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Island of Hawaiʻi Beaches

The island of Hawaiʻi features some of the most picturesque and varied beach landscapes in the world. From white sand, to black sand beaches (and a few other colors in-between), visitors can see first-hand how volcanic activity has shaped and influenced the beauty of Hawaiʻi. From beautiful resort beaches, to rugged, off-the-beaten-path sands that are wild, remote and rewarding — there is much to explore. 

Please note: Hawaiʻi's ocean and beach conditions are as unique as the islands themselves. Visit HIOCEANSAFETY.COM which constantly monitors the surf, wind, and reports from public safety officials that directly affect the conditions for safety of Hawaiian beaches. Use the hazard signs on HIOCEANSAFETY.COM as well to quickly assess conditions and help you find the appropriate beach for your visit.


Hilo Beaches

Carlsmith Beach Park (Four Mile) 
Enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the calm waters at Carlsmith Beach. And, don't forget to keep an eye out for honu (sea turtles) in one of the vast lagoons. 

Onekahakaha Beach Park
A favorite with locals, this small, shallow sand-bottomed ocean pool just east of the Hilo Airport is one the safest swimming areas along the Hilo coast, with tide pools and inlets. Perfect for family snorkeling, it also offers lovely views of Hilo Bay.

Leleiwi Beach Park
With its series natural ponds and coves this beach park is a popular destination for snorkelers.

Richardson Ocean Center/Leleiwi Beach Park
The shallow bay fronting Richardson Ocean Center is the most popular snorkeling site on the east side of the island. The center, which is two miles south down Kalanianaʻole Avenue from Onekahakaha Beach, has picnic pavilions, restrooms, parking and showers.

Honoliʻi Beach Park
A conveniently located beach less than 2 miles from downtown Hilo and is a favorite spot for surfers.


Kaʻū Beaches

Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Thirty miles south of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is the island of Hawaiʻi's famous black sand beach and a great place to see honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) basking on the shore. An adjacent campground is popular with local families and fisherman.


Kohala Beaches

ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay (Waikoloa Beach Resort)
This stretch of Kohala Coast beach next to the Waikoloa Beach Marriott is a place to rent kayaks, hydro bikes and body boards or to snorkel, scuba dive or sunbathe. There is ample parking, along with picnic facilities and restrooms. A historic Hawaiian fishpond also hugs the beach.

Hāpuna Beach Park
The largest white sand beach on the island of Hawaiʻi, this world-renowned beach is located adjacent to the The Westin Hāpuna. There is ample parking with restroom and picnic facilities.

Holoholokai Beach 
This small beach park with full facilities near the Fairmont Orchid Hawaiʻi isn’t a sandy beach, but it’s a beautiful place to explore tide pools and snorkel. It’s a short walk from the Puakō Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve, where you’ll find hundreds of ancient carvings in the lava rock.

‘Ōhai‘ula/Spencer Beach Park
Popular among families, this Kohala Coast beach, located a half-hour north of Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona), is well protected by an outside reef, which allows for calm swimming and snorkeling waters on most days. The beach park has picnic pavilions, tables and barbeque grills and is within walking distance of Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site.

Waialea
Lined with palm trees, this white sand beach is the home to many tropical fish and marine life.

Kaunaʻoa Beach 
This near-perfect crescent of sand leading to calm water has been voted among the Top 10 beaches in the U.S. by Conde Nast’s Traveler magazine. Adjacent to the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, parking spaces are limited, so it’s good to arrive early.


Kona Beaches

Hōnaunau Bay
Beautiful but fragile bay for experienced swimmers and snorkelers. For tips on where to park, how to enter/access the bay safely, and enjoy snorkeling and swimming mindfully, please click here.​ Located near Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. 

Kahaluʻu Beach Park
Located just south of Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona) in the Keauhou area, Kahaluʻu Beach is known for honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) that frequent its shores. This is one of the Keauhou and Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona) area’s most popular beaches, great for snorkeling.

Laʻaloa/White Sands Beach Park 
Also known as Disappearing Sands and Magic Sands, this white sand Kona beach is located on Aliʻi Drive just south of Historic Kailua Village. This popular pocket of sand is great for splashing in the surf, body-surfing and body-boarding. There are restrooms, showers and a lifeguard, but limited parking. This small beach may disappear overnight due to tidal shifts or strong surf, but always returns.

Kamakahonu Bay 
This scenic beach offers some of the best snorkeling in Hawaiʻi. Take a tour or rent our own equipment for a day in the water!

Kekahakai State Park
This secluded beach has crystal blue waters and palm tree-lined sand beaches. Plus you might get lucky enough to spot a monk seal during your visit.

Kailua Bay
A small treasure of a beach perfect for swimming.

Kohanaiki County Beach Park
A popular hangout for local surfers and paddle boarders, this beach is also a great spot to relax and take a one-of-a-kind scenic coastline picture!

Keauhou Bay
A perfect location to set out on a snorkel cruise or dive boat excursion. Fishing is also allowed here.


Puna Beaches

Pohoiki Beach 
A new black sand beach, a result of the 2018 volcanic activity in Lower Puna. PLEASE NOTE: as portions of Highway 132 and 137 remain closed, GPS directions are no longer accurate. Please use Highway 130, drive all the way to the coast, then turn left on Highway 137. Drive with caution as a portion of the road is gravel. 

Learn More About Marine Life of Hawaiʻi

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Learn About Ocean Safety in Hawaiʻi

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View the Digital Hawaiian Islands Official Visitors’ Guide

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