Big Island Hawaii Beach Guide
Ready to dive into the best beaches the Big Island has to offer? From black sand to hidden coves, the island is a paradise for beach lovers. Whether you're chasing waves, snorkeling with vibrant fish, or simply soaking up the sun, this Big Island Hawaii beach guide will help you find your perfect stretch of sand.
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Location and Directions
About 67 miles south of Kona, take Highway 11 toward Volcano. The beach is near mile marker 55.
A must-see on the Big Island, Punaluʻu offers jet black sand formed from lava and is one of the best places to spot Big Island Hawaii turtles. Bring water shoes, as the lava rock can be rough.
Hapuna Beach
Location and Directions
Drive 30 miles north of Kona on Highway 19. Turn off at mile marker 70 onto Hapuna Beach Road.
Located on the Kohala Coast, Hapuna is one of the largest white sand beaches on the island. It’s ideal for swimming, bodyboarding, and sunbathing. Early mornings here are magical, with calm waters and fewer crowds.
Kahaluʻu Beach Park
Location and Directions
Just 10 minutes south of downtown Kona on Aliʻi Drive. Free parking lot available.
Minutes from downtown Kona, Kahaluʻu is a snorkeler’s dream. Calm, shallow waters are home to colorful coral, reef fish, and sea turtles. It's also one of our favorite spots for underwater adventures.
Maniniʻowali Beach (Kua Bay)
Location and Directions
Off Highway 19 near mile marker 88, follow signs for Kekaha Kai State Park.
Tucked in Kekaha Kai State Park, Maniniʻowali has powdery white sand and turquoise waters. It’s a bit remote, but the clear water and soft sand make it worth the trip. Bring a cooler and arrive early to snag parking.
Magic Sands Beach (Laʻaloa)
Location and Directions
On Aliʻi Drive about 3 miles south of downtown Kona. Limited free parking available.
Named for how its sand disappears with seasonal swells, Magic Sands is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. It's perfect for sunbathing and boogie boarding. After the beach, grab a drink at one of the nearby Kona Hawaii bars or check out the Kona Hawaii happy hour spots.
Honlʻs Beach
Location and Directions
On Aliʻi Drive near the Royal Kona Resort, just south of downtown.
Small but mighty, Honlʻs Beach is famous for its surf breaks. It's also a great spot for a picnic with a view. Be sure to include it in your itinerary if you're driving around the Big Island in one day.
Planning Your Beach Days
For a stress free beach day, check out our Hawaii packing list to make sure you have everything from reef-safe sunscreen to the perfect beach bag. If you're exploring with the whole family, our Kona Hawaii kids activities guide has beach suggestions the little ones will love.
Want to explore beyond the shore? Don’t miss our guides to hiking and tours for more ways to connect with the island's natural beauty.
And if you're just starting to plan, check out your guide to Kona Hawaii, for everything you need to know before you go.
Looking for the perfect place to stay? Book your stay at Kona Landing — a modern 2-bedroom ocean view condo just steps from the beach, bars, and restaurants on iconic Aliʻi Drive.
