A primary attraction for most visitors to Hawaii, the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean and sparkling Hawaii Island beaches provide world-class diving, snorkeling, surfing, water sports and opportunities for sightseeing and relaxation. Venturing around the Big Island rewards beachgoers with black and green sand beaches and stunning lava rock tide pools and coastline as far as the eye can see.
The beaches on the Big Island are truly spectacular. The finest white, black and even green sand beaches are around every corner, beckoning you to come explore their shores. The sheer amount of undeveloped coastline on the Big Island lends itself to less crowded destinations and plenty of adventure in your beach going activities.
Be sure to visit the stunning Hawaii Island beaches along the Kohala Coast with their immaculate white sand, crystal clear waters and sun soaked shores, you’re sure to have a fun filled day. From famous white-sand crescents like Hapuna beach, that regularly make world “top-beaches” lists, to secluded gems like Makalawena beach, that require a bit of effort to reach their postcard-perfect shores, Big Island beaches offer variety and beauty around every corner.
Travel down the Kona coast and put on your snorkel gear to explore some of the most pristine marine and reef environments in the world at Kealakekua Bay or Honaunau Bay (Two Step). Then continue down to the Kau region on the southern tip of the island to see Ka Lae (South Point) and some of the most unique and colorful beaches in the world. Punaluu Black Sand Beach is a favorite for seeing endangered Green Sea Turtles and sparkling black sand. While those up for a remote adventure will want to hike to Papakolea Green Sand Beach and bask on it’s gorgeous, olivine sand.
The eastern Hilo side of the Big Island offers many family friendly beach parks where you can swim and snorkel with turtles and colorful reef fish. The many inlets and protected bays also provide for good paddle boarding opportunities. When the surfs up on the Big Island, more experienced surfers can catch waves at several great surf beaches like Honoli’i Beach or Pohoiki (Isaac Hale Beach).
Both the Hamakua and Puna coastlines, while inherently different due to their geography and age, have several things in common. They are both rural, rugged coastline with incredible cliff faces and incalculable photo opportunities. With a few exceptions, the Hawaii Island beaches in these regions aren’t very water sport friendly due to the strong currents and pounding surf, but the sightseeing created by these conditions is unparalleled. Hiking and scenic drives along either of these shores won’t disappoint.
keep exploring
Home to the annual Magic Sands Bodysurfing Championship, White Sands Beach Park is a versatile Hawaiian beach with easy access to surfing, swimming, and snorkeling opportunities.
The Waipio Valley black sand beach on the Northern coast of the Big Island is a beautiful scenic destination with fine black sand and crashing waves.
One of the finest beaches in Hawaii, stretching over a quarter of a mile with sandy shores perfect for swimming and playing in the crystal clear water.
The Big Island is world-famous for its pristine multi-colored beaches, explore more with our comprehensive beach guide.
One of the best snorkeling areas in the world resides at Honaunau Bay, better known to locals as Two Step for the natural rock formation that provides easy access to the water – even if you’re wearing flippers
Hapuna beach is an iconic white sand beach on the Big Island of Hawaii that consistently ranks on the top of most best beaches lists from around the world.
An easily accessible hotspot for snorkeling, surfing, and swimming, Kahalu’u Beach Park is a great destination for family-friendly fun on the Big Island’s sunny Kona Coast.
Kiholo Bay located along the Kohala Coastline is a beautiful bay with ancient Hawaiian history and marine life.
A place of both historic and natural importance, Kealakekua Bay along the Big Island’s western coast is a remarkable spot to hike, snorkel and see the sights.
With its abundance of easily accessible snorkeling, beautiful white sand, natural shade, and gentle waves Waialea Bay is sure to be a favorite beach.
The Hawaiian green sea turtle, or “honu” are abundant in Hawaii. If seeing a turtle is high on your vacation itinerary, these beaches won’t disappoint.
Located just 7 miles from downtown Kailua-Kona, you will find Wawaloli Beach Park with facilities, such as picnic tables, barbecue grills, showers and restrooms for an enjoyable by the water.
While Hawaii Island offers a huge variety of beaches to enjoy, several Big Island beaches regularly make the ‘best beaches in the world’ lists.
A favorite for Big Island locals, this is a stunning, remote beach with gorgeous white sand and incredible views.
This stunning beach, with sparkling black sand is frequented by green sea turtles and is a sightseer’s dream.
A small beach park located north of Na’alehu on Hawaii’s Big Island, the Whittington Beach State Park with the accompanying Honu’apo Bay and Fish Ponds is a great natural adventure.
A gorgeous black and green sand beach perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and family-friendly fun near Hilo.
Old Kona Airport Beach Park is a comprehensive recreational area with outstanding beach access, plenty of parking and covered picnic tables with incredible sunset views.
The breathtaking Pololu Valley features a steep hike to a memorable black sand beach that’s perfect for photography, exploring and relaxing.
With their incredible marine life, amazing coral, and crystal clear water, you’ll love these snorkeling spots around the Big Island.
Kohanaiki Beach Park, also known as Pine Trees, is a popular beach among the local surfing community.
On the Kohala coast you will find the white sands of Kukio Beach where travelers can enjoy sun, sand and waves and likely spot Green Sea Turtles.
Consider using some of these reef friendly products and practices when you’re visiting Hawaii, our reefs, fish and community will thank you!
Located in the heart of Kailua-Kona, Kamakahonu Beach is the perfect spot for a quick beach trip between other activities during your Hawaiian vacation.
With gentle waters and a beautiful white sand beach this classic Hawaiian beach park makes for a fun family adventure.
Kikaua Point Beach’s shallow, sandy ocean bottom is ideal for small children learning to swim, snorkel and for novice swimmers.
Stop by the gorgeous span of white sand known as Maniniowali Beach and experience the fun of boogie boarding, snorkeling and swimming in the crystal clear waters of Kua Bay.
This natural hot pond on the Big Island of Hawaii in rural Puna makes for a warm, relaxing time for the whole family to enjoy.
As off-the-beaten-path as you can get in Hawaii, Papakolea Green Sand Beach requires a physical commitment to reach, but you’ll never experience anything like it elsewhere on Earth.
A vast Beach Park with plenty of amenities to enjoy a fun Hawaii beach day and a new black sand beach that formed from the 2018 Kilauea eruption.
With its picturesque bay and classic palm tree dotted shoreline, beautiful A-Bay is one of the Big Island’s most stunning beaches to take sunset photos.
A cozy, little beach along Ali’i Drive in Kailua-Kona that makes for a perfect beach break during your day.
Hidden within the gorgeous Hamakua coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, the Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park offers a perfect blend of history and beauty in a remarkable natural setting.
The Hawaiian monk seal, the official state mammal of Hawaii is the most endangered pinniped species in the United States.
A unique and beautiful snorkeling and swimming destination on Hawaii’s Big Island, the Kapoho Tide Pools were an incredible location that was destroyed by the 2018 Kilauea Eruption.
If you’re looking for a Big Island gear rental, look no further than our list of great rental companies.
