12 of the Best Beaches on Hawaiʻi, the Big Island

The Island of Hawaiʻi, most often simply called the Big Island, is the largest in the archipelago. It spans 4,028 square miles with diverse landscapes that include everything from active volcanic craters and lush rainforests to beautiful beaches. Due to its volcanic origins, there are many dramatic black sand beaches where lava once met the sea, a handful of stretches with white sands, and one of the world's few green sand beaches.

Some are known for their calm turquoise waters ideal for snorkeling and swimming, while others have more powerful waves, best for sunbathing, strolling, or surfing local breaks ideal for beginners or the more experienced. There's a great beach for every type of traveler on the Big Island, with these options among the best to spend time on.

Punalu'u is the most famous of the island's black volcanic sand beaches. Hawksbill and green sea turtles often haul themselves onto the jet-black shore to bask in the sand, providing opportunities for close encounters with the animals. It makes for great photo ops, with the turtles and the black sand beautifully contrasted against the cobalt waves. 

While there is a lifeguard, Punalu'u is usually not the best place for swimming. When conditions are calm, the water can be accessed more easily from the boat ramp near the ruins of an old pier, or at the northeastern end, where there are fewer rocks. If it's too rough, the freshwater tidepool nearby is a perfect spot for wading. Restrooms, freshwater outdoor showers, and picnic tables are all available. 

One of the most beautiful and remote beaches on the Big Island, Waipi'o Beach is set within the lush Waipi'o Valley along the northern shore. It's worth visiting just to view it from above and capture photos at the overlook, but it's possible to set foot on the black sands by joining a guided tour. Rather than swimming or taking part in water sports, it's all about the unspoiled scenery here, including Kaluahine Falls at the eastern end of the beach, with the waves powerful and the currents strong. 

Hapuna Beach in Hapuna Beach State Park is often named among the country's very best. Nestled along the Kohala Coast, it boasts the largest stretch of white sand on the island while lapped by clear, calm, cobalt waters. It spans about a half-mile from one lava point to the other, providing plenty of room for sunbathing and other activities on the sand. Plus, it's one of the Big Island's best places to swim and comes complete with lifeguards. Families with little ones can head to the cove at the north end, which has shallow water and a sandy bottom ideal for splashing around. 

Couples can enjoy romantic strolls and sunset watching, while hiking enthusiasts can access the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, a 175-mile route that runs right along the coast. During the winter, this is a prime spot to watch humpback whales. In the park itself, there are picnic tables, cafes, public showers, and camping areas. There's something for everyone here. 

One of the few sandy beaches in South Kona, Ho'okena is located south of Kailua-Kona in Captain Cook. A locals' favorite, it's bordered by sea cliffs at the northern end of Kauhako Bay, providing one of the best stretches for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. Local fisherman often come to launch their canoes, just like their ancestors have for centuries. The best conditions for swimming are at the south end, where you'll find a sandier sea bottom. 

If you don't have your own snorkeling gear, it can be rented right at the beach. It's an experience not to be missed as one of the top spots to see spinner dolphins that enter the bay to rest in the shallows during the morning hours. Hawaiian green sea turtles, yellow tangs, octopus, butterfly fish, and eels can also be seen. Facilities include a concession stand offering food and drink, picnic tables, outdoor showers, and restrooms. If you'd like to spend the night but don't want to lug all that camping gear, it's also available for rent. 

Located on the Kohala Coast, roughly 35 miles north of Kailua-Kona, Spencer Beach is one of the best beaches for families with young kids who want to swim or even learn to snorkel. It boasts golden sands and clear, often calm turquoise water, thanks to the reef offshore that prevents big waves. A wide range of tropical fish can be spotted, along with the occasional sea turtle. 

Part of Spencer Beach Park, you'll find it well-equipped with outdoor showers, restrooms, lifeguards (on weekends and holidays), picnic pavilions, and BBQ pits. There are also tall, native Kiawe trees for shade, but you'll need to wear your slippahs (flip-flops) to protect your feet from their thorns that fall into the sand.

Papakolea is one of the world's rarest beaches. Located near South Point, the country's southernmost point, it's about a 90-minute drive from Kailua-Kona. Most often called the "Green Sand Beach," it has a shimmering green hue, an extraordinary phenomenon resulting from unique geological processes. Made up of olivine-rich lava that spewed from an ancient cinder cone, as the olivine is denser than the volcanic material, which includes ash fragments and black pyroxene, the lighter volcanic sands get washed out to sea, resulting in the incredible shades of green. 

The beach requires a scenic but rugged 2.5-mile trek from the parking area, so it's not exactly easily accessible. As there are only four green sand beaches on the entire planet (the others being Floreana Island in the Galapagos, French Guiana, and Guam), it's well worth the hike. There are no facilities here and zero shade, so you'll need to bring plenty of water and sun protection, including a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. 

Kehena Beach, tucked in a cove with black sands on the east side of the island, is clothing-optional and popular among more adventurous couples. You won't even need a suit to swim, but keep in mind that the water can get rough here. The beach was once a popular place to swim with wild dolphins. While that's been banned, it's still a great place to go dolphin watching from the sand or atop the cliffs. The dolphins are frequently seen close to the shore, and in the winter, you might see humpback whales breaching in the distance. 

On Sundays, a drum circle is usually held here, providing a rhythm for hula-hooping, dancing, and even fire spinning. Just keep in mind that as Kehena is a remote natural reserve, there are no facilities of any kind. Bring sun protection, water shoes for walking on the hot volcanic sand, and your own food and drink. 

Makalawena can’t be accessed by road, requiring a roughly one-mile hike, which tends to keep the crowds away. On a weekday, it's typically quite tranquil, perfect for those seeking a quiet spot to unwind beneath the shade of a palm tree on the stunning ivory sands. Swimming is also possible when the water, in brilliant shades of blues and greens, is calm. Watch for Hawaiian green sea turtles that are commonly seen here. In the winter, this is a great vantage point for whale-watching. 

Just behind the beach is a 12-acre paradise known as Ōpaeʻula Pond. The National Natural Landmark is a paradise for birders, protecting breeding and nesting areas for native Hawaiian birds like the Hawaiian goose, Hawaiian hawk, and the ʻIʻiwi. As an unspoiled, secluded destination, there are no facilities on-site at Makalawena, so you'll need to pack in all your supplies. That said, at the Mhai'ula Bay trailhead, traveling over ancient lava landscape to the beach, you'll find portable toilets, outdoor showers, picnic tables, and BBQ grills.

Kaunaʻoa Beach, often referred to as Mauna Kea, has limited parking, which helps keep the crowds thin, but you'll need to arrive early to grab a space. When the lot is full, it is possible to park at nearby Hapuna Beach and access Kaunaʻoa by a roughly one-mile trail. Your reward will be soft, pale golden sand that's perfect for sandcastle-building and peaceful strolls. When the crystal-clear aquamarine water is calm, it's a great spot for swimming and snorkeling (on the left side, where colorful fish often gather). If the surf picks up, boogie boarding becomes the thing to do. 

A laid-back local favorite, Onekahakaha Beach is located in Onekahakaha Beach Park. It's ideal for families with kids as one of the safest swimming areas along the Hilo Coast. Enjoy picturesque views of Hilo Bay, picnics, snorkeling (with frequent green sea turtle encounters), and tidepooling. There are many tide pools where one can peek in to see all sorts of colorful marine creatures, including starfish. The shallow wading pool has safe, calm water that's perfect for the little ones who want to splash around.

The park also includes a playground, a large grassy area, horseshoe pits, picnic tables, BBQ grills, restrooms, and outdoor rinse-off showers. 

Often called "Disappearing Sands" or “Magic Sands," La'aloa is a small beach that often disappears overnight due to powerful tide shifts and high surf. The white sand washes out to the ocean, leaving only dark volcanic rock behind. But you can be sure it will return the following day as the swell subsides, providing an ideal place for bodysurfing, bodyboarding, and swimming, complete with a year-round lifeguard for safety. While it's more remote, La'aloa also comes fully equipped with outdoor showers, a sand volleyball court, picnic tables, grassy areas, and restrooms. There's also an oceanfront eatery just steps from the sand. 

Kua Bay has been described by Lonely Planet as “a beautiful secluded beach with turquoise waters and gleaming white sands." Picture-perfect, there's a gentle slope that makes accessing the inviting waters easy, at least outside of the winter months, when there are often big waves and strong rip currents. When the water is calm, it's ideal for swimming or snorkeling, with frequent turtle sightings. Facilities are limited, but you will find outdoor showers and public restrooms near the start of the short access path. As there is no natural shade on the beach, you'll want an umbrella or beach tent.