Kohanaiki Beach Park (Pine Trees) – Surf, Culture & Camping Near Kona
About 7 miles north of Kailua-Kona, Kohanaiki Beach Park—also known as Pine Trees—is a beloved local surf spot known for its consistent waves and shady heliotrope trees. While swimming is limited due to a rocky bottom, it’s perfect for surfing, barbecues, and watching the sunset.

Camping is allowed Thursday through Monday with a permit, and the gates are closed nightly from 9 PM to 5:30 AM. Located along the historic Kohanaiki Trail, the area is rich in cultural significance and part of the ancient ahupuaʻa land system. Local preservation efforts protect its natural beauty and heritage.

Old Kona Airport Beach – Local Vibes & Sunset Views in Kailua-Kona
Once an airstrip in the 1940s, Old Kona Airport is now a scenic beach park just north of downtown Kailua-Kona. With easy parking, ocean access, picnic areas, and dramatic sunset views, it’s a favorite spot for locals. The rocky shoreline and lava rock entry are best suited for experienced surfers and advanced scuba divers exploring caves and arches offshore.

The southern end offers calmer water, sandy entry points, and access to sports fields, walking trails, and the Kona Community Aquatic Center. It's a relaxed, spacious spot ideal for sunset picnics and exploring away from crowded beaches.

Magic Sands Beach (Laʻaloa Beach) – Kona’s Disappearing Sand Beach
Just 3 miles south of Kailua-Kona on Alii Drive, Magic Sands Beach—formerly White Sands Beach Park—is famous for its disappearing white sand, swept away by high surf and returning with calm seas. This lively beach offers seasonal swimming, boogie boarding, and a sandy ocean bottom ideal in summer.

Framed by lava rock and coconut palms, Magic Sands is popular with both locals and visitors. It’s lifeguard-monitored and close to shops, beach bars, and restaurants. The area overlooks Laʻaloa Bay, home to sacred Hawaiian cultural sites like the Haukalua Heiau.

Kahaluʻu Beach Park – Snorkeling & Culture in Kailua-Kona
Just 5 miles south of Kailua-Kona on Alii Drive, Kahaluʻu Beach Park is one of the Big Island’s top snorkeling beaches. Known for calm waters and a vibrant coral reef, it’s home to tropical fish and honu (Hawaiian sea turtles). Once an ancient Hawaiian fishpond, Kahaluʻu blends rich cultural history with natural beauty.

The beach offers easy ocean access, lifeguards, picnic tables, restrooms, and showers—perfect for families and beginners. It’s also a protected marine sanctuary with active reef conservation efforts. Morning visits offer the clearest snorkeling conditions.

Honaunau Bay (Two Step Beach) – Snorkeling on the Big Island
Honaunau Bay, also called Two Step Beach, is one of the Big Island’s top snorkeling and scuba diving spots. Located on the Kona Coast, this turquoise bay offers calm, clear waters, coral reefs, and frequent dolphin sightings. Beginners enjoy the sandy northern end, while experienced divers explore deeper reefs. The bay’s famous “two-step” lava rock entry makes access easy.

Just next door, visit Puʻuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, a sacred site where ancient Hawaiians once found refuge. Open from 7 AM, it’s a great cultural stop before your swim. Park along the one-way street before the gate for beach access—avoid the park lot. Mornings offer the best underwater visibility.

Punaluu Black Sand Beach – Big Island, Hawaiʻi
Discover the iconic Punaluu Black Sand Beach on the southeastern Kaʻu coast between Pahala and Naalehu. Known for its striking black sand, formed by lava cooling in the ocean, Punaluu is one of the most scenic and accessible black sand beaches on the Big Island. It’s a favorite spot to see Green Sea Turtles and endangered Hawksbill Turtles basking onshore. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling (especially at the calmer northeast end), and exploring freshwater tidepools. Bring water shoes—the beach has a rocky bottom and natural freshwater springs beneath the surface.

Papakōlea Green Sand Beach – Rare Beauty & Adventure at South Point
Papakōlea Beach near South Point is one of only four green sand beaches in the world, famous for its olive-colored sands created from eroded olivine minerals. Reaching this secluded spot requires a 5.5-mile round-trip hike across rugged terrain—bring sturdy shoes, water, and snacks, as there are no facilities.

The trail offers sweeping views of Mahana Bay, making it ideal for photography, bird watching, and hiking. Swimming is not recommended due to strong surf. Off-road vehicle rides are sometimes offered by locals, but they are not legally permitted.

Hapuna Beach – Iconic White Sand Beach on the Kohala Coast
Stretching nearly half a mile, Hapuna Beach is one of Hawaiʻi’s most celebrated beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and bodyboarding. Located along the Kohala Coast, it offers clear water, soft white sand, and seasonal whale watching in winter.

Snorkeling is best at the southern end during calm summer days, with nearby Waialea Bay offering more reef life. Lifeguards are on duty, and the beach connects to the Ala Kahakai Trail for scenic coastal hikes. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water, and umbrellas—shade is limited despite picnic facilities.

Waialea Bay (Beach 69) – Snorkeling Sanctuary Near Hapuna Beach
Located just south of Hapuna Beach, Waialea Bay—also known as Beach 69—is one of the Big Island’s best snorkeling spots. Part of a Marine Life Conservation District since 1985, the bay offers clear waters, healthy coral reefs, and sightings of dolphins and humpback whales in winter.

With white sand, rocky outcroppings, and reefs dropping to 30 feet, snorkeling is best in the summer and early morning hours. The beach has restrooms, showers, and natural shade under Kiawe trees (wear shoes—thorns are common). For boogie boarding, head to nearby Hapuna.

Kukio Beach – Secluded Shoreline & Cultural Sites on the Kohala Coast
Just 18 miles north of Kailua-Kona, Kukio Beach is a quiet, white sand beach accessed through the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort. Set among lava rocks and coconut palms, it's best for morning paddleboarding, kayaking, or spotting sea turtles and spinner dolphins. Swimming and snorkeling are limited due to rocky, murky waters—bring water shoes, snacks, and reef-safe sunscreen.

This beach connects to Kikaua Point and lies along the historic Ala Kahakai Trail, which highlights ancient Hawaiian sites. While Kukio is within a gated community, public beach access is available near mile markers 87–88.

Kikaua Point Beach Park – Calm Waters & Family-Friendly Vibes Near Kona
Located 17 miles north of Kailua-Kona, Kikaua Point Beach Park is a peaceful, family-friendly spot accessed through Kukio Golf Resort. All beaches in Hawaiʻi are public—just check in at the security gate for a day pass. Arrive early, as parking is limited.

A short paved path leads to a palm-lined beach with calm, shallow waters, perfect for kids. Amenities include restrooms, showers, and drinking water. Bring snacks, water, and shade gear. For overflow parking or continued beach time, nearby Kukio Beach is also accessible from the Four Seasons Hualalai.

Maniniʻowali Beach (Kua Bay) – White Sands & Turquoise Waters Near Kona
Maniniʻowali Beach, also known as Kua Bay, is a picture-perfect white sand beach in Kekaha Kai State Park, just north of Kona. Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and lava rock formations, this beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and spotting dolphins or winter whales.

Mornings are best to avoid crowds and strong surf. While stairs offer easier access, visitors may still need to navigate lava rocks. Facilities include restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic tables, but there’s limited shade—bring reef-safe sunscreen, water, and an umbrella for comfort.

Makalawena Beach – Secluded White Sand Paradise on the Big Island
Tucked inside Kekaha Kai State Park, Makalawena Beach offers a peaceful, uncrowded escape only accessible by foot or 4WD. This remote beach features soft white sand, lava rock tide pools, and clear blue water—ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and bodyboarding when conditions are calm.

Bring water, reef-safe sunscreen, and shade—there are no facilities or lifeguards. Nearby, the Opaeʻula Pond is a protected wildlife refuge for native coastal birds. Makalawena is perfect for adventurous beachgoers seeking natural beauty and solitude just north of Kona.