Beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii

Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area is often voted as one of the world's best public beaches, spanning 61.8 acres near the city of Kawaihae.

• Question: What is Hapuna Beach known for?
• Answer: Hapuna Beach is one of the Big Island's most popular white sand beaches, stretching half a mile along its western coastline and offering opportunities for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling.
• Question: What hiking opportunities are available at Hapuna Beach?
• Answer: Hikers can pick up the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail within the park, which traverses ancient trails within the island and travels past several anchialine ponds.
• Question: What amenities are available at the park?
• Answer: The park's Tree Frogs Cafe offers delicious lunch fare, along with snorkeling gear, boogie board, and beach equipment rentals.
• Question: Are there camping options at Hapuna Beach?
• Answer: Yes, camping permits are available for visitors, with lifeguards staffed on duty year-round at the facility.

Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, Old Puako Rd, Waimea, HI 96743

Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area is 30 minutes from Kona International Airport.

Ai'opio Beach is a quaint, shady beach within Hawai'i's Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park.

• Question: What can visitors learn at Hawai'i's Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park?
• Answer: Hawai'i's Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park is home to important archaeological sites showcasing the lives and cultures of pre-European indigenous Hawai'ians.
• Question: What notable feature is located at the beach in the park?
• Answer: The beach is located at the site of the ancient Ai'opio Fish Trap, which was designed to trap fish at low tide and can be viewed by beach visitors.
• Question: Is the beach suitable for families?
• Answer: Yes, calm waters make for perfect family swimming conditions, with shallow tide pools available for youngsters to wade in.
• Question: Can visitors see any wildlife at the beach?
• Answer: Beachgoers can also observe sea turtles in their native habitats as they graze on seaweed. However, visitors should avoid direct contact with the animals as they are a protected endangered species.
• Question: How do visitors access the beach?
• Answer: The beach is accessible via Highway 19 from Kona, with public parking offered at Honokohau Harbor.

Ai'opio Beach, Ala Kahakai, Kailua-Kona HI 96740

To reach the beach, drive about 15 minutes south of Kona International Airport.

Carlsmith Beach Park, also referred to as James Kealoha Beach Park or Four Miles, is one of the Big Island's best family beach destinations

• Q: What makes Carlsmith Beach Park unique?
• A: Carlsmith Beach Park has a swimming pool-type atmosphere and water conditions due to a surrounding coastal reef and lava formations.
• Q: Is Carlsmith Beach Park suitable for snorkeling?
• A: Yes, the cool, calm water beach is a prime spot for snorkeling near Hilo, offering opportunities to interact with sea turtles in their native habitats.
• Q: Are there other activities available at the beach?
• A: Areas are also offered for surfing and for pole and spear fishing.
• Q: When are lifeguards present at the beach?
• A: Lifeguards are staffed at the beach on weekends and holidays, with public amenities available, including showers, restrooms, and day-use picnic areas.
• Q: Does the beach have a sandy shoreline?
• A: Despite the lack of a sandy beach shore, the beach offers ample area for sunbathing along a beautiful well-manicured lawn area.
• Q: How can visitors access Carlsmith Beach Park?
• A: Visitors can access the beach via Highway 137, just a 10-minute drive from Hilo's downtown district.

Carlsmith Beach Park, 1815 Kalanianaole Ave, Hilo, HI 96720

Carlsmith Beach Park is 15 minutes from Hilo.

Coconut Island is a popular beach island within Hilo Bay, not to be confused with the island of the same name in Kane’ohe Bay that is used as a marine research facility.

• Q: Where is Coconut Island located?
• A: Coconut Island is located off the shoreline of Hilo's Lili'uokalani Park and Gardens and is also known as Mokuola, an indigenous Hawai'ian name.
• Q: What does the name Mokuola mean?
• A: Mokuola roughly translates as "healing island" for legends that the water surrounding the island could cure ailments and redeem warriors.
• Q: What recreational activities are available on Coconut Island?
• A: Today, the island is a lively family recreation destination, best known for its 20-foot jumping tower, which offers two levels for ocean jumping.
• Q: Are there areas for relaxation and picnics on the island?
• A: Visitors can relax on its large grassy lawn or pack picnics for enjoyment at several public pavilion areas.
• Q: Why is Coconut Island popular with photographers?
• A: The island is a prime spot for photography of downtown Hilo and the nearby Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea volcanoes.

Explore on the map:

Holoholokai Beach Park gives visitors a glimpse of Hawai'i's ancient art and culture, showcasing the impressive Puako Petroglyphs, the state's largest-known collection of ancient drawings and etchings.

• Q: How can visitors reach the petroglyph site at Holoholokai Beach Park?
• A: Visitors can take the Malama Petroglyph Trail to the site, which is home to more than 3,000 works of art on immense boulders.
• Q: What makes the beach's shoreline unique?
• A: The beach features black lava rocks and white coral rubble, creating a beautiful contrasting shoreline.
• Q: Is swimming safe at Holoholokai Beach Park?
• A: Swimming is not safe due to the ocean shoreline's high surf and rocky bottom, which can be hazardous.
• Q: Are picnic and barbecue facilities available?
• A: Yes, day-use picnic sites offer tables and barbecue grills for visitors to enjoy.
• Q: What recreational opportunities does the park provide?
• A: The park's grassy lawns provide opportunities for sports and other play activities.
• Q: Are public facilities available for visitors?
• A: Public restrooms and showers are offered for visitor use.

Holoholokai Beach Park, Holoholokai Beach Park Rd, Waimea, HI 96743

This beach is easy to reach if you are staying at the Mauna Lani.

Honoka'ope Beach, also known as 49 Black Sand Beach, is a secluded beach within Hawai'i's Mauna Lani Resort area, located along a shoreline populated by luxury and resort homes.

• Q: What are the operating hours of Honoka'ope Beach?
• A: The quaint salt-and-pepper-colored Honoka'ope Beach is open to the public between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm.
• Q: Is snorkeling possible at Honoka'ope Beach?
• A: The beach offers prime opportunities for snorkeling during calm water conditions.
• Q: What scenic features can visitors enjoy near the beach?
• A: Nearby spectacular lava cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop and are accessible from a trailhead embarking at the beach.
• Q: Are there any access restrictions to the beach?
• A: Yes, beach access is restricted to a limited number of visitors each day, with beach access passes available at the resort's entrance gate.
• Q: How many parking spaces are available at the beach?
• A: Only 20 parking spaces are available, so visitors are advised to arrive early in the day to secure access.

Honoka'ope Beach, End of Honokaope Place, Puako HI 96743

Honoli'i Beach Park is a popular surfing beach on the Big Island's eastern coast, approximately 2.2 miles north of the city of Hilo.

• Q: What makes Honoli'i Beach Park unique?
• A: Honoli'i Beach Park is one of Hawai'i's only year-round surfing beaches and is staffed by county lifeguards.
• Q: How do surfing conditions vary by season?
• A: Summer waves create ideal conditions for novice surfers, while high winter surf conditions provide challenges for experts.
• Q: What features can be found on the beach?
• A: The park's black sand, beach glass, and coral rubble beachfront is also a popular spot for fishing.
• Q: Is Honoli'i Beach Park suitable for swimming?
• A: Swimming is not ideal in most areas due to the beach's conditions.
• Q: Are there areas for visitors to watch surfers?
• A: Yes, several spectator areas allow visitors to watch surfers in action.
• Q: Does the park provide picnic facilities?
• A: Day-use picnic areas offer privacy underneath a grove of native trees.

Honoli'i Beach Park, 180 Kahoa St, Hilo HI 96720

Kaimu Beach was one of the Big Island's most famous black sand beaches prior to volcanic eruptions from the nearby Kilauea volcano in 1990, which covered the nearby towns of Kaimu and Kalapana and coated the beach in new lava flows.

• Q: What is unique about Kaimu Beach?
• A: The young black sand Kaimu Beach in the Puna district is in the process of new formation, standing 50 feet higher than the former beach area.
• Q: Is swimming allowed at Kaimu Beach?
• A: No, conditions do not allow for swimming, sunbathing, or watersports.
• Q: What can visitors interested in volcanology do at the beach?
• A: Visitors can explore the Kaimu Beach Eco-Path, which showcases barren lava fields created by volcanic eruptions.
• Q: Are there any safety precautions to consider?
• A: Visitors should take care to watch for sharp lava rocks at spots where shoreline access is offered.
• Q: What attractions are available near Kaimu Beach?
• A: Nearby, Uncle Robert's 'Awa Club offers local food vendors and a weekly farmer's market.

Kaimu Beach is 45 minutes south of Hilo.

Kamakahonu Beach was the former residence of King Kamehameha the Great, the first ruler of the Kingdom of Hawai'i, who reigned over the islands between 1782 and 1819.

• Q: What historical significance does Kamakahonu Beach have?
• A: Kamehameha's final home was located at Kamakahonu Beach, where he lived between 1812 and 1819. Visitors can see the remains of his personal Ahuena Heiau temple and other office and religious buildings still standing at the site.
• Q: Why is Kamakahonu Beach called "the Children's Beach"?
• A: As one of the big island's safest swimming beaches, residents have nicknamed it "the Children's Beach."
• Q: What recreational activities are available at the beach?
• A: Popular beachfront activities include swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and boating.
• Q: Are rentals available at Kamakahonu Beach?
• A: Yes, boat and snorkeling gear rentals are offered to visitors.
• Q: What facilities are available for visitors?
• A: The beach offers day-use beach facilities, including picnic sites with barbecue grills.

Kamakahonu Beach, Kaahumanu Pl, Kailua-Kona HI 96740

Top Kona attractions include: the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, Keauhou Bay and Kailua Village.

Kauna’oa Beach, also referred to as Mauna Kea Beach, is one of the Big Island's most beautiful white sand beaches, located at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

• Q: What activities can visitors enjoy at Kauna’oa Beach?
• A: The family-friendly half-mile Kauna’oa Beach is a prime spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling during warm months.
• Q: Are there any seasonal hazards at the beach?
• A: Visitors should be aware that strong rip currents and high waves can make ocean entrance dangerous during winter months.
• Q: How can visitors access the beach?
• A: Beach access requires entrance through the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, and day-use visitors can receive free beach passes from the hotel's security office.
• Q: Are there dining options available at Kauna’oa Beach?
• A: Yes, visitors can dine at the hotel's restaurant, which offers lunch and dinner service along with tropical alcoholic beverages.
• Q: What unique wildlife experience does the beach offer?
• A: During the evening hours, floodlights at the hotel attract manta rays, making for great wildlife watching conditions.

Kauna’oa Beach, 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743