Hapuna Beach State Park
 Deep, powdery sand |
 Green lawns surround the beach |
Hapuna Beach is probably the most famous beach on the Big Island, and regularly voted one of the prettiest beaches in the world. In Big Island standards, it’s also one of the largest beaches on the island. The shore has a sandy bottom, and the sand shelf extends a good ways out. The gently-sloping shore is great for kids, but keep an eye on the waves.
Often, especially in winter months, the waves can be significant. You’ll often see many people here body boarding and body surfing. The beach is manned by lifeguards, and they will post markers that indicate the condition of the water and waves. The surf can be hazardous mainly in winter months, but in summer the gradual slope of the beach can stretch as wide as 200 ft into a perfectly blue ocean — ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and body surfing.
Hapuna Beach State Park is part of a 61-acre park, forms a ½-mile crescent of glistening white sand beach guarded by rocky points at either end. It is widely known as one of the prettiest beaches on the Big Island and thus is one of the most popular beaches for tourists and locals alike. Hapuna is easily accessible right off of Hwy 19 and has enormous paved parking lots and full bathroom and shower facilities. in addition to concession stands.
State cabins are available, and there is a convenient snack bar. Lifeguards are not always on duty, so take care. Hapuna Beach is located between Mauna Ke’a Beach and Mauna Lani resorts, off Hwy. 19, PHONE: (808)974-6200.
- Clear tropical waters at Hapuna Beach
Hapuna’s popularity is due in part to the lush shaded grass areas that surround the beach and ample picnic tables and pavilions. No matter how packed the parking lot is, the big beach seldom seems crowded, but you can find even more seclusion by walking north around the rocks to the gorgeous arc of sand fronting the Hapuna Prince Hotel. Look for good snorkeling around the rocks at the north end of that beach when the water is calm.
We like going to Hapuna Beach to admire the sheer beauty of the bright white sand and the azure waters shimmering under the Kona sun. The foot path leads you through the lush green vegetation, under the shady trees surrounding the white sand. The contrasting black barren lava rocks, white sand, and greenery make for a vivid panorama.
The grounds of this state park are vast - the beach is actually at the foot of rolling hills, large grassy fields, tree-shaded areas, and large covered pavilions and picnic areas. Hapuna is gorgeous and a must-visit beach on the Big Island. Hapuna Beach State Park has excellent facilities including a large paved parking lot, full showers and restrooms, concession stands, covered picnic pavilions, bar-b-que pits, and the entire grounds are wheelchair and baby stroller accessible. Both kids and adults love the waves, and many decide to sit, relax, and soak it all in. Because the beach is located on the Kohala coast, it enjoys bright, sunny days nearly year round
*Where: Just off State Highway 19, about 31 miles north of Kailua-Kona. View a map of Hapuna Beach Park
*Food: Bring a picnic; basic snack bar at park.
*Beach gear: There is a boogie board concession stand at the park, but serious boarders should bring their own gear, including fins.
Nearby Beaches: Waialea Beach, Spencer Beach
Kona Hotels starting at $78 - Our comprehensive Hotel Search Engine finds the best hotels at the lowest prices. Check out our Kona Hotels Finder - focused search of Kona Hotels, sorted by price.
Snorkeling Tours of the Big Island
We offer a variety of guided snorkel tours for all ages and abilities. Designed for beginners and adventurers alike, you’ll paddle along the scenic Kohala Coast and enjoy excellent snorkeling in warm, clear Hawaiian waters. Discover the Big Islands most remote snorkeling spots along the pristine Kohala Coast, Pawai Bay, Kealakekua Bay, and more. Check out our large sail and snorkel tours and our exciting zodiac tours for smaller groups.
Fair Wind Kealakekua Bay Snorkel
Slide down the Fair Wind II’s water slide into the pristine waters of Kealakekua Bay, a marine sanctuary, and enjoy snorkeling or diving with 80-100 feet visibility! Everything you’ll need for snorkeling is provided – masks, snorkels, fins, etc.
Kohala Kayak & Snorkeling Adventure
Take this guided kayak adventure above the beautiful coral gardens along the Big Island’s South Kohala Coast and take a mid-trip snorkel to get a closer look. See the beautiful Coral Gardens of Puako on the Big Island of Hawaii! A fun filled 3 hour guided kayak trip along the South Kohala coastline. Discover the coral gardens of Puako Reef, a marine sanctuary, where green sea turtles feed among multicolored fish.
Loading ...
