BEST 10 Kona Beaches for Beach Addicts and Snorkel Lovers

Some say that the Big Island is not known for its beaches. While that may be true, say, in comparison to other Hawaiian Islands like Oʻahu (related: Oʻahu beaches) and Maui (related: Maui beaches), make no mistake: The Big Island has many beautiful, often raw beaches to offer, with many white and black sand options in and around the Kailua-Kona area.

Below, we compile a list of our ten favorite beaches along the Kona Coast. They are listed in no specific order; as you’ll see, each has its own niche and has something that makes it special.

Hāpuna Beach

If you’re looking for the cream of the crop, Hāpuna Beach has been voted amongst the top beaches in the world for many years running.

The largest of the island’s white sand beaches, Hāpuna Beach has consistently been rated on international Top Ten lists of the islands’ best beaches. Photo by Paul Blessington on Unsplash.

Good to know:

It’s not big – just a half mile in length – but the fine white sand, typically calm conditions, and gradual slope into the water makes it one of the best swimming beaches on the island. Relaxing and scenic. Snorkeling is also good here near the rocks on either end of the beach.

Hapuna Beach is well suited for:

Families appreciate the full slate of conveniences, including restrooms, showers, picnic tables, snorkel rental center, and food stalls.

Avoid Hapuna Beach if..

You want to stay “off the beaten path.”

Kahuluʻu Beach

Five miles south of Kailua-Kona is Kahuluʻu Beach, a popular and active playground along the Kona Coast that offers great the best close to shore snorkeling near Kona, and a beginner-friendly surf break.

Kahalu’u Beach Park is on of the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island. By trickofthelight – original, CC BY 2.0.

Good to know:

If you go to Kahuluʻu, plan to spend most of your time in the water. There is a shaded area under groups of palms, but the shore is rocky, with many people getting into and out of the water. There’s a bustle to the beach and not a lot of room to spread out.

Kahaluʻu Beach is well suited for:

Snorkelers and surfers. Kahaluʻu Beach is one of our favorite snorkeling spots on the Big Island for its ease of access and shallow waters. On its outer reef, surf schools teach beginners how to ride waves, making Kahaluʻu a very active beach environment. The tide pools are worth exploring and the lifeguards worth thanking. You can rent a snorkel set or surf board from the Surf & Sea across the street. Classes are best reserved ahead of time (see below).

Avoid Kahaluʻu Beach if..

You’re looking to read a book in peace and quiet.

White Sands (Magic Sands / Laʻaloa Beach)

Not far from Kahuluʻu is White Sands Beach, a small but lovely strip of white sand just south of Kailua-Kona.

About 4 miles south of central Kailua-Kona, this small beach (also called White Sands and, officially, Laʻaloa Beach) has turquoise water, great sunsets, and an often dangerous shore break. Image credit: Steve Shupe, source.

Good to know:

White Sands Beach is also known as Magic Sands Beach because rough ocean conditions often make it disappear. The shore break is pretty steady here, but swimming is possible most days and the lifeguards have your back.

White Sands is well suited for:

Sunbathers and shore breaks. Though compact, the atmosphere at White Sands is nice for beach bumming and taking the occasional dip. Local bodyboarders playing in the shore break provide a nice backdrop to this short-but-sweet beach.

Avoid White Sands if..

You have young children who want to play in the water. The shore break could knock them over and cause injury.

Kamakahonu Beach (King Kam Beach)

Also known as King Kam beach for its location in front of the King Kamehameha hotel (now a Marriott property), it’s a a white-sand beach located in the center of downtown Kona on the north side of Kailua Bay and offers good snorkeling opportunities.

King Kam beach is a small beach fronting Kailua Bay most suited for snorkeling and sunbathing in the center of downtown of Kailua Kona.

Good to know:

King Kam beach is one of the only “urban” beaches on the Big Island. It’s located in downtown Kailua-Kona adjacent to the main harbor. From the beach, you can look across the bay and see the rows of stores and restaurants in the heart of downtown, as well as several historic sites nearby, including a reconstructed temple right on site and the Huliheʻe Palace across the bay.

King Kam Beach is well suited for:

Families love this beach for its calm conditions (great for young swimmers or first time snorkelers) and ease of access to the shops and restaurants of downtown. Great to visit before or after a boat tour that leaves from Kailua harbor. If you’re staying at the King Kam hotel, it’s just steps from your door.

Avoid King Kam Beach if..

You’re looking for a big, long, natural beach outside of town.

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

You get a two-for-one on beaches when visiting Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park: Honokohau and Aiʻopio beaches. Both are part of a more than 1,000-acre historical complex, with ancient archaeological sites and cultural artifacts, including fishponds, along the shores this relaxed and semi-remote area.

Aerial view of the Kaloko Fishpond in the Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park from the east. Image credit: NPS

Good to know:

To reach the beaches via the main entrance to the park, you get to hike on some of the island’s most historic trails, including Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. Depending on your route, these trail systems can take you on a multi-mile hike through this preserved and protected landscape of volcanic flows, tide pools, and anchialine pools.

However, there is a shortcut for those who want to reach the beach easier. Follow directions to here and look for a trail at the end of the road. From there, it’s just a short walk to Aiʻopio Beach.

Kaloko-Honokohau Beach is well suited for:

Swimmers, beach bums, and explorers alike. Conditions are usually gentle at Aiʻopio, making it a great place for swimming and even better for spotting sea turtles. Check out the preserved ancient Hawaiian temple (known as a heiau), then walk the shoreline north towards Honokohau, where you can have views of the Aimakapa fishpond and lots of room to spread out.

Avoid Kaloko-Honokohau beach if..

You prefer to drive right up to your beach. Accessing these beaches requires a short hike over sandy ground.

Old Kona Airport Beach

When the original Kona airport closed down back in 1970, part of what remained was turned into a public park. Today, the old runway is now the parking lot for this beach complex that includes a beautiful walking path, skate park, and pavilion.

Good to know:

The ocean can often be rough here and there are a lot of submerged rocks, so safe and relaxed swimming is not always possible.

Old Kona Airport Beach is well suited for:

Walkers and sunsetters. Old Kona is nice for a beach walk, with many lava rocks to explore, and a GREAT place to watch the sunset. Bring your own food for a beach picnic at sundown.

Avoid Old Kona Airport Beach if..

Your primary goal is to swim.

Kukiʻo Beach

Kukiʻo Beach is a long white-sand beach known for its soft sand, beautiful scenery, and green sea turtles.

Kukio Beach is of the hidden beach gems of The Big Island. Enter from the 4 Seasons Drive where the friendly “gate keeper” will give you a no-charge pass if there is room. Image credit: Mark, source.

Good to know:

Kukiʻo Beach is located in front of the Four Seasons Hualalai, about 18 miles north of Kailua-Kona. To get to the beach, you must go through the hotel gates. Don’t worry – all beaches in Hawaiʻi are public. Tell the security guards you are headed to Kukiʻo and they’ll give you directions to the public access way.

Shade is limited, so bring your own if needed.

Kukiʻo beach is well suited for:

Everyone but swimmers. Whether you’re walking or sunbathing, it’s hard to argue with Kukiʻo’s soft white sand between your toes and the beautiful views of the rocky coastline. And calm waters in the morning are great for kayaking or stand-up paddling. But…

Avoid Kukiʻo beach if..

You want to swim. There are lots of submerged lava rocks that make it difficult and/or dangerous to swim.

Hoʻokena Beach Park

Hoʻokena is a very special beach for its historical and cultural ties. The area is one of the last active Hawaiian fishing villages in all the islands and, thus, carries a great cultural significance amongst Hawaiians.

Hoʻokena Beach is edged by coral reef with a canoe fishing heritage, plus a campsite and kayak & snorkel rentals. Image credit: Amanderson2, source.

Good to know:

This beach is a mix of coral and grey sand, but is still soft and pleasant. Its location at the base of a volcanic hill, tree-lined beach, and sweeping coastal views help set the tranquil vibes. Swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling are all possible when the water is calm; in rougher conditions, post up and watch the local bodyboarders tackle the shore break.

Hoʻokena beach is well suited for:

Curious travelers and campers. Knowing the history and backstory of Hoʻokena will bring the area to life and enhance your visit, such as the significance of the remains of the old steam ship pier that still jut out into the water, and the fishing canoes that line the shore.

Camping is permitted at Hoʻokena with a reservation, which is very popular with locals.

Avoid Hoʻokena beach if..

You’re looking for a long, classic, white sandy beach for sunbathing.

Kekaha Kai State Park

Kekaha Kai State Park offers access to three secluded beaches, including Mahaiʻula Beach, Makalawena Beach, and Maniniʻowali Beach (Kua Bay). All three beaches are made of white sand, with lava rocks in the periphery, complemented by the blue-green water.

Maniniʻowali Beach is one of our favorite places on the Big Island to visit to see the sun set.

Good to know:

Though all three are far off the main road and tucked away in undeveloped areas, Kua Bay is easily reached directly by a paved road, and Mahaiʻula Beach is reached by an unpaved and bumpy lava rock road. Makalawena, however, needs to be accessed on foot and is the least visited of the three as a result.

Kekaha Kai State Park beaches are well suited for:

Kekaha Kai State Park has everything for everyone. Swimming is possible at all three beaches (though we recommend you stick to the lifeguarded areas), which feature beautiful, clear green-blue waters. Adventurers will love hiking between beaches and exploring the volcanic coastal landscape, walkers will love the long stretches of sandy beach, and the state park has all the facilities a family might need.

Mahaiula beach is the southernmost of the three beautiful Hawaii Big Island beaches making up Kekaha Kai State Park.

Avoid Kekaha Kai State Park if..

You can think of something better to do.

Kīholo Bay

Kīholo Bay can be spotted from the scenic lookout at mile maker 82 along the highway. Its combination of fresh and salt water gives the ocean a bright blue and green tint, and there are many tide pools to explore along the volcanic, black sand beaches. There are several lagoons that are perfect for swimming.

Flanked by old lava flows, Kīholo Bay is a protected series of calm, turquoise tidepools inside a picturesque bay. Photo by Paul Blessington on Unsplash

Good to know:

Kīholo Bay is part of Kīholo State Park Reserve and is protected for its frequent visitation from sea turtles as well as its fragile, surrounding ecosystem. You can drive right up to the coast, then walk north up the beach to reach Kīholo Bay. Or, you can park at the Kīholo Trailhead and hike down into the bay, about 3 miles round trip. There is a lot of private property in this area, so respect all signs and remain on the main trails and roads.

Kīholo Bay has a little of everything: beautiful sights, fascinating wildlife, tide pools, ancient ponds and rock formations. Photo by Paul Blessington on Unsplash

Kīholo bay is well suited for:

Conservation enthusiasts, hikers, and water bugs. The black sand beaches offer a lot of intrigue for exploration, as do the tidepools. Lagoons provide opportunities to float, and hikers will love walking this area. Camping is allowed with a permit.

Avoid Kīholo bay if..

You’re low on energy. This area begs to be explored, so come when you’re feeling rested.