The island of Hawaiʻi, also known as the Big Island, is home to stunning beaches unlike any other. You’ll find everything from pristine white sand to unique black and green sand shores. This guide will take you through the top beach spots on the Big Island. You’ll learn about their special features, activities, and geological wonders.
Ever wondered what makes the Big Island beaches stand out? What makes them different from other Hawaiian islands? Get ready to be amazed by the diversity and beauty of these unique shorelines.
Key Takeaways
- The Big Island features a wide range of unique beach types, including black, white, and even green sand beaches.
- The island’s beaches are often less crowded and more remote compared to other Hawaiian destinations.
- The Kohala Coast is renowned for its stunning white sand beaches and luxurious resorts.
- Iconic black sand beaches like Punalu’u offer a truly unique and memorable experience.
- The rare green sand beach at Papakolea is a geological wonder worth visiting.
Unique Beaches of the Big Island
The Big Island’s beaches show off its dynamic geological history. They are different from the older Hawaiian islands, with various sand colors and textures. Each beach has its own story, from the black sand of volcanic shores to the green sand of Papakolea.
Visitors can see a range of beach landscapes. These landscapes highlight the island’s active volcanoes and young geology.
Varieties of Sand Colors
The Big Island’s beaches have many sand colors, each with its own story. Black sand beaches like Punalu’u come from volcanic activity. The sand is made of tiny pieces of basalt lava.
The green sand beach at Papakolea gets its color from olivine, a mineral in Hawaii’s rocks. White sand beaches, like Hapuna and Waialea Bay, come from coral and shells breaking down over time.
Geological Wonders
The Big Island’s beaches show its young and active geology. Being one of the newest Hawaiian islands, it’s shaped by volcanoes. Exploring black sand beaches lets you see nature’s power up close.
These beaches are made when lava meets the ocean. The green sand beach at Papakolea is a rare sight, showing the island’s unique minerals.
“The Big Island’s beaches are a true geological wonderland, offering visitors a chance to witness the dynamic forces that continue to shape this unique island.”
Top White Sand Beaches
The Big Island is famous for its black and green sand beaches. But it also has some amazing white sand beaches. The Kohala Coast is known for its top-notch beach resorts. It has beautiful white sand beaches. The Mauna Lani Beach Club, the famous Hapuna Beach, and the great Waialea Bay are some of the highlights.
Mauna Lani Beach Club
The Mauna Lani Beach Club is a private spot on the Big Island. It’s a peaceful place with clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You can relax on lounge chairs, get shade under umbrellas, and enjoy nearby food and activities.
Hapuna Beach
Hapuna Beach is one of the top Kona beaches on the Big Island. It has a half-mile of white sand and calm waters. It’s great for families, with lifeguards, restrooms, and showers available.
Waialea Bay
Waialea Bay, also called Beach 69, is a top spot for snorkeling beaches on the Kohala Coast. The water is clear, and the marine life is diverse. It’s perfect for families, with gentle entry and safe conditions for exploring.
| Beach | Distance from Pacific 19 Hotel | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kamakahonu Beach | 0.1 miles | 1 minute walk |
| Magic Sands Beach | 4.2 miles | 10 minutes drive |
| Kua Bay (Manini’owali Beach) | 13.3 miles | 20 minutes drive |
| Kiholo Bay | 19.0 miles | 45 minutes drive |
| Honaunau Bay | 22.1 miles | 40 minutes drive |
Iconic Black Sand Beaches
The Big Island of Hawaii is famous for its black sand beaches. These beaches come from the island’s volcanic activity. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is a top spot, located on the southern Kona coast. It’s known for its soft, black sand made from lava flows.
Visitors love the beach for its dark sand, blue waters, and green palm trees. It’s a must-see spot on the Big Island.
Punalu’u Beach is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm every day. It has lifeguards, restrooms, parking, showers, picnic areas, and boat ramps. It’s perfect for families and adventurers.
The Big Island has more amazing black sand beaches shaped by volcanoes. Pohoiki Beach was made in 2018 from the Kilauea Volcano eruption. Kaimu Beach got covered in lava in 1990. These volcanic beaches and lava rock beaches are unique and awe-inspiring.
| Beach | Location | Formation | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punalu’u Black Sand Beach | Southern Kona coast | Formed by weathering and erosion of nearby lava flows | Open daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, with lifeguards and amenities |
| Pohoiki Beach | Puna district | Created during the 2018 Kilauea Volcano eruption | Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, with restroom facilities |
| Kaimu Beach | Puna district | Formed during the 1990 eruption of the Kilauea Volcano | Covered by 70 feet of lava in 1990 |
These black sand beaches on the Big Island are truly unique. They show off the island’s volcanic history and nature’s power. Whether you want a peaceful day or an adventure, these beaches will impress you.
Extraordinary Green Sand Beach
The Big Island of Hawaii is famous for its diverse beaches, each with its own special charm. The Papakolea Green Sand Beach is a true natural wonder. It’s one of the few green sand beaches in the world. The sand gets its green color from olivine, a mineral found in nearby lava.
Getting to this remote beach is a bit tough, but the views and the beach itself are worth it. The 4.5-mile roundtrip hike takes about 3-5 hours. It’s a trip for those who love serious hiking.
The Papakolea Green Sand Beach is a geological marvel. It was made by the erosion of cinder cones. The olivine sand looks amazing against the deep blue ocean. But, be careful in the water because there are no lifeguards and the ocean can be rough.
There aren’t many facilities at the beach, but its remote and untouched nature is unforgettable. You can also visit Punalu’u Black Sand Beach and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. These places let you see more of the Big Island’s unique beaches and geological wonders.
“Papakōlea Beach is one of only four green sand beaches in the world. The green sands get their color from olivine crystals that have eroded out of cinder cones formed during the 1868 flow of Mauna Loa.”
Family-Friendly Beaches
The Big Island of Hawaii has many beaches perfect for families. White Sands Beach Park and Anaeho’omalu Bay in the Kona area are great choices. They have inviting waters, lots of amenities, and are great for families.
White Sands Beach Park
Known as Magic Sands, White Sands Beach Park is a favorite near Kona. It’s famous for its soft, white sand and calm waters. This makes it perfect for families, letting kids play safely by the water.
There are restrooms, showers, and picnic areas, making it easy for a fun beach day.
Anaeho'omalu Bay
Anaeho’omalu Bay is in the Waikoloa Beach Resort. It has a safe, crescent-shaped beach that’s great for families. There are restrooms, showers, and picnic spots, making it a family-friendly beach.
The calm waters are perfect for kids to swim and play. It’s a great place for a day at the family-friendly Big Island beaches.
Looking for a day of relaxation, building sandcastles, or playing in the water? The family-friendly Big Island beaches of White Sands Beach Park and Anaeho’omalu Bay are ideal. They offer a beautiful setting for making memories with your family.
Remote and Adventurous Beaches
Beyond the famous white and black sand beaches, the Big Island has more to offer. These remote and adventurous spots give you a rugged and secluded beach experience. They let you see the island’s raw beauty and dramatic landscapes.
Waipi'o Valley Black Sand Beach
The Waipi’o Valley Black Sand Beach is hidden and hard to get to. It’s at the foot of high cliffs, with black sand that stands out against the green hills. Getting there is part of the fun, as you hike down a steep path to a peaceful, untouched beach.
Pololu Valley Black Sand Beach
Like Waipi’o, the Pololu Valley Black Sand Beach is only reached by a tough hike. It’s a quiet spot with a black sand beach, surrounded by cliffs and greenery. The hike back is tough, so remember to bring water and good shoes.
These beaches let you see the wild side of the Big Island. Whether you’re going to Waipi’o or Pololu Valley, the trip and the views will make your visit unforgettable.
Beaches for Snorkeling and Water Activities
The Big Island’s coast is full of beaches great for snorkeling and water sports. Kaimu Beach Park and Richardson Beach Park are top spots to see the island’s colorful sea life.
Kaimu Beach Park
Kaimu Beach Park is a new black sand beach from a 1990 lava flow. It’s not safe for swimming due to strong currents. But, it’s perfect for snorkeling.
Here, you can see a lively coral reef and many tropical fish. Look out for pufferfish, parrotfish, and clownfish up close.
Richardson Beach Park
Richardson Beach Park is near Hilo and has a safe, black sand beach. It’s great for snorkeling and swimming. You’ll see sea turtles, moray eels, and many colorful fish.
These fish include yellow tang, Moorish idol, and black triggerfish. The beaches let visitors explore the island’s underwater world.
They offer a chance to enjoy Big Island snorkeling beaches and water sports beaches.
Whether you’re experienced or new to snorkeling, the Big Island’s protected beaches and Hilo beaches are perfect. They let you dive into the rich marine life of these waters.
Big Island, Hawaii: Best Beaches - Top Picks
The Big Island of Hawaii is home to a wide range of beautiful beaches. From the famous black sand of Punalu’u to the white sands of Hapuna Beach, there’s a spot for everyone. Whether you want adventure or a relaxing day, this tropical paradise has it all.
Mauna Kea Beach on Kauna’oa Bay is often called one of the best beaches in the world. It’s known for its soft white sand and clear waters. Hapuna Beach State Park is another favorite, perfect for those who love water sports because of its great surfing conditions almost all year.
Black sand beaches like Punalu’u Beach are a sight to see. They form when lava meets the ocean and breaks down into black sand. These beaches are great for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling, with lots of colorful fish in the water.
The Big Island also has the Papakolea Green Sand Beach, one of only two green sand beaches in the U.S. This beach is a natural wonder, created by a cinder cone. It’s a unique spot for a beach visit.
The Kona and Kohala Coasts have some of the best beaches for families. Places like White Sands Beach Park and Anaeho’omalu Bay have calm waters and lots of activities for kids and adults.
Whether you’re looking for a hidden gem like Waipi’o Valley Black Sand Beach or a spot for snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay, the Big Island has it. It’s a tropical paradise with beaches for every type of visitor.
“The Big Island of Hawaii truly is a tropical paradise for beach lovers, offering a captivating array of unique and stunning beach destinations.”
Beach Safety and Tips
Visiting the Big Island’s beaches in Hawaii means putting safety first. Many beaches, especially the remote ones, have risks like strong currents and high surf. It’s key to check the beach conditions, follow warnings, and be careful when swimming.
Rip currents are a big safety issue on the Big Island. They can pull swimmers away from the shore quickly. If you get caught, swim parallel to the beach to get out of the current. Then, swim back to shore. Knowing the signs of rip currents, like a churning, choppy water, helps you avoid them.
- Always check the weather and ocean conditions before heading to the beach.
- Swim only in designated safe areas and avoid rocky coastlines or areas with high surf.
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect both yourself and the delicate marine ecosystems.
- Pack essential supplies like water shoes, first-aid kits, and plenty of drinking water to stay prepared.
- Familiarize yourself with beach safety signage and heed any warnings or advisories.
By following these tips and staying alert, your beach trip on the Big Island will be safe and memorable. Enjoy the island’s beauty while keeping yourself safe.
| Beach Safety Essentials | Why They Matter |
|---|---|
| Reef-Safe Sunscreen | Protects both you and the delicate marine ecosystems |
| Water Shoes | Prevent injuries from rocky or uneven terrain |
| First-Aid Kit | Allows you to address minor injuries and emergencies |
| Plenty of Water | Keeps you hydrated in the hot, tropical climate |
“The ocean has been known to do mysterious and dangerous things, and it demands respect.”
Beach Map and Guide
Exploring the Big Island’s beaches is now easier with our beach map and guide. It covers everything from the famous white sands of the Kohala Coast to the unique black and green sands on the southern and eastern shores. This guide helps you plan the perfect beach day.
The Big Island beach map shows you the island’s beautiful beaches. It lets you see where each beach is and what it offers. Whether you want a family-friendly spot, a quiet place for adventure, or the best spots for snorkeling, the map has you covered.
Our beach directory gives you all the details on the beaches. You’ll find out about their special features, what they offer, and how to get there. This makes it easy to pick the Big Island beaches that fit what you’re looking for.
| Beach Name | Beach Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Hapuna Beach | White Sand | Expansive white sands, crystal-clear waters, popular for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing |
| Mauna Kea Beach | White Sand | Secluded setting, soft golden sands, excellent snorkeling conditions |
| Punalu’u Black Sand Beach | Black Sand | Jet-black sands created by volcanic activity, home to endangered green sea turtles |
| Papakolea Green Sand Beach | Green Sand | Rare olive-green sands formed by olivine crystals, accessible via a challenging hike |
| Kahalu’u Beach Park | Snorkeling | Calm waters teeming with colorful fish and green sea turtles, suitable for beginners and families |
| Anaeho’omalu Bay (A-Bay) | Family-Friendly | Palm-fringed shores, gentle waves, ideal for swimming and paddleboarding |
With this Big Island beach map and guide, you can easily find the best beach for your next adventure. It helps you explore the island’s diverse beaches and find the perfect spot for your beach day.
Conclusion
The Big Island of Hawaii is a true tropical paradise. It has a wide range of Hawaii beaches for all beach lovers. From the beautiful white sands of the Kohala Coast to the stunning black sand beaches and the unique green sand beach, there’s something for everyone.
Looking for a family-friendly beach day or an exciting adventure? The Big Island has it all. This guide has shown you the best beach spots on the Big Island. It’s everything you need to plan your dream tropical beach getaway.
Beaches like Punaluu Beach, Hapuna Beach, and Anaeho’omalu Bay offer unforgettable experiences. The Kona beaches and Hawaiian islands are full of beauty and adventure. Start your beach journey on the Big Island today and feel the magic of this tropical paradise.
