The 7 Most Beautiful & Unique Beaches on Hawaii’s Big Island 🏖️🌺

What makes Big Island beaches unique from some of the other Hawaiian Islands is their geological diversity.

Thanks to the island’s active volcanic history, you can visit black sand beaches formed by lava, green sand beaches colored by olivine crystals, and golden sand beaches with calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming.

Beach hopping is just one of the Big Island’s best things to do.

Read More: 10 Incredible Things to Do on Hawaii’s Brilliant Big Island

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So whether you’re a beach bum or an avid snorkeler, here are 7 of the top Big Island beaches for a terrific day at the beach.

Anchored by The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, this half-mile stretch of pristine white sand is consistently ranked among Hawaii’s best beaches, and for good reason! 

Read More: 15 Amazing Beaches to Add to Your Hawaii Bucket List

This expansive stretch of soft sandy beach boasts calm, clear waters and ample space to spread out. It’s the perfect place for swimming and bodyboarding. If you’re looking for white sand beaches, this is your best bet on the Big Island.

During the summer months, the calm conditions are ideal for families with younger kids. While in the winter months, the surf can pick up, and swimming should be left to more experienced ocean-goers. Hapuna Beach is also known for its stunning sunsets.  

Facilities: The beach has a large parking lot (paid), lifeguards on duty, restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. Food vendors and gear rentals are also available, making it one of the most well-equipped beaches on the island.

​Fronting the iconic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, this crescent-shaped beach is one of the most picturesque white sand beaches on the Big Island.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t even realize this beach existed until we recently stayed at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. And now it’s my favorite beach on the island for a relaxing beach day.

If you didn’t know any better, you’d think this lovely beach was for resort guests only. (You do have to pass the Mauna Kea’s security guard shack to get to it.)

But this is Hawaii, and all beaches are public, so this one might be the Big Island’s best-kept secret.

The soft sand and typically calm, crystal-clear waters are an excellent spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. It’s smaller and more tucked away than nearby Hapuna, so it has a more relaxed, resort-like vibe.

The beach faces west, so you’ll also get some beautiful sunset views here. And if you stay till dark, head to the north end of the beach to Manta Ray Point to watch the manta ray night snorkel tours.

Public access is limited, so arrive early—only a small number of parking spaces are available for non-hotel guests. Over the days we stayed at the resort, I watched a dozen or so early-bird beach-goers arrive each day with beach wagons packed with chairs, tents, coolers, the works.

If you can snag one of those parking spots early, you’ll be rewarded with a peaceful beach day at one of the island’s best hidden gems.

Or, just do yourself a favor and book a room at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and enjoy this beautiful, quiet beach every day and watch the mantas every night!

Read More: How to See Manta Rays on the Big Island (With or Without Getting Wet!) 💦🤿

Facilities: Limited public parking (it’s free, but first-come first first-served). When it’s full, the guard shack for the Mauna Kea Hotel displays a “beach lot full” sign. Restrooms and showers are available on the resort side of the beach. No lifeguards or food vendors, but you can grab a bite at the hotel’s beachside restaurant.

Located on the southeastern tip of the Big Island, stunning Punalu’u is one of Hawaii’s most famous black sand beaches. The striking black sand, formed by volcanic lava, contrasts beautifully with the deep blue water and surrounding palm trees. 

This beach is also a great spot for spotting Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), which are often found basking on the warm sand – just remember to keep the required 10′ distance from the resting honu!

Punalu’u is one of the Big Island’s more remote beaches, but even though it’s a little off the beaten path, it’s truly a must-visit. It’s best combined with a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park since it’s only about a 20-minute drive from there.

While the beach is not ideal for swimming due to strong currents, it’s great for turtle spotting, photography, and relaxing by the shoreline. And that’s why it’s considered one of the Top 10 beaches in the United States and a must-see on your Hawaii Bucket List.

Read More: Bucket List Hawaii: 40 Incredible Things to See & Do in Your Lifetime 🌈

Facilities: Punaluʻu has a parking area, restrooms, picnic tables, and outdoor showers. There are no lifeguards, so swimming is not recommended in rough conditions.

Waialea Beach, affectionately known as “Beach 69” due to the number on a nearby utility pole, is a secluded gem on the Kohala Coast. This crescent-shaped beach offers soft golden sand, calm waters, and ample shade from kiawe trees.

The bay is a favorite for snorkeling, with vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life just offshore. It’s also perfect for couples and families seeking a quieter, less crowded beach with a mix of sun and shade.

Facilities: There is a small parking lot with a fee, and restrooms, showers, and picnic tables are available. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swimmers should be cautious and mindful of the conditions.

Tip: Just before the turnoff to Waialea Bay, don’t miss a stop at Manuela Malasada, one of the best places for malasadas on the Big Island!

Read More: Why You Need Malasadas in Hawaii (& Where to Find Them)

If you’re staying near the Waikoloa resort area, you absolutely can’t miss A-Bay – it’s one of my go-to spots for a perfect beach day. A-Bay is a long stretch of golden sand with calm, clear, shallow waters. It’s a terrific spot for swimming and paddleboarding. 

Palm trees line the shore and the ancient Hawaiian fishpond adds a touch of history to the serene landscape. The sunsets here are especially stunning, so it’s a popular spot for evening strolls.

What makes A-Bay special is its versatility.

You can spend your morning snorkeling with tropical fish, try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding in the afternoon, or kayak around the ancient Hawaiian fishpond. And don’t miss lunch or dinner at the popular Lava Lava Beach Club right on the beach.

Facilities: Anaehoʻomalu Bay has plenty of public parking, restrooms, showers, and picnic tables. Equipment rentals for paddleboards and kayaks are available nearby, but there are no lifeguards on duty.

Honaunau, commonly known as “Two-Step Beach,” is a world-renowned snorkeling and diving spot on the Big Island’s south Kona coast. Located near the historical site of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, this rocky beach gets its nickname from the natural black lava rock “steps” that provide easy access to the crystal-clear tide pools. 

The underwater visibility here is incredible, with vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and even sea turtles and dolphins often seen in the area.

Honaunau is a paradise for snorkelers and scuba divers due to its calm waters and abundant marine life. It’s also ideal for history buffs, as the nearby national park offers a glimpse into ancient Hawaiian culture.

Facilities: There is limited parking near the beach, with overflow parking available at the nearby historical park. Basic restrooms and picnic areas are available at the park, but there are no lifeguards or showers at the beach itself.

Papakōlea, one of only a handful of green sand beaches in the world, is located near South Point on the Big Island. The beach’s unique green hue comes from olivine crystals formed by volcanic activity. 

Reaching Papakōlea is an adventure in itself, it requires either a 2.5-mile hike (each way in the full sun) or a ride in an unregulated (and slightly controversial) local 4×4 vehicle. 

But if you tough out the hike, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views and the rare sight of the olive-hued sands tucked inside a volcanic cinder cone. Don’t expect a truly “green” beach. The olive color is slight but distinct.

Just remember, it’s illegal to take sand from a beach in Hawaii, so leave those olive crystals where you found them.

Papakōlea is perfect for adventurous travelers and nature lovers who are up for a hike to experience one of the most unique beaches on the planet. I don’t recommend this one for families with younger kids, it can be a little tricky to get down to the beach from the trail.

Facilities: There are no official facilities, parking, or lifeguards at Papakōlea. Visitors must park near South Point and hike from there. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks, as there are no services on-site.

Find Your Perfect Big Island Beach!

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to some of the most diverse and breathtaking beaches in the world.

From the golden sands of Hapuna to the rare green shores of Papakōlea, every beach on this list is worth adding to your Big Island Bucket List.

Just remember to always respect the land, the ocean, and local wildlife. Pack out your trash, use reef-safe sunscreen, and always be mindful of ocean conditions. By doing so, you’ll help preserve the island’s beauty for generations to come.

So start planning your Big Island vacation today: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Hawaii’s Big Island (2025)

Looking for more incredible beaches in Hawaii? Start here:

These 7 Kauai Beaches are Simply Too Gorgeous to Ignore

5 Unforgettable Maui Beaches (Don’t Leave Hawaii Without Seeing #3)

10 Gorgeous Oahu Beaches You’ll Adore (& 9 of Them Aren’t Waikiki!) 🌺🏖️