Hawaii (The Big Island) Beaches, Coastline, Surfing and Water Sports

(The Big Island, Hawaii - HI, USA)

The reason that so many people visit Hawaii each year are to spend time relaxing on the Big Island's stunning selection of beaches, each of which are quite special in their own way. Mahana is one of the most unusual and unique beaches in the whole of Hawaii, since the sands are subtle shades of emerald green and gold, creating a very memorable stretch of glistening coastline.

Some of the most splendid beaches on Hawaii Big Island include those at Kua Bay, Hapuna, Kamakahonu, Makalawena, Mauna Kea and Onekahakaha. For the best family orientated spots, the beaches of Anaehoomalu and Kikaua Point are hard to better. In general, the coastline around the island's Kona side tends to be very sandy, while the Hilo side is noticeably more rocky.

List of the Main Beach Parks and Resorts

West Hawaii (Kona Area)

• Anaehoomalu Beach - a spreading expanse of sand and part of the Waikoloa Resort, on the western coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. Known for its excellent windsurfing conditions, which equipment being available for hire close by
• Holoholokai Beach Park - known throughout Hawaii Big Island for its impressive lava formations and awesome coral structures. Holoholokai Beach is to be found within the Mauna Lani Resort and boasts toilets, picnicking facilities, a barbecue area and a pathway leading to the famous Puako Petroglyphs, which you will discover some truly ancient Hawaiian art work
• Hookena Beach Park - a very historic part of the island, once famously visited by Mark Twain. Hookena Beach stands to the south of Honaunau and features dark, volcanic sand, showers, an area for picnicking, and conditions perfect for both swimming and snorkelling
• Hapuna Beach State Park - a pretty crescent-shaped beach and part of a vast park, covering just over 60 acres / 24 hectares. Hapuna Beach is around 1 km / 0.5 mile in length and resides near to the Mauna Lani resort, on the northern side of Puako, where it has become a popular spot for swimming and snorkelling
• Kahaluu Beach Park - amongst the very best snorkelling beaches on the whole of the Big Island, with shallow, crystal-clear water and plenty of colourful marine life. However, when the surf is strong, the clarity of the water can be affected. Lifeguards are usually on hand, while a good eatery is also close by and provides a range of hot snacks. Kahaluu Beach is located 8 km / 5 miles south of Hawaii's Kailua-Kona region
• Kahuwai Bay Beach - a glorious sandy stretch, sited next to the lively Kona Village Resort and brimming with exotic palm trees. Hang around and you will find that it in not only holiday makers who come here to sunbathe, resident sea turtles are also known to bask here. The sunsets are also not to be missed
• Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park - comprising two beaches and a number of archaeological sites. The park itself is enormous and encompasses more than 1,100 acres / 445 hectares, with Honokohau Harbor being just a short stroll away
• Kamakahonu Beach - a very popular part of the Big Island, attractions both local Hawaiians and tourists, especially during the winter months, when the water tends to be calmer, meaning that it is recommended for families. Kamakahonu Beach enjoys a fairly secluded setting next to Kailua Pier and off the Alii Drive
• Kaunaoa Beach - next to the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and famed for its extreme natural beauty. Big Island tourists flock to the area in the summer season to enjoy its superb snorkelling, although during the winter months, the waves can be a little strong at times
• Kekaha Kai State Park - home to Mahaiula Beach, where you will enjoy a group of picnic tables, scenic views and groups of tropical coconut palms, making this look like a real Hawaiian beach. The Keahole-Kona International Airport is just a few minutes to the north
• Keokea Beach Park - a very secluded and peaceful spot, with large boulders, grassy areas, a pavilion for picnics, and strong waves at times. Many locals on Hawaii come here to enjoy a spot of shore fishing
• Kiholo Bay - a beautiful oceanfront location, although to get here you will need to take a short trek. There are a total of three beaches around Kiholo Bay, which feature small black pebbles and tend to be extremely quiet. Look out for the vast Wainanalii Lagoon, where green sea turtles can often be spotted




• Kikaua Point Beach - around 16 km / 10 miles from Kailua-Kona, being located directly to the north and alongside the Kukio Golf Resort. This cove is amongst the best family-friendly beaches and offer calm waters, showers, lava rocks and shade provided by neighboring trees
• Kona Magic Sands Beach - also referred to as simply 'White Sands' and Laaloa Beach, just a matter of minutes to the south of the Kailua-Kona. This is a good place for surfing and body boarding during the summer months, and for sunbathing all through the year
• Kua Bay Beach Park - one of the island's most attractive beaches and to be found within the Big Island's Kailua-Kona region, off the Queen Kaahumanu Highway. Kua Bay should be at the very top of any holiday makers list, and you would certainly be recommended to bring your camera, so that you can capture the stunning scenery
• Kukio Beach - a curving stretch of pale sand, next to Kikaua Point and within easy reach of Hualalai. The beachfront is flanked by mature coconut palms and ironwood trees. Those swimming and snorkelling around this part of the Big Island will be likely to see some sea turtles
• Lapakahi State Historical Park - on the northern side of Kawaihae and formerly a small fishing village. Tourists staying on Hawaii will find that the Lapakahi State Historical Park is conveniently close to the Mahukona State Park, with both being a favourite spot with snorkellers
• Mahukona Beach Park - located alongside the Mahukona Port, in the Big Island's Kohala area. Mahukona Beach is ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving, being well known for its tropical marine life. Facilities include showers, toilets and an area for camping
• Makalawena Beach - encompasses a total of five coves and is around 1 km / 0.5 miles in length. This really is a tranquil spot and well worth finding, although you should be ready for a good walk of 15 minutes or thereabouts, passing lava beds and beautiful lagoons along the way
• Napoopoo Beach Park - an important marine reserve on Hawaii Island, next to Kealakekua Bay, where its rich underwater life is just waiting to be explored, being either snorkelling, diving, or enjoying a trip onboard a glass-bottom boat, departing from Keauhou Bay. Napoopoo Beach itself is pleasant, although best known for being the spot where Captain James Cook lost his life at the end of the 18th century
• Spencer Beach Park - ideal for families holidaying on the Big Island of Hawaii and located on the scenic Kohala Coast, next to Kamuela and the Kawaihae Harbor. You can swim here safely all through the year, since the beachfront is protected by a large reef. Those who choose to snorkel here have a good chance of encountering a sea turtle or two
• Waialea Beach - a popular stretch of white sand situated alongside Waialea Bay and is close proximity to the Hapuna Beach State Park. Waialea is amongst the area's quietest beaches and is never crowded. Conditions are perfect for swimming, while those in the sun may well welcome the shade provided by the backdrop of tropical trees

East Hawaii (Hilo Area)

• Ahalanui Park - a spacious and unusual beach, boasting a large pond which is actually heated by natural volcanic activity. The Ahalanui Park is located on the Big Island's Kapoho / Puna Coast, along the Red Road. This is a great place to come if you are looking for a real taste of Hawaii, which is more than provides by the mature coconut palms and tropical foliage
• Honolii Beach Park - situated on the northerly outskirts of Hilo and off Nahala Street. Honolii Beach has become a very popular spot for surfers and body boarders on Hawaii Big Island, and when the waves are at their very highest, many beach-goers come here especially to watch the brave surfers tackling the ocean
• Isaac Hale Beach Park - often referred to by the local Hawaiians as Pohioki and very popular with lunchtime picnickers and sunbathers. However, you should really only swim at Isaac Hale Beach when the ocean is calm and at its safest
• Leleiwi Beach Park - standing on the Keaukaha coastline and just 6 km / 4 miles to the south of downtown Hilo, comprising two neighboring rocky beaches, along with a series of secluded bays and lagoons. Leleiwi Park is each to reach from Kalanianaole Avenue, although is not generally considered as being suitable for swimming
• Mahana Beach - in the Puna area on the Big Island's famous South Point and known for its green sands. During the winter months, the waters are perfect for swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing, while you can happily sunbathe here throughout the year. Mahana Beach is not very easy to reach, although your hike will be more than worth the effort
• MacKenzie State Recreation Area - this coastal park covers just over 12 acres / 5 hectares and is shaded from the strong Hawaiian sun by mature ironwood trees. The rock coastline means that this is not a good place for swimming, although sunbathers and picnickers will delight at the surrounding scenery. MacKenzie State Recreation Area lies off the Big Island's Highway 137, directly south of the adjoining Highway 132 junction
• Onekahakaha Beach Park - one of Hilo's most popular beaches and a firm favourite with families, who enjoy the safety provided by the resident lifeguards. Sited off the Kalanianaole Avenue, facilities at the Onekahakaha Beach including pavilions for picnicking and showers
• Punaluu Beach Park - famous throughout Hawaii's Big Island for its visiting green sea turtles, which flock to the sands each year to lay their eggs. The strong waves are only really suitable for the most experienced of surfer
• Reeds Bay Beach Park - close to central Hilo and known on the Big island for its secluded cover setting and freshwater springs. Reeds Bay Beach Park is easy to reach and lies off Banyan Drive
• Richardson Ocean Park - situated alongside the Leleiwi Beach Park and next to Hilo. Richardson Ocean Park features dark, volcanic sands and clear water, which is highly suitable for both swimming and also snorkelling. The facilities here are good and include both showers and toilets. Children with no doubt enjoy exploring the numerous rock pools