Big Island Beaches
Find the Perfect Beach on the Big Island
Hawai’i island, the largest of the Hawaiian islands, is over 4,000 square miles, and still growing. Known locally as the Big Island, it’s home to only 13% of the population of the islands–which means you can find your own little stretch of beach if you time it right. You’ll notice as you make your way around this island just how vast it is, with large swaths of raw land and seemingly endless expanses of highway between towns. Hawaii island offers a wide variety of types of beaches, with enough variety to keep the entire family interested.
Some like ’em hot (shade isn’t an issue), some like long (contemplative walks, anyone?), and others really only care about the surf break. Whichever way you like your beach experience, we’ve got the what’s what at a dozen of Big Island’s most popular beaches. For the 411 on showers, nearby food stops, and (as often as possible) the story behind the name of the beach, click below.
Kohala, Waikoloa, Waipi'o Valley
Kohala Coast, known for its world-class resorts is where you will find the most idyllic white sand beaches on Hawaii island. It is also on the leeward side of the island, which means it is protected from the tradewinds and accompanying showers. This is the side of the island to visit for those hot, sunny beach days you may be craving. The North shore is more remote than any of the other islands. It also lacks the vast expanses of sandy beaches that you’ll find on other north shores. It does offer spectacular scenery with lookouts to sacred and historic valleys. Waipi’o Valley, one of the most well-known and often visited of the valleys, is currently closed to non-residents of the valley.
The East Side
The East side is exposed to the typical tradewind weather pattern that carries with it moisture. Wind and rain shape the land, producing verdant and tropical rainforests. Rain runoff into the ocean can cause cloudier underwater conditions, which makes for less ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
From Hilo down to Volcano National Park, the East Side of the Big Island has a variety of beaches from black sand, family friendly, and snorkeling hot spots.
Kailua Kona Area
The popular town of Kailua-Kona boasts beautiful black sand beaches and world class snorkeling.
Last But Not Least — Safety First!
The ocean is powerful and unpredictable and sadly, too many visitors learn about this power, the hard way. To ensure a safe, injury free experience, select beaches with lifeguard towers, and always check for and read the signs on the beach about the water’s currents and conditions. Ask locals and lifeguards if you have any questions. Here are some quick tips:
- Never swim alone, in high surf, or in murky waters near the river mouths.
- Remember: eight days after the full moon, keep your eyes out for man-of-war jellyfish (look like blue bubbles) mostly on the East Side of the island and box jellyfish in Waikiki Bay, check the Waikiki Aquarium’s helpful schedule.
- If there aren’t any people in the water, there’s probably a reason for it.
- Never turn your back to the ocean, and always remember, when in doubt, don’t go out into the surf unless you are completely confident of your abilities.
Visit hioceansafety.com for up to date information on Hawaii’s water conditions and beaches.
Photo: Subtle Cinematics
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