Beaches in Big Island

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• Makaiwa Bay

  Mauna Lani, Big Island

  Located at the Mauna Lani Resort (Lat:19.942208, Lon: -155.87265), Makaiwa Bay is a gem not to be missed.Kailua-Kona 45 min south Lifeguard: No Hours: 630am to 630pm daily From Queen Kaahumanu Highway turn makai (toward the ocean) into the Mauna Lani Resort, drive past the security office. Take second right from the traffic circle. Turn left onto Pauoa Road. First right into the parking lot.

• Manini'owali Beach at Kua Bay

  Kona, Big Island

  The northernmost beach in the Kekaha Kai State Park, this picturesque beach is just one out of three splendid beaches located within an easy drive from all Kailua-Kona. Officially named Manini'owali Beach, it is loosely referred to by islanders as Kua Bay. Of the three beaches in Kehaka Kai State Park, Manini'owali Beach is the easiest to access because of the recently improved road. Therefore it has become the most popular in the park.AT A GLANCE&

• Napo'opo'o Landing

  Captain Cook, Big Island

  A part of the larger Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park and Marine Conservation District, Napoopoo landing offers clear conditions and easy ocean entry.AT A GLANCEHighlights: a historic landing with water teeming with fishActivities: Sun bathing, swimming, snorkelingLifeguard: noneWarnings: Winter months bring higher surf and stronger rip currents, rough and dangerous

• Hapuna Beach

  Mauna Kea, Big Island

  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 GLANCEHighlights: Hapuna offers an abundance of sun surf

• Anaehoomalu Bay

  Waikoloa, Big Island

  Anaehoomalu Bay, Waikoloa Beach Resort Lat: 19.913623 Lon: -155.886791 Kailua-Kona 45 min south Lifeguard: No Hours: 6am-8pm daily Take the Queen Kaahumanu Highway and turn makai (toward the ocean) into the Waikoloa Beach Resort. Turn left in the direction of the Lava Lava Beach Club. The entrance to the bay is at the end of the road. On

• Kaunaoa Bay

  Mauna Kea, Big Island

  Kaunaoa Bay, Mauna Kea Beach Resort Lat: 20.005109Lon: -155.822686 Kailua-Kona 60 minutes south Lifeguard: Yes Hours: sunrise to sunset daily From Queen Kaahumanu Highway and turn makai (toward the ocean) into the Mauna Kea Beach Resort. When stopped at the guard shack say that you are going to the beach. One of the most beautiful beaches in Haw

• Mahana Green Sand Beach

  Naalehu, Big Island

  Remote and untamed this beach can be found past the end of South Point Road at the base of Pu'u o Mahana in the district of Ka'u. Accessible on foot or by 4WD only. The hot sunny trek is well worth a visit to experience the world's only green sand beach.AT A GLANCEHighlights: large quiet remote beach with olivine sand Activities: body surfing, swimming depending on ocean conditions. Sun bathing, picnics, walk

• Ohai'ula Beach at Spencer Beach Park

  Mauna Kea, Big Island

  This popular beach park offers more than just beach fun. Glimpses of dolphin pods and the summit of Haleakala on the neighboring island of Maui are glorious on clear days while the winter months delight beachgoers with peeks of humpback whales. Those who enjoy ancient archeological sites will find that this beach is the perfect place to enjoy the afternoon sun and surf after exploring neighboring Pu'u Kohola, Hawaii's largest luakini heiau or sacrificial war temple just a short walk awa

• Mahai'ula at Kekaha Kai State Park

  Kona, Big Island

  This attractive beach is the southernmost at Kekaha Kai State Park. However, it is not the easiest to access. The rutted and unpaved road is deemed off-limits by car rental agencies and beach going islanders prefer to forgo the bumpy ride for a paved road at nearby Manini'owali Beach at Kua Bay. However, for those who want to brave the trek though the lava fields will be rewarded with one of the most deserted beaches on the island.AT A GLANCE

• Punalu'u Black Sand Beach Park

  Naalehu, Big Island

  This unique and remote beach is certainly a departure from the typical postcard beauties, but for those love remote beaches, this is one of the world's beauties. The beach has a a history of devastation, industry and shipping, but today it's a place where honu, or green sea turtles come to bask on the fine black lava sand.AT A GLANCEHighlights: large quiet remote beach with unique black sand an abundance of green sea turtles.&lt