The island of Hawaii is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Whether you'd like to lounge on a powder-white sandy beach or experience the novelty of a black sand beach made of newly formed lava rocks, Hawaii Island offers a little something for every kind of beach lover.
Anaehoomalu Beach
A-Bay is a lovely, crescent beach with salt-and-pepper sand, ideal for sail boarding, windsurfing, swimming and catching a perfect sunset. Palm trees separate the Pacific from the ancient fishponds and petroglyph fields. The water is usually calm, so it makes for a good family beach. You can walk south on a path upon entrance of the beach to find more private white sand beaches. Equipment rental, restrooms and showers are available. Located off Waikoloa Beach Drive across from the King's Shops. Follow signs to the beach.
Hapuna Beach State Recreational Area
A splendid large crescent white sand beach with clear turquoise water, this beach is great for swimming, snorkeling, and body boarding. You can even spot Maui's Haleakala across the big blue Pacific. It's crowded on the weekends and shade is scarce, so plan accordingly. Be careful of the strong rip currents. Picnic areas, restrooms and showers are available. Located off Hwy 19 adjacent to the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort with plenty of parking spaces.
Kaupulehu Beach
Beautiful scenic white sand beach, with clear, calm water and nesting sea turtles. There are fantastic tidepools and a breakwater in front of the hotel, making it a great place to swim. Restrooms and showers are available. Located through the entry gate to the Four Seasons Resort off Hwy 19.
Kaunaoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach)
Nationally ranked, this beautiful white sand crescent beach fringed with palms and naupaka is a great place for swimming and snorkeling due to the gradually sloping sandy bottom, except during heavy winter surf. Get there early since public parking passes are limited. Located through the entry gate to Mauna Kea Beach Resort off Hwy 19.
Punaluu Black Sand Beach
One of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii, it's located on the southeastern Kau coast between the towns of Pahala and Naalehu. Coconut palms fringe the upper edge of sand and you will likely spot honu (Hawaiian sea turtles) basking on the beach. Although it may be tempting, please refrain from touching the sea turtles, as they're protected. It's also important not to remove any black sand from the beach. Swimming isn't ideal in this beach but there is a picnic area and restroom facilities so that you may enjoy a picnic lunch while you experience the black sand between your toes.