Big Island Hawaii Beaches

Beaches? On the Big Island of Hawaii?

While the most publicized beaches in Hawaii may be those on Oahu and Maui, Hawaii (Big Island) has 80 or more beaches and is the only island where more can appear – or disappear – regularly.  For example, in 1989 a new black-sand beach formed when molten lava shattered as it hit cold ocean waters. Kamoamoa, as it was named, was the largest of the black-sand beaches, measuring 25 yards wide and more than ½ mile long.  The beach was closed in 1992 because of new lava flows.  Some of Hawaii’s beaches may be a bit hard to get to, as several are hidden behind large hotels or are down unmarked roads.

Please understand many beaches have dangerous undertows.  Rip currents and pounding shore breaks may cause serious risk anywhere, any time. For your safety, swim only when you see other visitors in the water and be sure not to gauge safety by the number of local surfers.  Most of the public beaches do not have lifeguards, so always survey the wind and weather conditions before planning your day at a Hawaiian beach.

That being said, there are several beautiful white-sand, black-sand and even green-sand beaches along the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.  The beaches listed below are a list of our favorites and ones that are close to our bed and breakfast.  For overnight permits, necessary at all parks, contact the Department of Land and Natural Resources for state parks and the Department of Parks and Recreation for county parks. 

Don't see a beach that fits your style? More Hawaii Beaches ....

Green Sand (Mahana) Beach You need good hiking shoes, or a permit and a four-wheel-drive vehicle to get to this truly green crescent, one of the most unusual and prettiest beaches on the island. The beach lies at the base of Pu'u o Mahana, a cinder cone formed during an early eruption of Mauna Loa; the greenish tint is caused by an accumulation of olivine that forms in volcanic eruptions. Swimming is dangerous in this windy, remote area, and there are no facilities. Still, in calm water close to the shore, the aquamarine surf feels great and you find yourself in a surreal grass plain landscape. Follow the trail 2 to 3 miles along the shoreline. Or obtain a four-wheel-drive permit from Hawaiian Homelands (160 Baker Ave., Hilo 96720, PHONE: 808/974-4250). They'll give you a key to the gate for a $25 deposit. 2½ miles northeast of South Point, off Hwy. 11, PHONE: 808/974-4250.

Ho'okena Beach Park You'll feel like an adventurer when you come upon Ho'okena, at the northern end of Kauhako Bay. When Mark Twain visited, 2,500 people populated the busy seaport village. You can still find gas lampposts dating from the early 1900s. This dark-gray coral-and-lava-sand beach offers good swimming, snorkeling, and bodysurfing. Rest rooms, showers, and picnic tables are available at the park. The access road is narrow and bumpy. It's a two-mile drive down a road bordered by remains of a stone wall off Hwy. 11, 23 miles south of Kailua-Kona. PHONE: 808/961-8311.

Napo'opo'o Beach Park The best way to enjoy this marine preserve is to take a snorkel, scuba, or glass-bottom boat tour from Keauhou Bay. A 27-ft white obelisk indicates where Captain James Cook was killed in 1779. While this six-acre beach park has a picnic pavilion, the beach consists of rocks, making access into the water difficult.  Located at the edge of Kealakekua Bay.

Kahalu'u Beach Park This is one of the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island, with a huge variety of fishes in clear shallow waters.  Swim with schools of colorful fish in these protected waters; don't forget your underwater camera!  The north end of the beach is where the waves break and is best for body boarding and surfing.  Check the water conditions; with ocean swells, the water can be murky.  Facilities include a pavilion, rest rooms, showers, a lifeguard tower, and limited parking. A narrow path takes you directly to the Resort's Beach Bar & Grill, which serves sandwiches and plate lunches. 5½ miles south of Kailua-Kona on Ali'i Dr., PHONE: 808/961-8311.

Kona Magic Sands Beach  Also known as La'aloa Beach, White Sands, or Disappearing Sands Beach Park. Now you see it, now you don't. Overnight, winter waves wash away this small white-sand beach on Ali'i Drive just south of Kailua-Kona. In summer you'll know you've found it when you see the body boarders and surfers. A volleyball net, rest rooms, showers, a lifeguard tower, and a coconut grove create a favorite and convenient summer hangout. This beach is officially called La'aloa Bay Beach Pak.  4½ miles south of Kailua-Kona on Ali'i Dr., PHONE: 808/961-8311.

Kamakahonu Beach.  The "King Kam" beach is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike.  This beach is conveniently tucked away between the Kailua pier and the King Kamehameha hotel right on Alii Drive.  The surf is calm so this is a great beach for children.  The sand is white, the trees are shady, and the snorkeling is good - especially outside on the cove.  This is also a popular spot for SNUBA, dive instruction, and swimming.

Hale Ho`ola
Big Island Hawaii Bed and Breakfast Inn
85-4577 Mamalahoa Hwy
Captain Cook, HI 96704
Toll Free: 877-628-9117 or 808-328-9117
E-mail: tlc@hale-hoola.com