Papakolea Green Sand Beach

There are only four green sand beaches in the entire world, and Papakolea Green Sand Beach is one of them. In fact, it’s one of just two green sand beaches in the United States. But it isn’t just the rare sand that makes this place unique—you simply won’t find a beach like this anywhere else on the Big Island.

The beach itself is carved in a 49,000-year-old cinder cone that belongs to the Mauna Loa volcano, which contains the green crystals that give the beach its name. While the sand is obviously the main attraction, you’ll find stunning, sweeping ocean views here that will make you want to visit again and again despite the access challenges. Swimming can be rough here and there are no lifeguards, so if you decide to swim, make sure you don’t come alone.

Pebble Beach at Kona Paradise

Located on the Kona Coast, Pebble Beach was named for the black lava pebbles that line its shore. This creates a one-of-a-kind landscape you’ll recognize instantly in photos. This beach happens to be home to a rich marine ecosystem. Below the surface, you’ll find an array of ridges, reefs, and pinnacles brimming with fish and other marine life.

In spite of all of this, Pebble Beach isn’t the best spot for snorkeling. The shore break can be treacherous, and there are almost always strong currents. In addition, some of the ridges in the water lead to steep drop offs which is why it’s more popular for diving. But if you intend to stay on the shore, this is a magnificent beach to visit.

Onomea Bay Beach

Onomea Bay is a bit of a hidden gem, but it’s well worth the search. The beaches on the bay are surrounded by the Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Garden on the Old Mamalahoa Highway. Trails meander along the shore to lookouts and a couple of creek fed coves. If you’d like to visit, explore the trails outside the gardens first, then consider paying the admission fee to see the plants and walkways inside the gardens.

Note that it is best to visit this area on a warm, dry day. If it’s raining or has just rained, the trails will be muddy and the beaches will be slippery. Utilize it when you can enjoy it most, when conditions are dry.

Ali’i Saltwater Swimming Pool

The Ali’i Saltwater Swimming Pool is a truly unique experience you’ll find at Aston Kona by the Sea Resort in Kailua-Kona. This stone pool was constructed just above the beach’s high tide line. Waves crash over the top and fill the pool during a combination of high tide and strong surf, leaving cool, calm saltwater for families to swim in and enjoy. Best of all, the pool is free and open to the public.

When ocean conditions are filling the pool it is a hot spot, so parking can be difficult. Your best bet is to park on the shoulder near the entrance. Even when the pool isn’t swimmable due to stagnant water, this can be a great place to watch sunsets.

City of Arches

Located on Honaunau Bay, City of Arches is a mile-long stretch of coastline that’s littered with sea arches and blowholes, which are sea caves that push water up through the rocks to create a big blast (during high surf). The arches along this stretch are spectacular, and people are able to venture out and walk on them when the ocean is mellow.

Exploring Arch City is an amazing experience, but it does require a bit of a hike. Follow the designated trail (see topo map) along the coast north of Honaunau Bay, through some shrubbery to the shore, and then walk north on the lava cliff coastline. It’s well worth the effort.

Kiholo Queens Bath

Kiholo Bay is an off-the-beaten-path hike that takes you to the Kiholo Queens Bath and a cove filled with turquoise water, black sand, tide pools, and basking sea turtles. The easiest way to access it is by taking the Kiholo Bay State Park trail, which will take you straight to the magic. Look for a hole in the lava rock leading to the Queens Bath inside a lava tube. There you can soak in freshwater in near darkness. Note that this area is full of Hawaiian history and heritage, so please be respectful as you enjoy the area.

Coconut Island

Mokuola, or Coconut Island, is an island on Hilo Bay with a large grass park and a few small beaches. The swimming is fantastic here, and you can jump into the ocean from a 20-foot tower left over from WWII. Since it’s sheltered by the bay and the Hilo Pier, the waters stay calm.

What really makes this area unique is its close proximity to the Queen Liliuokalani Gardens. This means you can visit the gardens and the island at the same time, making for an ideal day.

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It isn’t easy to determine the best beaches on Hawaii, but these 10 stand out, both visually and because of their attractions and amenities.

Hapuna Beach

Hapuna State Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the Big Island, and it’s easy to see why. Located on the island’s northwestern shores, the half-mile long, white sandy beach offers ideal swimming conditions most of the time as well as snorkeling and boogie boarding options.

Hapuna Beach has lifeguards on duty during the day, and there are picnic tables, restrooms, showers, and food and beverages available for purchase.

Mauna Kea Beach

With its soft, white sand and lines of palm trees, Mauna Kea Beach is the kind of picture-perfect place most people dream about when they imagine Hawaiian beaches. This family-friendly beach sits in front of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, has easy access to restrooms, and is a fantastic place for both sunbathing and snorkeling. The hotel restaurant also serves food and drink right by the beach.

If you go during the winter, take note: waves are usually higher, creating strong rip currents that make swimming dangerous.

Makalawena Beach

If you’re looking to escape the crowd, head to Kona Coast State Park and check out Makalawena Beach. This beach is off the beaten path, requiring a 20-minute walk along a rough lava-lined path to reach. However, the walk will be well worth it when you enjoy your own private piece of paradise.

Makalawena Beach is more rustic than the others on the list. Other than a few picnic tables, you won’t find any amenities here, including restrooms. There are, however, occasionally wandering chickens and goats in the area.

Waipio Beach

At times, visiting Waipio Beach feels downright otherworldly. Located in the Hamakua District on the Big Island’s northern shore, this black sand beach feels like a piece of the past. Spending time here is rejuvenating in more ways than one—you’ll find fantastic sightseeing and hiking options.

Waipio Beach is not a good place for swimming, and there are no amenities. But what it lacks in those things, it makes up for in stunning scenery. Also, keep in mind that the road leading to the beach is only open to 4-wheel drive vehicles, and most rental vehicles are not equipped to handle it. You can hike down this steep road (considered one of the steepest in the US), but it’s only for the fittest folks.

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach sits nestled on the eastern shore of the island, right in between Naalehu and Pahala. Its easy access from Mamalahoa Highway makes it a popular choice for tourists, but swimming isn’t always safe here. Luckily, lifeguards are on duty during most hours, and they’ll have up-to-date information.

This beach is a hot spot for green sea turtles, who appreciate the heat that radiates from the black sand (on that note, make sure to bring appropriate footwear so you don’t burn your feet). Services are limited but include picnic areas, abundant parking spaces, an outdoor shower, and restrooms.

Kukio Beach

Located about 18 miles from downtown Kailua-Kona, Kukio Beach can be reached through the entrance gate to the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort. This beach sits just north of Kikaua Point Beach Park (a beach for families with small kids), and the soft white sandy shoreline is breathtaking.

The coconut palms, ironwood, and mesquite trees frame the sand here, and lava rocks often form tidal pools perfect for checking out the local marine life. The main bay is good for swimming or snorkeling but can get murky. You’ll often spot people paddleboarding and kayaking here as well. Restrooms are available, but make sure to pack your own snacks.

Kua Bay Beach

Kua Bay Beach (also known as Manini’owali Beach) is a small white sand beach at Kua Bay, which you’ll find just north of Kona. Known for its colorful waters and bright sand, this is a great place to boogie-board (in winter) and snorkel when the water is calm (usually in the summer). This beach is popular so the beach and parking lot can get crowded, especially in the afternoons and evenings. Be sure to pack drinks, snacks, and umbrellas—shade at Kua Bay Beach is very limited.

Pololu Valley Beach

Pololu Valley is arguably the most photographed part of the Big Island, and Pololu Beach is no exception. High sea cliffs that resemble giant walls surround the beach, making it seem like a secret spot. But even though the secret is definitely out, this beach usually remains uncrowded.

Most people refer to view this beach from the Pololu Valley Lookout. If you decide to go to the beach itself, you’ll have to hike down to sea level (and then back up!). It’s absolutely worth it, but note that there are no facilities there. The nearest restrooms are located at Keokea Beach Park about five minutes away.

Papakolea Beach

Papakolea Beach, otherwise known as Green Sand Beach, is not safe for swimming due to its unpredictable currents and rough waves. But since it happens to be one of only four green sand beaches in the world, it’s definitely worth checking out. The sand here is an olive green shade, which is caused by deposits of a crystal formed millions of years ago during a volcanic eruption.

You’ll find this beach at the eastern side of the southern tip of the island. Access is by driving or walking rutted roads for over two miles each way (or hitchhiking with locals who know the roads and charge a small fee). There are no lifeguards or amenities here, so plan accordingly.

Papakolea is also one of The Most Unique Beaches on The Big Island.

Carlsmith Beach Park

If you’ve never been to a beach on the Big Island, Carlsmith Beach Park is the perfect place to start. Warm, welcoming, and family-friendly, this beach has lifeguards on duty during weekends and holidays, and the swimming is usually quite safe. Located just south of Hilo, Carlsmith also has a beautiful garden park by the beach.

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Mau’umae Beach

Nestled between Spencer Beach Park and Mauna Kea Resort in Waimea, Mau’umae Beach is one of the best kept secrets on the Big Island. Although the beach itself is underdeveloped and can only be accessed by an old coastal road, its soft sand and calm waters make it an ideal destination for families who want to relax.

Kawa Bay Beach

Kawa Bay Beach is a beloved spot for locals, but most tourists never even hear about it.
Located on the Big Island’s southeastern Ka’u shore between the towns of Pahala and Naalehu, this area is of great spiritual and cultural significance to Hawaiians, so please be respectful. The beach requires a half-mile hike to reach and the trailhead is a bit confusing so see our map to know where to park.

Shipman Beach

Shipman Beach just might be the Big Island’s most underrated beach. To explore it, you’ll have to hike 2.5 miles down a rugged trail, but your reward will be plenty of stunning (and secluded) scenery. You’ll find the trailhead for Shipman Beach at Hawaiian Paradise Park (HPP) about five miles from Pahoa Town. Be prepared for a muddy trek as this side of the island gets frequent rain and this flat trail has puddles and stays wet.

Pohue Bay Beach

Recently purchased by the US National Park Service, the future of this epic hidden beach is uncertain, but we just have to let you know about it. This postcard-perfect soft white sandy beach is an absolute treasure. Remote and beautiful with palm trees for shade, Pohue Bay Beach will steal your heart, that is, if you can get to it. Located on the Big Island’s southwest shoreline, this beach is challenging to reach. With a proper 4×4 rig you can get within about a mile, otherwise it’s about a 2.5 mile hike each way in a hot desolate environment.

Makolea Black Sand Beach

If you’re looking for a black sand beach that’s a bit off the beaten path, look no further than
Makolea. This is the only black sand beach near Kona, making it a one-of-a-kind experience. The black sand is the result of the 1801 lava flow from Hualalai volcano, and it often sits forgotten, meaning you might have it all to yourself.

Makolea Black Sand Beach is just a 15-20 minute walk along the shoreline from the end of the road in Kekaha Kai State Park.

Kona Keiki Beach

Just minutes by foot from the Kailua waterfront, Kona “Keiki” Beach is in a hidden spot within a private gated community. The beach itself is public despite being surrounded by lavish homes. You can walk or drive to the local gymnasium and our description will guide you from there. This beach is known for its safe swimming, and you’ll often see families with young children enjoying it.

Ke’ei Beach

Unless you are a local surfer or fisherman, you’ve probably never heard of Ke’ei Beach. This
best kept secret sits beside the well-known Kealakekua Bay, and the popular snorkeling spot known as “Two Step”. Ke’ei Beach has unique white sand speckled with black lava fragments that feels great on the feet. While this isn’t a good beach for swimming, it’s the perfect quiet spot for enjoying a picnic and watching sunsets.

Honomalino Bay Beach

Honomalino Bay Beach is one of the most remote South Kona Beaches, but it’s also one of
the largest beaches in the area. Located 30 miles south of Kailua-Kona, this tranquil beach
boasts a quiet bay with clear water and smooth black and white sand. The short hike to
Honomalino Bay Beach is half the fun as the trail takes you through thick vegetation and past sacred burial grounds before it opens onto black lava flows.

Keawaiki Bay Beach

Keawaiki Bay Beach is better known as Lone Palm Beach for the lonely palm tree in the sand. Located on the western coast of the Big Island, Keawaiki Bay Beach is a strikingly beautiful beach that is perfect for snorkeling when the waters are calm. This beach is never crowded, but that’s because it isn’t easy to find or get to. Just north of mile marker 79 on Highway 19, look for a lava rock road and drive it until it ends. After that, you’ll have a 15 minute walk along a fence to the beach.

Kapana Bay Beach

If you need to get away from it all and you have a reliable 4-wheel drive vehicle, put Kapana
Bay Beach on your radar. Located just west of Keokea Beach Park in the Kohala District, this secluded piece of paradise offers incredible ocean views. You’ll be far away from the tourists, crowds, and all of life’s troubles. Just make sure you don’t swim here, as the lack of lifeguards make it unsafe and the waves can be powerful.

Cape Kumukahi Black Sand Beach

Cape Kumukahi Black Sand Beach appeared after the 2018 eruption of Kilauea’s east rift zone in the lower Puna district. The roads in the area have recently been restored and access to Cape Kumukahi is better, but it’s not as easy as it used to be. You’ll still have to walk about two miles on an old gravel road to get there, but when you do you’ll probably have this place all to yourself. The point at Cape Kumukahi is the easternmost part of the Big Island and definitely hidden from the rest of the world.

Have you ever discovered a secret beach on the island of Hawaii? Did you keep the secret?

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Akaka Falls

You’ll find this magnificent 442-foot waterfall at Akaka Falls State Park. Take a pleasant, self-guided walk through lush green tropical land to the overlook. It’s only about half a mile in length, and you’ll also see the cascading Kahuna Falls along the way.

Rainbow Falls

In addition to being visually stunning, Rainbow Falls is known for the rainbow that forms in its mist most mornings. Legend has it that the cave beneath the falls was once home to Hina, mother of the demigod Maui. To reach Rainbow Falls, head to Wailuku River State Park and follow the signs.

Boiling Pots

Boiling Pots is located about a mile past Rainbow Falls, along the Wailuku River, near downtown Hilo. The cauldron-looking falls were formed from lava flows, which created huge spaces within that have since created the large cylinders you’ll see today.

Note that, while Boiling Pots is wonderful to see, it’s also dangerous. Flash flooding in the pools is common, and sadly, many people have died here by getting sucked into the water and getting trapped within the concealed lava tubes and caves.

Hi’ilawe Falls

Despite being the tallest waterfall in Hawaii, Hi’ilawe Falls is easily overlooked. It stands at approximately 1,450 feet tall with the main drop being just over 1,200 feet. The waterfall is only visible from the bottom of Waipio Valley, which requires a fairly steep 800 foot descent down a road that requires 4×4 cars or trucks equipped with “four low” gearing. You can also walk this 1.3 mile stretch of road, but be prepared for the steep climb back. From the valley floor, it is a fairly easy 10 minute hike to reach the falls. Keep in mind that the falls often go dry due to water diversion for irrigation. If you do hike out to the falls, make sure to also visit the stunning black sands of Waipio Beach.

Waiulili Falls

Waiulili Falls is also accessible via the Waipio Valley. Admittedly, this is a very difficult waterfall to reach by hike. It requires descending into Waipio Valley, then finding the Muliwai Trail trailhead and hiking another nine miles along a series of switchbacks. Luckily, the waterfall is also visible from Waipio Beach. And if you can swing a helicopter tour, you’ll get some amazing Waiulili Falls views.

Umauma Falls

Located along Old Mamalahoa Highway in Hakalau, Umauma Falls is very easily accessible. You can drive on a concrete road right to the falls and the surrounding tropical garden, and the visitor center is full of great information. The site is open daily until 4:30 p.m.

Kulaniapia Falls

This massive waterfall is set on privately accessible property, surrounded by rustic cabins and an inn on a 42-acre farm. The area has been featured on Netflix’s “World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals,” and it’s a peaceful place to visit when you’re ready to go off the grid for awhile. Purchase a day pass and explore the trails, bamboo gardens, and waterfall views. A limited number of passes are sold each day, so you’ll never have to worry about crowds.

No visit to Hawaii is complete without chasing waterfalls. With proper planning, you can see all these spots on more in a single visit.

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