I’ve been asked a few times for my favorite beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii. Instead of typing the same email over and over – I thought I’d just post them here and update as the years go on.
Most of my beaching experience is on the drier, sunnier Kona side of the island – but there are some great beaches on both sides and really something for everyone.
By no means am I an expert – this is just what the wife type and I have liked over the years.
Here it goes.
Kona Side Beaches
South Point
Not much of a beach – but you can jump off the edge of the world here. I’ve never done it – but it looks like a ton of fun. They have ladders and the whole nine yards. It is usually very windy out here – but it’s worth a visit.
Google Maps Link – South Point
Green Sand Beach
This beach is a journey – but it’s worth it. It is a couple of mile walk from the parking area – but you can pay for a ride. I think the going rate is $15-20 per person round trip. I wouldn’t take a rental car down the road – but a lot of people do. Once you get there – there are no facilities (bring your own water). But the beach is gorgeous – and the green sand is pretty unique.
Google Maps Link – Green Sand Beach
Ho‘okena Beach Park
This is a great beach – not your typical white sand – it’s more of a grey black lava rock sand.. Good facilities, good snorkeling, good swimming. I’ve even seen a shark here! It made my heart want to explode out of my chest while snorkeling – but it was still cool. The parking can be a challenge here – so go early if possible. They have camp sites for rent as well at this beach. Should be good for kiddos – pretty gentle slope.
Google Maps Link -Ho‘okena Beach Park
Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park and Two Step
So Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park has no beaches – but is still very cool. Lots of Hawaii history here – it’s worth a visit. Right next door to the park is Two Step Beach. This is a very tiny, mostly lava beach – not a lot of sand. Not a lot of facilities – I don’t think there are bathrooms at Two Step – but I can’t be sure.
What it does have is some amazing snorkeling. Tons of folks diving here as well – it’s gorgeous.
Magic Sands Beach
This is a pretty small beach close to town along Alii Drive. It’s a great place to spend the day – although it can get crowded. The beach has perfect white sand, a gentle slope and just a cool vibe in general. Should be good for the kiddos – although the surf can get rough. The sunsets from here are great.
There are facilities around, a life guard, and in general plenty of parking.
Google Maps Link – Magic Sands Beach
Old Kona Airport Beach Park
This beaching area is right near town. The beach is a bit rocky in places – but the sunsets are amazing. We’ve never actually went swimming here – but we’ve seen people in the water. Some surfing goes on here too. There are lots of pools and we almost always see turtles at this park.
There is always plenty of parking and I’ve never seen it particularly crowded. The facilities are pretty nice too – picnic tables, bathrooms, etc.
Google Maps Link – Old Kona Airport
Kekaha Kai State Park – a.k.a. Airplane Beach
I like this one – because I like airplanes. I call it airplane beach – I’m sure I’m not the only one. But I feel clever.
The flights into KOA pass right overhead on short final above this beach. The swimming is great both at the state park beaches and Mahai’ula beach which is a short distance from the parking area. Lots of room to spread out – bathrooms at the state park beach at the end of the road.
To get to Mahai’ula beach (which is the better of the two) – you’ll see a gate on the right hand side of the road about 1/3 mile from the water. There will be cars parked there and bath leading off to a copse of palms. Load up and start walking – great place to spend an afternoon.
You can also keep walking to Makalawena Beach – which I have never done. But it is supposed to be amazing. But quite a hike across the lava rock.
Be warned – the road is rough.
Google Maps Link – Kekaha Kai State Park
Manini’owali Beach a.k.a. Veteran’s Beach (Kua Bay)
Another great beach. Lots of great swimming – can get crowded on the weekends and during vacation weeks. It’s a bit of a drive outside of Kona – I’ve heard it called Veteran’s Beach – because the turn off to the beach is directly opposite of the entrance to the Veteran’s Cemetery.
Good facilities at the bottom for bathrooms, changing, showers, etc. The parking can be a bit of a challenge – but you can drive to the end of the road and unload and then find a parking spot along the road.
Google Maps Link – Manini’owali Beach
Hapuna Beach
This is a more traditional “Hawaii” beach. Lots of sand, sun, and blue water. The beach is great for swimming, boogie boarding, and just in general relaxing. Bring an umbrella and some chairs – the sun can get brutal here. Shallow slope for the beach makes it pretty good for the kiddos.
Great facilities for bathrooms, showers, etc. Parking is $5 and can fill up pretty quick – so get there early or at lunch time. There is a food truck down a the beach most days. There is also a malasada truck up at the top of turn off.
Google Maps Link – Hapuna Beach
Up and Adam 