The Big Island of Hawaii boasts 266 miles of shoreline and over 80 beaches, including some of the most picturesque and varied of all the Hawaiian Islands.Take your pick from white, black or green sand beaches, and a range in experience from remote and off-the-beaten track, to centrally located and chock full of activities.
Begin your day at Holualoa Inn with a farm fresh, healthy breakfast and our award winning Kona coffee, then, you’re off to enjoy “a day in the sun”! Pack up for a hike and an adventure or simply bring along a book, hat and one of our beach chairs to kick back in. Here is a small beach sampling ranging in location from less than 5 miles to 60 miles from the Inn. Let our Innkeepers map your route and share pointers for a seamless adventure.
From Kona South
- White Sands Beach Park – 4.5 miles and 15 min. Just south of Kona. Swimming, surfing, volleyball and boogie boarding. Popular beach for snorkeling and scuba diving due to easy ocean access and underwater caves. One of the few beaches in this area with a lifeguard and picnic facilities.
- Kahaluu Beach Park – 7 miles and 18 min. A tiny sheltered cove with great snorkeling and is easily accessible. Salt and Pepper sand.
- Kealakekua Bay at Captain Cook Monument – 14 miles and 30 min. South: Underwater sanctuary with dolphins and sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling on the island. Take a kayaking tour and paddle across the bay or take a speedy Zodiac raft and explore the sea caves.
- Honaunau – Place of Refuge (Two-Step) – 20 miles and 36 min south: Easy entry, protected from swells with ample fish and marine life make this a favorite beach for snorkeling and scuba diving.
- Papakolea – Green Sand Beach – 60 miles and 1 hour 45 min south to off-road entrance. For a unique day trip to the southernmost tip of the Island, and the United States, head to Papakolea. Park your car and hike for 2 1/2 hour to Mahana Bay. You can also hitch a ride from a local and make sure to have some tip money with you!
Swim in the ancient volcano’s cinder cone that erupted about 50,000 years ago leaving the beaches with green sand.The green sand on this beach is called olivine, a common silicate deposit of lava. This unusual and verdant green sand stays on this beach due to the weight of the lava component.
- Punaluu – Black Sand Beach –66 miles and 1 hour 45 min. If you are headed to Volcanoes National Park via Kau on the south side of the Island, stop at one of Hawaii’s most famous beaches. Although not ideal for swimming, you will enjoy the feel of the onyx black sand between your toes! Careful not to step on the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles asleep in the warmth of the sand. The migrating turtles are protected, so please do not approach them
From Kona North
- Manini’owali Beach (Kua Bay)– 19 miles and 30 minutes. Head north on HWY 19. This is our favorite white sand beach with easy access, shaded picnic tables, outdoor showers and bathroom facilities. There is a fabulous view of the open ocean and a great place to spot whales and dolphins.
- Anaehoomalu Bay – 30 miles and approximately 45 minutes north: The only spot on the island where you can learn to wind surf! Very popular, beach, adjacent to Waikoloa Resort
- Hapuna Beach State Park – 36 miles and approximately 50 min. North: Beautiful white sand beach, mild surf for boogie boarding. A coral reef on each lends itself to great snorkeling. Long and wide beach, great for walking or jogging.
Holualoa Inn offers complementary snorkeling & beach equipment and you can order a lunch to go any time you want to take a day trip.