Great Beaches on The Big Island

Since the island of Hawaii is still in the process of being formed with active volcanic activity, it is not surprising that quite a bit of its coastline is still covered with jagged rocks rather than with wonderful sandy beaches. Nevertheless, the Big Island does have a nice selection of world-class beaches offering great opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and surfing.

Having learned from mistakes made on some of the other islands, such as the Kaanapali shore of Maui, Big Islanders were quite vocal about the need to preserve public access to all beaches as developers and resorts have begun to claim sections of the coastline. As a result, some of the nicest public beaches on the Big Island are connected with hotels, but are open and available to everyone.

Please note that the following list of beaches includes only places that are relatively easy to find and get to. This focus has required that we not include some excellent beaches that are available to those willing to do some hiking or four-wheel driving.

Anaehoomalu Beach
Anaehoomalu Beach offers a wide beach with "salt and pepper" sand (from white and black volcanic rocks) in a well-landscaped and well-maintained setting. Gorgeous flowers are planted along the walk from the parking lot to the beach area. Cultural markers along the terraces of the upper beach provide an insight into traditional beliefs and customs. A preponderance of sharp rocks and coral in the water require aquatic socks or great care in swimming, but this is still a good beach for sunbathing or windsurfing (rentals and instruction are available). Amenities include restrooms, an outdoor shower, sail and dive charters, beach equipment and soft drinks. There is no lifeguard on duty.

Enter Anaehoomalu Beach through the Waikola Beach Resort entrance off Route 19. Turn left at the Kings Shops and follow the signs to public beach parking. The beach is open from 6 AM to 8 PM.

Hapuna Beach State Park
Located north of Puaho on Route 19 on the west side of the island, Hapuna Beach is a favorite among many locals who bring their own umbrellas and beach chairs and settle in for the day. A quick look around this pretty beach shows why it is so popular. Located in a semi-circular cove with piles of dark volcanic rocks at either end, Hapuna features a wide, sandy beach, plenty of amenities (shaded picnic area, restrooms, outdoor showers, public telephones, and a well-stocked snack bar called Hapuna Harry’s), and good people-watching. Conditions at Hapuna are well-suited for bodysurfing and boogie boarding although the strong currents and dangerous undertow make the water inappropriate for the inexperienced and for weak swimmers. Note that Hapuna does not generally have lifeguards on duty, so you swim and surf at your own risk.

Kaunaoa Beach
Tucked away at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Kaunaoa Beach is truly one of Hawaii’s hidden treasures. You’ll find Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on Route 19, less than ¼ mile north of the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel and Golf Course. Turn left into the Mauna Kea hotel entrance and proceed to the front gate where a special beach pass is yours for the asking. Follow the signs for public beach access through the hotel property, passing Mauna Kea’s famous golf course and one of the hotel’s major wings, until you reach the parking area for the public beach. The public access trail is well-marked (as are the areas reserved for hotel guests only).

Although Kaunaoa is smaller than Hapuna, it is less crowded – on a visit one gorgeous afternoon we were surprised to see no more than a handful of people enjoying the charm of this lovely beach. The somewhat rough surf makes Kaunaoa a bodysurfer’s and boogie boarder’s delight. There are no lifeguards on duty, although current water conditions (such as strong currents or high surf) are well-marked with signs and flags. An extra bonus is that the hotel’s proximity ensures the beach is well maintained, with the sand raked free of debris regularly and restrooms cleaner and of better quality than those you will find at most public beaches.

Kealakekua Beach
The horseshoe-shaped Kealakekua Bay Marine Life Conservation District and Underwater Park is one of the rare places in the world where Spinner Dolphins (called Naia in Hawaiian) swim close enough to shore to rest, give birth and breed their young. The jagged rocks along the shoreline, tiny salt and pepper sand beach (filled with rocks and large enough for only a few people to sit on), and lack of facilities will discourage most sunworshippers and swimmers, but there are plenty of ways to improvise.

Nature lovers can catch a glimpse of the Bay’s marine life via kayaking or snorkeling. In fact, Kealekekua Bay is considered one of the best snorkeling spots on The Big Island.

You can reach Kealkakekua Beach via a four mile long, narrow, and winding road off Route 11. The road is somewhat difficult to find: it is a right turn off route 11 just south of the Kealekekua town center. If you pass the Kona Civic Center on route 11 (while traveling southbound), you have gone too far. The beach is at the bottom of the hill.

Spencer Park
Part of Spencer Park’s attraction is the history that surrounds it. Just a short hike away is the site of King Kamehakameha I’s temple (in fact we recommend a stop at the National Park Service station to learn more about the history of this place and the role it played in King Kamehakameha’s rise to power). Knowing that the King himself was quite athletic, we like to think that he once enjoyed relaxing at this beach.

Spencer Park is located off Route 270 near the intersection of Route 19.

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