Tip: Click the balloons in the map to get more details or directions.
Beaches:
Anaeho'omalu Beach -
This beach in the Waikoloa Resort area doubles as a cultural sight because of its well-maintained ancient fishponds. The beach park has elaborately landscaped grounds and plaques marking areas of historical interest.
Tip: The concession here rents windsurfing equipment and the conditions are normally good for beginners.
Hapuna Beach State Park -
A diamond in the rough of the surrounding lava, Hapuna's white sands have earned it a reputation as one of Hawaii's finest beaches. In fact, it has been rated as the top beach in the United States.
Tip: There is a small cove on the north end of the beach not visible from the parking area.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park-
This is the Big Island's number-one attraction as well as an international center for the study of
volcanism. Always popular, the park can overflow with visitors when volcanic flows from Kilauea, the
world's most active volcano, erupting continuously since 1983, come within a short hike of the road.
The park is a spectacular showcase of millions of years of volcanic activity - with steaming vents,
craters, cinder cones, hardened fields of lava, lava tubes (caves), "tree molds" embedded in hardened
lava, and on some days, towering clouds of steam where lava flows into the ocean.
Hilo Bay -
Hilo Bay is a popular site for the traditional Hawaiian sport of canoe racing. Fronting downtown Hilo and near Banyan Drive.
Tip: Watching a canoe race here provides a true taste of Hawaiian culture.
Honaunau Beach -
This short stretch on an otherwise lava-covered coast has an offshore reef with fantastic snorkeling. The easiest way in and out of the ocean here is the nearby boat ramp. The beach is within the Pu'uhonua O Honaunau ("Place of Refuge" ). National Historical Park south of Kealakekua Bay in the Kona District.
Tip: Combine a swim here with a fascinating trip back in time through the park's many exhibits.
Kahalu'u Beach -
This is a great beach for snorkeling because of the myriads of fish that make this sheltered bay their home. On Alii Drive near Keauhou, a few minutes south of Kailua-Kona.
Tip: Kahalu'u usually offers safe swimming and snorkeling.
Kalapana Black Sand Beach -
This beach is east of the original village of Kalapana, which was covered with lava during a recent eruption. It is smaller, but boasts the same exotic black sand. To get to this unmarked spot follow the coastal road from Kalapana for about 2 miles to a small parking lot. The beach is about 3/4 of a mile from the parking lot across a well-worn trail.
Tip: Use caution on the trail and be aware that the lava surrounding the trail is very new and is sharp, easily causing cuts and injury. Also, be prepared because the sea floor drops off quickly.
Kealakekua Bay State Underwater Park-
The bay provides opportunities for snorkelers, scuba divers, and glass bottom boaters (commercial tours out of Kailua-Kona and Keauhou) to observe the marine life in this relatively pristine underwater habitat. Rich in coral and colorful reef fish. Fishing restrictions. 315 acres
Access by sea or from Napo'opo'o Beach on Beach Road off Government Road from Puuhonua Road (Highway 160) or Lower Government Road from Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 11) at Captain Cook or Ke'ei Junction.
Ke'ei Beach -
This idyllic gem of a beach is a true slice of paradise. Fronting the fishing village of Ke'ei it combines desolate sands with a view of Kealakekua Bay, the first Island of Hawaii landing site of Captain James Cook (1779). To get to Ke'ei follow the road to Kealakekua Bay, turn left on the bumpy paved road to Honaunau, then make a right down a rough unpaved road to Ke'ei.
Tip: When the surf is up Ke'ei delivers nice rides to intermediate and advanced bodyboarders and surfers.
Kehena Beach -
Surrounded by cliffs and tall trees, this black sand beach can be found near mile marker 19 on Highway 137 in Puna, south of Hilo. This beach is a good place to see dolphins.
Tip: Some have designated this beach as clothing optional; however, public nudity can lead to arrest in Hawaii, so discretion is advised. There is a strong current and there may be large waves. Swim with caution.
Kolekole Beach Park -
There is no real beach, but the scenery at this small park is outstanding. An oceanfront waterfall adds to the setting where the river meets the sea. On the Hamakua Coast near Honomu.
Tip: Watch courageous bodyboarders narrowly miss the rivermouth boulders as they ride the wild breakers of Kolekole. Remember these conditions are for experts only.
Magic Sands Beach -
This white sand beach near Kona Town has been known to disappear overnight due to tidal shifts or strong surf, but eventually, the sand always returns. Located on Alii Drive just south of Kailua-Kona.
Tip: This beach has a perfect sunset view.
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