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Home » 10 Most Ranked and Best Beaches in Hawaii (The Big Island)

10 Most Ranked and Best Beaches in Hawaii (The Big Island)

Hawaii Big Island Best Beaches

Did you know that some of the best Beaches in Hawaii (The Big Island) are ranked among the top 10 beaches in the United States?

Hawaii is a tropical haven housing some of the most stunning beaches in the world.

With its crystal-clear waters, red, black, soft white sand, and breathtaking sights, it’s no wonder that visitors flock to this island to experience its greatness.

Many beaches in Hawaii are best for any activity, whether a family outing, swimming, snorkeling, or surfing.

Our research shows the top 10 most-ranked beaches in Hawaii (The Big Island).

Top 10 Beaches in Hawaii Big Island

Hapuna Beach

Best family-friendly beach in Hawaii
Family-friendly beach in Hawaii Big Island

Located on the west coast of the Big Island, Hapuna Beach is a family-friendly beach with a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and fun for all ages.

This half-mile stretch of soft powdery white sand is perfect for relaxing, building sandcastles, swimming, and snorkeling.

Hapuna Beach’s calm and crystal-clear waters make it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and paddling.

More so, You can enjoy picnics and barbecues while taking in the breathtaking views with your family.

It also has clean restrooms and showers available for your convenience.

Additionally, trained lifeguards are on duty to ensure your safety.

Mauna Kea Beach

best beaches in Hawaii Big Island
Best kid-friendly beach in Hawaii Big Island

Mauna Kea Beach, situated on the northwest coast, has a peaceful atmosphere and calm waters, good for families with small children.

It has soft, powdery white sand, good for building sandcastles, sunbathing, and relaxing. Coupled with its shallow waters it is an excellent place for young children to play and swim under adult supervision.

You can enjoy picnics and barbecues with your family while enjoying its amazing views.

With its clean restrooms and showers, and trained lifeguards, you can enjoy your family time at this beach.

Kahalu’u Beach Park

best beaches in Hawaii Big Island
One of the best beaches in Hawaii Big Island for snorkeling

Kahalu’u Beach Park is a protected marine life located on the west coast

The water is calm and clear, while the reef is shallow, enabling you to swim close to the fish and coral.

It has picnic tables, restrooms, showers, and enough Parking space for your convenience. 

You can rent snorkeling gear from the nearby shop if you don’t have your own.

However, be sure to start snorkeling in the shallow water and gradually go deeper, and don’t touch the coral or stand on the reef.

Two Step Beach

best beaches in Hawaii Big Island
One of the best in Hawaii for snorkeling

Known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and unique “two-step” rock formation, Two Step Beach is situated on the south coast near the town of Kailua-Kona, about 10 minutes south of the airport.

One of the selling points of the two-step beach is its unique rock formations, which create a fascinating underwater terrain.

This beach has limited parking spaces, so you must arrive early or be prepared to walk.

Also, restrooms and showers are available, but snorkeling gear rentals are off-site.

Honoli’i Beach Park

best beaches in Hawaii
Hawaii Big Island beach for surfing

For the best surfing experience, Honoli’i Beach Park is one of the best beaches in Hawaii big island for surfers. 

One of its unique selling points is its consistent waves year-round, which make it a perfect place for surfers of all levels.

The waves are ideal for all skill levels, from beginner-friendly to monster waves for experienced surfers.

Honoli’i Beach Park is moderately uncrowded than other famous surf spots, which gives you more private space to catch waves.

Pohoiki Beach

One of the best beaches in Hawaii for surfers

Also known as Isaac Hale Beach Park, Pohoiki Beach is great for experienced surfers to connect to the world with consistent waves.

You can also interact with locals, surfers, fishermen, and families in a harmonious atmosphere.

However, you may need to bring your own drinking water as no consumable water is available.

To get here for the first time, drive toward the coast and turn left onto Highway 137 at the end. Do not use Highway 132.

Kailua Beach

Best Hawaii’s beach for swimming

As one of the best beaches on Hawaii Big Island, Kailua Beach offers a unique blend of natural beauty, convenient swimming conditions, and local amenities, making it ideal for first-time visitors and experienced swimmers alike.

Located on the West Coast, its calm waters, soft white sand, and stunning scenery with free accessibility are some of its unique selling points. 

There are access to Parking, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, food trucks, surf schools, and rentals.

There are many watersport activities you can enjoy at Kailua Beach, such as surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and sunbathing.

La’aloa Beach

A good beach for swimming in Hawaii Big Island
A good beach for swimming in Hawaii Big Island

La’aloa Beach is known to have a relaxing swimming environment on the south coast.

With its soft white sand, clear waters, and breathtaking sights, it is also popular for bodyboarding.

Be conscious of the local swimmers and the atmosphere. The area has a history of accidents caused by the strong rip current, which can be a challenge even for experienced swimmers.

Makapu’u Beach

One of the best white sand beaches in Hawaii Big Island

Makapu’u Beach is one of the best beaches on Hawaii’s east coast.

It is blessed with some of the softest and whitest sand on the island, which makes it a perfect place for walking, sunbathing, and building sandcastles.

If you enjoy scenic views,  it has amazing ocean views and the iconic Makapu’u Lighthouse, which sits atop a nearby cliff.

A coral reef protects the beach, creating a peaceful and calm environment perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and spotting marine life.

More so, it is famous for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets, making it a good spot for photographers and romantic getaways.

Compared to other white sand beaches on Oahu, Makapu’u Beach provides a more peaceful and serene experience.

Spencer Beach

White sand beach in Hawaii

On the Big Island’s west coast, Spencer Beach is a hidden treasure that will amuse you as a lover of white sand.

Its soft, powdery, and inviting sand makes it a sight to behold and a must-visit beach, perfect for walking, sunbathing, and relaxing.

This beach provides a peaceful and serene atmosphere, ideal for those seeking relaxation. 

If you wish to witness sunsets painting the sky with its vibrant colors with your loved ones, it is a perfect spot for romance and photography.

Final Take

The island’s beaches are visually appealing and provide different activities that cater to all ages and skill levels.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, surfer, or swimmer, a beach on the Big Island is perfect for you.

One of the standout features of the Hawaii’s best beaches is their natural beauty.

And lastly, make sure to follow the safety and beach precautions and most important, respect the locals when vis

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