If you want the most crowded and overrated beaches in Hawaii usually featured on Condé Nast or Travel & Leisure this article is not for you. We aren’t listing the most popular beaches. This is because some of the best beaches on Big Island are kept secret or are a little harder to get to. Being that we live on the Big Island, and have been to many of the most remote beaches on the Big Island, we can confidently say you won’t see our list of the best Beaches in Kona in a travel magazine or article written by someone that has spent only a few days here.
In this Guide
Are you the type of beachgoer that loves long stretches of white sand? Or perhaps you want something a bit different and off the beaten path? Regardless of your preference, we have something for everyone in this definitive top 10 list of the best beaches in Kona Hawaii.
Best Beaches in the Kona Area
- Best Beach in Hawaii Period
- Best easy to get to beach with sand & surf
- Best Beach for Snorkeling
- Best Beach for Surfing
- Best Beach for Shade by the water
- Best Beach for Keiki (Young Kids)
- Best Beach for the Scenery
- Best Black Sand Beach
- Best Beach for Dogs
- Best Beach for Turtles
- Best Beach for a Bar-b-que
The Big Island IS REALLY BIG and so there are more beaches than people to sit at them all. This doesn’t stop people from aggregating at the same spots over and over again. You’ll spend time trying to find parking only to be greeted by a tiny beach covered in tourists with no sand left. If this is your idea of a good beach experience these are Kona’s most crowded and overrated beaches.
Crowded & Underwhelming Beaches to Avoid
- Magic Sands (Dissapearing Sands) in Kona
- Hapuna State Beach (Kawaihae)
- Kua Bay (North Kona)
- Anaehoomalu Bay (A-Bay) Beach in Waikoloa
“It saddens us to see so many tourists flocking here when there are so many other better options closer to home.”
Magic Sands
Also affectionately known as Magic Slams many tourists get injured here by the shore break and it gets worse when the winter swells remove most of the sand exposing the rocks. This tiny beach can be difficult to find parking and becomes absolutely packed with tourists and locals. While the turqoise waters and white sand are nice, there are just so many other better options than this if you’re willing to drive a bit.
Hapuna Beach
Often touted by copycat travel blogs as one of the best beaches in Hawaii, Hapuna is a long stretch of white sand. There is no shade, the waves are mostly shore break (unsurfable), and when the wind picks up (which happens often) it flings the sand at high speed and shows you what sandblasting is all about.
It saddens us to see so many tourists flocking here when there are so many other better options closer to Kona or Waikoloa including the nearby Beach 69 which is where you will find most locals.
Kua Bay
It’s ironic that we have Kua Bay listed as one of the best beaches as well as beaches to avoid. It’s all about expectations. If you’re looking for a beach with a long stretch of white sand near Kona this is a great option. But the Big Island is not Maui. We have so many other great options where it’s possible to avoid the crowds and experience something more unique. If you’re dead set on white sand and don’t mind crowds this is a great beach and you probably should have gone to Maui instead because they have much more of those types of beaches there. But if you want something special or unique there are better options available.
About Big Island Beaches
When someone asks you to picture the most epic beach in the world you probably imagine a vast stretch of white sand with turquois waters lapping the shore. While there is a beach like this on Big Island many are smaller, rockier, and much more interesting than that. Big Island beaches are all unique in their own way but many offer much more than a boring stretch of sand covered in pasty (sometimes red) sunbathers and tourists.
Many beaches on the Big Island have lava rock, tide pools, trees, or other unique features not found on most beaches elsewhere. Some are very small and secluded, others are large and crowded (Hapuna). There are even some black sand beaches worth visiting not only for their unique colored sand.
The Best beach in Hawaii
While it’s a bit of a challenge to get to this remote spot, this is easily one of the absolute best beaches in Kona, Hawaii and in Hawaii, period. Why? You’ll see when you get here, (we don’t want to spoil it) but this is one of the most unique spots on the Big Island. It’s pure magic. It makes Magic Sands look like an overrun tourist armpit of a beach.
Getting to Makalawena
Let’s get the hard part out of the way. Makalawena (pronounced ma-ka-la-ve-na) is one of the more challenging beaches to get to. This is one of the things that makes it so special.
There are 3 ways to get to Makalawena and they all take approximately 45 minutes
Hiking
One of the reasons this beach is not swarming with people is the difficulty to access it. If you hike here you can do the mild off-road to Kehakakai Beach parking lot and walk north over hot rough lava fields or park on the highway and hike towards the shore. Either way takes approximately 45 minutes to get there and requires solid footwear.
To get to the southern parking lot at Kekahi Kai you will need to have a vehicle with clearance such as an SUV or a jeep as the road to the parking lot is quite worn.
Once you arrive at the parking lot you can park and proceed to walk towards Mahai’ula Bay. This beach is a popular spot for locals that don’t want to walk the 45 minutes to Makalawena and can be seen along the way.
Off-Road
This is a bit more fun than walking, but will jostle you about along the way depending on who is driving and what you’re riding in. It’s advisable to air down your tires to make the ride smoother and reduce the risk of punctures. You will begin at the Makalawena trailhead and stay left until you hit the coast at which point you will drive south to the gate by the sea.
From there you will have to walk approximately 10 minutes south to one of the coves to set up.
By Boat
By far the most comfortable and luxurious way to arrive at Makalawena is by boat. This is because if you are on a boat like the Honu Lele you’ll not only get a comfortable ride, you’ll have the cool breeze blowing through your hair and a magnificent coastal view along the way. You may also spot whales and dolphins or other large pelagic critters. Instead of offloading or shlepping your beach chairs, cooler, etc. you can simply swim into shore or just hand out on the boat where the view is better. One of the Big Island’s most stunning reefs is also nearby and easily accessible by boat.
To set up a private charter check out our private boat options.
Kua Bay
One of the most popular beaches with the locals. There is ample parking (even though there are lot’s of cars) and a good stretch of soft white sand with decent surf much of the year here. There are also showers and bathrooms here. There is no shade however, so be sure to wear sun protective clothing and use sunscreen as well as bring an umbrella.
For a beach that has decent surf and tons of sand the snorkeling here is actually quite good if you stick to the right (north) side. As soon as you swim out a bit the visibility improves dramatically.
Kahalu’u Beach Park
One of the best beaches for both snorkeling and ironically surfing is located near Kona town. This unique cove has a breakwall and just the right reef to make snorkeling and surfing viable here.
Snorkeling is great here because the reef is so shallow meaning it’s easy to float on the surface and view the reef critters directly below. Be sure to bring a sun shirt and use only reef safe sunscreen here as the reefs see a lot of fin traffic. It’s common to spot turtles here while snorkeling and considering how many people get in the water here every day the snorkeling is still very good. If you’re looking for the Big Island’s best snorkeling check out the Captain Cook snorkeling tour.
Other Great snorkeling beaches include:
The Best Kona Beach for Kids is Kukio (The secret is out)
When we first started going to Kukio it wasn’t well known. It requires a gate pass and when you would arrive in the parking lot you’d be lucky to see 2 other cars. Now the secret it out. This is by far one of the best beaches in the state of Hawaii and is especially good for the Keiki (kids).
If you’re looking for something further north of Waikoloa check out this option.
What makes Kukio so good?
- Bathroom/Shower Facilities
- Shade
- Shallow Lagoon
- Turtles
- Never really crowded
- Whale watching
Facilities
Let’s begin with the free parking. If you’re fortunate enough to get a pass here at the guard shack you can park in the lot for free. There is a bit of a walk to the beach so families with a lot of stuff would do well to bring a wagon.
Once you walk down the path a few hundred feet you’ll come upon the bathroom and shower facilities which are 4 seasons quality.
Shade
There are several large trees near the entrance where you can leave your stuff. Hang a hammock, or just hang out. If you walk a bit further past the lagoon there are some trees with a grass lawn below where you can sit by the water.
Shallow Lagoon
This is the best spot for the Keiki (Kids) to hang out as the water never gets deeper than around 5 feet depending on the tide. It’s well protected from the swell by rocks so it’s much like a swimming pool. There’s also a nice lava arch in the middle. This is probably the most popular spot for families so if you’re looking for peace and quite there’s much more beach (and wetlands) to explore further on.
Turtles
This is one of the best beaches to view turtles. While they are not always hauled out on shore you might be surprised to stroll along the shore only to find that rock you almost tripped on is in fact a sea turtle! Even if there aren’t any turtles hauled out to sun at the moment you may see several in the shallows munching on the limu (algae) that grows on the rocks near shore.
Open Space
The amount of parking versus the size of the beach means there will always be more than enough space for everyone. So if you want to avoid the crowds just keep going.
Whale Watching
For some reason the whales really like the area offshore here. You may see them jumping or just hanging out. We’ve seen a while breach 11 times in a row here!
How do I Get to Kukio Beach?
There are 2 ways to get to this secret beach.
Kukio Access
The best access point if you want to hang by the lagoon is the Kukio entrance. You will have to drive to the security shack and ask for a pass. If all of the passes are being used you can ask to hang out in a parking lot near the gate and when somebody leaves you can go back and get their pass.
Four Seasons Access
Drive to the entrance of Four Seasons resort. Tell them you want to go to Kukio beach. From there you will receive a pass and make the first left. Follow the road to a beach parking lot with bathrooms. This is the best way to go if you just want to see turtles or hang out on the sand.
Apres Lunch
After your beach time you can head over to the Resident’s Beach House for lunch. They allow non-residents to dine up until 5pm.
Manini Beach Park
Stunning views and shade by the water make this a stellar place to just chill and take in the scenery. While the snorkeling is not much to speak of and there aren’t any facilities, this little grassy park has ample shade and a nice little entrance into the ocean.
The views of Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook monument are just across the way. It’s also possible to rent Kayaks in the morning or afternoon nearby and paddle to the Captain Cook Monument across the way or just book a snorkel tour and avoid the hassle. While Manini has pretty poor snorkeling, the Captain Cook Monument across the way has some of the best in the State.
This is easily one of the best beaches in Kona for the view. But if you’re looking for ocean activities, unless you want to rent a Kayak and paddle across the bay, there are other better options.
Best Black Sand Beach: Ho’okena Beach Park
While there aren’t any black sand beaches IN Kona itself there are some in the surrounding area. The best one nearby is Ho’okena beach park. An old Hawaiian fishing village it has public restrooms and showers but the parking is quite limited. There is also camping allowed here which is rare at Big Island Beaches. The bay is great for snorkeling and diving and there are often dolphins hanging out.
There’s a few picnic benches under large trees and Bar-b-ques as well. Theres often plenty of shade here and lot’s of locals chillaxin nearby.
It’s easy to get in and out of the water here just make sure you bring sandals to walk over the incredibly hot black sand.
Best Beach for Dogs in Kona is Crescent Beach
Located on the south side of Honokohau Marina in Kona this little salt and pepper beach is overseen by the county and so it doesn’t have any rules against bringing dogs. It’s a good thing because its also got shade, great views, and excelletn snorkeling as well as easy water entry.
On the down side it’s not the easiest to get to as there is a very rocky lava path to get in/out and it’s not the best for anyone who has trouble with steps and balancing. If you’re looking for an easier to access alternative check out Kaloko-Honokohau below.
As for snorkeling it’s relatively easy to get in and out here if there is no northwest swell. The snorkeling is fantastic but be sure to stick to the shallows as there is a lot of boat traffic coming and going from the harbor. This makes for a great spot to chillaxe in the shade and watch the boats go by as well as the airplanes taking off.
Kaloko-Honokohau National Park
If you’re not a fan of the rocky hike in Kaloko Honokohau Historic park has a bit of a walk but over a more level surface. Once you arrive the beach is often very calm but the water is very shallow here and not good for swimming or snorkeling. It is however great for spotting turtles! Just keep you eye out in the shallow water and you will usually see several munching on algae. Often they choose this spot to haul out but be careful as that rock you’re about to step on just might be a turtle!
Other Great Beaches in the North
If you’re staying in Wiakoloa, Mauna Lani, or north of there in Kohala there are some really solid beaches but not a lot.
The best Waikoloa beach for kids is Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea beach is easily one of the best if you simply wish to stroll into the ocean without impediment. It’s better protected from the sandblasting wind at it’s southern neighboring Hapuna State Beach. Plus it’s not a state beach so it doesn’t have all of the rules associated with one.
Beach 69 (Hapuna’s Classy Neighbor)
Our favorite spot to lounge in the shade by the water. The trees growing over the water make for great atmosphere and shade here. The sand is nice here as well. The entry into the sea is easy here. The snorkeling is good as it’s a protected area, but the visibility is usually quite low which is common in the beaches in the north.
There is a paid parking lot and showers and bathrooms here. The trees make for great barriers so it doesn’t feel as crowded as it may actually be. The trees and homes nearby also help protect from those saddle winds that will be sandblasting your neighbors at Hapuna Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drink alcohol at the beaches on Big Island?
State and Federal beaches prohibit drinking. But county beaches are more chillaxe about this. We typically like to drink at the beach so we often avoid beaches like Hapuna where there’s a ton of rules and way too many people. If you do end up at a state beach and want to drink using a seperate container is often the best way to go. Just be sure to fill it under concealment. Brazen drinking in public could get you arrested.
What essentials should we bring to the beach?
The Big Island is at 19° above the equator. This puts it in the tropics which means we get more sun here than in most other places. We also have some of the best snorkeling and diving in Hawaii. Keeping all this in mind here’s our recommended packing list for the best beaches in Kona.
What to Bring to the Beach in Hawaii
- Sun protective clothing
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Long sleeved shirt
- Reef safe sunscreen
- Umbrella or shade
- Towel
- Snorkel Gear
- Cooler
- Drinks
- Ice
- Poke (from the grocery store)
- Drink Containers
- Utensils
- Hammock
What is the most beautiful beach in Kona?
Makalawena is the most beautiful beach in Kona. They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder but the few select people that take the time to get there all agree. It’s awesome. Some of the other top contenders for the most beautiful beach in Kona are, Kukio, and Manini since they have better views or different things to see.
Which part of the Big Island has the best beaches?
The Kona area on near the western point has the best beaches. This is because there is an abundance of sand and nice weather conditions compared to the windier and rainier other parts of the island.
What beach in Kona has turtles?
Kaloko-Honokohau National Park beach is the best for turtle viewing in Kona, but Kukio Beach is great for other things and also has great turtle viewing.
Can you swim at White Sands beach?
Yes although the locals also call this beach Magic Sands or Magic Slams because the sand dissapears in the winter making entry and exit less ideal.
Where is the clearest water on Big Island?
Kahaluu Beach park or Captain Cook Monument where it’s mostly reef and well protected from waves have some of the best visibility on the island. Typically beaches with less sand have the best visibility. So a beach with lots of sand and waves will have lower visibility. This is because the waves stir up the silt in the sand clouding the water.
Which has better beaches Kona or Hilo?
Kona has much better weather and many more sandy beaches than Hilo. Though when the sun is shining the few beaches in Hilo may get crowded, but they can offer lots of shade and a unique experience.
Can you swim at Black Sand Beach Kona?
While there is no “Black sand beach” in Kona. The nearest and our recommended beach of Ho’okena Beach park offers excellent snorkeling and swimming.
Can you swim at Kahaluu beach?
Yes but it’s not the best for swimming. Neighboring Magic sands (aka white sands) is better for swimming as it’s easier to get in the water. Kahalu’u is rocky but it’s excellent for snorkeling and worth the difficult entry.
