PHOTO: HAWAII’S BIG ISLAND VISITOR BUREAU (BIVB)
WHITE-, BLACK- and even GREEN- SAND BEACHES abound along Hawai‘i Island’s 266-MILE COASTLINE. Check out some of these popular spots:
KAUNA‘OA BEACH: At Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, this beach was named one of Travel + Leisure ’s Best Beaches in Hawai‘i
‘ANAEHO‘OMALU BEACH: Known as “A-Bay” and great for windsurfing and kitesurfing
WHITE SANDS BEACH PARK: Near the Keauhou Resort, also known as “Magic Sands” because the beach can quickly disappear during high-surf winter months, only to return in the spring
KAHALU‘U BEACH PARK: Kona’s most popular snorkeling beach
PUNALU‘U BEACH PARK: A well-known black-sand beach
LAUPĀHOEHOE POINT PARK: Created by a lava flow from Mauna Kea, it boasts a large grassy area great for camping
WAIPI‘O VALLEY’S BLACK SAND BEACH: Accessible only with four-wheel drive or on foot from the overlook
REMEMBER: Water conditions at Hawai‘i Island beaches can be tricky and unpredictable. Whether swimming or surfing, follow basic aquatic rules. For the latest on beach conditions, including a guide to different hazard ratings, go to hawaiibeachsafety.com/big-island.
