Beautiful Beaches on Big Island (Hawaii) You Need to Visit

Dreaming of unique beaches & tropical surroundings like you’ve never seen before? From iconic black sand shores to the rare green sand beach, Big Island’s diverse coastline is a paradise for beach lovers and adventurers alike. Especially, if you’re looking for some of the best photo spots in Hawaii! Due to its large size, navigating this island may seem a bit challenging. Luckily, you’re in the right place – this guide will help you find the best & most picturesque beaches on the Big Island for an unforgettable trip!

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Why Big Island?

Hawaii is known for its unmatched nature and tropical beaches with blue waters, colorful sand, and breathtaking views. The beaches are some of the best for snorkeling due to the abundant marine life. Surfing is another popular activity because of the perfect waves (depending on the season & location). But why should you go to the Big Island?

As Hawaii’s largest yet youngest island, Big Island is renowned for its diverse natural landscape that can’t be found anywhere else. We’re talking lush jungles meeting volcanic lava fields. Its beaches are no different: wild palm trees, dramatic cliffs, and different colored sands. From the iconic black sand of Punaluʻu Beach to the rare green sands of Papakōlea.

Whether you prefer calm, clear waters for snorkeling, sandy shores for sunbathing, or rugged coastlines for exploring, the Big Island has something for everyone. The best beaches for relaxing on light soft sand (like on Oahu) can be found stretching along the West. Yet, if you’re here for the unique green or black sand beaches, you’ll need to head south/southeast. Noteworthy, the East doesn’t have any real beaches worth visiting due to its landscape.

All in all, the Big Island is a dream destination and a true natural paradise that’s worth discovering. Additionally, the beaches photograph beautifully and will easily fill your Instagram feed!

Best Beaches on Big Island, Hawaii

Here you’ll find a collection of the best beaches with amazing photo opportunities on the Big Island of Hawaii...

Map of Beaches on Big Island

Kona Coast (West)

Beginning with the best beaches in the Kona region. These beaches are conveniently located near the city of Kailua-Kona, where you’ll find most accommodations like Airbnbs with plenty of food and shopping around. The beaches here are known for their golden sands, clear blue waters, and great opportunities for snorkeling, thanks to vibrant coral reefs and marine life. The closer to the city center you are though, the smaller and more crowded the beaches will get.

Manini’owali Beach aka Kua Bay

Starting strong with one of my favorite beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii. About a 20-minute drive from Kailua-Kona, you will find this stunning hidden gem. Think crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sand, and the combination of greenery & black lava rocks. It’s a view you won’t find on any other Hawaiian island. What makes Kua Bay so special, is the volcanic rock area you can walk to on one end of the beach. From there, you’ll get some of the best views! As this beach is located in a bay, the waters are also much calmer than other places on the island, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Consider bringing an umbrella though, since the shade at this beach is very limited.

Mahai’ula Beach

Also located within the Kekaha Kai State Park, Mahai’ula is another great beach on Big Island. The bright blue water and white sand look beautiful with the backdrop of vibrant green trees and hills. Protected by the bay, the calm waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Additionally, the lava rock shoreline in the south end provides lovely picnic areas with partial shade.

Makalawena Beach

Now, if you’re looking for something more secluded and not as touristy, this beach is for you. Known for its pristine white sands, turquoise waters, and untouched beauty, Makalawena is a remotely located beach not far from Mahai’ula Beach. It’s only accessible through a 2.2-mile hike over a lava field (if coming from the South). Heading here will certainly be an adventure, but totally worth it. On top of that, the waters here are amazing for swimming and especially snorkeling due to the vibrant marine life. If lucky, you might even spot a Hawaiian monk seal or a green sea turtle!

Magic Sands Beach

Magic Sands is one of the most known beaches on the Kona Shore as it’s located only 4 miles from Kailua-Kona. It’s a great place to visit if you’re staying in the area. During high tide, the sand on this small beach almost disappears and reappears again during low tide, which gives it the name “Magic Sands”. This unique detail makes it a must-visit beach on the Big Island. There are a lot of rocks in the water though, so it’s not the best for swimming.

Kohala Coast (Northwest)

Similar to the beaches in Kona, you’ll have no trouble finding a beautiful beach in the northwest. In fact, the picturesque beaches here are some of the most popular on the Big Island of Hawaii. The white sands and crystal-clear waters make the perfect spot for sunbathing, snorkeling, and enjoying breathtaking coastal views.

Hapuna Beach

Consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in Hawaii & the world, Hapuna is a must-visit beach on the Big Island. The white/golden sand stretches over a half-mile and features crystal-clear waters. The ocean here is great for swimming and snorkeling due to its gentle waves. Moreover, the green park area right by the beach provides perfect picnic spots and shaded areas for cooling down. Ultimately, the beautiful scenery makes for an unforgettable backdrop in pictures and needs to be on your must-see list.

Waialea Bay Beach aka Beach 69

A short drive from Hapuna Beach you’ll find Waialea. This is THE spot for snorkeling thanks to the calm waters and underwater rock formations. In the winter months, you even have the chance to see dolphins and humpback whales here! Besides, the large Kiawe trees overhanging the shore create an amazing photo backdrop.

TIP: The parking ticket bought at Hapuna Beach is also valid for Waialea Bay Beach on the same day.

Anaehoʻomalu Beach aka A-Bay

Next on the list is A-Bay. This thin strip of uniquely man-made beach separates the ocean water from the Kuualii Fishpond. It’s a truly stunning sight, especially from above if you have a drone. Its location by Waikoloa Beach Resort provides this beach with plenty of amenities and things to do. If you love kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding, you have the option to rent the gear here. A-Bay is one of the best beaches on the Big Island for spending your whole day.

Keawaiki Bay aka Lone Palm Beach

The final beach on the Kohala Coast worth mentioning is Lone Palm Beach. Finding it can get quite tricky, as you need to hike half a mile through rocky lava fields to get here. If you’re up for an adventure though, you should add it to your ‘things to do on Big Island’ list. Particularly, if you love shooting pictures in dramatic landscapes. As the name already suggests, there is only a single palm tree on this black sand beach – a very special sight. But, swimming in these waters isn’t recommended due to the stronger current.

Hamakua Coast (North)

Big Island’s Hamakua Coast is lined by gigantic cliffs. Thus, there are only a few beaches in the north. Yet, the blend of rugged cliffs, tranquility, and darker sands creates unmatched vibes worth experiencing. You’ll mainly find these places through nearby hikes & adventures in the valleys.

Pololū Beach

Speaking of special sights, a bucket list place on the Big Island of Hawaii is Pololū Valley. It’s a popular viewpoint from where you can also take a 25-minute trail down to the beach. Not many people go down to the valley, so the beach tends to be tranquil and a step into untouched nature. The beautiful brownish sand with dramatic cliffs in the background makes the perfect location for majestic Hawaii photos. Keep in mind that because of the strong currents, it’s not advisable to go into the water.

TIP: Pololū Beach is a great alternative to the one in Waimea Valley, as it’s not accessible to the public anymore.

Ka’u Coast (South)

Similar to the north, the landscape on this side of the island only offers a handful of beaches. The two unique beaches here will be worth your entire Hawaii trip though! If you’ve never seen a black or green sand beach, now is the time. Below you’ll find the ultimate best beaches in Hawaii for taking once-in-a-lifetime pictures.

Punalu’u Beach aka Black Sand Beach

On top of this list stands one of the most known beaches in the Hawaiian islands: the Black Sand Beach of Punalu’u. Even though Maui has a famous black sand beach too, most pictures on social media are taken here. The contrast of jet-black sand & vibrant green palm trees is a true natural beauty. What gave the beach its intense color was volcanic lava flowing into the ocean. And it’s not only a popular hangout spot for humans – Punalu’u is a hub for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. They even have a little area, for relaxing and laying eggs on this beach. So seeing them here isn’t that unlikely! This beach is not the best for swimming but snorkeling and exploring the area are enough reasons to visit.

Papakōlea Beach aka Green Sand Beach

Last but not least, you have to visit the Green Sand Beach in Hawaii. There are only four (!) green sand beaches in the world, one of them being on the Big Island. The beach owes its striking green color to olivine crystals, a mineral found in volcanic rock. When sunlight hits the beach, the green hue becomes even more dazzling – a dream for taking photos. Papakōlea is very remote, located near South Point – the southernmost tip of the United States. Reaching the beach requires a 2.5-mile hike (one way) over rugged coastal terrain. Though the hike is scenic, the lack of shade makes it quite challenging. But once you arrive, the mesmerizing views make the effort worth it. Safe to say, this is one of the most picturesque & unique beaches in Hawaii and the Big Island.

TIP: If you’re trying to skip the hike, locals offer rides to the beach in 4×4 pickup trucks from the parking lot. While this option is technically illegal, we decided to do it as it saved time and added an extra adventure. Just make sure to hold on tight during the bumpy ride! If you’re considering this route, don’t forget to bring cash (around $20 per person, per ride).

Beach Tips for Hawaii

Before heading to the Big Island’s best beaches, it’s important to be mindful of safety, the island & culture, and of course, useful tips in general.

Hawaiian Beaches | Must-Knows

Beach Activities

There are so many great activities you can do on the beach…
Consider these depending on the beach you go to:

And that sums up all the best beaches on Big Island, Hawaii that you definitely don’t want to miss!

Regardless of what you were looking for, I’m sure you found THE beach for you on this list.
Even if you don’t have time to see them all, choose at least a few favorites & plan your visit. You won’t regret it!

Still looking for more travel tips? Check out Hawaii:
Maui’s Best Beaches || Oahu’s Best Beaches

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