"The Big Island"
Big Island Paradise Escapes
Big Island Beaches
Beach Tip
A word about resort beaches. Public beach parks are just as nice. Really. If resorts are busy or the parking lot is full, don’t despair, just drive a little farther and find your place in the sun. All beaches have public access (look for the blue “wave” signs), however parking and other policies must be respected on resort property. Some facilities and equipment are provided for resort guests only (towels, chairs, etc.) Please leave these for the folks who pay for the privilege. Beachside restaurants and bars may be more expensive but the views are priceless, particularly at sunset, and they’d welcome your business. (Swimsuit cover-ups generally required)
We’ve got your beach right here. Remote and romantic, laid back and easy going, rocky and rolling, red, white, black and even green sand to tickle your fancy as well as your toes. To find the best beaches on Hawaii’s Big Island, go west; follow the sun. The Kohala Coast has the sunniest days per year according to a statewide survey, and some of the best beaches you'll find anywhere.
Just south of Kawaihae on Highway 19, Hapuna is a long stretch of white sand, with consistently good conditions for swimming, boogie boarding, sunbathing, strolling, snorkeling and seasonal surf. Large restrooms with showers, picnic pavilions, plenty of parking and a good snack bar. Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel is located at the far north end.
A peaceful crescent of soft white sand, just north of Hapuna on Highway 19. Generally great conditions for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling, with public restrooms and showers. Reach the beach through the entry gate at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Just ask the guard for a beach parking pass and be a little patient if there’s a wait for space.
About six miles south of Hapuna on Highway 19, “A Bay” is a more pebbly beach, but this is the place for active ocean lovers to jump in and play -- glass bottom boats, kayaks, hydro bikes, boogie boards, snorkel, scuba or sunset sail, windsurfing, seasonal whale watching and the Whale Center offered by Ocean Sports. Restrooms, showers, large parking lot, picnic areas and lots of fun. Food and beverages available at Waikoloa Beach Marriott, Hilton Waikoloa Village, or the Kings Shops food court.
a small, beautiful beach park near the Fairmont Orchid, with parking, restrooms, showers and barbecue grills. Although it’s not a sandy beach, it’s a beautiful place to explore the tidepools, look for shells and go snorkeling.
Experienced hikers might try the trek to amazing Green Sands Beach, glittering with olivine crystals. It’s a 4-mile hike across rugged terrain, and no facilities or water are available. (Call ahead 974-4250 for access information across private property). Commercial ATV tours are also available.
behind Hilo Airport off Highway 137 is a popular spot with a breakwater and enhanced sandy-bottom swimming areas, lifeguards, pavilions, picnic tables, camping area and restrooms. And all it takes is an umbrella to enjoy a walk out to Coconut Island rain or shine, near the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, off Banyan Drive. Although there’s no actual beach, this park is a perfect place to play, picnic and people-watch, with pavilions, public restrooms and lovely views of Hilo Bay. Music and cultural events are scheduled at Coconut Island throughout the year.
Beach Safety Tip
Before we tell you how much fun the beach is, let’s remind families to keep an eye on the keiki (kids) every time they’re near the water. The Pacific is a tricky neighbor who can be deceptively friendly. “Never turn your back on the ocean” is a good local rule to remember. Even if lifeguards are present, please use the buddy system and proper equipment. And, even in the Aloha State, always lock your car and take turns watching valuables, so all you have is glorious beach memories.
Big Island Activities
Tours
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Land Tours
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Waipio Valley ATV Tour
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Volcano Helicopter Tours
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Volcano Hike Adventure Tour
Other Activities
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Snokeling
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Kalaha Zipline
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Submarine Ride
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Scuba Diving
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Luau Dinner Shows
Kilauea Volcano on Hawaii's Big Island
According to legend, Hawaii's Big Island is the home of Pele, the Hawaiian volcano goddess. Over eons, Pele shaped and formed her new abode with red-hot lava to create her unique fortress. Early Hawaiians respected and honored Pele, and made offerings to please her or placate her wrath.
Today, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) is the country's 13th National Park and our state's #1 visitor attraction. It was created to preserve the region's unique volcanic features, its early human history and the plant and animal life that is part of this special bioregion.
Big Island Hotels
Sheraton Hotels Big Island
Hilton Hotels Big Island of Hawaii
There are many excellent hotels on the Big Island of Hawaii. The majority of the hotels on the Big Island are located on the west coast. There are two areas on the west coast of the Big Island where the hotels and resorts are mostly located, the Kohala Coast and near Kailua Kona town. One hotel that has closed on the Big Island of Hawaii and plans to reopen in 2019 is the luxury Kona Village Resort.
If you are planning a vacation to the Big Island of Hawaii and are in need of a hotel be sure and check to see if a sandy beach is nearby. Many hotels on the Big Island of Hawaii are located oceanfront but don't have beaches. The reason for this is because the Big Island of Hawaii is the newest of the Hawaiian Islands. Newer islands have had less time to develop sandy beaches. About the only hotel in Kailua Kona with a sandy beach is the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort. There are several sandy beaches south of Kailua Kona that also have great snorkeling.
Terms & Conditions
PRICE QUOTES
Price quotes for travel are not guaranteed until reservations are confirmed with full passenger names and deposit payment has been applied. Quotes on airfare are not confirmed until paid in full and can change without notice. All prices are
subject to change without notice and are subject to availability.
Unless otherwise noted price quotes typically do not include airfare, gratuities, meals, telephone calls, resort fees, incidental items, souvenirs, airport transfers, or travel insurance.
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Revision, cancellation, and refund policies vary by supplier. Supplier cancellation fees can be up to 100% of the trip cost. No-shows are nonrefundable.
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It is important that you confirm your flights with the airline prior to departure: 24 hours in advance for domestic flights, and 72 hours in advance for international flights. Failure to confirm international flights or failure to use any portion of an airline reservation may result in automatic cancellation by the airline for all continuing and return flights. Familiarize yourself with your airline's policies and requirements before booking.
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Seat assignments are subject to change by the airline without notice. DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
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