Founder of HawaiiGuide & certified travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Pololu Beach - Kohala Region
Best Beaches on the Big Island
Big Island Beach Guide (30+ Beaches)
If variety is the spice of life, get ready for the "spiciest" Hawaiian beach getaway! The Big Island offers up some of the loveliest beaches in the state and some of the most varied.
Though the Big Island may be the newest in the chain and has the fewest significant beaches, the island still has some of the best beaches in the world. Here you'll find everything from enchanting green sand and black sand beaches, family-friendly beach spots, and rugged and remote beaches for the adventurous types. We should also say that Big Island includes several "run-of-the-mill" white sand beaches; however, there's no such thing here. The Big Island of Hawaii offers up some of the most beautiful beaches globally.
Some of the Big Island's beaches are accessible only by trail (as you'll see below) - but most are readily available to all visitors. There are beaches full of drama with crashing waves, while others are calm and tranquil. Some of the Big Island's beaches are nice all year round, while others fade away in the winter months, leaving nothing but black rocks behind. Choose your perfect slice of paradise from our picks for the top Big Island beaches.
This entry includes resources for the Big Island's Top Beaches, including tips, advice, beach rankings, maps, and more.
- Download a PDF or JPG copy of our Big Island Beaches Map - Includes all of the top beaches on Hawaii's Big Island
- The 10 Best Beaches on the Big Island - we've ranked the top 10 beaches on the Big Island based on several important visitor criteria
- Explore all of the Big Island's beaches, categorized by region
- Discover our hand-picked selection of Water Activities on the Big Island
Top Big Island Beaches Map
Hawaii's Big Island Top Beaches - All on one map...
Updated with a new high-resolution map of the Big Island. Includes each of the Big Island's top beaches, all major routes, landmarks, and a key with colored icons for help selecting the perfect beach.
Best Top 10 Big Island Beaches
Which beaches are the very best on the Big Island? Which are worth a visit and which can be skipped? Our ratings consider several vital things; sand quality, waves, year-round consistency, crowds and popularity, accessibility, and the beaches' surroundings. Let's look at the Big Island of Hawaii's best beaches.
Makalawena Beach
Kailua-Kona Region
#1 Rated Beach on the Big Island
Like anything worthwhile, Makalawena, or Mak, Beach makes you work a little bit to enjoy it. It takes about a 20-minute walk across the lava to the beach, but don't worry, the path is well worn through the a'a flow.
This secluded white sand beach is a crescent broken up by rocky lumps of lava. Palms and other trees rim the dunes near the northern end, where you are greeted with picnic tables and some wild chickens.
It's not likely that you will run into many people here, and thus you'll likely be able to enjoy the most scenic beach on the island in solitude.
Sunbathing
Short Hikes
Hapuna Beach State Park
Kohala Region
#2 Rated Beach on the Big Island
This is a top-rated beach for both locals and visitors. Conde Nast Traveler magazine has often ranked it as one of the top beaches in the US. It is hard to argue with this half-mile stretch of pristine golden sand and crystal blue water.
Several covered pavilions to enjoy an afternoon picnic and restrooms, albeit rather pitiful ones, are available. Occasionally, there is a lifeguard on duty despite the "no lifeguard on duty" sign.
Don't expect a lot of shade on this beach. Consequently, the golden sand heats to an unbearable temperature on a sunny day. The sand reaches 200 feet wide during the summer months, so unless you want steaming toes, wear sandals or water shoes. In the summer, the water remains generally calm, but the surf rises to dangerous levels in the winter. Make sure to monitor conditions carefully before entering. For snorkelers, the south end of the beach provides a variety of fish and coral.
Sunbathing
Manini'owali Beach at Kua Bay
Kailua-Kona Region
#3 Rated Beach on the Big Island
Kua Bay, also called Manini'owali Beach, sprawls across a lovely little pocket of sand. Once difficult to access, the government recently spent a million-dollar to pave a good road through the lava- it's a snap to enjoy this Big Island gem.
Kua Bay beach has full facilities, including restrooms and showers, water, barbecues, and picnic tables. It is trendy on the weekends, not to mention parking can be a nightmare, so you might want to aim for the weekdays.
When the water is calm, swimming is great here - some of the best in Kona. However, if the waves are going, stay out because it can be perilous.
Sunbathing
Snorkeling
Short Hikes
Spencer Beach Park
Kohala Region
#4 Rated Beach on the Big Island
Samuel M. Spencer Beach Park's reef-protected waters offer child-friendly swimming and a relaxing atmosphere. There are plenty of amenities at this beach, including a lifeguard, picnic tables, and barbecue. Camping is allowed with a permit.
From the south end of the beach, you could follow a coastline trail, Ala Kahakai, to Hapuna Beach. An ambitious project currently under the jurisdiction of the National Parks Service, Ala Kahakai, theoretically will be a coastal trail running 175 miles from Upolu Point in North Kohala to the eastern boundary of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Sunbathing
Short Hikes
Hikes
Papakolea 'Green Sand' Beach
South Kau Region
#5 Rated Beach on the Big Island
Known as Green Sand Beach or even Pu'u o Mahana, Papakolea Beach is well-deserving of its name. The olive-like color of the sand comes from the presence of a greenish, semi-precious stone named, appropriately enough, olivine.
The erosive force of the ocean washing into the base of the Pu'u o Mahana cinder cone has extracted olivines out of the cinder. These are deposited on the sand, giving the sand a green tint.
This beach is challenging to reach but wins points as our #5 beach-based purely on its uniqueness. I mean, really, where else can you visit Green Sand Beach?
Hikes
Kona Coast (Kekaha Kai) State Park
Kailua-Kona Region
#6 Rated Beach on the Big Island
Kona Coast or Kekaha Kai State Park is 1,600 acres of beautiful sand and pristine blue waters. Several beaches in the park are accessed via a 1.5-mile road located between the 91 and 90-mile markers on Highway 19 north of Kona.
Once you reach the first parking area, you can take the path to your right and north to Mahai'ula Bay, a lovely crescent of white sand and clear waters. Enjoy this trendy beach for itss nice warm spots to sunbathe.
Sunbathing
Short Hikes
Punaluu Black Sand Beach
South Kau Region
#7 Rated Beach on the Big Island
Punaluu- the most easily accessible black sand beach on the island- is a little gem just off Highway 11 near mile marker 55. The thick, coarse grains of black volcanic sand, created by the crashing of waves against lava, encrust the waters of this bay.
Graceful coconut palms enclose the beach, creating a rich strip of beach irresistible to sunbathers of the human and turtle variety.
You are likely to see green sea turtles (honu) lounging on the warm sands or floating in the tiny crevices near the shore during your visit.
Short Hikes
Kauna'oa 'Mauna Kea' Beach
Kohala Region
#8 Rated Beach on the Big Island
Located on the sunny West Coast, Mauna Kea Beach (also known as Kauna'oa Beach) received a top ranking on the Top US Beaches, a spot well deserved.
The soft white sand beach is one of the loveliest you’ll ever see, it’s relatively uncrowded, and on a clear day, you can spot the impressive Mauna Kea volcano. Best of all, it’s conveniently located directly in front of the luxurious Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, complete with perfectly-manicured grounds.
The calm azure waters sparkle by day and twinkle magically at sunset.
Sunbathing
Snorkeling
Short Hikes
Pololu Valley Beach
Kohala Region
#9 Rated Beach on the Big Island
Pololu Valley Beach will take a short hike to access the beach, so prepare for a bit of adventure. This black sand beach separates the beautiful Pololu Valley from the ocean, is a lovely stretch of fine black sand rimmed with black lava rock and shockingly emerald green beach ground cover.
Awini Trail leads down to the black sand beach takes approximately half an hour to hike. The dirt and root trail can be steep in places, but the various views of the valley along the way make even part of the walk worth it. You will find the trailhead near the parking lot.
Short Hikes
Hikes
Isaac Hale Park & Pohoiki Beach
Puna Region
#10 Rated Beach on the Big Island
Just about a mile down the road from Ahalanui at the junction of Highway 137 and Pohoiki Road in Puna is one of the most popular beaches in the area.
Due to the most recent lava flow of Kilauea in 2018, a volcano eruption formed the *new* Pohoiki Black Sand Beach (the area in front of the Pohoiki boat launch, to be exact). This beach park was highly fortunate to have survived the lava flow activity.
Eruption almost filled Pohoiki Bay with lava, but the flow stopped just 230 ft. from the harbor.
Short Hikes
All 30+ Top Big Island Beaches
Categorized by Region
Need Help? Check out our Big Island of Hawaii Regions Guide →
Kailua-Kona Beaches
Kailua-Kona Beaches
The Kailua-Kona region generally enjoys abundant sunshine- the perfect beach weather. Check out Kehaka State Park for a lovely afternoon filled with beach-going fun. If seclusion is what you’re after, head to Makalawena Beach, where you’ll likely see more goats and chickens than people, but beautiful scenery is guaranteed.
- Makalawena Beach - #1 Best Beach on the Big Island
- Two-Step Snorkeling
- Kealakekua Bay
- Manini'owali Beach at Kua Bay - #3 Best Beach on the Big Island
- Ai'opio Beach
- Kona Coast Kekaha Kai State Park - #6 Best Beach on the Big Island
- Kiholo Bay Scenic Overlook
- Alula Beach
- Ke'ei Beach
Kohala Beaches
Kohala Beaches
The sunny Kohala area is home to the Big Island’s largest sandy beach, Hapuna Beach, which stretches nearly half a mile and will give you lots of space and even more white sand and clear water. And don’t miss admiring the black sand, lush vegetation, and impressive cliffs of Pololu Valley Beach- a definite must-see.
- Pelekane Beach
- Hapuna Beach State Park - #2 Best Beach on the Big Island
- Kapaa Beach Park
- Mahukona Beach Park
- Spencer Beach Park - #4 Best Beach on the Big Island
- 'Anaeho'omalu Bay
- Kiholo Bay Scenic Overlook
- Mauna Kea Beach - #8 Best Beach on the Big Island
- Puako Bay
- Pololu Valley Beach - #9 Best Beach on the Big Island
North Hamakua Beaches
North Hamakua Beaches
The Hamakua region just might be the most beautiful part of the Big Island. The area receives a large amount of rain and makes lush green surroundings bountiful. If you’re fortunate enough to visit this treasured part of the island, Waipio Beach is a must-see. Steep cliffs surround the beach and a small stream flows into the sea. Its raw beauty is not to be missed.
- Waipio Beach
- Four Mile Scenic Route - Fantastic Coastal Drive
- Laupahoehoe Point
South Kau Beaches
South Kau Beaches
Looking for one of the quietest and most remote parts of Big Island? Then head to the South Kau region and be sure to explore the area’s unique beaches. Green sand, anyone? How about the southernmost point in the US? Maybe a black sand beach? Throw in some fascinating sea cliffs for good measure and you have some very special beaches, indeed.
- Green Sand Papakolea Beach - #5 Best Beach on the Big Island
- Punaluu Black Sand Beach - #7 Best Beach on the Big Island
Hilo Beaches
Hilo Beaches
The Hilo area is a not known for its large selection of great beaches, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get your beach fix and have some fun in the sun. Families with small children flock to Onekahakaha Beach Park for its sandy-bottomed cove perfect for little explorers. And snorkelers and picnickers alike praise Leleiwi Beach Park for setting the stage for the perfect day at the beach.
Puna Beaches
Puna Beaches
If you like new things, you’ll simply love the Puna region and its beaches. Coastal land here is so young that sand beaches are rather unusual. One exception is the Kehena Black Sand Beach, also known as Dolphin Beach thanks to the frequently-spotted spinner dolphins. You’ll also find the ideal beach for exploring, snorkeling, picnicking, and much more.
- Kehena Black Sand Beach
- New Kaimu Black Sand Beach
- Isaac Hale Beach Park & Pohoiki Beach - #10 Best Beach on the Big Island
