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Big Island of Hawaii Beaches
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.
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.
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