Specific Beaches

We have white sand beaches of course, but also black sand and a beach with green sand made from olivine crystals. Some of our beaches are finely manicured and packed with activities, backed by world-class resorts. Others are beautifully wild and remote.

Every beach in Hawaii is open to the public, and Big Island state and county beach parks are highly rated by national travel magazines like Conde Nast, Travel & Leisure and “Dr. Beach,” Stephen Leatherman from the University of Maryland.

So come dive in!

Kolekole Beach Park

Kolekole Beach Park. Photo courtesy Big Island Visitor's Bureau

About 12 miles north of Hilo you’ll find this jungle garden by the ocean. A nearby stream is lined with smooth lava rocks, and a waterfall. Gorgeous on a sunny day and a unique tropical experience when its raining!

Onekahakaha Beach Park

Onekahakaha Beach Park. Courtesy Big Island Visitor Bureau.

A favorite with local residents, this small, shallow, sand-bottomed ocean pool is one of the safest swimming areas along the Hilo coast, with tidepools and inlets, so there are lots of families and small kids. Although there’s no actual beach, this park is a perfect place to play, picnic and people-watch, with pavilions, restrooms and lovely views of Hilo Bay.

Richardson Ocean Center/Leleiwi Beach Park

Richardson's Ocean Center. Photo courtesy Big Island Visitor's Bureau.

The shallow bay fronting Richardson Ocean Center is the most popular snorkeling site on the east side of the island. Surfers and body boarders ride the break next to the southern point of the bay. The center features a marine life display, and the beach park has picnic pavilions, restrooms, parking and showers.

Papakolea (Green Sands Beach)

Experienced hikers might try the 4-mile coastal trek to this amazing beach containing olivine crystals from the cinder cone behind. But be aware: there are no facilities or water (or shade) available. And be very cautious if you venture into the ocean. Only go in if the water is calm and you are a good swimmer. During high surf, there is a strong rip current. Also, be sure to lock your car and take valuables with you; the rather remote parking lot is unattended.

Punaluu Beach Park

Black Sand Beach. Photo courtesy Big Island Visitor Bureau.

This beautiful black-sand beach is a great place to see green sea turtles close to shore. If you jump in the water, you’ll want to stay close to shore too to avoid sometimes tricky currents. The adjacent campground and pavilion are popular with local families and fishermen, though this exposed grassy area can be blustery.

Spencer Park at Ohaiulu Beach

Spencer Beach Park. Photo courtesy Big Island Visitor's Bureau

This normally calm little white sand beach contrasts with its dramatic backdrop: the imposing rock walls of Puukohola Heiau, one of the most historic temples in Hawaiian history. The mana (spiritual power) of this place notwithstanding, it’s a great spot for kids to splash in the shallow water, and for snorkeling, fishing, picnicking and camping.

Anaehoomalu Beach

This stretch of beach next to the Waikoloa Beach Marriott is the place for active ocean lovers to jump in and play. Rentalable toys include glass bottom boats, kayaks, hydro bikes and boogie boards. You can get set up to snorkel, scuba dive or windsurf. Or take a sunset sail or a seasonal whale watching tour. There is ample parking, along with picnic facilities and restrooms. An ancient fishpond hugging the beach was a major aquaculture resource in pre-Western-contact Hawaii. Historical signage informs visitors about the cultural importance of the area.

Hapuna Beach State Park

Hapuna Beach. Photo courtesy Big Island Visitor Bureau.

On the Big Island’s spectacular Kohala coast, Hapuna’s white sands have earned it a reputation as one of Hawaii’s finest beaches, being consistently rated on the numerous international Top Ten lists. The largest of our island’s white sand beaches, it offers consistently good conditions for swimming, body-boarding, sunbathing, strolling and snorkeling. Located adjacent to the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, there is ample parking, along with food vendors, picnic areas, restrooms and showers.

Holoholokai Beach Park & Puako Petroglyph Preserve

Petroglyphs. Photo courtesy Big Island Visitor's Bureau

This small, well-manicured beach park near the Fairmont Orchid Hawaii, has parking, restrooms, showers and barbecue grills. Although it’s not a sandy beach, it’s a beautiful place to explore tidepools, look for shells and go snorkeling. A short walk away is the extraordinary Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve, where hundreds of ancient carvings in the lava rock open a window into yesterday.

Kaunaoa 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.