Big Island Hawaii Beaches Most of the Big Island is made up of rocky coastline, but the Big Island Hawaii Beaches in between are truly remarkable. We have soft Black Sand beaches mixed with powdery white sand, giving the beach a salt and pepper look. We have green sand beaches made up of small granules of the crystal olivine. Then there are the powdery white sand beaches surrounded by crystal clear blue waters of the pacific ocean. All the shoreline on the island is owned by the state, so no one can deny you public access to any of the Big Island Hawaii beaches. Some hotels and resorts own the property right up to a beach, but they must provide you reasonable public access. This means there are parking lots and usually showers nearby the beach provided to the public by the hotels. The Big Island has beaches that you have to hike miles to, rewarded by the fact that you share the beach with no one. We also have beaches that have resorts surrounding them, so you can just lay back in a comfortable hammock or beach chair, and have a waiter bring you drinks and snacks. Whatever you want the Big Island Hawaii Beaches have it. Anaehoomalu Beach
Photo by Bob Brown There are shuttles available to take you from the Hilton Waikaloa, as well as services available at the beach. Some of the services available at the beach include: Windsurfing rentals and instruction, Sailing and diving charters, beach equipment, and refreshments. No life guards are stationed at this beach. This area is also full of historical value. There are over two acres of petroglyphs, and the historical Kings trail runs right through this area. Also nearby are the Kings and newly opened Queens shops centers. These shops feature all kinds of reputable stores. Definitely worth checking out on your vacation in Hawaii. Hapuna Beach State ParkOne of the nicest beaches on the island, with full amenities: easy access, showers, bathrooms, lifeguards and a snack stand. In fact this beach is consistently voted the best in the whole U.S. Follow this link to our page on Hapuna Beach State Park 
Kauna'oa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach)Mauna Kea Beach is another long white sandy beach on the Kohala Coast. Similar conditions to Hapuna, High Surf in the winter, excellent swiming and snorkeling in the summer. Home to the famous Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, an American icon, This has been a favorite destination for many a family. The Hotel is currently closed due to damage, from the 2006 earthquake, and is due to reopen in Fall of 2008. Voted to be #55 of the most famous American structures by the American Institute of Architects, We all look forward to the reopening of this amazing hotel. Restrooms, Showers, and limited parking is available to the public at Mauna Kea Beach. And while the hotel is closed, the beach is very uncrowded. 
Napo'opo'o Beach Park in Kealakekua Bay
Photo by Bob Brown Ever since Iniki, Napo'opo'o Beach has not been the same. There is sand on the low tide, and there is sand out side the shore line, but on the high tide, the coast line is all rock. Still this is a worthwhile destination. The scenery is amazing, as shown in the picture above, and the swimming and snorkeling is as good. This area is also rich with historical sites. In the early mornings the dolphins come closer to shore, and a lot of people come down regularly to swim and play with them. Snorkeling conditions are ideal also with sandy bottoms that meet rock ares where fish frequent. There are restrooms and showers available. The park is beautiful, with trails going along the coast. There is a pavilion and picnic benches for public use. Last but not least is The Hiki'au Heiau. Towering over the area this massive Heiau(Hawaiian Stone Structure) is over 600 years old. The Heiau is in remarkable condition for being so close to the volatile ocean, and gives testament to the Hawaiians capabilities. Papakolea Beach: The Green Sand BeachThe green sand beach on the big island is one of the more remote beaches on the island. Located on the southeast side of the South Point of the Big Island. Rich with history this area is very sacred to Native Hawaiians. Some of the artifacts found in this area are among the oldest in all the islands. The journey to the green sand beach, is suggested to be a all day trip. Definitely one of the stand out Big Island Beaches This video begins by telling you a good amount of history of Ka Lae or South point. You will hear about the history of the area, and also be told about most of the important historical sites. About two thirds of the way through this video, good footage of the beach is shown. Also included are some of the best directions you could ask for. So pay attention and take some notes if you really want to experience this beach. I suggest you also bring ample food and drink, sun screen, and maybe some kind of beach umbrella, as there is not much shade. Punalu'u Black Sand BeachThis Black Sand Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii is probably the easiest one to access. There are showers, bathrooms, parking lots, and other amenities. You can also get a camping permit and spend the night or a few days. The more famous Black Sand beach in Kalapana no longer exists. Kilauea covered the beach with lava in 1990. For information, pictures, videos and maps about Punalu'u black sand beach follow this Link to our page on 
Puu O Honua O Honaunau the City of RefugeMore then just a beach this is a national park. Some of the best modern representations of how ancient Hawaiians lived. The beach is made up of long sandy strips along a rocky coastline. Excellent snorkeling and scuba diving grounds. Dolphins and turtles are abundant, as well as a variety of fish. There are a few good places to enter the water, but most of the coast line is rough. There is a lot to see here, so we dedicated a whole page to this area. 
Spencer Beach Park This is a very nice white sandy beach with all kinds of amenities. One of the county parks that allows camping, there is security at night, and easy access to the water. Photo Gallery of Big Island Beachesfollow this link to Big Island Beaches the Photo Gallery
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