Top Things to do in Island of Hawaii
10 Beaches in Island of Hawaii That You Shouldn't Miss
Life on the Big Island is a little bit slower… and locals like it that way. The natural beauty and ecological features of the island are a draw for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Test your chutzpah at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the longest volcanic eruption in recorded history, or climb to the indescribably beautiful summit of Mauna Kea. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more refreshing than a quivering plate of fresh poke, followed by a fruity shave ice.
Restaurants in Island of Hawaii
1. Sweet Spot Harbor Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
2. Papakolea Beach
3. Mauna Kea Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 427 reviews
Located behind the Mauna Kea Hotel.
Reviewed By MTS--1000 - Everett, United States
Very nice beach. Clean. Even the public restrooms are reasonably clean. As others have said very limited parking which is good if you’re one of the lucky ones. Went with the family and the young grandkids had a great time in the water and playing in the sand. The parking is uphill from the beach with a paved walkway. The grade was manageable for this old guy. We all had fun!
4. Kauna'oa Bay
5. Onomea Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By marieequebec - Quebec City, Canada
light hiking free parking on the street free access some trails were in common with the botanical garden an absolute must the scenic drive to and from there je striking
6. Punalu'u Black Sand beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,693 reviews
Nestled in an area with coconut trees and a black sand beach, this park is one of the best in Hawaii.
Reviewed By mjhoug - Minneapolis, United States
This beach was our last stop of the day and what a gem it was! Black sand beach with plenty of coconut trees for shade. There was a turtle resting on the beach. There is a beautiful lily pond and bridge behind the beach - it made you feel like you were in a completely different area. The water was definitely cooler on this side of the island compared to the Kona side but we were happy to just relax on the beach. Definitely worth stopping here!
7. White Sand Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 404 reviews
Hawaii beach with white sand and good surf.
Reviewed By Chowa-Rides-Again - Bend, United States
This beach is also known as magic sands. Depending on storms there is either super soft sand or lots of exposed lava rock. The sand is multicolored white, gold and black but is lovely. Can be crowded. Good parking across street. In Nov 2019 there was plenty of sand. But after a big storm it can take weeks to come back.
8. Papakolea Green Sand Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,118 reviews
The big island of Hawaii's southernmost point features the Green Sand Beach.
Reviewed By BethneyD
We had no idea what we were in for when spontaneously we took someones advice to see the "green sand" beach. This is something that should be planned as an all day event....getting to the parking area is simple and directions easy to follow. Parking your car at this spot means about an hour and a half walk/hike to the actual beach!! Be prepared to have water, good walking shoes, snacks just for getting to the location. We walked half way and then caught a ride with one of the locals who ferry people back and forth on old vehicles for a modest charge (25$ per person). Walking/hiking is free....but will take time. Once you reach the beach, a walk down steep stairs to the actual sand and water is breathtaking and truly majestic.
9. Anaehoomalu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 745 reviews
Reviewed By christinern - Vancouver, Canada
Go in the morning, before the waves and wind pick up. A long beach to walk, there are loungers close to the Marriott resort. Good for boogie boarding, some snorkeling and swimming. Lots of shade if you get there early. Beautiful sunsets from behind the fish pond looking towards the ocean. Walk down the beach past Lava Lava to spot turtles on the rocks and beach. Many feral and friendly cats live here.
10. Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,646 reviews
One of the nicest sand beaches on the Kohala coast.
Reviewed By Goatgirl194
Not far from Kona, this beautiful white sand beach is so family friendly when you have a 4 year old in tow! It was easy to park at the beach, clean bathrooms, outdoor showers to rinse off the sand and salt, right sized waves for boogie boarding, lovely vistas everywhere you look, outdoor food shack, lots of space on the beach to spread out. This was truly a winner for our family!
