As we were doing our research on places to see on the Big Island, we realized that the island has some very unique beaches with different colors of sand. Therefore, we were on a quest to find these beaches. We had already hiked to the green sands of Papakolea Beach and swung from the coconut trees above the black sands of Punalu’u beach. Now we wanted to find the whitest sand possible. I think we accomplished our task when we found Hapuna Beach.
STATS:
Where:
Hapuna Beach Parking lot: 19°59’27.50″N 155°49’21.77″W
Free Parking: 19°59’31.02″N 155°49’20.80″W
Parking: Parking is $5. It is a large lot. Or you can park off the road before the entrance and walk in. However, it is quite a ways from the beach. Parking is free for locals.
Hours: daily from 7 am to 8 pm.
Restroom: There are restrooms inside the park.
Ideal Weather: Pretty much every day
Ideal Time: early mornings might help you beat the crowds and grab that prime spot for your beach blanket.
Dog-friendly: no
THE ADVENTURE:
Hapuna beach is very easy to find. You should be able to pull it up on your GPS. It is off Highway 19, near mile marker 69. It is one of the few beaches in Hawaii that you have to pay to park. However, the amenities here are worth it. You’ll have ample parking, food vendors, shaded grassy areas full of trees, picnic tables and gazebos, bbq grills, lifeguards, restrooms, and showers. You can also park for free outside the gate. Space is quite limited though. It only holds about 6 cars. This beach can get very crowded so make sure to get here early.
Hapuna Beach is the largest and most classic white sand beach on the Big Island. It stretches over half of a mile with gorgeous, soft white sand against turquoise water. When I say soft, I mean soft. The sand felt like silk under your feet. It is a stark contrast against the rocky sea cliffs that made up most of the Big Island’s coastline. Hapuna Beach has been featured in many travel magazines and T.V. shows and is considered one of the best beaches in the world. This is the kind of beach that you think of when you daydream about Hawaii.
Sharing the same stretch of sand with Hapuna Beach Park is the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. The public has access to the entire beach, however, the lounge chairs in front of the hotel are for guests only. Most of the sand, however, is within the state recreation area. This is much nicer than beaches like Mauna Kea beach where the entire beach is under the control of the resort.
The second that you lay your eyes on the white sand, you will see why this beach is so popular. Hapuna Beach offers consistently good conditions with warm water for swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing and snorkeling. You also might be able to spot migrating whales during the early part of the year as well as turtles. The best snorkeling spots here would be at the reef near the point at the south end and the rocky outcropping at the north ends of the beach. Make sure to play it smart, don’t go out alone and stay within sight of lifeguards. If you are swimming near the rocks, please be careful. This is definitely not something that is recommended for beginners.
This gorgeous, tranquil beach hasn’t always been so peaceful though. The U.S. Military decided that Hapuna Beach’s long coastline was a perfect place for training sessions during WWII. You will notice signs around the park warning about unexploded ordnance lying around. Obviously, if you see something that looks strange, don’t touch it and go alert a lifeguard. It’s hard to imagine tanks driving around, planes dropping bombs and live fire training taking place here.
That being said, this beach definitely finds its way on our things to do here on the Big Island. Don’t forget to check out the other two unique beaches Papakolea Green Sand Beach and Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. If you are looking for a sweet treat either before or after your time at Hapuna Beach, you have to stop by the Hot Malasadas Truck. It is only 5 minutes from the beach. Everything is made to order from the different kind of sugar coatings outside to the fillings inside. Our favorites were the guava and lilikoi fillings. If you’re up for some snorkeling, check out Two Step.
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RECOMMEND GEAR:
Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
• Sunscreen:
We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter – Zinc Oxide – Coral Reef Safe and All Good Sport Sunscreen Lotion – Coral Reef Safe (3 oz)(2-Pack) or Stream2Sea SPF 30 Reef Safe Sport Tinted Sunscreen.
• Snorkel Gears:
You can rent your snorkel gears at Three Frogs Cafe. It is first come first serve. You can also bring your own. We use OUSPT Full Face Snorkel Mask and U.S. Divers Trek Fin – Compact Snorkel Fins and U.S. Divers Proflex FX Fin.
• Beach accessories
You will want to spend some time here. Bring some beach chairs or blankets and enjoy your day.
• Food and water
Depends on how long you want to spend here, bring your picnic basket. There are food vendors at the beach as well.
CAMERA GEAR:
• Drone:
Mavic 2 Pro Combo
• Camera:
Sony a7 III
• Lenses:
Sony 24 -70mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T Zoom Lens
Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX
