Island of Hawaiʻi › Kohala Coast & Waimea

Beaches on the Kohala Coast

The Kohala resort strip owns the island's two most celebrated white-sand crescents.

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Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area

Half a mile of wide white sand — routinely ranked among America's best beaches.

<p>The Big Island's biggest white-sand beach, with sandy-bottom swimming, winter bodysurfing, lifeguards and full facilities. Out-of-state visitors pay entry and parking fees; arrive before mid-morning in high season.</p>

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Kaunaʻoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach)

A perfect crescent fronting the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

<p>Calm, clear and postcard-shaped. Public access runs through the hotel with a limited number of daily parking passes — arrive early or come by rideshare.</p>