[2023 GUIDE] The 12 Best Beaches in Kona Hawaii

The best beaches in Kona, Hawaii have some of the clearest water and softest sand in the world.

Kona, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is home to some of the state’s most beautiful and diverse beaches. From white sandy beaches to rugged lava-rock shores, there is a beach for every type of traveler. Some of the best beaches in Kona include Hapuna Beach, Kua Bay, and Kahaluu Beach Park.

Each of these beaches offers unique activities and amenities, making them popular destinations for locals and tourists. Whether you’re looking to relax in the sun, surf the waves, or explore the underwater world, Kona has a beach that will suit your needs.

The Best Beaches in Kona Hawaii

1. Hapuna Beach

Hapuna Beach is a stunning white sandy beach located on the northwest coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. It’s known for its crystal clear blue waters and vast, sandy shoreline, making it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beach activities. The beach is often crowded on weekends, so it’s best to visit during the week if you want to avoid the crowds.

Hapuna Beach is also an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving, as the waters are home to various colorful fish and marine life. The beach is well-maintained, with ample parking, restrooms, and showers available for visitors. There are also several restaurants and cafes near the beach, so it’s easy to grab a bite or a refreshing drink after a day of soaking up the sun.

2. Kua Bay

Kua Bay is a beautiful white sandy beach located in the Kekaha Kai State Park on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. It’s known for its crystal clear turquoise waters and excellent swimming and snorkeling conditions. The beach is often less crowded than other popular beaches on the island, making it a great spot for those looking for a more peaceful beach experience.

One of the standout features of Kua Bay is the powdery white sand that lines the shore. The sand is soft and inviting, making it an excellent spot for sunbathing and relaxing. The clear, shallow waters of the bay are also perfect for swimming and snorkeling, as the visibility is excellent.

In addition to swimming and snorkeling, Kua Bay is also a great spot for beachcombing and picnicking. There are several shaded areas and picnic tables available for visitors, as well as ample parking and restrooms. Overall, Kua Bay is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and tranquility of the Big Island’s west coast.

3. Kahaluu Beach Park

Kahaluu Beach Park is a beautiful beach located on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. It’s known for its calm waters, making it a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is also an excellent spot for families with young children, as the water is generally very shallow and safe for kids to play in.

One of the standout features of Kahaluu Beach Park is the abundance of marine life that can be found just offshore. The waters are home to various colorful fish, including parrotfish, tangs, triggerfish, sea turtles, and occasionally dolphins. The clear, shallow waters make it easy to spot these creatures, making Kahaluu Beach Park a great spot for snorkeling.

In addition to swimming and snorkeling, Kahaluu Beach Park is also a great spot for picnicking and beachcombing. There are several shaded areas and picnic tables available for visitors, as well as ample parking and restrooms. Kahaluu Beach Park is a beautiful and peaceful destination for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of the Big Island’s west coast.

4. Kekaha Kai State Park

Kekaha Kai State Park is a beautiful state park located on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. The park is home to several stunning beaches, including Kua Bay, Manini’owali Beach, and Makalawena Beach, all of which are known for their crystal-clear waters and beautiful white sandy shores.

One of the standout features of Kekaha Kai State Park is the diversity of landscapes and habitats that can be found within its borders. The park is home to everything from sandy beaches to rocky cliffs, as well as dry shrubland and wetland habitats. This diversity makes the park a great spot for hiking and exploring, as there are a variety of trails available for visitors to enjoy.

In addition to its beautiful beaches and diverse landscapes, Kekaha Kai State Park is also home to a variety of plant and animal species. The park is home to several endangered species, including the hawksbill turtle and the Hawaiian monk seal, as well as a variety of birds, including seabirds, migratory waterfowl, and native forest birds.

Overall, Kekaha Kai State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and diversity of the Big Island’s west coast. Whether you’re looking to swim, snorkel, hike, or relax on the beach, the park has something for everyone.

5. Anaehoomalu Bay

Anaehoomalu Bay, also known as “A-Bay,” is a beautiful beach located on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. Its crystal clear waters and wide, sandy shoreline make it a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

One of the standout features of Anaehoomalu Bay is the abundance of marine life that can be found just offshore. The waters are home to various colorful fish, including parrotfish, tangs, triggerfish, sea turtles, and occasionally dolphins. The clear, shallow waters make it easy to spot these creatures, making Anaehoomalu Bay a great spot for snorkeling.

In addition to swimming and snorkeling, Anaehoomalu Bay is also a great spot for picnicking and beachcombing. There are several shaded areas and picnic tables available for visitors, as well as ample parking and restrooms. The beach is also home to several restaurants and cafes, so it’s easy to grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink after a day at the beach.

6. Makalawena Beach

Makalawena Beach is a beautiful and secluded beach located in the Kekaha Kai State Park on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. It’s known for its crystal clear waters and pristine white sandy shores, making it a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

One of the standout features of Makalawena Beach is its secluded location. The beach is not easily accessible by car, and there are no facilities or amenities on site. This means that the beach is often much less crowded than other popular beaches on the island, making it a great spot for those looking for a more peaceful beach experience.

In addition to its stunning beauty, Makalawena Beach is also a great spot for hiking and exploring. The beach is surrounded by rugged, rocky cliffs and is home to a variety of plants and animals. The waters are also home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and occasionally dolphins.

7. Spencer Beach Park

Spencer Beach Park is a beautiful beach located on the north shore of the Big Island of Hawaii. Its crystal clear waters and wide, sandy shoreline make it a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

One of the standout features of Spencer Beach Park is the abundance of marine life that can be found just offshore. The waters are home to various colorful fish, including parrotfish, tangs, triggerfish, sea turtles, and occasionally dolphins. The clear, shallow waters make it easy to spot these creatures, making Spencer Beach Park a great spot for snorkeling.

In addition to swimming and snorkeling, Spencer Beach Park is also a great spot for picnicking and beachcombing. There are several shaded areas and picnic tables available for visitors, as well as ample parking and restrooms. The beach is also home to several restaurants and cafes, so it’s easy to grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink after a day at the beach.

8. Waialea Bay (Beach 69)

Waialea Bay, also known as “Beach 69,” is a beautiful and secluded beach located on the northwest coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. Its crystal clear waters and wide, sandy shoreline make it a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

One of the standout features of Waialea Bay is its secluded location. The beach is not easily accessible by car, and there are no facilities or amenities on site. This means the beach is often much less crowded than other popular beaches on the island, making it a great spot for those looking for a more peaceful beach experience.

In addition to its stunning beauty, Waialea Bay is also an excellent spot for hiking and exploring. The beach is surrounded by rugged, rocky cliffs and is home to various plants and animals. The waters are also home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and occasionally dolphins.

9. Magic Sands Beach

Magic Sands Beach, also known as “White Sands Beach,” is a small but beautiful white sandy beach located on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. It gets its name from the fact that the sand seems to disappear during high tide, hence the name “Magic Sands.”

One of the standout features of Magic Sands Beach is its excellent bodyboarding and surfing conditions. The waves at Magic Sands Beach are often perfect for these activities, and the beach is a popular spot for both beginner and advanced surfers.

In addition to surfing and bodyboarding, Magic Sands Beach is also a great spot for sunbathing and relaxing. The soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters make it a perfect spot to soak up the sun and enjoy the island’s beauty.

Despite its small size, Magic Sands Beach is a popular destination for locals and visitors. It’s a great spot for a quick beach escape or a full day of fun in the sun. Magic Sands Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and fun of the Big Island’s west coast.

10. Old Kona Airport Beach Park

Old Kona Airport Beach Park is a beautiful beach park located on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. It’s known for its wide, sandy shoreline and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

One of the standout features of Old Kona Airport Beach Park is its excellent facilities and amenities. The park is home to several picnic areas, restrooms, showers, and ample parking, making it a convenient and comfortable spot for a day at the beach.

In addition to its beautiful sandy beach and excellent facilities, Old Kona Airport Beach Park is also a great spot for a variety of beach activities. The beach is a popular spot for bodyboarding and surfing, and the calm waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is also an excellent spot for a leisurely walk or a game of beach volleyball.

11. Kamakahonu Beach

Kamakahonu Beach is a beautiful beach located in the heart of Kailua-Kona on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. Its crystal clear waters and wide, sandy shoreline make it a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

One of the standout features of Kamakahonu Beach is its rich history. The beach is home to Ahu’ena Heiau, a sacred temple that was once used by Hawaiian royalty. The temple is now a National Historic Landmark, and visitors can learn more about the history of the area by touring the temple grounds.

12. Mauna Kea Beach

Mauna Kea Beach is a beautiful beach located on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. Its crystal clear waters and wide, sandy shoreline make it a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

One of the standout features of Mauna Kea Beach is its pristine white sandy shores. The sand is soft and inviting, making it an excellent spot for sunbathing and relaxing. The clear, shallow waters of the beach are also perfect for swimming and snorkeling, as the visibility is excellent.

In addition to its beautiful sandy beach, Mauna Kea Beach is also an excellent spot for a variety of beach activities. The beach is a popular spot for bodyboarding and surfing, and the calm waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is also a great spot for a leisurely walk or a game of beach volleyball.

The Best Kona Beaches Wrap Up

In conclusion, the Big Island of Hawaii is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in the state. From white sandy beaches to rugged lava-rock shores, there is a beach for every type of traveler. Some of the best beaches in Kona include Hapuna Beach, Kua Bay, and Kahaluu Beach Park. Each of these beaches offers unique activities and amenities, making them popular destinations for locals and tourists. Whether you’re looking to relax in the sun, surf the waves, or explore the underwater world, Kona has a beach that will suit your needs.