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Big Island of Hawaii Beaches
Location: South Kau
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 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.
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 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.
Location: Kohala
Continuing north on Highway 19 just before the 69 mile marker, take a left onto Hapuna Beach Road and follow the signs for parking. This is an extremely popular 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. Even tour buses bring visitors here.
Continuing north on Highway 19 just before the 69 mile marker, take a left onto Hapuna Beach Road and follow the signs for parking. This is an extremely popular 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. Even tour buses bring visitors here.
Location: Puna District
When you get back to Highway 137 in Puna take a left and head south toward our next stop, Ahalanui Park. The road begins to narrow after mile marker 10, so be prepared to scoot over a bit to let others by. Also, it is considered good form to allow other drivers who are in more of a hurry to pass you. Ahalanui and its thermally heated waters is makai between the 10 and 11 mile markers. The 1.3-acre park is sublimely peaceful with its giant swaying palm trees and ocean views. It was opened by the county in 1993 and features a large thermal pond with a sandy bottom which has been outfitted with cement walls and access ladders. A small inlet allows ocean water to flow in and out with the tides while keeping the temperature around 90 degrees. There are picnic tables, barbecue pits and portable toilets available. The parking lot is open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
When you get back to Highway 137 in Puna take a left and head south toward our next stop, Ahalanui Park. The road begins to narrow after mile marker 10, so be prepared to scoot over a bit to let others by. Also, it is considered good form to allow other drivers who are in more of a hurry to pass you. Ahalanui and its thermally heated waters is makai between the 10 and 11 mile markers. The 1.3-acre park is sublimely peaceful with its giant swaying palm trees and ocean views. It was opened by the county in 1993 and features a large thermal pond with a sandy bottom which has been outfitted with cement walls and access ladders. A small inlet allows ocean water to flow in and out with the tides while keeping the temperature around 90 degrees. There are picnic tables, barbecue pits and portable toilets available. The parking lot is open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Location: South Kau
The sand comes in many colors in Ka'u - black, green and white. Punalu'u, the most easily accessible black sand beach on the island is a little gem tucked just off highway 11 near mile marker 55. The thick, coarse grains of volcanic black 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.
During your visit you are likely to see honu, green sea turtles, lounging on the warm sands or floating in the little crevices near the shore. Please do not touch or disturb these protected animals. Sometimes scientists will rope off areas to observe these gentle creatures. The waters here, while fine for hard-shelled swimmers, aren't ideal. Rip currents are common and even on calm days it can still be treacherous.
The sand comes in many colors in Ka'u - black, green and white. Punalu'u, the most easily accessible black sand beach on the island is a little gem tucked just off highway 11 near mile marker 55. The thick, coarse grains of volcanic black 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.
During your visit you are likely to see honu, green sea turtles, lounging on the warm sands or floating in the little crevices near the shore. Please do not touch or disturb these protected animals. Sometimes scientists will rope off areas to observe these gentle creatures. The waters here, while fine for hard-shelled swimmers, aren't ideal. Rip currents are common and even on calm days it can still be treacherous.
Location: Puna District
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. This is proven by the large amount of cars and trucks parked along side the road. Isaac Hale is right on Pohoiki Bay which is the only place on the Puna coast to launch a boat. Since it is such a popular location, visitors are not usually welcomed with open arms. The surfing is excellent but only for the experts.
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. This is proven by the large amount of cars and trucks parked along side the road. Isaac Hale is right on Pohoiki Bay which is the only place on the Puna coast to launch a boat. Since it is such a popular location, visitors are not usually welcomed with open arms. The surfing is excellent but only for the experts.
Location: Puna District
Kehena Black Sand Beach is at mile marker 19 on highway 132 in Puna. In the past Kehena used to be very popular because of its two black sand beaches and easy access. However, in 1975 a large earthquake sent the stairs crumbling and dropped the beach three feet.
Kehena Black Sand Beach is at mile marker 19 on highway 132 in Puna. In the past Kehena used to be very popular because of its two black sand beaches and easy access. However, in 1975 a large earthquake sent the stairs crumbling and dropped the beach three feet.
Location: Puna District
People don't come to MacKenzie State Park for the swimming, it's mostly the scenery and fishing visitors are after. This portion of Puna's coast is jagged lava fingers and leaning palms. The ocean often punishes these low cliffs, so steer clear of the edge. There is a picnic area perfect for a nice lunch. However there is no potable water.
This area does not have the best reputation, so be wary of shady types. Camping is allowed with permit, but not advisable.
People don't come to MacKenzie State Park for the swimming, it's mostly the scenery and fishing visitors are after. This portion of Puna's coast is jagged lava fingers and leaning palms. The ocean often punishes these low cliffs, so steer clear of the edge. There is a picnic area perfect for a nice lunch. However there is no potable water.
This area does not have the best reputation, so be wary of shady types. Camping is allowed with permit, but not advisable.
Location: Hilo Town
Known locally as "Four Mile" because of its distance from the post office (what? mail a letter then catch a wave?) James Kealoha Beach Park is pretty enough but there are slightly better beaches down the road. The swimming here is generally poor except on the eastern side of the park which is more protected. There are a few spots of white sand and during the winter the waves are popular with area surfers.
Known locally as "Four Mile" because of its distance from the post office (what? mail a letter then catch a wave?) James Kealoha Beach Park is pretty enough but there are slightly better beaches down the road. The swimming here is generally poor except on the eastern side of the park which is more protected. There are a few spots of white sand and during the winter the waves are popular with area surfers.
Location: Kona
Like anything worthwhile, Makalawena Beach makes you work a little bit to enjoy it. 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 those that you do meet, may not be fully clothed - consider yourself warned.
Like anything worthwhile, Makalawena Beach makes you work a little bit to enjoy it. 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 those that you do meet, may not be fully clothed - consider yourself warned.
Location: Kohala
This was once a harbor used by a local sugar company. There is no beach here, but it is a good place to snorkel or dive and explore the abundant fish life. Abandoned mill equipment and an old shipwreck sweeten the underwater experience. Restrooms and drinking water are available. Just a mile up the road is Kapa’a Beach Park, another good snorkeling and diving spot.
This was once a harbor used by a local sugar company. There is no beach here, but it is a good place to snorkel or dive and explore the abundant fish life. Abandoned mill equipment and an old shipwreck sweeten the underwater experience. Restrooms and drinking water are available. Just a mile up the road is Kapa’a Beach Park, another good snorkeling and diving spot.
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