Big Island (Hawaii) Beaches

Always monitor ocean conditions closely and obey all postings and warnings

“Some people who come to the Big Island of Hawaii could go home feeling a little disappointed with the island if they aren't lucky enough to discover at least one really good beach. After all, Hawaii is supposed to be all beaches, sand, and water - isn't that the best thing about an island? The Big Island, being so much newer than all the other islands (Kilauea Volcano still adds hundreds of acres of new land a year) doesn't have a lot of really good stretches of beach. Beaches and their sand are made by hundreds of thousands of years of ocean surf pounding against shells and rock. Many coastal areas of the Big Island are only 100 to 1000 years old - hence, no sand, only rock. The Big Island has many other incredible attributes that more than make up for this lack of beaches - but hey - we have a few really nice beaches too!

The Big Island has the best snorkeling in Hawaii because the water off the Kona coast tends to be very clear. Favorite snorkeling locations include Honaunau Bay, Kealakekua Bay, Kahaluu beach park, Maikaiwa Bay and the Kapoho tide pools.

Hapuna Beach

This beach is a "classic hawaiian beach". You will be amazed and in awe when you step through the bushes and palms and see the almost mile long stretch of clean white sand. The beach is great for body surfing, surfing, boogie boarding, snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing and just hanging out. There are covered pavillion areas, restrooms, grassy areas, and palm trees. You can rent snorkels and boogie boards or buy ice cream and shave ice (snow cones). A lot of people go here so don't go on a weekend - and get there early if you can. Hapuna is pronounced just like it looks - Hah poo nah and means "the spring that gives forth life". Tis beach has been on quite a few "America's best beach lists" and is located about 30 miles north of Kona on Highway 19

Kauna'oa Beach

Voted "The best beach in the world" twice by Conde-Nash Traveller. It's even free but in order to keep the beach clean, pristine, and full of coral and fish life (and not so crowded) the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel that owns it limits access to 30 passes at a time. Try and get there by 9:00 to get in right away - or you can wait till someone leaves. It is definitely worth it. Kauna'oa is pronounced cow na-oh ah. This is located near the Mauna Kea Beach hotel, about 31 miles north of Kona.

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

This beach is unique for two reasons: 1. the sand is completely black (black volcanic rock ground up to make sand) and 2. It is a very popular nesting ground for large sea turtles. The access is a little tough - it's a little rocky and the facilities are a little far away and small but the snorkeling is decent, and you are almost guaranteed to see a large sea turtle. One warning - don't touch the turtles, it's illegal and causes ulcers on their shells. Punalu'u is pronounced poo nah loo-oo and the beach is located in south of Kona in the Ka'u district near the 63 mile marker of Highway 11.

Makaiwa Bay

A charming little beach within the Mauna Lani resort. The bay is a favorite for beginner scuba divers and great for snorkeling. This is also the location of the Makaiwa Bay Fish pond. A great beach walk leads nearly all the way from Puako, past this beach and down to the Waikoloa resort

A-Bay

is really Anaeho'omalu, but most people are in too much of a hurry to say it. The windsurfing capital of the Big Island, there are a lot of other great activities that are available here on Kona's "Gold Coast" as well. Lots of nice shade under the coconut trees make it very pleasant here.

Waipio Valley

How you get here is your business, but once you do, you will understand why it's called the Valley of the Kings. Waterfalls, black sand, wild horses, and a scenic river are all part of your reward for making the journey. Absolutely no facilities, and permits are needed for camping. A very sacred place to Hawaiians, please don't leave anything behind when you leave.

So, if you are on the Big Island, don't be discouraged by the rocky coastline or by the teeny-tiny patches of sand along Ali'i Drive in Kona. Enjoy it for what it is: unique rugged beauty of a still-growing land, and know the world-class beaches are only a few miles away.

BEACH SAFETY:

Hawaiian Lifeguards and locals know to keep a close watch on ocean conditions. Wind, tides, and swells can cause the weather to change quickly – even in a matter of hours. If you want to find the best conditions for snorkeling, surfing, or any other beach activity, follow these important weather safety guidelines:

1. 1Observe the ocean. Take the time to observe the ocean for at least 20 min. before entering. Waves come in sets - it can look calm for up to 20 minutes between dangerous sets of huge waves. Ask: Are there currents and waves? Is there anyone else out? If I get in trouble is help available?
   

2. 2Wind moves the ocean. As the winds strengthen, expect currents and surface chop to increase.
   

3. 3Look for calm conditions in protected coves, bays, and areas where the wind is blowing from the land towards the sea.
   

4. 4Tidal Awareness. Many snorkeling and swimming spots are protected by coral reefs. Expect more surf to move into these areas during high tide.
   

5. 5Waves on Rocks. Many unsuspecting locals and visitors have been swept off rocks when periodic large ‘sets’ of waves wash much higher than the apparent ‘safe zone’.
   

6. 6Ask a Lifeguard or a Local! We are probably your single best source for weather information.
   

Rip currents can be powerful and dangerous. It is important to understand what a rip current is, how to spot them and what to do if you are caught in one.

What is a rip current?

Rip currents are channeled currents of water flowing away from shore. They generally begin from the shoreline and head through the surf zone – past the line of breaking waves. Some people mistakenly call this undertow. It is important to understand that there is no undertow, just water moving away from the beach.

Rip currents are created by wind and waves. Waves that break over shallow sandbars and reefs push water towards the shore. Water builds up near shore and must get back out to sea. This pressure creates concentrated rivers of water to move away from the beach to calmer deeper water. The water forced away from shore is otherwise known as a rip current.

How to spot a rip current

Look for waves breaking over shallow reefs and/or sandbars. Then look for deeper channel(s) without waves breaking. This is where water will be moving away from shore. Rip currents will look similar to a moving river with little chops breaking against the flow of water.

What to do if you find yourself in a rip current

The best thing to do is learn to spot rip currents and avoid them. However, if you do find yourself in a rip current, remember the following. It could save your life!

1. 1Don't Fight The Rip Current - Conserve energy, keep calm, float, breathe, don’t panic, and wave for help
   

2. 2Go With The Flow - You can easily float in the current, there is no undertow. Allow the current to take you away from the beach. In weaker rips, swim parallel to the shore until the current has completely relaxed. Otherwise, the current will eventually release you offshore. Once this happens swim perpendicular and towards the beach
   

3. 3Wait For Help - If there is large surf or shoreline hazards, wave your hands for help and wait for assistance
   

Hawaii has seasons?

Instead of dramatic temperature changes, seasons in Hawaii bring drastic changes in ocean conditions. Ocean waves are created by wind. The strength and duration of wind over the ocean dictates the size of the waves that arrive along our coastline. The ocean is a dynamic creature that not only changes by the season, but by the hour. So many variables like ocean typography, tides, and local winds effect how these swells unfold at each beach. Knowing seasonal patterns can help you plan your visit, but with conditions constantly varying- check the ocean report for the daily update and always consult a lifeguard before you jump in!

Summer

Summer brings large waves predominately to the south side. Winter storms in the Southern Hemisphere generate swells that create breaking waves on south facing shores. Trade winds (northeast) and passing trade showers are typical summer weather.

1. 1North - usually flat to small waves except for areas exposed to trade wind waves
   

2. 2East - surf can get large and rough with strong trade winds
   

3. 3South - large south swells arrive frequently
   

4. 4West - south swells wrap around to the west side and can create high surf
   

Winter

Huge, powerful swells pound the North and West facing shores. Storms originating in the Aleutians that dump snow on the Rockies, cause freezes in the Midwest and reek havoc on the Eastern seaboard are the same storms that create gargantuan surf on Hawaii's northern and western shores. The waves generated from these powerful storms are extremely dangerous and unpredictable. Never underestimate the power of the ocean. Winter weather brings more variable winds and increases chances of encountering longer spells of rain.

1. 1North - huge, dangerous swells consistently
   

2. 2East - surf can get large and rough with strong trade winds
   

3. 3South - usually flat to small surf during winter, can be sunny even if it is raining up north
   

4. 4West - north swells wrap to the west side creating high surf, your best bet for sun and dry weather
   

50 miles of White Sand Beaches Ring Kauai

Consider your interests and that will help a little when making the difficult decision of which Kauai Beaches to visit, unless you're fortunate to have the time to visit them all! The island's beaches are idyllic for walking,sailing, surfing, sunbathing,fishing, picnicking, hiking, snorkeling, people-watching, swimming or snoozing -- and the list continues, as you will quickly discover.

While the many beaches offer their own distinct advantages, it is important when visiting Kauai to adhere to safety guidelines whenever you go to the beach. Kauai’s central Pacific location provides some of the largest waves on the planet breaking on her shores, so we strongly recommend that you to swim only at beaches with lifeguards on duty. These beaches include Hanalei Beach Park, Waioli, Anahola, Wailua, Lydgate, Poipu, Salt Pond, and Kekaha. A great advantage to kauai’s beaches is that all of them are public; some hotels may have private areas that include some beach facilities for guests, but as long as you walk along the public access walkways, you are free to explore all of these special beaches.

Some of the fun choices you'll need to ask yourself are whether you want transparent or sapphire waters, rocky reefs or quiet sands, foamy waves or patient seas; regardless, you'll bask in glorious sunshine, fresh air, nearby mountain cliffs in some areas, and happy times. And when exploring Kauai's amazing beaches, be sure to exercise the following safety tips:

1. Swim at lifeguarded beaches ONLY – ask lifeguards for safety and swimming tips.

2. Lifeguards post warning signs – Don’t ignore them! Read them and heed them!

3. Conditions constantly change – daily and seasonal changes must be monitored closely.

4. Waves come in sets – it can look calm for up to 20 minutes between dangerous sets of huge waves.

5. Hazards can exist in ANY coastal area - not just in the water. Be careful on wet sand and rocks.

6. Do not fight a rip current – if caught in a current keep calm, float, breathe, don’t panic, and wave for help. Go WITH the current and conserve energy.

7. Use the buddy system – never swim alone & know your limits.

8. When in doubt – don't go out!

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