BEST BIG ISLAND BEACHES
5 Picks for Your Perfect Beach Day
A curated guide to the Big Island’s best beaches—from walkable town spots to wild black-sand coves—with distances from Ali‘i Drive to help you plan the perfect beach day.
Not every trip needs a dozen beach days, but one or two done right can leave a lasting imprint. Hawai‘i Island isn’t known for miles of uninterrupted sand like some of its neighbors, but when a beach hits—it really hits. From tiny neighborhood hangouts to dramatic coastlines with real personality, these are five of our favorite spots for swimming, snorkeling, or just soaking in the sun.
We’ve even added drive times and distances from Ali‘i Drive, where most of the hotels are located in Kailua-Kona, so you can plan without pulling up the maps app every five minutes.
Kamakahonu Beach (King Kam Beach)
Region: Kona
Distance from Ali‘i Drive: steps away
Drive time: 1-minute walk
Right in the heart of Kailua-Kona, Kamakahonu Beach—often called King Kam Beach—is the closest you’ll get to a beach in town. It’s not a sprawling sandy escape, but it’s incredibly convenient and surprisingly pleasant for a morning dip or a mellow sunset float. Tucked next to the pier and historic landmarks, it’s often filled with paddlers, kids, and locals grabbing a swim before work. A great reset spot between activities.
Magic Sands Beach Park
Region: Kona
Distance from Ali‘i Drive: 4.2 miles
Drive time: 10 minutes
If you want a “beach beach” near town, Magic Sands is your best bet. Also known as La‘aloa Beach Park, it’s a popular white-sand strip just south of Kailua-Kona with good energy and a playful shore break. The sand sometimes disappears during big surf (hence the name), but on a good day it’s perfect for swimming, boogie boarding, or just laying out. There’s a lifeguard tower, showers, and usually a few people grilling nearby. It gets crowded in the afternoon, but that’s part of the charm.
Kua Bay (Maniniʻowali Beach)
Region: North Kona
Distance from Ali‘i Drive: 13.3 miles
Drive time: 20 minutes
This is the Big Island’s classic beach fantasy: soft white sand, turquoise water, and black lava rock stretching down both sides of the cove. Officially called Maniniʻowali Beach, Kua Bay sits within Kekaha Kai State Park and offers easy access by car, with bathrooms, showers, and lifeguards on site. Come early to beat the crowds and snag parking. The swimming is usually excellent, and while the snorkeling isn’t legendary, it’s still solid. Stay for the late afternoon light—this is one of the best sunset beaches on the island.
Kīholo Bay
Region: North Kona
Distance from Ali‘i Drive: 19 miles
Drive time: 45 minutes
For something quieter, more elemental, and a little off the grid, head to Kīholo Bay. Reached via a short hike from the highway, this area offers black sand, lava flows, brackish tide pools, and a sprawling turquoise bay often visited by sea turtles. There are ancient Hawaiian fishponds here and a famous freshwater cave pool tucked into the landscape. It’s more of a wander-and-explore spot than a beach-chair-and-book scene. No restrooms, no shade—just raw beauty and a deep sense of place.
Two Step at Hōnaunau Bay
Region: South Kona (Captain Cook)
Distance from Ali‘i Drive: 22.1 miles
Drive time: 40 minutes
Two Step isn’t a beach in the classic sense, but it’s one of the best ways to end your trip with an unforgettable snorkeling session. A lava-rock ledge forms a natural entry into the ocean—two steps down and you’re in. The reef here is shallow, bright, and full of life, with frequent sea turtle sightings and even spinner dolphins cruising through. Right next door is Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, so you can pair reef time with a powerful dose of Hawaiian history. Come early or late to avoid crowds and the midday sun.
Honorable Mentions
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Region: Kaʻū (South Island)
Distance from Ali‘i Drive: 66 miles
Drive time: about 2 hours
If you're already heading toward Volcanoes National Park or doing a south island road trip, this is worth a detour. Punaluʻu is one of the most dramatic beaches on the island—a stretch of jet-black sand bordered by coconut palms and lava rock. The contrast is unreal. It’s not ideal for swimming (currents can be strong), but it’s a top-tier spot for turtle sightings and photo ops. There are picnic tables, bathrooms, and usually a cool breeze coming off the ocean.
Richardson Ocean Park
Region: Hilo
Distance from Ali‘i Drive: 78 miles
Drive time: about 2 hours and 15 minutes
On the east side of the island near Hilo, Richardson is one of the most beloved local beach spots in the area. It’s a black-sand-and-lava-rock cove with calm pockets of water protected by reef—great for swimming or snorkeling when the surf is down. There are tide pools, sea turtles, shade trees, and a local vibe that feels worlds away from resort Hawai‘i. The water here tends to be cooler, and the weather more unpredictable, but on a sunny day it’s a gem.