White sands, azure blue seas, stark lava contrast, and amazing adventures… All these await you on the beaches of Hawai’i’s Big Island. Some of the best in the world for seaside relaxation or full immersion water activity!

Maka’iwa Bay, The Mauna Lani Beach Club

The Mauna Lani Beach Club is the private homeowners’ club located on beautiful Maka’iwa Bay at the Southern end of the Mauna Lani area. Enjoy the pristine white sand and naturally protected bay and experience some of the island’s best snorkeling. Beach toys and snorkel equipment are available for rental right at the beach. When you are finally famished from all the fun, head up the sand to Napua Restaurant for great local food and continued beachside ambience.

Pau’oa Bay (Fairmont Orchid)

Pau’oa Bay fronts the Fairmont Orchid and is a beautiful white-sand haven minutes from the Nohea property. Natural sea walls add a calmness to the water here that lends itself to great swimming and snorkeling conditions. Nearby shaded picnic areas make this bay a wonderful place to spend an entire day.

Kauna’oa Beach at Mauna Kea Resort

The Mauna Kea Beach, also known as Kauna’oa Beach, is a perfect crescent of white sand surrounded by shady trees and beautifully manicured landscaping provided by the Mauna Kea Resort. On a clear day, you can see the majestic volcano of Mauna Kea to the East. The beach is long and there is plenty of room to spread out. The ultra-fine white sand stretches far into the water making water entry easy. The waters are incredibly clear and inviting. The beach is one of the most beautiful on the island and is a great place to rest, relax, or just walk around; this is a perfect family beach.

A limited number of cars are allowed in the Mauna Kea Resort at a time, which means you must come early to find a parking spot. Avid hikers can also take the 1-mile shore-line trail from the north end of Hapuna Beach for an amazing coastal experience.

Hapuna Beach State Park

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 shallow 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. Hapuna Beach State Park is part of a 61-acre park, forms a 1⁄2-mile crescent of glistening white sand beach guarded by rocky points at either end. The surf can be hazardous in winter, 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. State cabins are available, and there is a convenient snack bar. Lifeguards are not always on duty, so take care. Located between Mauna Kea Beach and Mauna Lani resorts, off Hwy. 19.