Big Island Beaches and Beach Parks
The Big Island is very large and diverse with numerous parks to enjoy the land and sea.
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area - On Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway (Highway 19), 2.3 miles south of Kawaihae. Landscaped beach park with swimming during clam seas, bodysurfing during periods of shore breaks, sunbathing and other beach-related activities, picnicking and shelter lodging opportunities. Dangerous rip currents and pounding shore breaks during periods of high surf! Waves over 3 feet high are for experts--all other should stay out of the water and away from the shoreline! Lifeguard services. 61.8 acres
Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park - In Napo'opo'o at end of Beach Road off Government Road from Pu'uhonua Road (Highway 160) or Lower Government Road from Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 11) at Captain Cook or Ke'ei Junction. Viewing of Hikiau Heiau-the place of worship where priests offered reverence to Captain Cook in 1779, believing that he was the god Lono returning to them as promised. Panoramic view of Kealakekua Bay. Lifeguard services during weekends at Napo'opo'o Beach 4.0 acres
Kona Coast (Kekaha Kai) State Park - On Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway (Hwy. 19), 2.6 miles north of Keahole Airport. Separate, unpaved 1.5 mile access roads from highway lead to Mahai'ula and Kua Bay sections of the park. Mahai'ula section has a sandy beach and dune offering opportunities for swimming and beach-related activities. A picnic area with tables and portable toilets are available. A 4.5-mile hike north through this wilderness park on the historic coastal trail, Ala Kahakai, leads to Kua Bay. Midway, a hike to the summit of Pu'u Ku'ili, a 342-foot high cinder cone, offers an excellent view of the coastline. Dry and hot with no drinking water. Kua Bay section at north end of park offers beach-related activities.
Lapakahi State Historical Park - On Akoni Pule Highway (Highway 270), 12.4 miles north of Kawaihae. Re-enactment of the early Hawaiian life of the common people through cultural demonstrations of daily activities, story telling, and self-guided walk through the partially restored remains of this ancient Hawaiian coastal settlement. Nearby ocean waters comprise a marine preserve with various activities regulated. Park gate open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. 262.0 acres
MacKenzie State Recreation Area - On Kalapana-Kapono Beach Road (Highway 132), 9 miles northeast of Kaimu. Low cliffed, wild volcanic coastline with picnicking and tent camping in a ironwood grove. Good shore fishing. Old Hawaiian coastal trail traverses the park. No drinking water. 13.1 acres
Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area - End of Kuakini Highway (Highway 11), Kailua-Kona. Beach park with picnicking, surfing, tidepooling, shore and spear fishing and other beach-related activities; lifeguard services. Special events pavilion for rental. Park gate, which fronts the old runway, is closed each evening at 8:00 p.m. 103.7 acres
Wailoa River State Recreation Area - Banks of Wailoa River, downtown Hilo; parking at end of Pi'ilani Street and visitor center access road off Pauahi Street. Pleasure walking, quiet relaxation, informal games and events, picnicking, and boat fishing are provided for in this landscaped park set around a spring-fed estuary. Boat ramp provided. Fishing restrictions. Information services and cultural displays at Wailoa Center. 131.9 acres
Onekahakaha Beach Park - Entry road off Kalanianaole Ave., in Hilo. Shallow, sandy cove along rocky shoreline. Potable water available. Electricity available.
Laupahoehoe Beach Park - Entry road off Highway 19 (traveling north), past 27 mile marker. Park is situated approximately 1.2 miles down from highway. Electricity available in pavilion. Potable water available. County-maintained boat ramp. Rocky shoreline.
Kolekole Beach Park - Entry road off Highway 19 (traveling north), past 14 mile marker. Electricity available in pavilion. Spring source water - unfit for drinking. Adjacent to stream.
Keokea Beach Park - Entry road off Highway 270 (traveling east), past 27 mile marker. Park is situated approximately .9 mile from highway. Electricity available in pavilion. Water available. Rocky shoreline.
Kapa'a Beach Park - Entry road off Highway 27 (traveling north), past 16 mile marker. Park is situated approximately .7 mile from highway. No potable water. Rocky shoreline. No electricity. 2 BBQ pits w/grills, picnic tables.
Mahukona Beach Park - Entry road off Highway 27, past 14 mile marker. Electricity available in pavilion. No potable water. Rocky shoreline.
Spencer Beach Park - Entry road off Highway 19, approximately 2 miles from Kawaihae junction. Potable water available. Electricity available in pavilion. Sandy beach.
Ho'okena Beach Park - Entry road off Highway 11, past 101 mile marker. Park is situated approximtely 2.2 miles from highway on narrow winding road. No potable water. No electricity. Sandy beach.
Miloli'i Beach Park - Entry road off Highway 11, past 88 mile marker. Park is situated approximately 5 miles from highway, on very winding, narrow road. Ancient Hawaiian fishing village. No potable water. No electricity. Rocky shoreline.
Whittington Beach Park - Entry road off Highway 11, past the 60 mile marker. No potable water available. No electricity available. Rocky shoreline.
Punalu'u Beach Park - Entry road off Highway 11, past 55 mile marker. Drinking water available. Electricity available in pavilions. Rocky shoreline. Adjacent to Punalu'u Bay (sandy beach).
Issac Hale Beach Park - Located approximately 26 miles from Hilo; 7 miles from Pahoa. No potable water. Rocky shoreline. No electric outlets. Emergency 911 phone available. No park security available. Adjacent to Pohoiki Bay and State maintained boat ramp.
Kehena Beach (Dolphin Beach) - Located in the Puna district (Hilo side) off of Highway 137 near the 19 mile marker. This is a well shaded black sand beach protected by steep cliffs and tall trees. Swimming can often be hazardous due to rough current and high waves. It is a popular beach for local residents.
