Login or Register Here
to remove these ads.
Big Island of Hawaii Beaches
Location: Kohala
No swimming or sunbathing is allowed on this beach, but a good cultural lesson is worth the trip. Pelekane Beach is located in front of the Pu'ukohola Heiau. Many sacrifices were made at this location. Keoua, fierce rival of King Kamehameha and ruler of the Big Island, was killed on this beach, cemented Kamehameha's rule over the islands.
No swimming or sunbathing is allowed on this beach, but a good cultural lesson is worth the trip. Pelekane Beach is located in front of the Pu'ukohola Heiau. Many sacrifices were made at this location. Keoua, fierce rival of King Kamehameha and ruler of the Big Island, was killed on this beach, cemented Kamehameha's rule over the islands.
Location: Kohala
This black sand beach which 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. However, rough surf and the occasional appearance of Portuguese Man-o-wars make it not the ideal beach for swimming.
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. Look mauka and you should see a brown sign guiding you to the trail. It is smooth sailing going down, but getting back up can be a real workout. Once you reach the valley, you'll pass through a small picnic area and can either continue on the path above the beach or go down and wiggle your toes in some black sand.
This black sand beach which 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. However, rough surf and the occasional appearance of Portuguese Man-o-wars make it not the ideal beach for swimming.
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. Look mauka and you should see a brown sign guiding you to the trail. It is smooth sailing going down, but getting back up can be a real workout. Once you reach the valley, you'll pass through a small picnic area and can either continue on the path above the beach or go down and wiggle your toes in some black sand.
Location: Kona
Kona Coast or Kekaha Kai State Park is 1,600 acres of beautiful sand and pristine blue waters. There are actually several beaches in the park which is accessed via a partially paved 1.5 mile road (caution: driving on unpaved roads may be in violation of your car rental agreement) located between the 91 and 90 mile markers on Highway 19 north of Kona. There are two beaches here and access to a third much more secluded one called Makalawena.
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. This is a popular beach with people and honu who choose nice warm spots to sun bathe. (Remember: do not touch or get to close to the honu). Many freshwater springs bubble up through the sand and sometimes form small pools. The mixture of salt and freshwater can sometimes make the water cloudy and therefore undesirable for snorkeling. The swimming however is fine and there are plenty of shady spots to spread out a beach blanket. Just be mindful of strong currents and monitor ocean conditions.
Kona Coast or Kekaha Kai State Park is 1,600 acres of beautiful sand and pristine blue waters. There are actually several beaches in the park which is accessed via a partially paved 1.5 mile road (caution: driving on unpaved roads may be in violation of your car rental agreement) located between the 91 and 90 mile markers on Highway 19 north of Kona. There are two beaches here and access to a third much more secluded one called Makalawena.
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. This is a popular beach with people and honu who choose nice warm spots to sun bathe. (Remember: do not touch or get to close to the honu). Many freshwater springs bubble up through the sand and sometimes form small pools. The mixture of salt and freshwater can sometimes make the water cloudy and therefore undesirable for snorkeling. The swimming however is fine and there are plenty of shady spots to spread out a beach blanket. Just be mindful of strong currents and monitor ocean conditions.
Location: Hilo Town
This is one of a few beaches in Hilo, Onekahakaha Beach Park is a favorite of local families because of the small, sand bottomed ocean pool which allows for safe swimming for the kids. There is a second pond near the north part of the beach, but is not protected from the ocean and has a lot of prickly residents - sea urchins. So, steer clear.
This is one of a few beaches in Hilo, Onekahakaha Beach Park is a favorite of local families because of the small, sand bottomed ocean pool which allows for safe swimming for the kids. There is a second pond near the north part of the beach, but is not protected from the ocean and has a lot of prickly residents - sea urchins. So, steer clear.
Location: North Hamakua Coast
Take Waipio Road (on foot only!) down into the valley and take the dirt road on the right. This road to the beach passes through a wooded area with views of taro patches to your left. If you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of the beautiful wild horses of Waipio. Also be aware of what the lovely wild horses may leave on the path. It should only take about 10 minutes to reach the beach on a fairly dry day. Budget more time if it has rained recently as puddles the size of wading pools build up quickly. Once you reach the beach, the path veers to the left through a grove of Ironwood trees which were planted to provide a windbreak. This area is designated burial/sacred grounds by the state and signs state “no camping” in certain areas. The addition of port-a-potties makes the visit a bit more enjoyable (and sanitary). Never drink from the streams as the bacteria leptospirosis is likely present due to the many feral animals that live in the valley.
Take Waipio Road (on foot only!) down into the valley and take the dirt road on the right. This road to the beach passes through a wooded area with views of taro patches to your left. If you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of the beautiful wild horses of Waipio. Also be aware of what the lovely wild horses may leave on the path. It should only take about 10 minutes to reach the beach on a fairly dry day. Budget more time if it has rained recently as puddles the size of wading pools build up quickly. Once you reach the beach, the path veers to the left through a grove of Ironwood trees which were planted to provide a windbreak. This area is designated burial/sacred grounds by the state and signs state “no camping” in certain areas. The addition of port-a-potties makes the visit a bit more enjoyable (and sanitary). Never drink from the streams as the bacteria leptospirosis is likely present due to the many feral animals that live in the valley.
Location: Puna District
The coastal land in Puna is so new, that sand beaches are fairly unusual, especially near Kapoho. Instead the coast is a strand of Swiss-cheese mottled lava tide pools that are excellent for snorkeling. To reach the tidepools head south on Highway 137 at the intersection with Highway 132. Locally, Highway 137 is referred to frequently as “Red Road.” The road was originally paved with the red cinders from the 1960 Kapoho lava flow. Now it’s mostly patchy black pavement.
The coastal land in Puna is so new, that sand beaches are fairly unusual, especially near Kapoho. Instead the coast is a strand of Swiss-cheese mottled lava tide pools that are excellent for snorkeling. To reach the tidepools head south on Highway 137 at the intersection with Highway 132. Locally, Highway 137 is referred to frequently as “Red Road.” The road was originally paved with the red cinders from the 1960 Kapoho lava flow. Now it’s mostly patchy black pavement.
Location: Kona
Also called Manini'owali Beach, this lovely little pocket of sand used to be very difficult to access, but since a multi-million dollar road has been paved right through the lava- it's a snap to enjoy this Big Island Gem. This beach has full facilities including restrooms and showers, water, barbecues and picnic tables. It is very popular on the weekends, not to mention parking can be a nightmare, so you might want to aim for the weekdays.
Also called Manini'owali Beach, this lovely little pocket of sand used to be very difficult to access, but since a multi-million dollar road has been paved right through the lava- it's a snap to enjoy this Big Island Gem. This beach has full facilities including restrooms and showers, water, barbecues and picnic tables. It is very popular on the weekends, not to mention parking can be a nightmare, so you might want to aim for the weekdays.
Location: Kohala
Samuel M. Spencer Beach Park's reef-protected waters offer child-friendly swimming and a relaxing atmosphere. 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, all the way 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.
Samuel M. Spencer Beach Park's reef-protected waters offer child-friendly swimming and a relaxing atmosphere. 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, all the way 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.
Location: Hilo Town
The Hilo area is not known for its great selection of beaches. However there are a few to be mentioned. Follow Highway 19 south and cross over Highway 11. At this point Highway 19 turns into Kalanianaoloe Ave. Two miles down the road is Leleiwi Beach Park which has a sliver of black sand and a selection of freshwater pools. This is also a good place for snorkeling and surfing. Restrooms and drinking water are provided.
The Hilo area is not known for its great selection of beaches. However there are a few to be mentioned. Follow Highway 19 south and cross over Highway 11. At this point Highway 19 turns into Kalanianaoloe Ave. Two miles down the road is Leleiwi Beach Park which has a sliver of black sand and a selection of freshwater pools. This is also a good place for snorkeling and surfing. Restrooms and drinking water are provided.
Location: Hilo Town
The Hilo area is not known for its great selection of beaches. However there are a few to be mentioned. Follow Highway 19 south and cross over Highway 11. At this point Highway 19 turns into Kalanianaoloe Ave. There are many beach parks along this stretch of road but we will only mention a few. For children the best bet is Onekeahakaha Park which offers a protected swimming area for the little ones. Picnic tables, restrooms and showers are provided. There is also a lifeguard overseeing this lovely white sand beach Turn makai onto Onekeahakaha Road for beach access.
The Hilo area is not known for its great selection of beaches. However there are a few to be mentioned. Follow Highway 19 south and cross over Highway 11. At this point Highway 19 turns into Kalanianaoloe Ave. There are many beach parks along this stretch of road but we will only mention a few. For children the best bet is Onekeahakaha Park which offers a protected swimming area for the little ones. Picnic tables, restrooms and showers are provided. There is also a lifeguard overseeing this lovely white sand beach Turn makai onto Onekeahakaha Road for beach access.
Login or Register Here
to remove these ads.
71°F
