s rugged, beautiful, and full of photographic texture.
- Get Curious: Study the ancient petroglyphs — some of which depict family groups, animals, or spiritual symbols. Bring your respect and wonder; these stories are hundreds of years old.
- Dive Into the Past: These petroglyphs are more than art — they’re a glimpse into the daily lives and beliefs of Native Hawaiians long before Western contact.
- Go Beyond: Bring lunch and enjoy the picnic tables, barbecue grills, restrooms, and showers. While the surf is too rough for swimming, the grassy lawn is a welcoming space for sports and relaxing.
Distance from Mauna Lani:
Just minutes by foot or car — an ideal add-on to your stay if you’re nearby.Getting There:
Located on Holoholokai Beach Park Rd near the Mauna Lani resort area. Parking is available, and access to the trail and park is easy and well-marked.
6. Honoka'ope Beach - 20 minutes by car from Waikoloa
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Location:
Mauna Lani Resort area, Kohala Coast — nestled at the end of Honoka?ope Place and surrounded by luxury homes and lava cliffs.Why We Love It:
This is one of those beaches that feels like a secret whispered between friends. With salt-and-pepper sand, dramatic lava cliffs, and calm, clear water on good days, Honoka?ope Beach (aka 49 Black Sand Beach) is the kind of spot you dream about — quiet, scenic, and wonderfully uncrowded.Who Should Go:
Snorkelers, solitude seekers, and anyone looking for a pristine beach away from the tourist hustle. It’s especially great for early risers who want their own slice of paradise (before those 20 parking spots fill up!).What We Can't Get Enough Of:
The hush of the waves against black sand. Those otherworldly lava cliffs rising just beyond the beach. And that special feeling of discovering a place not everyone knows how to find.- Start Bold: Arrive early — only 20 parking spaces are available, and a limited number of public access passes are issued daily at the Mauna Lani gate.
- Roam: Walk the trail near the shoreline lava cliffs for views that’ll leave you speechless (and your phone full of photos).
- Get Curious: Slip on a mask and snorkel during calm conditions — the clear water and lava-rock reef make for excellent undersea viewing.
- Dive Into the Past: While the beach is modern in feel, it’s shaped by ancient volcanic flows — a powerful reminder of Hawai?i’s raw, natural history.
- Go Beyond: Bring a good book, reef-safe sunscreen, and a relaxed attitude. With access from 8:00am to 5:00pm, you've got all day to soak in this secluded beauty.
Distance from Waikoloa:
Roughly 15–20 minutes by car — a quick hop to serenity if you’re staying at Mauna Lani or anywhere along the Kohala Coast.Getting There:
Enter through the Mauna Lani Resort gate and request a beach access pass. Then drive to the end of Honoka?ope Place to the small lot. Arrive early — it’s worth it.
Family-friendly Beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii:
7. Honoli'i Beach Park - Less than 10 minutes by car from Downtown Hilo
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Location:
East coast of the Big Island — just 2.2 miles north of downtown Hilo on Kahoa Street.Why We Love It:
If you're after surf culture with a local twist, Honoli?i is where it’s at. It’s one of the only beaches on the Big Island offering year-round surfing, with black sand and rugged shoreline beauty that gives it a moody, magnetic vibe. Whether you’re waxing a board or just watching the pros, this place pulses with energy.Who Should Go:
Surfers of all skill levels, wave-watchers, photographers, and anyone wanting a real-deal local hangout with great people-watching, shady picnic spots, and crashing surf.What We Can't Get Enough Of:
The mix of black sand and beach glass underfoot. Watching groms and seasoned surfers carve through the waves. And those oceanfront picnic areas nestled under trees — the perfect contrast to the beach’s raw power.- Start Bold: Bring your board — summer’s mellow waves are great for beginners, while winter swells challenge even seasoned pros.
- Roam: Wander the shoreline and look for beach glass and coral rubble — it’s a scavenger’s dream with an artistic twist.
- Get Curious: Hang out at one of the designated spectator areas. There’s no better way to appreciate the skill (and style) of local surfers catching serious air.
- Dive Into the Past: Honoli?i is deeply embedded in Hilo’s surf history and local identity. Surfing here isn’t just sport — it’s heritage in motion.
- Go Beyond: Grab snacks and chill in the picnic areas shaded by native trees. With waves crashing nearby, it’s a peaceful contrast to the surf action just feet away.
Distance from Downtown Hilo:
Less than 10 minutes by car — an easy hop north for sunrise surf sessions or late afternoon hangouts.Getting There:
Head north on Waianuenue Avenue, turn onto Kahoa Street, and you’ll find Honoli?i Beach Park waiting at the end. There’s a small lot and street parking nearby, but it fills up fast when the waves are good.
8. Kaimu Beach - 45 minutes by car from Hilo
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Location:
Puna District, Big Island — about 45 minutes south of Hilo, where lava reshaped the land and nature begins anew.Why We Love It:
Kaimu Beach is not your typical place to lay out a towel. It’s a black sand shoreline reborn from lava — a living symbol of the Big Island’s ever-changing landscape. The original beach and towns were buried by Kilauea’s 1990 eruption, and what’s here now is young, powerful, and humbling to witness.Who Should Go:
Volcano buffs, geology lovers, photographers, and anyone looking to understand the Big Island’s true, untamed heart. This isn’t a spot for sunbathers — it’s for those who stand in awe of Earth in motion.What We Can't Get Enough Of:
Walking the Kaimu Beach Eco-Path across cracked lava fields. Seeing tiny ferns and palms reclaim barren rock. And realizing you’re standing on land younger than most of us — still settling into its identity.- Start Bold: Take the Kaimu Beach Eco-Path trail. It winds through black lava terrain, revealing the haunting beauty of this freshly formed coastline.
- Roam: Watch your step on the sharp lava rocks that shape the shoreline — this rugged landscape isn’t built for flip-flops.
- Get Curious: Study the textures of the lava — swirls, ridges, and cracks that look like they were painted by nature’s fiercest artist.
- Dive Into the Past: Imagine the beach before 1990, when it was one of Hawai?i’s most famous black sand gems. This is a place of loss — and rebirth.
- Go Beyond: Head to nearby Uncle Robert’s ‘Awa Club for local flavors and the weekly farmer’s market. It’s a vibrant gathering where music, food, and resilience come together.
Distance from Hilo:
About 45 minutes by car — a stunning drive through lush rainforest that suddenly opens into lava land.Getting There:
Drive south on Highway 130 to Kalapana. You’ll find parking near Uncle Robert’s and access to the trailhead. Come prepared with closed-toe shoes, water, and respect for this sacred, evolving space.
9. Kamakahonu Beach, Kona
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Location:
Kailua-Kona, Big Island — right in the heart of Historic Kailua Village, steps from shops, history, and harborside cafes.Why We Love It:
This beach is where royalty met tranquility. Once home to King Kamehameha the Great, Kamakahonu Beach offers a blend of rich Hawaiian heritage and calm, swimmable waters. With sacred ruins behind you and gentle waves ahead, it’s both a cultural landmark and a go-to local favorite.Who Should Go:
History lovers, beginner snorkelers, beach-loving families, and anyone who wants a scenic, peaceful spot in central Kona with both stories to tell and safe waters to enjoy.What We Can't Get Enough Of:
The view of Ahu?ena Heiau, Kamehameha’s restored temple, right beside the beach. The nickname “Children’s Beach” fits — it’s shallow, clear, and perfect for floating. Plus, everything you need is just a few flip-flop steps away.- Start Bold: Stand on the sand where King Kamehameha spent his final years (1812–1819). The sacred Ahu?ena Heiau remains a powerful reminder of his legacy.
- Roam: Walk the shoreline or explore Historic Kailua Village. This whole area is a living museum of Hawaiian monarchy, culture, and early missionary life.
- Get Curious: Rent snorkeling gear or a small boat — the calm waters are ideal for low-key exploration and safe paddling.
- Dive Into the Past: View restored structures that once served as Kamehameha’s office and spiritual center — living testaments to a foundational era in Hawai?i’s history.
- Go Beyond: Enjoy picnic sites and barbecue grills with a view. After a swim, kick back Kona-style with some local grindz and sunset vibes.
Distance from Kona International Airport:
Roughly 15–20 minutes south. Whether it’s your first stop or last memory, Kamakahonu hits all the right notes.Getting There:
Drive into downtown Kailua-Kona and follow signs toward Kailua Pier. The beach is tucked between the pier and the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort, with nearby public parking and easy walking access.
10. Kauna’oa Beach (with Map of Other Hawaii Beaches and Bays)
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Location:
Kohala Coast, Big Island — fronting the iconic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, this beach is a showstopper in every sense.Why We Love It:
Kauna?oa Beach is classic Hawai?i — a pristine crescent of white sand framed by turquoise water and lush palms. Often called Mauna Kea Beach, it’s the kind of spot where time slows down, the waves glisten, and sunset feels like a private showing just for you. Add in a luxury hotel next door? You’re in paradise.Who Should Go:
Families, honeymooners, sunbathers, and snorkelers seeking calm water and postcard vibes — plus anyone who appreciates a day of beachy bliss with easy access to food, drinks, and top-tier views.What We Can't Get Enough Of:
That powdery soft sand. The clear water made for lazy floats. And after dark? Watching manta rays swirl beneath floodlights off the shore is pure magic — a rare and unforgettable Big Island experience.- Start Bold: Swim, snorkel, or just stretch out under the sun — the half-mile crescent beach is calm and crystal-clear in summer months.
- Roam: Head out with your mask and fins to explore the reefy edges — the visibility here can be stunning when the water’s calm.
- Get Curious: Ask the hotel’s front desk about the best time to see the manta rays. As the sun sets, these graceful giants show up to feed in the floodlit shallows.
- Dive Into the Past: The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel was the first luxury resort on the island — and this beach helped put it on the map as a world-class destination.
- Go Beyond: Enjoy lunch or tropical drinks at the hotel’s open-air restaurant. The food’s fresh, the views are perfect, and the vibe? Effortlessly upscale.
Distance from Waikoloa:
About 15 minutes north by car — ideal for a beach day escape if you're staying nearby.Getting There:
Access is via the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Stop at the security gate and request a day-use beach pass. Parking is limited, so arrive early to claim your spot in paradise.
Kauna’oa Beach, 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
- Question: What makes Hawaii's Big Island beaches unique?
- Answer: Hawaii's Big Island is known for its unique and beautiful beaches, which range from popular attractions near Hilo to unique remote sites showcasing new black lava formations and world-renowned olivine, or "green," sands.
- Question: Are there any significant archaeological landmarks near the beaches?
- Answer: Yes, a number of beachfront sites contain significant archaeological landmarks, such as Holoholokai Beach Park and Kamakahonu Beach.
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🌤 Best Time to Visit Big Island Beaches
- April to October – Best overall time with warm, dry weather perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
- June to August – Peak summer season with hot days, calm seas, and popular beach spots buzzing with activity.
- May & September – Ideal shoulder months with great weather and fewer crowds.
- November to March – Cooler temps and occasional rain, but still pleasant—great for whale watching and coastal hikes.
- Year-Round – Beaches like Hapuna, Punalu?u (black sand), and Kua Bay offer beautiful views and swimmable waters anytime.
Map:
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