The Big Island of Hawaii, renowned for its astonishing diversity and natural beauty, is home to some of the most captivating beaches in the entire world. From the striking black sands of Punalu’u to the pristine white shores of Hapuna, the Big Island’s beaches offer a unique and worth a spot on your bucket list. Here are 12 of the most breathtaking Big Island Beaches!
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Table of Contents
Best Big Island Beaches near Kona
Kona is nestled on the western side of the Big Island and is known for being MUCH sunnier than the rest of the island (Our one day in Kona, was the only time we saw sun during our time on the Big Island). But, this is a good thing as it’s also home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the Big Island.
1. Mauna Kea Beach
- Address: Mauna Kea (Kauna’oa) Beach is located at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, 62-100 Kauna’oa, Kohala Coast, HI 96743
- Fee: Free (limited free beach parking daily)
On Hawaii’s Big Island, Mauna Kea Beach (also called Kauna’oa) is a tropical paradise featuring turquoise water surrounding a crescent of powdery white sand.
To reach this idyllic destination, follow Highway 19 and head to the iconic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel entrance. Parking for the beach is free but limited, so be sure to arrive early if you want a spot.
On this pristine beach, you can rent beach chairs with umbrellas, paddle a traditional outrigger canoe, and enjoy standup paddleboarding and more. Snorkeling enthusiasts love the vibrant marine life beneath the surface.
Best of all, you’re only a few steps from the legendary Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. It’s home to a cool tiki beach bar (with great food, too), and several restaurants with breathtaking ocean views. (If you stay late, know that this beach offers incredible Manta Ray snorkeling at night).
Whether you’re just relaxing, strolling along the shore, or indulging in ocean adventures, you’ll have a memorable beach day at Mauna Kea.
As experienced by Marla of Travels with Marla
2. Two Step (Honaunau Bay)
- Fee: Free (unless the free parking is gone-bring cash just in case).
- Address: 84-5571 Honaunau Beach Rd, Captain Cook, HI 96704
If you’re looking for one of the best places to snorkel on the Big Island, Two Step, also called Honaunau Bay, should be at the top of your list.
Two Step doesn’t have soft sandy shores and, instead, offers a hardened lava field along the crystal clear turquoise water. But most visitors don’t come here to soak up the sun—instead, it’s arguably one of the best off-shore snorkeling spots in the entire state, with vibrant coral, tons of fish, and excellent visibility. This spot can have some waves and is fairly deep, so it’s best suited for intermediate snorkelers.
Two Step is located about 40 minutes south of Kona. It also just happens to be one of the most popular things to do in Kona, so parking can be a challenge. There’s a handful of free parking spots nearby and paid lot across the street for about $5—bring cash!
As experienced by Jess of Uprooted Traveler
3. Makalawena Beach
- Fee: Free
- Address: HI-19, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Makalawena Beach is just 4.5 miles north of the Kona International Airport. It’s not the easiest beach to access, but that’s what makes it that much more special.
You can get to Makalawena via the Makalewena Trailhead (on Hwy 19 by Kua Bay Access Rd) OR via the Kekaha Kai State Beach parking lot.
Both involve hiking at least a mile over a sun-exposed lava field and/or driving a 4×4 over VERY rough terrain.
This hidden gem of a white sand beach and azure blue waters doesn’t see crowds because of the extra effort needed to access it. It’s just you and nature.
This beach is unsupervised, so no lifeguards and no bathrooms. Bring water to stay hydrated and food for energy to walk back. The sun can get brutal walking across the lava fields.
As experienced by Tabitha of Travel Compositions
4. Manini’owali Beach at Kua Bay
- Fee: No entrance fee
- Address: Kua Bay, 723990 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Manini’owali Beach at Kua Bay, part of the Kekaha Kai State Park, is a gem with its crystal-clear water and fine white sand. Accessible by a short hike from the parking area, this beach is a favorite for both locals and tourists. I mean, LOOK at that water!
Best known for snorkeling, swimming, and bodyboarding, the beach offers an ideal setting for all beach-goers. The facilities here are minimal, with only basic restrooms available, so visitors are encouraged to bring their own supplies.
There are no food or rental services directly on the beach, but the nearby town of Kailua-Kona is a short drive away, offering a variety of dining options and beach gear rentals.
5. Ka‘ūpūlehu Beach
- Fee: Free
- Address: Ka’upulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Nestled in a cove on the west coast of Hawaii, about half an hour north of Kailua-Kona, Ka‘ūpūlehu Beach is a long stretch of golden sand and one of the best beaches on Big Island.
Despite its location being tucked behind the Four Seasons Resort, the beach is actually accessible to the public – the car park can be accessed by passing by the hotel guard hut. Black lava rocks are dotted along the shoreline, making it trickier to enter the water, but creating protected rock pools that are favored by sea turtles.
Ka‘ūpūlehu Beach is perfect for a long stroll or picnic. Keep a look out to the sea in the winter months as migrating humpback whales can be seen from the shore. There are few facilities at the beach, but the hotel has restrooms and a shower, as well as a bar and restaurants.
As experienced by Lucy and Dan of Thoroughly Travel
6. La’aloa Beach (Magic Sands Beach Park)
- Fee: Free
- Address: 77-6452 Alii Dr Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
La’aloa Beach Aka Magic Sands Beach Park is one of the only soft white sand beaches on the Kona side of the Big Island. It got its name because depending on mother nature and when you go, the beach can have white sand or exposed lava rock with no sand at all. During the winter’s high surf is usually when the sands disappear.
It is a popular beach when there is sand and is good for swimming and boogie boarding but pay attention to the rocks and the waves that crash close to the shoreline.
Parking is easy with convenient street parking or the paid lot across the street. Showers are available and there is Magic’s Grill restaurant for meal along the water.
As experienced by Gigi of Hawaii Kids Travel
7. Kahalu’u Beach
- Fee: Free!
- Address: Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Kahalu’u Beach is one of the most convenient beaches to downtown Kona, located just 15 minutes south of its downtown area, and with plentiful free parking.
The beach is on the smaller side, with coarse salt-and-pepper sand, but there’s a lot to love about this place. It’s an excellent place to watch surfers beyond its breakwall, offers tons of palm trees for shade if you need a break from the sun, and offers a ton of amenities, like outdoor showers, a pavilion with picnic tables, and bathrooms.
If you’re looking for an easy spot to dip your toes into snorkeling (literally!), Kahalu’u Beach is an excellent spot to add to your Big Island itinerary, given its abundant wildlife and incredibly gentle waves. Considering its accessibility, it has a colorful coral reef and lots of tropical fish to observe.
As experienced by Jess of The Uprooted Traveler
Best Big Island Beaches near Volcano National Park
Volcano National Park was a definite highlight of my time of the Big Island. It’s one of the most unique places in the entire US. After spending a day exploring the park, be sure to check out some of the following Big Island beaches near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
8. Papakolea Beach
- Fee: Free of charge. Locals offer shuttle services between the parking lot and the beach for $20 to $30 but this practice is illegal and damages the ancient burial sites located in the area.
- Address: South Point Road.
The Big Island of Hawaii is home to a unique green sand beach, one of only four in the world. Papakolea Beach can be found within the remnants of a volcanic crater called the Pu’u Mahana. This cinder cone formed more than 49,000 years ago. This intriguing beach gets its vibrant green hue from the presence of a mineral called olivine.
Papakolea Beach is located near the southern tip of the island. Whether you stay in Kailua-Kona or Hilo, just follow Highway 11 and exit between mile markers 69 and 70 to reach the small dirt parking lot. From there, it’s a 2.7-mile hike to the beach.
The trail is exposed to sun and wind, so be sure to bring a sunhat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Papakolea Beach is in a remote setting without any facilities.
Experienced by Sarah of CosmopoliClan
9. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
- Fee: No entrance fee
- Address: Punalu’u, HI 96777
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, a striking natural marvel, is easily accessible with a parking lot adjacent to the beach, making it a convenient stop for visitors of Volcano National Park.
Known for its unique black sand, created by volcanic activity, this beach is a haven for sunbathers and those intrigued by geological wonders. The beach is ideal for leisurely strolls and wildlife spotting, particularly for Hawaiian green sea turtles that often bask on the sands.
While the water can be rough, making swimming a bit challenging, the serene beauty of the beach is a significant draw. Facilities include restrooms and picnic tables.
Nearby, visitors can enjoy local flavors at Punalu’u Bake Shop, famous for its sweet Hawaiian bread.
10. Pohoiki Black Sand Beach
- Fee: Free
- Address: 13-101 Kalapana – Kapoho Rd, Pāhoa, HI 96778
Pohoiki Black Sand Beach is a beautiful rocky beach in the Puna district of the Big Island. A drive from Hilo takes about an hour. There used to be a faster route before the 2018 volcanic eruption. The road to the beach takes you over the frozen lava stream now.
Pohoiki is not the best swimming destination due to the rocky terrain and strong currents. However, you can take a bath in the nearby hot spring instead. Admire surreal landscapes around you and watch the waves crash over the rocks. Head to Isaac Hale Park for parking, picnic tables, and restrooms.
As experienced by Anastasia of Travel Realist
Best Big Island Beaches near Hilo
Hilo isn’t exactly the best beach town as it receives more rain than any other US city, HOWEVER there are still a few beaches you should add to your bucket list near this rainy city. AND then be sure to go check out all the raging waterfalls!
11. Carlsmith Beach Park
- Fee: Free
- Address: 1815 Kalanianaole St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
The beaches on Big Island’s east coast feature jet black sand and are prone to a warm, tropical climate. A short drive from Hilo, Carlsmith Beach is one of the most family-friendly beaches on Big Island as the waters are calm.
This is also a popular place to swim with turtles in Hawaii as they are often found in the shallow lagoons next to the beach. Despite having no sandy shore, Carlsmith Beach is a popular swimming spot and the water is easily accessible via a ladder from the lava rock.
Facilities at Carlsmith Beach Park include a large parking lot, picnic tables, a shower and a lifeguard. Surrounding the beach and passable from the parking lot are small ponds which are often home to local birdlife.
As experienced by Lucy and Dan of Thoroughly Travel
12. Richardson Ocean Park
- Fee: Free
- Address: 2355 Kalanianaole St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Located on the Island of Hawaii’s east coast, Richardson Ocean Park is a beautiful black sand beach and one of the best Big Island beaches. Just 5 minute’s drive from the charming town of Hilo, Richardson Ocean Park is popular with beachgoers, snorkelers and wildlife lovers alike.
Featuring a bay of calm water and shallow tide pools, this spot is protected by a sea wall, making it a safe place to go snorkelling on your own. Entry into the water is easy and accessible from the middle of the beach.
Richardson Ocean Park is also one of the best places to see turtles on Big Island, as a nesting site is located to the east of the beach. Snorkelers will be treated to a variety of tropical fish, with a good chance of seeing a passing turtle too.
Facilities at Richardson Beach include outdoor showers, toilets, picnic benches, a parking lot and a lifeguard is often on duty between 7am and 7pm.
As experienced by Lucy and Dan of Thoroughly Travel
Map of Big Island Beaches
Want to visit them all?! Use this map to help plan your perfect Big Island Beach road trip!
Happy beachin’
More Big Island Resources
Heading to the Big Island soon and want to explore beyond the beaches? Check out these helpful posts to aid in your planning endeavors! Trust me, you will not want to miss the waterfalls and hikes!
- One Day in Volcano National Park
- Snorkeling with Manta Rays
- COMPLETE 3-day Big Island Itinerary
- Where to Stay near Volcano National Park
- 11+ Cheap (and free) Things to do on the Big Island
- Unforgettable Big Island Hotels
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