Hapuna Beach

This Kohala Coast beach is of the stuff that Hawaii dreams are made of. A favorite of the beach rating gurus, it is consistently highly rated year after year. Clear days will bring views of the summit of Haleakala on the neighboring island of Maui. Those visiting in the winter may be lucky enough to spot a frolicking humpback whale while dolphin pods are frequently spotted all year long.

AT A GLANCE

Highlights: Hapuna offers an abundance of sun surf sand and sky. This beach can filled with many people without feeling crowded.

Activities: Boogie boarding, snorkeling, swimming depending on ocean conditions. Sunbathing, picnics, cliff diving, scuba diving, fishing, kayaking and camping. No board surfing allowed.

Lifeguard: Daily between the hours of 930a-445p

Warnings: Winter months bring higher surf and stronger rip currents, rough and dangerous conditions. Windy conditions are prevalent in the winter months. Stinging Portuguese man-o-war jelly fish frequent the waters in varying numbers 10 days after the full moon. Do not leave any valuables in your car at anytime. Open daily from dawn until 11pm.

Amenities: Parking lot ($5 non-resident fee), BBQ pits, paved walkways, handicapped parking area, snack shop, beach rentals, lifeguards, restrooms, picnic pavilions, picnic tables, cabins, trash cans, drinking water, showers, pay phone.

Directions: Entrance is located along Queen Kaahumanu Highway just 2.3 miles south of Kawaihae Harbor. From Kona International Airport at Keahole, proceed north along Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Highway 19) for 24 miles. Turn left onto Hapuna Beach Road, turn left onto Old Puako Road, entrance to the parking lot will be on the right.

One of the most beautiful beaches in the Hawaiian Islands, this Kohala Coast beach is big and beautiful. Originally opened as a beach park during the Hawaii's Territorial days, the beach park was expanded by the generous donation of the southern portion of the beach by nearby Parker Ranch and is now operated by the State of Hawaii.

Picturesque turquoise waters are embraced by Kanekanaka Point to the south and Kaunaoa Point to the north that frames a white sand beach nearly half a mile long. One of the widest beaches in the islands, the Hapuna shoreline swells to over 200 feet wide in the calmer summer months while the stronger ocean conditions erode the shoreline slightly in the winter. Whatever time of the year, Hapuna remains a popular, well maintained beach with ample parking including beachside handicapped stalls and facilities for the enjoyment of islanders and visitors.

The northern end of the Hapuna Beach Recreational Area attracts families with small children where the waves and currents tend to be gentler. The southern end attracts many who enjoy jumping of the lava cliff into the warm ocean water. Those who may want to include a bit of exploration in their beach experience can access portions of an ancient Hawaiian coastal trail to explore the recesses of this state park. Ala Kahakai was the main artery between villages along the Kohala coast during the times of Kamehameha Nui.

Address:

Off of Queen Kaahumanu Highway at Mile Marker 70.
Kamuela HI 96743
GPS: 19.990944, -155.822579

http://hawaiistateparks.org/parks/hawaii/index.cfm?park_id=44