BEST BIG ISLAND BEACHES
The Big Island isn’t wall-to-wall sand like other islands—but when it does beaches, they’re unforgettable: black sand, green sand, perfect crescents, kid-friendly lagoons, and world-class snorkeling. Use this guide as your calm, quick-scan plan for the best beaches on the Big Island, with Hilo / Keaukaha spots closest to Hamakua Sunrise Estate (Papaʻaloa) and the famous Kohala + Kona beaches for blue-sky day trips.
East Hawaiʻi (closest to Papaʻaloa / Hāmākua Sunrise)
Laupāhoehoe Point Beach Park — dramatic coast, sunrise magic (no swimming)
Why go: Closest coastal viewpoint to Hamakua Sunrise Estate—lava cliffs, deep-blue surf, and big-sky views that make coffee taste better.
Vibe: Wild, windy, photogenic. Great for picnics and wave-watching; not a safe swim spot (powerful currents + sneaker waves).
From Papaʻaloa: ~10–15 minutes. Scenic drive down a narrow road—go slow and enjoy it.
Good to know: Picnic tables, pavilions, and (often) restrooms. Please keep a respectful distance from the tsunami memorial and stay well back from wet rocks.
Pro tip: Come at sunrise with a light jacket. Set up at a picnic table, watch the first light hit the cliffs, and let the ocean do the talking.
Onekahakaha Beach Park (Keaukaha, Hilo) — family lagoon
Why go: Protected, shallow coves with sandy entries = easiest swim in Hilo.
Vibe: Picnics, keiki (kids), calm water. Facilities: bathrooms, showers.
From Papaʻaloa: ~45–55 min.
Pro tip: Best near mid-to-high tide; bring water shoes for the lava shelf.
Carlsmith Beach Park / “Four-Mile” (Keaukaha, Hilo) — turtles + lagoons
Why go: Clear, spring-fed lagoons; honu (green sea turtles) cruise by.
Vibe: Pretty lawns, easy dips, light snorkeling when calm.
From Papaʻaloa: ~45–55 min.
Pro tip: Look, don’t touch wildlife; reef-safe sunscreen only.
Richardson Ocean Park (Keaukaha, Hilo) — black/green sand + tide pools
Why go: Dramatic lava shoreline, small sand pocket, snorkeling on gentle days.
Vibe: Local favorite; shady lawns.
From Papaʻaloa: ~45–55 min.
Pro tip: Mix of fresh + salt water here = a little cooler; rashguard helps.
Leleiwi Beach Park (Keaukaha, Hilo) — lava pools
Why go: Natural tide pools for soaking + quick snorkels in calm conditions.
Vibe: Low-key, photogenic.
From Papaʻaloa: ~45–55 min.
Pro tip: If the surf is up, enjoy the view from shore.
Honoliʻi Beach Park (just N of Hilo) — surf watching
Why go: Consistent break + great vantage to watch local surfers.
Vibe: Pebbles + black sand; strong currents—not for casual swimming.
From Papaʻaloa: ~35–40 min.
Pro tip: Sunrise here = magic photos (and parking).
Laupāhoehoe Point Beach Park — dramatic coastline
Why go: Cliffs, big blue, picnic tables minutes from Papaʻaloa.
Vibe: Scenic, windy; no swimming (sneaker waves).
From Papaʻaloa: ~10–15 min.
Pro tip: Bring coffee for sunrise; keep distance from wet rocks.
Kolekole Beach Park / Hakalau Bay — river mouth views
Why go: Lush valley where stream meets sea; iconic bridge backdrop.
Vibe: Beautiful stop; ocean usually too rough for swimming.
From Papaʻaloa: ~20–25 min.
Pro tip: Save your swims for the protected Hilo coves.
Shipman (Haʻena) Beach, Puna — hike-in white sand
Why go: Rare East-side white-sand pocket via flat 2.5-mile trail (each way).
Vibe: Quiet, wild, rewarding.
From Papaʻaloa: ~1 hr 15–30 min + hike.
Pro tip: Start early; pack water, snacks, bug spray. Check surf before you commit.
Hamakua Sunrise Estate—lava cliffs, deep-blue surf, and big-sky views that make coffee taste better
Kohala Coast & North Kona (worth-it day trips)
Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area — wide, swimmable classic
Why go: Long white sand, often lifeguarded; family-friendly.
Vibe: Postcard beach day. Facilities: restrooms, showers, concessions.
From Papaʻaloa: ~1 hr 10–20 min.
Pro tip: Arrive before 10am for parking + gentler seas.
Mauna Kea Beach (Kaunaʻoa) — crescent perfection
Why go: Calm bay, clear water, soft sand; limited public parking.
Vibe: Elegant, serene.
From Papaʻaloa: ~1 hr 15–25 min.
Pro tip: If lot is full, pivot to Spencer or Beach 69 nearby.
Waialea Bay / “Beach 69” — shade + snorkeling
Why go: Kiawe-shaded coves; good snorkeling on calm mornings.
Vibe: Relaxed, local feel.
From Papaʻaloa: ~1 hr 10–20 min.
Pro tip: Morning is best before wind + sand churn.
ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay (A-Bay), Waikoloa — paddling + sunsets
Why go: SUP/kayak options, palm-lined sunsets, resort conveniences.
Vibe: Easy day with amenities.
From Papaʻaloa: ~1 hr 15–25 min.
Pro tip: Walk the fishpond trails when the light is low.
Maniniʻowali / Kua Bay (Kekaha Kai) — electric-blue water
Why go: Bright turquoise, soft sand, great for confident swimmers on calm days.
Vibe: Wow factor.
From Papaʻaloa: ~1 hr 30–40 min.
Pro tip: Shorebreak can be powerful—watch conditions; pack shade.
Makalawena (Kekaha Kai) — remote feel
Why go: Dreamy white sand + dunes after a hot lava hike (no facilities).
Vibe: Secluded, stunning.
From Papaʻaloa: ~1 hr 40–50 min + walk.
Pro tip: Bring everything; pack out everything.
Mahaiʻula Beach (Kekaha Kai) — picnic + snorkel (calm days)
Why go: Easier access than Makalawena; pretty cove.
From Papaʻaloa: ~1 hr 40–50 min.
Pro tip: Bumpy entry road; go slow.
Laʻaloa / Magic Sands (Aliʻi Drive, Kona) — boogie-board favorite
Why go: Sand can “disappear” in big surf (hence the name); fun vibe.
Vibe: Lively, great for people-watching.
From Papaʻaloa: ~1 hr 50–2 hr.
Pro tip: Respect shorebreak; it’s called Magic for a reason.
Kahaluʻu Beach Park (Kona) — snorkel classroom
Why go: Easy entry, frequent fish; best for beginner snorkeling.
Vibe: Crowded but educational (reef etiquette signs).
From Papaʻaloa: ~1 hr 50–2 hr.
Pro tip: Don’t stand on coral; use a float belt if you’re new.
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau / “Two Step” (South Kona) — world-class snorkeling (lava entry)
Why go: Clear water + fish galore; entry is off lava “steps.”
Vibe: Bucket-list snorkel next to a sacred site.
From Papaʻaloa: ~2–2.5 hr.
Pro tip: Water shoes help; be extra respectful—this place is culturally important.
Kaʻū (South Island icons)
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach — turtles on black sand
Why go: Jet-black sand with frequent honu sightings.
Vibe: Photogenic, breezy.
From Papaʻaloa: ~2–2.5 hr.
Pro tip: Give turtles 10 ft / 3 m; no touching, no chasing.
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach (South Point) — rare green olivine
Why go: One of the world’s few green-sand beaches; requires a hot, windy 2.5-mile hike (each way).
Vibe: Remote, otherworldly.
From Papaʻaloa: ~2.5–3 hr + hike.
Pro tip: Bring water, sun gear, and don’t take olivine—leave the green where it belongs.
Quick Planner (skim-friendly)
Closest calm swims (Hilo): Onekahakaha, Carlsmith, Richardson
Surf watching: Honoliʻi
Scenic picnics (no swim): Laupāhoehoe, Kolekole
Hike + beach: Shipman (Haʻena)
All-day white-sand day trip: Hāpuna / Mauna Kea / Beach 69
Snorkel standouts: Kahaluʻu (beginner), Two Step (experienced/calm days)
What to pack (always)
Water shoes • Reef-safe sunscreen • Hat/sunglasses • Big water bottle • Quick-dry towel • Snorkel set (calm days only) • Light rain layer • Small first-aid • Dry bag for keys/phone • Shade (for west-side days).
Safety & respect (mahalo!)
Swim at lifeguarded beaches when possible; obey posted signs.
Watch shorebreak, currents, rocks. When in doubt, sit it out.
Wildlife space: turtles 10 ft / 3 m; monk seals 50 ft / 15 m.
Coral care: don’t stand on or touch; fins off in shallow tide pools.
Pack out all trash; leave places better than you found them.
Easy day from Papaʻaloa (example)
Morning: Hilo errands + quick dip at Onekahakaha.
Afternoon: Coffee + scenic stop at Laupāhoehoe Point.
Evening: Back to the lanai for BBQ, firepit, and starry-sky bragging rights.
Bluebird forecast? Swap to a Kohala beach day (Hāpuna + Mauna Kea) and stay for sunset.
One-line take
Base in Papaʻaloa for easy Hilo coves, add Kohala when it’s pure blue, and let the island decide if you nap, snorkel, or boogie-board.