covered in black volcanic rock, The Island of Hawai’i, or the Big Island, can feel like an alien planet. first time visitors often find it difficult to find idyllic soft sandy beaches amongst the inky landscape. This doesn’t mean they don’t exist — I’m sharing the scoop to some of the best beaches on the Big Island:
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1. MAUNA KEA BEACH/KAUNA’OA BEACH (KONA SIDE)
Kicking off the list of the Best Beaches on the Big Island is Kauna’oa Beach, also known as Mauna Kea Beach. This gently sloping white-sand beach is a heavenly vision, and should be on every first timer’s list of beaches to visit on the Big Island. Be forewarned: Mauna Kea Beach is no secret, so it pays to plan ahead (good job, you’re doing it right now). It has one of the more frustrating parking situations on the island (which costs $20) and fills up quickly. Hot Tip: use jet-lag to your advantage and visit Kauna’oa during your first few days when you’re naturally waking early in the morning. Plan to drive directly to the beach and snag one of the coveted public parking spots. Night owls and late risers: fear not. If you miss the early parking rush, check back mid-day when people tend to leave.
If you opt to stay awhile: Bring an umbrella and a cooler of snacks/drinks so you don’t have to adjust your princess parking. And don’t worry if you can’t bring a cooler – you can visit the Mauna Kea Hotel next door for provisions and libations.
2. KUKI’O BEACH (KONA SIDE)
Next to the Four Seasons Hualalai, Kuki’o Beach is a long, steep beach along the Kona side of the Island that’s perfect for a relaxing beach day. It has easy access from the parking lot, better than average facilities, and an abundance of sea turtles among the shallow and rocky waters closer to the entrance. This means less lugging gear through sand for you! There are several keiki (kid) wading pools and lots of shaded options. Similar to the Kauna’oa Beach, you can pack your own snacks and drinks, or venture into the Four Seasons beach bar. Just remember to cover up with something nice: 5 star resort wear is recommended.
3. MAKALAWENA BEACH (KONA SIDE)
This one is for the thrill seekers. Makalawena is a picturesque beach on the Big Island, but it’s a challenge. Imagine soft white sand and soft sloping shores, turquoise waters, and no crowds. But this beach requires sincere planning ahead (and it’s not little-kid-friendly – unless you’re willing to carry them.) To get here, be sure to rent a lifted 4×4 – no SUVs – pack hiking gear, and collapsible beach gear. Here are the different ways to get there:
From the North:
Drive to the area between mile markers 88 and 89 on Hwy 19. You’ll see a trail going down to the beach. Four-wheel about a mile and a half to the off-trail parking lot, then hike the remaining quarter mile. This path requires a lifted vehicle.
OR – Park roadside at the trailhead between miles 88 and 89 and start the two-mile hike on foot. (The distance isn’t bad, but it’s the terrain that gets you.) Be sure to bring lots of water, a hat to protect yourself from the sun, sunscreen and closed-toe shoes.
From the South:
Hike in from between miles 90 and 91 on Hwy 19, follow the road to Mahai’ula Bay, park at the end and hike the remaining mile to the beach. You can search this trail on the AllTrails app! Remember to stick to the public land (avoid the ponds and private property) and always pack away what you bring – leave no trace.
*Heed my warning about the car. The last time I was on the island, my husband and I tried to four-wheel it using our trail-rated SUV. We had done it once before with a Wrangler a couple years prior. It didn’t work for us this last time around. You definitely need a Jeep Wrangler or a lifted truck – and take it slow. There’s a healthy three-foot hole in the beginning and you don’t want any damage fees at the rental agency!
4. HĀPUNA BEACH (KONA SIDE)
If Makalawena isn’t in the cards for this trip, consider Hapuna instead. It’s consistently voted one of the best beaches in the world, and easily deserves a spot on the Best Beaches on the Big Island list. Hapuna is a white-sand beach that is ideal for swimming, snorkeling. There is plenty of shade from palm trees, easy access from the parking lot, a picnic area, and public bathrooms. There’s also a cafe and rental stand on property where you can buy snacks, drinks, and rent snorkeling gear or water sports equipment. To support the maintenance of the park, there is a $10 parking fee and $5 entrance fee per person.
5. WAILEA BEACH/BEACH 69 (KONA SIDE)
This is a top-notch snorkeling beach on the Big Island with easy access and facilities. White sand, rope swings and plenty of shade make this a super family-friendly beach. If you get antsy on the beach, there are miles of trails nearby too. Remember to bring shoes on your hike – the rocks can get hot!
6. KEALAKEKUA BAY (KONA SIDE)
This technically isn’t a beach – instead, the best place for kayaking and snorkeling on the island. This area is also known as Captain Cook, the eponymous British Captain who visited the islands (and died in this exact location on Valentine’s Day 1779).
Captain Cook is a marine sanctuary and popular spot for spinner dolphins. The best snorkeling is found on the side of the bay opposite the parking lot and there are three options to get to this location: hike about four miles round trip, kayak across the bay or charter a boat/join a snorkeling tour. Personally, I love kayaking. The state requires permits to operate boating businesses in the bay since it’s a protected environment, so make sure you’re renting from officially permitted operators like this one or this.
7. PAPAKOLEA BEACH (SOUTH COAST)
This should be on your bucket list.
Papakolea Beach is one of only four green beaches in the world. The unique color is a result of the volcanic activity on the island, and is located on the South Coast of the island. This isn’t a little-kid-friendly beach because it requires a hike in (and please note that driving in is illegal because it damages the integrity of the coastline, despite what you may witness). The hike is longer and harder than it seems. It’s about five miles round trip with practically no shade or any water, so bring a hat, sunscreen and more water than you think you’ll need. It’s best to start early in the morning, and you’re more likely to have the beach to yourself. You can swim here, but it’s not good for snorkeling.
8. PUNALU’U BLACK SAND BEACH (SOUTH COAST)
In contrast to nearby Papakolea Beach, Punalu’u is a South Coast beach that is easily accessible and great for wildlife viewing and snorkeling. This natural black-sand beach is a hotspot for a variety of sea turtles. It’s likely you’ll be able to see them on shore basking in the sun. Be sure to give them at least 10 feet of space and don’t touch or feed them – they’re a protected species.
If the water is calm, this is a great beach for snorkeling. Bring water shoes, or enter the water with care, because there are a lot of sharp rocks and possibly sea urchins. There’s a lifeguard and bathrooms at this beach.
9. RICHARDSON BEACH PARK (HILO SIDE)
On the other side of the island, Richardson is a black-sand beach that’s great for snorkeling close to Hilo. There’s a lifeguard on duty, facilities, picnic areas, tide pools and a calm swimming area protected by the lava rock. This makes it a top-notch family-friendly beach, and a solid option when staying on the east side of the Island.
10. CARLSMITH BEACH (HILO SIDE)
Wrapping up the list, Carlsmith Beach feels very Australian in a “pool that’s actually the ocean” vibe. It’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling thanks to the natural rock barrier. Be aware there’s no sand at this beach. Instead, stretch out on the rocks or a grassy shaded area with picnic tables when you’re not in the water.
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