Big Island Beaches of Hawaii (10 Breathtaking Beaches to Visit)

Known for its diverse beaches, ideal for women over 50 like you, Hawaii is the perfect destination when you want to unwind while enjoying the breathtaking sunset view by the beach. The Big Island, the newest addition to this state’s stunning islands, has some of the best beaches where you get to appreciate its beautiful nature, scenic views, and spectacular volcanic landscapes. 

If you’re looking for the perfect destination during your trip to Hawaii, then you should check out the Big Island. They’re absolutely stunning, and you’ll find plenty of secluded coves and stretches of sand to enjoy.

So read on for a guide to some of the best Big Island beaches!

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One of the best ways to enjoy the views is to book a helicopter ride. Here are the best ones to try:

• Private Kauai Helicopter Tour with No Middle Seats – See all of Kauai’s most beautiful spots in a single trip
• Open-Door Helicopter Tour over Oahu – Soar over Waikiki Beach, beautiful Hanauma Bay, Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial, and more
• Kauai ECO Adventure Helicopter Tour – Soar over the island’s diverse terrain, from rain-soaked Mt. Waialeale and the waterfalls of Waiapuna to the dry red ravine of Waimea Canyon and the breathtaking emerald spires of the Na Pali Coast

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10 Can’t-Miss Big Island Beaches of Hawaii

Start planning your next beach getaway in one of the must-see islands of Hawaii. Check out some of the most famous tourist beaches in Big Island and enjoy a trip one for the books! 

1. Hapuna State Beach

If children are with you on your trip, you should not miss out on the popular beach on the Big Island – Hapuna State Beach. This wonderful beach is located on Kohala Coast, along the northwestern shore of the Big Island. It’s best known for its calm waters, ideal for kids, snorkeling, and bodyboarding. 

Hapuna State Beach is complete with lifeguards on duty, showers, and restrooms. There are also food and drinks, and guests can enjoy under the shaded picnic tables. Because this beach is popular on the island, you should arrive early to secure a spot in its limited parking space.

If you have loved ones who are experienced snorkelers, they would certainly enjoy the southern end of Hapuna State Beach, as this is the perfect spot for snorkeling and diving.

You can choose to stay at The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort close to the Hapuna Golf Course. This resort is four-star luxury accommodation, ideal for large families. 

2. Papakōlea Green Sand Beach

Another must-visit beach in the Big Island is Papakolea Green Sand Beach, one of the two beaches in the US with green sand. As its name suggests, this beach is best known for its unique sand with a greenish hue from several olivine deposits. 

The downside of this beach is having no lifeguards on duty, food and drinks, and any amenities. If you wish to visit this beach, don’t forget to bring your snacks and other things you might need for a hassle-free trip. It’s also advisable not to swim on this beach because of its strong waves and rough current. 

3. Makalawena Beach

Situated in Kona Coast State Park, Makalawena Beach is a stunning reward after walking for 20 minutes along the lava path to the beach. This secluded beach is ideal for women over 50 who seek peace and relaxation while enjoying the beauty of nature. 

Makalawena Beach is filled with palm trees and shaded picnic tables where you can enjoy chatting and dining with your loved ones. It’s also an ideal spot for snorkeling because of its shallow reef. One of the disadvantages of Makalawena Beach is having no other amenities aside from the picnic tables. There are also no lifeguards, so it’s not recommended for kids and beginner swimmers. 

4. Punalu’u Beach

Punalu’u Beach is the most famous beach on the Big Island with black sand. You can easily access this beach from Volcano Village, and it’s perfect for seeing turtles, swimming, and snorkeling. Black sand easily absorbs heat, and you must bring the right footwear to prevent your feet from getting sunburnt. 

It has been home to several green sea turtles or honu; you would often see them swimming or simply enjoying the heat from the black sand. When you walk the short path from the parking lot, you can reach Ninole Cove, a great place for snorkeling. 

Additionally, Pahala Plantation Cottages is only a five-minute drive if you decide to stay nearby. This accommodation has its main house or bedroom cottages to enjoy fully furnished kitchenettes and family rooms.

5. Mauna Kea Beach

Mauna Kea Beach or Kauna’oa Beach is best known for its picturesque white sand views, ideal when you love taking photos of your trips for memories. You will not have difficulty taking amazing pictures because this beach is commonly not crowded, unlike other beaches in the same area. This picturesque beach is also ideal for snorkeling. 

If you wish to spend a night near this beach, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is right in front, where you can also enjoy its beautiful gardens and spend time on its golf course. 

6. Manini’owali Beach

Otherwise known as Kua Bay Beach, Manini’owali Beach is a beautiful white sand beach offering peaceful waters perfect for swimming during the summer months. Visiting this beach lets you enjoy its full amenities such as showers, restrooms, picnic tables, food, and drinks. Make sure you visit on weekdays because it can get crowded with limited parking on weekends. 

When you plan to visit this beach, bring the right footwear to avoid hurting yourself when you walk on lava rocks. Also, remember to bring beach umbrellas because the picnic tables are not shaded. 

Perhaps you’re looking for a luxurious hotel nearby to spend the night in, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is an excellent choice. When the waves in Manini’owali Beach are too rough, you can swim in one of this hotel’s seven beautiful pools, including a kids pool, an adults-only pool, and a saltwater pool. 

7. Spencer Beach

Spencer Beach is the perfect beach for kids because of its child-friendly water conditions. This beach offers several amenities, including lifeguards on duty, barbecues, and picnic tables. 

Visitors also love its soft sand, and its coral reefs make Spencer Beach an ideal spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. You can also camp on Spencer Beach if you have a permit. When you visit, try to stop by Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, one of Big Island’s famous temples.

8. Pololu Valley Beach

Another beach with beautiful black sand is Pololu Valley Beach. Located in Kohala, enjoy and breathe in the spectacular views as you hike down the Awini Trail, taking you to the clear blue waters of Pololu Valley Beach. The beach proper is situated at the bottom of Pololu Valley, filled with black sand with scattered lava rock stones. 

Pololu Valley Beach offers free access to everyone, but there are no other facilities and amenities. You need to bring your own food and drinks and beach mats when you plan to stay here and catch the sunset. 

9. Waialea Beach

Waialea Beach, a summertime tourist favorite, is Big Island’s crowded and busiest beach. The gradual slope to the coral reefs on this beach protects the seawater from currents and turbulence, making this an ideal beach for families with kids. 

It is also home to amazing marine wildlife, making it a great spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are showers and restrooms available on-site but no lifeguards. 

10. Kahalu’u Beach Park 

Kahalu’u Beach Park is a tourist’s top destination with its amazing coral reefs ideal for snorkeling. This beach park is best known for its stunning wildlife, including tropical fish, octopus, sea turtles, and sea urchins. Even when you swim in the shallow parts of the seawater, you can see several smaller fish and sea turtles. 

It is also an ideal beach for families because its calm water conditions allow kids to enjoy swimming peacefully. Suppose you need to rent gear for your scuba diving or snorkeling adventure. In that case, Kahalu’u Bay Education Center is available nearby, where its proceeds are allocated to conserve its beautiful ecosystem. 

The best spot for snorkeling would be the bay’s southern end, packed with lifeguards to ensure your safety. There are also available shower facilities and restrooms. Families get to unwind and chat on picnic tables and pavilions. Restaurants are also nearby, so you don’t need to bring your snacks. 

See The Beauty of Big Island For Yourself!

With numerous stunning beaches and beautiful landscapes, Big Island beaches certainly deserve a spot for your must-visit places. The amazing white and black sand beaches will definitely make you fall in love with Hawaii.