Outdoor Experiences
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Outdoor Experiences
Retreats
Weddings
One thing’s for sure: When you vacation in the Hawaiian Islands, some of the world’s most amazing beaches are at your doorstep. However, Big Island Hawaii beaches are among the most breathtaking and diverse beach landscapes on the planet. A journey across the coast reveals white, black, and even green-sand beaches, as well as the geological result of centuries’ worth of volcanic activity. So, if you’re planning your tropical retreat to Hawaii’s Big Island, there are a handful of breathtaking beaches you must add to your island itinerary. Let’s dive in!
Of the eight major islands that make up Hawaii, the Big Island is something special. The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest and the youngest Hawaiian Island and features all but four of the world’s different climate zones. From Polar Tundra to Wet Tropical rainforests, nature-lovers find themselves in a geological haven here on the Big Island, where outdoor adventure abounds.
Although the Big Island is the largest of the islands, its beaches are few. Yet, these remote beaches make up for their scarcity in beauty and uniqueness. Big Island Hawaii beaches offer the ideal beach getaway, with sands of all different hues, crashing waves, calm waters, and plenty of wildlife to admire. Learn more about popular beaches on Hawaii’s Big Island below, and start planning your summer vacation or winter getaway today!
Once a one-mile airport runway, the Old Kona Airport has been transformed into a beautiful beach deeply loved by the locals. The recreation area features a semi-rocky shoreline with picnic tables, stunning sunset views, and sports courts. The beach, however, is a hot spot for skilled surfers. It features a lava rock entry with calmer, sandy inlets at the southern end, ideal for swimmers. However, for experienced divers, Old Kona is an excellent spot for scuba diving, as there’s a drop off beyond fifty feet of depth, with underwater features like arches, caves, swim-throughs, and a wealth of aquatic wildlife.
Only four green sand beaches exist in the entire world, and Papakolea Beach is one of them. This secluded beach in Mahana Bay is surrounded by a cinder cone, called Puu Mahana, which formed over 49,000 years ago with the eruption of Mauna Loa. The sand’s green hue is produced by the breaking down of the cinder cone, producing the crystallized mineral olivine. However, you must work to spend a day here, as the beach is only accessible by foot and requires a 5.5-mile round-trip hike. Being on the southern, ocean-facing shore, swimming is a bit dangerous, so be careful should you decide to refresh in the water.
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii and one of the most aesthetic Big Island Hawaii beaches. Palm trees sway along this dramatic coastline, and vibrant green sea turtles bask the days away on the soft, magic sands. These jet black shores are a once-in-a-lifetime sight and a result of the active volcanic activity on the island. So, spend a day on the fine black sand for incredible photo ops, wildlife watching, and swimming in the crashing waves. Moreover, you’ll find a new black sand beach at Isaac Hale Beach Park (Pohoiki Beach) in the Puna District. This beach formed as a result of Kilauea’s volcanic activity in 2018. This is one of the best beaches for fishing, as well as for experienced swimmers and surfers.
Carlsmith Beach Park is a four-mile stretch of white sand beach and calm, turquoise waters. Located on the South Hilo Coast, Carlsmith is a favorite spot for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. Lava rocks break up the coastline, though the ocean bottom remains soft and sandy. Moreover, it’s not uncommon to spot green sea turtles in the lagoons while spending a day on this scenic beach. So, keep your eyes peeled, especially when snorkeling.
Also nestled on the Hilo Coast is Onekahakaha Beach Park. This park is a local favorite among Big Island Hawaiian beaches, as it offers stunning views of Hilo Bay and some of the safest swimming conditions in Hilo. With small, shallow sand-bottomed tide pools, this beach park is the perfect beach for families looking to snorkel, have lunch, and swim without fear of rough conditions. Though there is no actual “beach” here, per se, with a sandy beach to lie on, the park features restrooms, a playground, showers, grassy picnic areas, and a lifeguard.
Leleiwi Beach Park is one of the most magical beach destinations among Big Island Hawaii beaches. This park is a snorkeling oasis, as the sea wall lining the stretch of beach creates various natural ponds, inlets, and coves that welcome tropical fish and sea turtles. Like Onekahakaha, there isn’t much sand for sunbathing, but there are plenty of areas for a picnic in the beautiful weather. Leleiwi is also located next to Richardson Beach Park (or Richardson Ocean Center), which is another well-loved snorkeling spot. This current-free, spring-fed bay is great for children. What’s more, the sand at Richardson is a unique black sand with green crystals.
Trying to make some travel plans? There’s more to the Big Island than the beautiful beaches. Add diversity to your itinerary with these great things to do on the Big Island, Hawaii.
Hapuna Beach Park is the largest white sand beach on Hawaii’s Big Island. Located along the stunning volcanic western coastline of Kohala Coast, it’s clear why Hapuna is known as one of the most spectacular beaches in Hawaii. With soft white sand, picturesque ocean views, and fantastic conditions for body surfing, swimming, and snorkeling, Hapuna is hard to beat. Moreover, visitors can even spot migrating whales off the coastline at the beginning of the year! This park also features picnic areas, food concessions, bathrooms, showers, and a lifeguard.
Last on our list of beautiful Big Island Hawaii beaches is Mauna Kea Beach, also known as Kaunaʻoa Beach Park. This beach is nestled near the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in South Kohala. It features fine white sand and shallow, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Rest beneath the fringe of palm trees, or go paddleboarding along the coastline of this serene, often uncrowded beach. With lush vegetation and a tranquil atmosphere, it’s no wonder Mauna Kea is one of the best beaches here.
Now, where to stay near these breathtaking Big Island Hawaii beaches? If the idea of a loud resort with overcrowded pool decks makes you think twice, then you’ll love Pacific 19, a Kailua-Kona hotel. This newly renovated boutique hotel on Hawaii’s Big Island is a welcome alternative to flashy commercial resorts. With a contemporary island-urban vibe, Pacific 19’s motto is “Stay Here. Get Out There.” Their modest yet luxurious on-site amenities enhance the island atmosphere rather than outshine it.
Meander through lush tropical gardens, or sunbathe or siesta beneath a poolside umbrella. You can even grab an award-winning coffee from the barista on-site. Not to mention, guests of Pacific 19 refresh with daily yoga beneath the palms on the pool deck. If you tire of the Big Island Hawaii beaches, Pacific 19 offers guests curated Travel Guides and Pacific 19 Experiences. From snorkeling with manta rays at night to local menus for foodies, this magical boutique hotel is dedicated to helping you make unforgettable island memories.
Deciding on which Big Island Hawaii beaches to visit can feel impossible. Luckily, you don’t have to squeeze it all into one trip when you book with Nook. Travel to Pacific 19 in Hawaii year after year, or explore other outdoor destinations within Nook Outdoors’ collection. Our carefully curated portfolio of boutique hotels, glamping retreats, cabin rentals, and more puts nature at the forefront of your vacations. From the mountains of Grand Teton to the meadows of Texas Hill Country, Nook Outdoors has the adventure you’ve been dreaming of. Browse our entire collection of resorts today, and feed your inner wanderer.
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