30 Best Beaches In Hawaii Big Island You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

Big Island (Island of Hawaii) is home to some of the most diverse beaches in all of Hawaii. On one island, you can explore long white sand beaches, dramatic black sand shores shaped by lava, and even one of the world’s rare green sand beaches.

Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Big Island is the youngest Hawaiian island, shaped by ongoing volcanic activity that has created an incredibly varied shoreline. It is also massive — roughly the size of all the other Hawaiian islands combined — which makes choosing the right beaches to visit surprisingly challenging.

With so many options spread across the island, it is easy to miss the beaches that truly match your travel style. That is precisely why this guide to the Best Beaches in Hawaii Big Island exists. Let’s explore the best beaches on the Big Island and help you find the ones worth your time. Ready to dive in? 

The coastline of Big Island stretches for approximately 420 miles (about 675 km), making it the longest shoreline in the Hawaiian Islands. As the youngest island in the chain, it has a coastal landscape shaped by continuous volcanic activity, resulting in an exceptional mix of sand colors, lava-rock shorelines, and seasonal ocean conditions.

Unlike smaller Hawaiian islands, beach experiences on the Big Island are not uniform. Conditions can change significantly depending on location, geology, and exposure to ocean swells. Because of this diversity, beaches on the Big Island are often described in two simple ways: by sand composition and by coastal structure — a vital consideration for beach safety in Hawaii.

• White Sand Beaches: Formed from crushed coral and shells, these beaches are relatively limited on the Big Island and are mainly found along the Kohala Coast beaches and Kona Coast, where waters are generally calmer.

• Black Sand Beaches: Created when hot basalt lava meets the ocean and breaks apart, these beaches are most common on the Hilo side beaches and in the Kaʻū region.

• Green Sand Beach: One of only four in the world, this extremely rare beach gets its color from olivine crystals originating from an ancient volcanic cone.

• Protected Coves and Bays: Naturally sheltered areas with calmer water, ideal for swimming, coral reefs, and snorkeling.

• Lava Rock Flats and Shelves: Rocky shorelines without sand, offering very clear water and direct ocean entry from lava rock.

• Exposed Shorelines: Open coastlines with stronger waves and currents, better suited for surfing or bodyboarding, and often offering dramatic scenic coastal viewpoints.

Knowing these beach types makes it much easier to choose where to go. By understanding how sand composition and coastal structure affect water conditions, visibility, and safety, you can quickly narrow down which beaches fit your plans

With beaches spread across such a large island, not every stop will suit every traveler. Some beaches are ideal for relaxed swimming, others for snorkeling, scenic views, or simply for experiencing a different side of the coastline.

These 30 beaches stand out for their location, character, and overall experience. Taken together, they provide a clear picture of what the Big Island’s coastline has to offer and make it easier to decide which beaches belong on your itinerary.

This region is known for its white-sand beaches, sunnier weather, and some of the Big Island's calmest waters.

• Overall rating: Must visit

• Shoreline length: Long, wide beach (~800 m)

• Beach type: white sand beach

• Best for visitors: families with young children, multigenerational families, first-time visitors

• Best for activities: swimming in calm conditions, floating, beach walks, sunbathing

• Safety level: ★★★★☆ – generally calm in summer, stronger surf possible in winter

Hapuna Beach feels easy and welcoming, with shallow water near shore and a smooth sandy bottom that makes swimming feel comfortable, even for less confident swimmers. On calm days, the ocean turns a bright blue, creating the classic white-sand Hawaii beach look many visitors expect.

There is very little natural shade, so bringing sun protection is important. Mornings are usually the best time to swim, while afternoon winds can create stronger shorebreak. During winter, waves can build quickly, and many visitors choose to enjoy Hapuna as a scenic beach for walking and relaxing rather than swimming.

• Overall rating: Highly recommended

• Shoreline length: Medium-sized bay (~350 m)

• Beach type: white sand beach, protected bay

• Best for visitors: couples, honeymooners, confident swimmers, visitors seeking a quieter beach

• Best for activities: calm-water swimming, light snorkeling near rocky edges, relaxing beach time

• Safety level: ★★★★☆ – generally calm, conditions vary seasonally

Mauna Kea Beach sits inside a naturally curved bay, which helps keep the water calmer and more stable than many other beaches on the Big Island. The sand is soft, the water is usually clear, and the seabed near shore feels comfortable for swimming. Along the rocky edges of the bay, you can often see coral patches and reef fish, especially on calm mornings.

One thing to keep in mind is that parking is limited and controlled, so arriving early gives you the best chance to enjoy this beach without stress.

• Overall rating: Highly recommended

• Shoreline length: Medium-sized bay (~300 m)

• Beach type: white sand beach, small sheltered cove

• Best for: couples, snorkelers, visitors wanting shade and a quieter beach, relaxed swimming, lounging under trees

• Safety level: ★★★★☆ – calm in summer, less predictable outside calm conditions

Waialea Bay is known locally for its natural tree shade, which makes a big difference on hot Kona days. Unlike wide open beaches nearby, you can actually sit close to the water without being in direct sunlight. During summer, the bay often becomes a simple, easy snorkeling spot, with coral and reef fish close to the rocky edges.

This is not a dramatic or resort-style beach. It is best enjoyed slowly, especially if you want a shaded place to swim and snorkel without crowds.

• Overall rating: Must visit (for families)

• Shoreline length: Medium-sized beach (~400 m)

• Beach type: white sand beach, protected shoreline

• Best for: families with young children, multigenerational families, campers, shallow-water swimming, picnicking, relaxed beach days

• Safety level: ★★★★★ – very calm and shallow, one of the safest beaches on the island

Spencer Beach Park is naturally sheltered by an offshore reef, which keeps the water very shallow and flat, even when nearby beaches have waves. This makes it one of the best beaches on the Big Island for young children and anyone who prefers calm, predictable water. The sandy bottom stays smooth near shore, and the beach area is wide enough for picnics and easy beach time.

Spencer is also one of the few beaches on the island with a designated campground, making it popular with local families on weekends and holidays.

• Overall rating: Great if you have extra time

• Shoreline length: Short to medium beach (~250 m)

• Beach type: white sand beach, lightly sheltered shoreline

• Best for visitors: couples, solo travelers, visitors seeking quiet beaches

• Best for activities: relaxed swimming, quiet beach time, short walks

• Safety level: ★★★★☆ – generally calm, conditions vary

Mauʻumae Beach sits quietly between Mauna Kea Beach and Spencer Beach Park, and many visitors pass by without realizing it is there. Because it is tucked away from main resort access, the beach often feels uncrowded and peaceful, even on busy days. The water is usually calm enough for casual swimming, and the atmosphere is noticeably quieter than nearby beaches.

There are no facilities and very little shade, so this is best enjoyed as a short, low-key stop rather than a full beach day.

• Overall rating: Highly recommended

• Shoreline length: Medium-sized bay (~400 m)

• Beach type: mixed sand (white and black), shallow bay

• Best for visitors: families with young children, couples, sunset seekers

• Best for activities: shallow-water swimming, sunset walks, photography

• Safety level: ★★★★☆ – shallow and calm in most conditions

Anaehoʻomalu Bay, often called A-Bay, is naturally shallow, which helps keep the water calm and approachable for a wide range of visitors. The sand has a distinctive salt-and-pepper look, and rows of palm trees give the beach its iconic Big Island feel. Because the bay faces west, this is one of the best sunset spots on the Kohala Coast, especially in the evening.

The beach is popular and can feel lively later in the day, so it is less about solitude and more about atmosphere and views.

• Overall rating: Unique but requires effort or experience

• Shoreline length: Short, compact beach (~200 m)

• Beach type: black sand beach, exposed shoreline

• Best for visitors: hikers, photographers, experienced ocean visitors

• Best for activities: scenic views, photography, short coastal walks

• Safety level: ★★☆☆☆ – strong currents, not suitable for casual swimming

Pololū Valley Beach lies at the bottom of a steep valley on the northern coast of the island, and reaching it requires a short but fairly steep hike. The black sand beach sits between towering cliffs, creating one of the most dramatic coastal landscapes on the Big Island.

Swimming here is often unsafe due to strong currents and unpredictable conditions, so most visitors come for the views, photos, and the sense of scale, rather than time in the water. 

• Overall rating: Unique but requires effort or experience

• Shoreline length: Very short shoreline, no sandy beach

• Beach type: lava rock shoreline, former harbor

• Best for visitors: experienced snorkelers, divers, confident ocean users

• Best for activities: snorkeling, diving, exploring underwater structures

• Safety level: ★★★☆☆ – calm water, rocky entry

Mahukona Beach Park was once a small harbor, and today it offers direct access to deep, clear water from lava rock ledges and ladders rather than sand. Because there is no sand to stir up, water clarity is often excellent, making it a favorite for snorkeling and diving. Underwater, you can explore old harbor structures and wreckage, which attract fish life.

Entry can be slippery, and this spot is not suitable for casual swimmers or young children, so water shoes and calm conditions are strongly recommended.

• Overall rating: Must visit

• Shoreline length: Medium-sized beach (~300 m)

• Beach type: white sand beach, open shoreline

• Best for visitors: couples, friends, confident swimmers, first-time Kona visitors

• Best for activities: swimming in calm conditions, bodyboarding, beach photography

• Safety level: ★★★☆☆ – conditions change quickly, waves can be strong

Maniniʻowali Beach, better known as Kua Bay, sits on an open stretch of the Kona Coast, which is why the water here looks bright turquoise and incredibly clear on sunny days. The sand is soft and white, and the beach feels wide and open compared to nearby lava-lined coves. 

Because the beach is fully exposed to the ocean, waves often roll in with a fun, energetic feel, making it popular for bodyboarding when conditions are right. At the same time, this also means the water can turn rough quickly, so it is best enjoyed by confident swimmers and checked against daily ocean conditions before entering.

• Overall rating: Highly recommended

• Shoreline length: Long, undeveloped beach (~700 m)

• Beach type: white sand beach, exposed shoreline

• Best for visitors: adventurous travelers, couples, visitors seeking untouched beaches

• Best for activities: swimming in calm conditions, beach walks, photography

• Safety level: ★★★☆☆ – exposed coast, conditions vary

Makalawena Beach feels wild and untouched because getting there requires a walk across a lava field, which naturally keeps crowds away. Once you arrive, you are rewarded with soft white sand and wide open space, often with far fewer people than nearby beaches. The water can be calm and inviting on good days, but because the beach is exposed, conditions can change quickly. 

This is not a grab-and-go beach. Bring water, sun protection, and allow time for the walk, and you will be rewarded with one of the most peaceful white sand beaches on the Kona Coast.

• Overall rating: Highly recommended

• Shoreline length: Medium-sized beach (~400 m)

• Beach type: white sand beach with lava rock edges

• Best for visitors: families, casual beachgoers, visitors wanting easy access

• Best for activities: relaxed swimming, snorkeling near rocks, wildlife viewing

• Safety level: ★★★★☆ – generally calm, conditions vary

Mahaiʻula Beach sits within Kekaha Kai State Park and is much easier to reach than Makalawena, making it a popular stop for a quick beach visit. The sand is soft, the water near shore is usually manageable, and lava rock edges create interest along the shoreline.

One of the highlights here is the frequent presence of Hawaiian green sea turtles, which are often seen resting on the sand or swimming close to shore. As always, visitors should keep a respectful distance and enjoy the experience without disturbing them.

• Overall rating: Unique but requires experience

• Shoreline length: Irregular shoreline with small coves

• Beach type: mixed shoreline, black sand, and lava rock

• Best for visitors: wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, confident ocean users

• Best for activities: turtle watching, snorkeling in calm conditions, scenic exploration

• Safety level: ★★★☆☆ – uneven entry, conditions vary

Kiholo Bay is best known as one of the most reliable places on the Kona Coast to see Hawaiian green sea turtles in their natural habitat. It is common to spot turtles resting along the shoreline or swimming slowly through the shallow, brackish pools. The water here often appears emerald green, created by a mix of freshwater springs and seawater, which gives the bay a very different look from nearby beaches.

This is not a classic swimming beach. Entry can be rocky and uneven, and most visitors come to observe wildlife, snorkel briefly in calm conditions, or explore the coastline rather than spend long hours in the water.

• Overall rating: Great if you have extra time

• Shoreline length: Medium-length shoreline (~350 m)

• Beach type: lava rock shoreline with small sandy pockets

• Best for: surfers and bodyboarders, experienced ocean users, visitors interested in local surf culture, and beach camping

• Safety level: ★★☆☆☆ – strong waves, rocky entry, not suitable for casual swimming

Kohanaiki Beach is widely known as Pine Trees because of the line of ironwood trees (often mistaken for pine trees) that grow along the shoreline, providing shade and a recognizable backdrop. Over time, the name stuck and became the way locals refer to this spot. 

The beach sits on an exposed stretch of the Kona Coast, where consistent waves draw local surfers. The shoreline is mostly lava rock, and the water gets deep quickly, so this is not a beginner swimming beach. What makes Pine Trees special is the atmosphere — it feels local, laid-back, and unpolished, with camping and surf sessions giving you a real glimpse of everyday Kona beach life.

• Overall rating: Great if you have extra time

• Shoreline length: Long, open shoreline (~1 km)

• Beach type: rocky shoreline with small sandy sections

• Best for: walkers, sunset lovers, local families, visitors looking for open space

• Safety level: ★★★☆☆ – rocky entry, conditions vary

Old Kona Airport Beach, often called Old A, stretches along a wide coastal park that gives it a very open and relaxed feel. The shoreline is long and mostly rocky, so it is not ideal for swimming, but it is perfect for walking, sitting by the ocean, and watching the waves roll in.

What really stands out here is the sunset. With unobstructed views facing west, this is one of the better places in Kona to watch the sky change colors in the evening. Locals often come here to walk dogs, picnic, or simply enjoy the breeze, making it feel more like a community beach park than a tourist stop.

• Overall rating: Highly recommended (for families)

• Shoreline length: Short, compact beach (~120 m)

• Beach type: sheltered cove with sandy bottom

• Best for: families with young children, first-time swimmers, visitors staying in Kailua-Kona

• Safety level: ★★★★★ – very calm water, protected bay

Kamakahonu Beach, often called King Kam, sits inside a small, naturally protected cove right in the center of Kailua-Kona. Because it is shielded from open ocean waves, the water stays very calm and shallow near shore, which makes it one of the best places on the island for kids to practice swimming.

The beach is small and can feel busy, but the convenience is hard to beat. You can easily walk here from nearby hotels, shops, and restaurants, making it a great quick beach stop rather than a full beach day.

• Overall rating: Unique but seasonal

• Shoreline length: Short, compact beach (~150 m)

• Beach type: white sand beach, exposed shoreline

• Best for: bodyboarders, confident swimmers, visitors curious about seasonal beaches

• Safety level: ★★☆☆☆ – strong shorebreak, conditions change quickly

Magic Sands gets its nickname because the sand literally disappears in winter, when strong waves pull it offshore and leave behind bare lava rock. When the sand is in place, usually in summer, it becomes a lively little beach with powerful shorebreak that bodyboarders love.

This is not a gentle swimming beach. Waves can hit hard and fast, so it is best for experienced ocean users. It is one of the most interesting examples of how seasonal ocean conditions shape the Kona Coast.

• Overall rating: Must visit (for snorkeling)

• Beach type: sheltered bay with shallow reef

• Best for: beginner snorkelers, families with older children, first-time reef explorers

• Safety level: ★★★★☆ – shallow, protected, generally calm

Kahaluʻu Beach Park is famous for being the easiest place to snorkel on the Big Island, thanks to its shallow, reef-protected waters. The reef sits close to shore, so you can see colorful fish almost immediately without swimming far.

Because the area is heavily protected, visitors are asked to avoid stepping on coral and to use reef-safe sunscreen. It can get busy, but the calm conditions make it a great confidence-building spot for first-time snorkelers.

• Overall rating: Must visit (with planning)

• Shoreline length: Large bay, limited shore access

• Beach type: deep-water bay, rocky shoreline

• Best for: experienced snorkelers, kayakers, boat tours, marine life enthusiasts

• Safety level: ★★★☆☆ – deep water, limited entry points

Kealakekua Bay is a protected marine sanctuary, and that protection is precisely why the snorkeling here feels different from almost anywhere else on the Big Island. The water is deep and exceptionally clear, and the coral reefs are larger, healthier, and more colorful than those found in shallow beach parks. Fish tend to be bigger and more abundant, which makes the underwater scenery feel dramatic rather than casual.

Because there is no easy sandy beach access, most people reach the bay by kayak or boat tour. It is best enjoyed if you come prepared and want to see what the Big Island’s reefs look like with minimal human impact.

• Overall rating: Highly recommended

• Shoreline length: Very short shoreline, no sand

• Beach type: lava rock shelf

• Best for: confident snorkelers, experienced ocean users, underwater photographers

• Safety level: ★★★☆☆ – rocky entry, calm in good conditions

Two Step gets its name from the natural lava rock ledge that forms two steps into the water, making entry surprisingly easy for a rocky shoreline. Once you are in, the reef begins almost immediately, with excellent coral coverage and frequent marine life sightings.

This spot is known for encounters with spinner dolphins, especially in the morning, although they should always be observed from a respectful distance. Calm conditions are key, as a surge can make entry and exit tricky.

• Overall rating: Great if you want a local experience

• Shoreline length: Medium-sized beach (~300 m)

• Beach type: gray sand beach (mixed white and black sand)

• Best for: local culture seekers, campers, relaxed beachgoers

• Safety level: ★★★☆☆ – generally calm, conditions vary

Ho‘okena Beach Park feels deeply local, with a gray sand shoreline created from a mix of white and black sand. This beach has long been a fishing and gathering place, and the atmosphere remains relaxed and unpolished.

Camping is allowed here, and weekends often bring local families rather than tourists. Ho‘okena is less about standout scenery and more about experiencing a classic South Kona beach lifestyle.

The Kaʻū Coast feels remote and untamed, with stronger winds, fewer visitors, and some of the most unusual sand colors you will find anywhere in Hawaii.

• Overall rating: Unique but requires effort or experience

• Shoreline length: Small, compact cove

• Beach type: green sand beach (olivine crystals)

• Best for: adventurous travelers, hikers, geology enthusiasts

• Safety level: ★★☆☆☆ – exposed shoreline, strong winds

Papakōlea Beach is famous for its olive-green sand, created by olivine crystals from an ancient volcanic cone. Reaching the beach requires a long hike across open terrain or a rugged off-road ride, which helps keep visitor numbers low.

This is not a swimming beach. Strong winds and currents are common, and most people come to see the rare sand color, take photos, and experience the landscape.

• Overall rating: Must visit

• Shoreline length: Medium-sized beach (~300 m)

• Beach type: black sand beach

• Best for: wildlife lovers, photographers, first-time black sand beach visitors

• Safety level: ★★★☆☆ – strong currents, swimming not always ideal

Punaluʻu Beach is the most famous black sand beach on the Big Island, known for its contrast between jet-black sand and tall coconut palms. It is also one of the best places to see Hawaiian green sea turtles, which often rest on the warm sand near the shoreline. 

Swimming conditions can be rough, but most visitors come to observe turtles, walk the beach, and take photos.

• Overall rating: Great if you enjoy coastal exploration

• Beach type: lava rock coastline, limited sand

• Best for: photographers, tide pool explorers, quiet sightseeing

• Safety level: ★★★☆☆ – rocky terrain, uneven footing

Whittington Beach Park showcases a rugged volcanic coastline shaped by lava flows and constant wave action. Instead of a wide sandy beach, you will find tide pools, rocky shelves, and low sea cliffs that reveal different textures and colors depending on the light and tide.

This is a peaceful place to walk along the shore, explore tide pools, and take photos of the dramatic coastline, especially when waves crash against the rocks. The atmosphere is quiet and uncrowded, making it a good stop if you enjoy slowing down and observing the landscape up close.

• Overall rating: Great if you want a local experience

• Beach type: black sand beach, exposed shoreline

• Best for: surfers, experienced ocean users, visitors interested in local coastal life

• Safety level: ★★☆☆☆ – strong waves, powerful currents

Kawa Bay is a small, raw stretch of black sand shaped by constant wave energy and volcanic rock. It is best known as a local surf break, where waves roll in with force and consistency. The beach has a rugged feel, with dark sand, scattered rocks, and very little development around it. 

One distinctive feature of Kawa Bay is the freshwater spring that flows into the ocean, which you can sometimes feel as cooler water near the shoreline. The area feels quiet and authentic, offering a glimpse into everyday life along the Kaʻū Coast, far from resort beaches and crowds.

• Overall rating: Highly recommended

• Beach type: black sand beach with lava rock boundaries

• Best for: families, casual swimmers, visitors staying in Hilo

• Safety level: ★★★★☆ – protected areas, generally calm

Richardson Ocean Park stands out because it offers calm swimming conditions on a black sand beach, which is rare on the Big Island. Lava rock walls help break incoming waves, creating protected areas where the water feels manageable and inviting. The black sand contrasts beautifully with the surrounding greenery, and landscaped paths and gardens give the park a cared-for, welcoming feel.

This beach is popular with local families, especially on weekends, and is one of the best places on the east side to enjoy the ocean without rough conditions.

• Overall rating: Highly recommended

• Beach type: lava rock lagoons

• Best for: confident swimmers, snorkeling in calm water, visitors seeking a refreshing swim

• Safety level: ★★★★☆ – calm lagoons, deeper water

Carlsmith Beach Park, also known as Four Miles, does not have a sandy beach. Instead, it features a series of natural lava rock lagoons filled with clear, cool water. These pools are protected from strong waves, making them feel calm even when the open ocean is rough.

The water here is noticeably cooler than on the Kona Coast, which can be refreshing on warm days. With grassy areas along the edge and clear visibility below the surface, Carlsmith feels more like a natural swimming pool than a typical beach.

• Overall rating: Must visit (for families with toddlers)

• Beach type: man-made rock-enclosed lagoon with sandy bottom

• Best for: families with toddlers, young children, and first-time ocean exposure

• Safety level: ★★★★★ – extremely calm, wave-protected

Onekahakaha Beach Park features a shallow pool enclosed by rock walls, which block waves almost completely. The bottom is light-colored sand, something rare on the Hilo side, and the water stays calm and predictable. This makes it one of the best places on the island for toddlers and very young children to safely enjoy the ocean for the first time.

• Overall rating: Highly recommended (for surfers)

• Beach type: black sand and river stones

• Best for: surfers, surf watchers, experienced ocean users

• Safety level: ★★☆☆☆ – strong waves, powerful currents

Honoliʻi Beach Park sits at the mouth of a river and is widely known as the main surf spot in Hilo. Swells wrap into the bay and break with power, attracting surfers year-round when conditions are right. The shoreline is a mix of black sand and smooth river stones, shaped by constant waves and river flow.

Even if you do not surf, it is a great place to watch local surfers in action and feel the energy of Hilo’s ocean culture.

• Overall rating: Unique and must-see

• Beach type: black sand beach formed by recent lava flows

• Best for: curious travelers, photographers, geology enthusiasts

• Safety level: ★★★☆☆ – conditions vary, strong currents possible

Isaac Hale Beach Park, also known as Pohoiki, is one of the newest black sand beaches in the world, created after the 2018 Kīlauea eruption reshaped the coastline. The fresh black sand, steam vents, and surrounding lava fields give the area a surreal, otherworldly feel unlike any other beach on the island.

• Overall rating: Unique but not for everyone

• Beach type: black sand beach, exposed shoreline

• Best for: adventurous travelers, free-spirited visitors, experienced ocean users

• Safety level: ★★☆☆☆ – strong waves, steep shorebreak

Kehena Black Sand Beach is hidden below a steep path and is known for its wild atmosphere and clothing-optional culture. The beach feels raw and untamed, with dark sand, steep shorebreak, and powerful waves.

This is not a casual family beach, but for those who appreciate remote settings and unconventional beach culture, Kehena offers one of the most distinctive experiences on the east side of the island. It is located just a short 10-min drive (~3.5 miles) from #29. Isaac Hale Beach Park makes it easy to explore both of these unique black sand formations along the scenic Red Road in a single trip.