The Best Beaches on the Big Island
The big island mainly consists of two sides. The Hilo side and the Kona side. The Kona side is where all the good Big Island beaches are. I haven’t been to all of them but as someone that goes frequently to visit my parents, here are some of the ones I have been to. There are some I like better than others, but they are also not as convenient. South Point – Green Sand Beach and Black Sand Beach down on South Point are also worth a visit.
Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay)
This beach is my favorite and a regular for me. The white sand, great waves, working facilities, it doesn’t get any better. The gate opens at 8 am. I recommend going early (at opening) to make sure you get a parking spot. I was there at 7:50 am and there was already a line of cars waiting. By 8:15, the parking lot was full, and people were parking on the side of the road.
This beach is about 10 minutes past the airport going north. You can bring the usual beach equipment (chairs, umbrella, boogie board, tent) but they do not allow pool floaties and the equivalent. There is a lifeguard there enforcing the rules including no smoking.
Lapakahi State Park
Lapakahi State Historical Park is a great spot for snorkeling and light hiking (.8 miles over two loops). This place is rocky so make sure you have water shoes. Additionally, there are spots to set up chairs but the ground is hard so I would not bring an umbrella.
Coming here to enjoy the view, serenity, and the ocean breeze is an option if you don’t want to go in the water. This place is also not very busy which is nice. There are no showers or actual restroom, but Port-o-johns are available. Close to this park is Hamakua Nut Farm. You can sample every one of the macadamia nut flavors they sell as well as see the production process.
Magic Sands Beach
Located in Kona at La’aloa Bay, this beach is perfect swimming and boogie boarding. There is a parking lot across the street that is open to the public. This beach got its name from the “magic” or disappearing sand from the beach due to the surf. As a result, the underlying lava rock is then exposed but this occurs mainly in the winter. Click here for more Big Island Beaches. Click here for places to eat and things to do.
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