You are here: Big Island > Beaches > Kohala Coast > Hapuna Beach

Hapuna Beach State Park

Hapuna Beach, on the Sunny Kohala Coast

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 ½-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 Ke'a Beach and Mauna Lani resorts, off Hwy. 19, PHONE: (808)974-6200.
Take a Virtual Tour of Hapuna Beach
Take a Virtual Tour of a Hawaiian Coral Reef

Waves at Hapuna Beach, Kona Hawaii

Hapuna's popularity is due in part to shaded grass and picnic tables that attract visitors and locals alike. No matter how packed the parking lot is, the big beach seldom seems crowded, but you can find even more seclusion by walking north around the rocks to the gorgeous arc of sand fronting the Hapuna Prince Hotel; look for good snorkeling around the rocks at the north end of that beach when the water is calm.

We like going to Hapuna Beach to admire the sheer beauty of it.  The foot path leads you through the lush green vegetation, under the shady trees surrounding the white sand.  The contrasting barren lava rocks, white sand, and greenery make for a vivid panorama.

The grounds of this state park are vast - the beach is actually at the foot of rolling hills, large grassy fields, tree-shaded areas, and large covered pavilions and picnic areas.  Hapuna is gorgeous and a must-visit beach on the Big Island.  Hapuna Beach State Park has excellent facilities including a large paved parking lot, full showers and restrooms, concession stands, covered picnic pavilions, bar-b-que pits, and the entire grounds are wheelchair and baby stroller accessible.  Both kids and adults love the waves, and many decide to sit, relax, and soak it all in.  Because the beach is located on the Kohala coast, it enjoys bright, sunny days nearly year round.

*Where: Just off State Highway 19, about 31 miles north of Kailua-Kona.  View a map of Hapuna Beach Park