Go Beach Hopping in Hawaii
The island of Hawaii is lined with some of the prettiest beaches in the world, so bring your sunscreen, flip flops and a good book and spend the day chilling out on the sand.
One of the fascinating things about the beaches of the Big Island is that you never know what color they are going to be. There are volcanic black-sand beaches, salt and pepper toned beaches and even one with green sand.
Plus, there are many picture-perfect stretches of golden sand where you can stretch out and soak up the sunshine. Hitting the beach is one of the best ways to do Hawaii on a budget and is sure to make for a memorable Hawaii family vacation — kids like nothing more than playing in the surf and sand.
So, where are some of the best beaches in Big Island Hawaii? Here are a few of the top choices.
Kua Bay
The Lonely Planet guidebook describes Kua Bay as “a beautiful secluded beach with turquoise waters and gleaming white sands. It’s picture-postcard material. It has a gentle slope and inviting waters for swimmers.”
Also known as Manini’Owali Beach, it can get big waves in the winter but it is great for snorkeling if the water is calm.
You can get there by driving north from Kona along Queen Kaahumanu Highway that slices through swathes of black lava. Follow the lava-bed trail for the 20-minute hike towards the turquoise sea fringe.
If you are lucky, you may even spot a dolphin or a turtle in the waters of the bay.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the flanks of Mauna Loa. The highway leads to the Kilauea Caldera at 4,000 feet which has excellent visitor centers and maps depicting well-marked trails.
Plugging your nose against the sulphuric aromas and take a walk out towards the lava caves which are like gigantic waves frozen in time.
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Punaluu Black Sand Beach
This is one of the most famous beaches in Hawaii, due to the strange black color of the crushed lava rock that makes up the sand. The ocean is rough and turbulent, the water is cold and the views are spectacular.
It’s not a great place for swimming, but it’s perfect for stopping along the drive from the east to the west coast of the Big Island. Also, if you keep your eyes peeled you might even spot turtles in the bay.
Hapuna Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii, Hapuna Beach has clear turquoise water that laps gently against beautiful golden sand. The beach is very long, stretching out for several hundred yards and giving you lots of room to run and play.
When the weather is calm this is an ideal place for snorkeling. Also, it offers excellent boogie boarding when the wind blows and the waves start to pick up.
Onekahakaha Beach Park
This laid-back beach is a local favorite and it is great for kids, as it offers one of the safest swimming areas on the Hilo Coast. There are plenty of quiet little inlets and tide pools filled with starfish and other creatures just waiting to be explored.
Perfect for family picnics and snorkeling adventures, this beach also offers lovely views of Hilo Bay.
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La’aloa Beach
Known as “Magic Sands” or “Disappearing Sands” this picturesque pocket of sand often disappears overnight due to the strong surf or tidal shifts. However, it always returns the next day!
It is a great spot for swimming, bodyboarding and bodysurfing. Also, there are restrooms, showers, a lifeguard and parking. While you are there, you can check out the nearby Historic Kailua Village and learn about the history of Hawaii’s rich culture.
Holoholokai Beach
A lovely park with full facilities located next to the Fairmont Orchid Hawaii, this beach isn’t just a pleasant place to snorkel and explore tide pools. It’s also a great destination for history buffs who are fascinated by ancient archaeology.
It’s a short walk away from the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve, a fascinating spot where you can see hundreds of well-preserved ancient carvings in the lava rock formations. Although the exact meanings of these petroglyphs are unknown, it is thought that they represented births, deaths and other significant events in the lives of the people who once lived here long ago.
These are just a few of the many beautiful beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii that you should visit during your stay. Do you know of any others that are worth a visit? Let us know about them in the comments below.