Big Island Beach Travel Guide

Big Island Beach Travel Guide

Other Guides for Big Island

Beach Destinations Near Big Island

Travel Guides In Big Island

Pacific Coast Beach States/Provinces

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Aerial view of the Kohala coast in Kona, Hawaii
Kohala coast (courtesy, Kona Village Resort)
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Big Island Beach Travel Tips

By Ben Sumner
  • Frequently rated the best in the United States, Hapuna Beach has it all—white sand, sunbathers, good snorkeling, swimming, and facilities. Other Big Island beaches include Kua Bay Beach Park, Makalawena Beach, and Mauna Kea Beach.
  • Remember where you are—an island formed by volcanoes. Sand colors range from pristine white to green and rich volcanic ash. There are many black sand beaches here, but be careful if you walk barefoot.
  • The surf on the Big Island tends to get rough in the winter. Many beaches have dangerous undertows, so swim only when others are swimming.
  • Want to go surfing in Hilo? Honoli’i Beach is the only surfable spot, and it’s packed with locals.

Hawaii's Big Island Travel Guide

The Big Island of Hawaii—the island that lends its name to the entire 1,500-mile-long Hawaiian archipelago—is where Mother Nature pulled out all the stops. Simply put, it's spectacular. Read More

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Photos

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Hotels

from: $435

Kona Village Resort

Best Resorts & Lodges
Queen Kaahumanu Highway
Kailua - Kona (Big Island), HI 96740 Map

Distance: 13.3 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 4 class stars

expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
5.0
5.0
from: $175

Volcano House

Crater Rim Drive
Hilo, HI Map

Distance: 59.3 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 2 class stars

expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
5.0
4.0
from: $199

Hilton Waikoloa Village

Best Resorts & Lodges
425 Waikoloa Beach Drive
Kamuela, HI 96743 Map

Distance: 20.9 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 4 class stars

expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
5.0
5.0
4.0
All Big Island Hotels »
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Attractions

Honoli'i Beach Park

editor favorite attraction
Off Highway 19
Hilo, Hawaii 96720

Distance: 59.6 mi. (from destination center)
Expert Rated & Recommended
4_0
3_0

Place of Refuge Dive and Snorkel Site

expert favorite attraction
20 miles south of Kailua-Kona
Big Island, Hawaii

Distance: 5.3 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Divers will encounter a multitude of sea creatures beneath the clear water—turtles, eels, and... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
4_0

Anaeho'omalu Beach/Bay

expert favorite attraction
Off Hwy. 19, NW Hawaii
Hwy. 19 and Waikoloa Rd.
Big Island, Hawaii

Distance: 20.7 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Diving and snorkeling are unbeatable at this salt and pepper sand beach. The historical King's... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
4_0
All Big Island Attractions »

Airports

Major Airports near Big Island

Distance (mi.)
Kona/Big Island Keahole Airport 6.1 map
Maui Kahului Airport 91.6 map
Honolulu/Oahu International Airport 171.6 map

Other Smaller Airports near Big Island

Distance (mi.)
Hilo/Big Island Hilo International Airport 61.8 map
Hoolehua Molokai Airport 117.8 map

Flight Deals to Big Island

Originating From
Honolulu (HNL) to Kona (KOA) $103
Seattle (SEA) to Kona (KOA) $386
Portland, OR (PDX) to Kona (KOA) $388
Oakland (OAK) to Kona (KOA) $434
San Francisco (SFO) to Kona (KOA) $480

Feature Articles

  • True Hawaii
    When you think of Hawaii, do you think of ukuleles, surfing and luaus? Not bad images when plotting your escape, but we’re going to expand your vision of these Pacific isles. We present you with six unexpected, themed adventures. Whether you love snorkeling, hula dancing, food, silver-screen scenery, exotic flowers or absolute privacy, we have uncovered just the Hawaiian-island activity for you.
  • Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep
    Divers from all over come to explore the north end of the Big Island
  • Island Hopper, Island Hiker
    outside
  • Top Ten Active Beach Vacations
    From biking to kayaking, horseback riding to swimming, snorkeling to hiking, these beach destinations will keep your heart racing on your next vacation.
  • Hot Spot
    outside
    With volcanic rivers of free-flowing lava, this island's on fire
More Big Island Beach Feature Articles (2) »
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Trip Ideas

Big Island Beach Travel Guides

Scuba Diving | Snorkeling
»  All Beach Guides

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