Are you looking for some of the best beaches big island Hawaii? Are you planning a trip to Hawaii, but you are not quite sure which one to go to?
Well, you are in luck because you have just stumbled across an article that will give you all of the information that you need and more. From white sanded and green sanded beaches to black sanded beaches.
Hawaii has everything to offer in terms of scenery. It is one of the best places in the world to go swimming or surfing and has a lot of other beach activities that you can participate in. There is even a volcano that you can spot.
So which beach is the best for you? Let us take a look at some of the best beaches on the big island.
1. Makalawena Beach
When it comes to the best beaches big island Hawaii, it does not get much better than Makalawena Beach. This beach has beautiful, white sand and is one of the more secluded beaches on the big island.
So, if you are looking for a serene day out somewhere you will not run into too many people then this will be one of the best beaches on the big island for you to visit. If you do plan on visiting Makalawena Beach, you better get your hiking shoes on since it takes 20 minutes to walk to the beach.
The water is crystal clear too which makes visiting this beach an overall breathtaking experience. On top of the beautiful white sand and crystal waters, you will also find chunks of lava spread all over the beach. There are beautiful palm trees and sand dunes for you to climb up.
If you are traveling with your family, do not forget to pack some snacks since Makalawena Beach has a lovely picnic area where you can eat and relax. This is not only one of the best beaches big island Hawaii, but it is also one of the top-rated beaches.
So, do not miss out on this life changing experience. Get your sunglasses and let’s go to the beach!
2. Hapuna State Beach Big Island
If you are looking for the best beaches big island Hawaii for tourists then Hapuna State Beach is the way to go. This beach is one of the most popular beaches in Hawaii. So, you can rest assured that you will run into quite a few other travelers during your day out.
As a matter of fact, the beach can get so crowded at times that it might be hard to find a parking spot if you do not arrive early enough. However, this is still one of the most beautiful and best beaches on the big island. Hapuna State Beach is the perfect beach for those who want to go swimming.
There are lifeguards present which will give you an extra sense of safety. You can also go snorkeling on this beach which is an activity that you certainly cannot miss out on. There are showers and restrooms available on the beach.
If the sun is getting too hot for you, you can always go and sit down at one of the picnic tables that are covered with shade. So, do not forget to bring your picnic baskets with you.
Experiencing swimming, snorkeling, bodyboarding or a relaxing day of tanning at Hapuna State Beach is one of the best decisions that you can make. So, be sure to add Hapuna State Beach straight to the top of your bucket list.
3. Kaunaoa Beach
Are you looking for the best beaches big island Hawaii that you can take your family to? If you are, I am pleased to inform you that you have just found it. Kaunaoa Beach is one of the best beaches on the big island for families.
The beach has beautiful, soft white sand and crystal clear waters that tempt you to take a dip in them. Another reason as to why Kaunaoa Beach is one of the best beached on the big island is due to all of the activities that you can do there.
Naturally, swimming in the ocean is everyone’s go-to. However, you can do so much more.
For starters, this is one of the best spots for those who want to go snorkeling. On top of that, this is also one of the best beaches big island Hawaii for those who want to go surfing or bodyboarding. There is almost nothing that Kaunaoa Beach does not have to offer.
At night, the beach is lit up by a nearby hotel’s lights which is a beautiful sight. You will feel as if you are in a fairytale and if you look closely you might even be lucky enough to see some manta rays hunting for plankton in the water. Kaunaoa Beach, here we come!
4. Manini’owali Beach Big Island
The Manini’owali Beach is another one of the best beaches big island Hawaii. This little piece of heaven is one of the smaller beaches that you will find on the island. However, it is still a beach that you cannot afford to miss out on.
There is a road that runs through the hardened lava that surrounds the beach which makes it an easy beach to travel to by car. Manini’owali Beach usually has calm water and it is one of the best beaches on the big island for those who want to go swimming.
However, it is not always safe to swim at this beach. When the waves are raging and big in size, swimming at Manini’owali Beach can be quite dangerous. So, it is best to steer clear of the waters when the waves are raging.
On the upside, the beach has all of the facilities that you need available. It has restrooms and showers on the premises.
This is truly one of the best beached on the big island in terms of beauty. It is a little piece of paradise and you will not regret spending the day here. So, be sure to add Manini’owali Beach to your list of beaches to visit. You will not regret it.
5. Punalu’u Beach
Are you wanting to experience and witness some ocean life during your day on the beach? Well, you can at Punalu’u Beach which is also one of the best beaches big island Hawaii. This beach is also commonly known as the black sand beach since the sand is black from all of the hardened lava.
It is important to be aware that the lava can get extremely hot on sunny days. So, be sure to bring along the right pair of shoes to avoid burning your feet. The beach is quite easy to access and has restrooms and showers available.
There are also lifeguards who can give you any information that you may need about the beach. It is possible to swim at Punalu’u Beach and it can be quite a lovely experience. However, it is important to be aware of the fact that this specific beach has extremely strong currents.
This means that you will need to be careful and perhaps speak to the lifeguard to ensure that it is safe to swim at the time that you arrive. If you are wanting to go snorkeling, Punalu’u Beach probably is not the best beach for you.
However, due to the heat on the beach, you might see some green sea turtles if you are feeling lucky. So dive into the fun and let’s go relax at Punalu’u Beach. What have you got to lose?
6.Waialea Beach Big Island
Waialea Beach is a top tourist destination in Hawaii. If you want to visit this beach, you should prepare to run into a lot of tourists.
Also, it is best to arrive early in order to secure a good parking space. Yes, this beach can get extremely busy, but that does not take anything away from the experience.
The beach has blue waters and white sand which truly makes it a sight to behold. It is one of the best beaches big island Hawaii for those who want to go swimming. You can also go scuba diving, snorkeling, and surfing here.
As a matter of fact, this is one of the best beaches on the big island for those who want to engage in these activities. The beach does not have any lifeguards, so you will need to be careful when you go swimming. However, there are restrooms and showers available for the public to use.
Although this is a great beach to swim in during summer, it is not wise to swim there during winter. This is mostly due to the fact that the ocean can get quite rough during the winter season which leads to strong currents.
Some professional surfers may prefer these raging waters, but unless you are a professional, it is best to steer clear of the water during winter. So, get your summer gear and get ready to embark on the experience of a lifetime.
7. Kahalu’u Beach Park
If you are looking to experience beautiful beaches that are full of ocean life, Kahalu’u Beach Park is the way to go. This is one of the best beaches on the big island for those who want to go snorkeling.
Amongst the corals, you will see a wide variety of tropical fish that will make you feel as if you are in “The Little Mermaid” movie. There are, naturally, restrooms and showers on the beach. On top of that, there are also facilities where you can rent scuba diving, surfing, and other fun, beach equipment.
The beach also has an educational facility available which makes it an excellent choice for families with children. You can learn about the ecosystem of the beach and get to know more about the sea life that you will encounter.
All of the profits that the educational center makes go directly toward preserving the ecosystem. There are also two lifeguard towers on the beach. The one tower is located on the swimming beach and the second tower is located on the surfer’s beach.
So, you can rest assured that you will be safe regardless of which part of the beach you are planning on visiting. Kahalu’u Beach Park is one of the best beaches big island Hawaii and it is one of the most popular beaches on the big island.
You will run into a lot of tourists. So, be sure to arrive early to grab one of the shady spots on the beach before someone else does. Get ready. Your adventure awaits!
8. Spencer Beach Park Big Island
Spencer Beach Park is another one of the best beaches on the big island that you simply have to visit. The beach is full of scenic views and fun activities to engage in. You can go swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving if you are willing to get your feet wet.
Otherwise, you can spread out your towel on the white sand and catch that perfect tan that you have always wanted. Spencer Beach Park is known to be one of the most relaxing beaches big island Hawaii. It is a child-friendly beach where you can have a lovely day out with your family.
The beach has restrooms and showers available, but that is not all. It also has a picnic area and a barbeque. So, you can pack your own snacks or grill some delicious hamburger patties to quench your appetite.
The greatest part is that you can also go camping on this beach. However, it is important to note that you need a camping permit to do this. So, be sure to get your permit before trying to pitch your tent. There is not much that can beat swimming in the crystal clear waters at Spencer Beach Park.
This is the kind of family activity that you and your little ones will be talking about for years to come. So, be sure not to miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity. Your beach adventure is only a car ride away!
9.Papakolea ‘Green Sand’ Beach
Papakolea ‘Green Sand’ Beach
The Papakolea ‘Green Sand’ Beach did not get its name without reason. As a matter of fact, it is one of the most beautiful and best beaches on the big island. The sand has a greenish, color that can be compared to the color of an olive.
This is mainly due to the fact that the beach contains a precious stone called olivine. Can you imagine a beach with green sand and precious stones? This has got to be one of the best beaches big island Hawaii if you ask me. It is also a great swimming beach.
You will be swimming with the precious stones that will later be washed up onto the shore, tinting the sand green. According to a lot of tourists, Papakolea ‘Green Sand’ Beach is one of the most unique beaches that you will find.
Although you can swim at this beach, most people just go for the scenic view since you will not be able to find a green-sanded beach anywhere else. I would highly recommend visiting this beach to anyone who wants to see unique and beautiful scenery.
This green sand beach is one of a kind and it will be an experience that you will talk about for years to come.
10. Waipi’o Black Sand Beach Big Island
Yes, you read that correctly. Hawaii does not only have white and green sand beaches, but it also has black sand beaches. Waipi’o Black Sand Beach is one of these mind-blowing beaches and it is a beach that you will not soon forget.
You can find this beach on the Hamakua Coast which sits on the northern side of the big island. Unfortunately, this is not one of the beach beaches big island Hawaii for those who want to take a dip in the water. As a matter of fact, you cannot swim at this beach at all.
This is mostly due to the fact that the raging waters and strong currents make the waters too dangerous to swim in. Due to this, the Waipi’o Black Sand Beach is mostly a popular tourist destination for those who want to go sightseeing.
The black sand and raging waters are truly a sight to behold and you will not regret making a pitstop at Waipi’o Black Sand Beach. The beach also is not very easy to access. You will need to hike to the beach which can be quite a tiring activity if you are not a fitness fanatic.
However, the hike will definitely be worth your time and energy. You can also sign up for a local tour of the beach if you want to experience the full package. You cannot go wrong by visiting this amazing black sand beach.
So, be sure to add it to your list of activities in Hawaii. This is a sight that you will not see anywhere else.
11.Kona Coast (Kekaha Kai) State Park
Are you looking to take a dip in crystal clear waters while you are visiting Hawaii? Well, I am pleased to inform you that you have just found the perfect place where you can do that and more.
The Kona Coast (Kekaha Kai) State Park is one of the best beaches on the big island for those who want to go swimming, diving, snorkeling, bodyboarding, or surfing. Yes, the list of activities that you can engage in on the beach is absolutely endless.
The beach is located on the northern side of Kona and it is accessible by car. The sand is white in color and the water is crystal clear. This is the perfect place to cool down on a hot day. Also, you will encounter some beautiful sea life if you choose to go snorkeling at this beach.
When it comes to finding the best beaches big island Hawaii, the Kona Coast (Kekaha Kai) State Park most definitely takes the cake. It has beautiful scenery and great activities to partake in. What more could you ask for?
12. Kauna’oa ‘Mauna Kea’ Beach Big Island
Would you like to see a real-life volcano? Well, the great news is that you can do this at none other than the popular Kauna’oa ‘Mauna Kea’ Beach. This is one of the best beaches on the big island which is evident due to the number of tourists that visit this beach.
Similar to a lot of beaches in Hawaii, the Kauna’oa ‘Mauna Kea’ Beach is filled with white sand and crystal clear waters. This makes it a great beach for swimming and sun tanning. You can also go to this beach just to take in the beautiful views.
One of these beautiful sights that you can see is a volcano. Yes, you read that correctly. You can see a real-life volcano from the beach which is a sight that you are not likely to see anywhere else. Don’t worry too much.
The volcano is not going to erupt while you are swimming or catching a tan, but it is still a sight to behold. This makes Kauna’oa ‘Mauna Kea’ Beach one of the best beaches big island Hawaii in terms of uniqueness. So, let’s go to the Kauna’oa ‘Mauna Kea’ Beach.
You will truly “erupt” with the excitement that you will experience.
Conclusion On The Best Beaches Big Island
So, there you have it. You now have a list of all of the best beaches big island Hawaii. Hawaii has something to offer for everybody. The beaches have the most beautiful scenery. You can find white sanded beaches, green sanded beaches, and black sanded beaches on the island.
On top of that, you can also spot some sea turtles or stare at the volcano in awe. Hawaii also does not have any lack of activities that you can participate in. You can cool off by taking a dip in the crystal clear waters.
Otherwise, you can go scuba diving or snorkeling. If you have a surfboard you can ride the raging waves or you can lay on the beach and catch a tan.
Not only are these the best beaches on the big island, but they are some of the best beaches in the world. So, get your swimsuits and sunglasses ready. You are about to embark on the experience of a lifetime.
