03-19-2025
Hapuna Beach State Park
Located within the Kohala Region on Big Island
Founder & certified Hawaii travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
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Hapuna is a popular family friendly beach
Hapuna Beach
Kohala Coast Best Beaches
The Kohala Coast is home to Hawaii's most luxurious resorts and stunning beaches. The exceptional Hapuna Beach State Park is widely regarded as one of the coast's best beaches.
Overview of Hapuna Beach
Located on the Big Island's picturesque Kohala Coast, Hapuna Beach is one of Hawaii’s most popular beaches. It is renowned for its wide, white-sand shoreline and crystal-clear waters. It consistently earns accolades from respected travel sources like Travel Channel and Condé Nast Traveler as one of America's top beaches. The beach's popularity draws many visitors, including organized tour groups.
Experienced bodyboarders can enjoy excellent waves here, especially from November to March, when larger swells and stronger currents prevail. However, the ideal surfing conditions usually occur between December and February. During summer (May through October), the ocean is calmer, perfect for swimming and snorkeling, especially along the southern end of the beach, where the slope is gentler and safer.
Non-Resident Fees
Currently, non-resident visitors must pay a $10 vehicle parking fee and a $5 per person entrance fee to access Hapuna Beach State Park.
Getting There- Hapuna Beach
From Kona, travel north on Highway 19. Turn left onto Hapuna Beach Road just before Mile Marker #69, follow it to the end, turn left, then make an immediate right into the parking area.
Amenities at Hapuna Beach
Hapuna Beach State Park has amenities, including restrooms, showers, lifeguards, picnic tables, and shaded pavilions. The park has no food concessions, but visitors can find refreshments at the adjacent Westin Hapuna Beach Resort. Additionally, the park offers a large grassy area perfect for playing frisbee or football after swimming.
Essential Tips for a Great Visit to Hapuna Beach
Hapuna Beach gets especially crowded on weekends, so arriving early to secure parking is highly recommended. Gates open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Be mindful that the sand, which can extend up to 200 feet wide during summer, becomes extremely hot midday—wear sandals or water shoes to avoid discomfort. Shaded pavilions provide relief from the sun and heat.
Hapuna Beach State Park - Aerial panorama
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Hapuna has plenty of picnic and grilling areas for you to gather and have a meal.
Fun-Packed Experience at Hapuna Beach
Family Activities to Do at Hapuna Beach
The calm, shallow waters at Hapuna Beach are ideal for families with young children, offering safe swimming conditions. The expansive shoreline is also perfect for beach games, sunbathing, or building sandcastles. Additionally, there’s ample grassy space for relaxation or play.
Fun Activities to Do at Hapuna Beach
Hapuna Beach is the perfect destination for any Hawaiian vacation, and it offers many activities to keep you entertained. You can swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear water, bask in the sun on the gorgeous white sand, or enjoy one of these fun Hapuna Beach activities!
Hapuna Beach is an excellent destination offering various activities:
- Swimming: Enjoy safe, relaxing swims, thanks to Hapuna's clear waters and gentle slopes.
- Snorkeling: Explore underwater life with exceptional visibility in crystal-clear waters. With an underwater camera, capture unforgettable moments.
- Kayaking: Rent a kayak and paddle along Hapuna’s scenic coastline to get an up-close view of Hawaiian marine life and picturesque landscapes.
- Hiking: Embark on a scenic hike along the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, a 175-mile coastal trail highlighting cultural and archaeological sites. An accessible trail entry point is located at Hapuna Beach.
Nearby Attractions and Sights of Hapuna Beach
- Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site: Located approximately 10 miles north near Kawaihae, this historic temple built by King Kamehameha I in 1791 is significant to Hawaiian history.
- Ahuena Heiau: Established in 1812, this sacred site is situated in Kailua-Kona near the King Kamehameha Hotel. It features a statue of King Kamehameha I and provides insight into Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage.
Published by: John C. Derrick
Founder & certified Hawaii travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Hapuna Beach State Park Reviews
Guidereview:
A (based on 1,389 visitor reviews)Geolocation Data
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude: 19.9909783
Longitude: -155.8258345
Hawaii Safety Information
Location
beach_access
Lifeguard
Yes, occasionally.
zoom_out_map
Size
200 ft. wide
bathtub
Facilities
Restrooms are available
outdoor_grill
Dining
Picnic Pavilions
pool
Activities
Swimming
Sunbathing
Sunbathing
Hapuna Beach State Park Photo Gallery
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