The Best Beaches in Hawaiʻi Island in 2023

Trying to decide on what the best beaches in Hawaii Island are is no easy task. Fortunately, HAWAIʻI Magazine readers did the hard work for us by voting in our 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards, choosing their five favorite beaches in this all-star list of Big Island coastlines.

1. Hāpuna Beach

Hāpuna Beach.
Photo: Getty Images

One of the longest stretches of sand on Hawaiʻi Island’s western-facing shoreline, Hāpuna Beach should be on every visitor’s itinerary. The beach, which comes in at half a mile long, is known for its sandy shore break that is perfect for families to play in as it never gets too large or unruly. When you’re done, there’s more than enough room on its shoreline to find a place to lay down your towel and get some much-needed R&R.

2. Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach

The big black sand coastline of Punaluʻu Beach.
Photo: Getty Images

Where else in Hawaiʻi can you see volcanic black sand as well as resting honu (Hawaiian green sea turtle)? Not many places, that’s for sure—and that’s what makes Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach so special. The waters of Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach are a bit more tumultuous than other Hawaiʻi beaches, due to wind conditions, currents and an active shore break, so it is not recommended that travelers get wet here. However, there are numerous picnicking areas to choose from, some of which are shaded by tall, green palm trees, which provide a pleasant place for visitors to unwind.

3. Kaunaʻoa (Mauna Kea) Beach

White sands and turquoise waters at Mauna Kea Beach.
Photo: Getty Images

Also known as Kaunaʻoa in the Hawaiian language, Mauna Kea Beach has got enough sandy real estate to comfortably fit those staying at the gorgeous Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, as well as visitors and locals. It’s that big. With a sand bottom stretching out as far as you can swim, Mauna Kea Beach is a perfect place for families to cruise the day away—especially keiki (kids) as this section of coastline is partially protected from large swells and turbulent conditions.

4. Kahaluʻu Beach

Kahaluʻu Beach is perfect for snorkeling.
Photo: Getty Images

Located right next to the town of Kailua Kona, Kahaluʻu Beach is known for being one of the Big Island’s best snorkeling spots. Its waters are filled with fish who aren’t shy around snorkelers, and its calm waters provide excellent snorkeling conditions for swimmers of all ages. When the tide goes out, shallow tidepools form along Kahaluʻu Beach, perfect for kiddos to splash around in. And it’s not just families who love Kahaluʻu Beach, turtles occasionally visit to munch on the seaweed growing along the coastline, and they’re fun to watch from a distance greater than six feet.

5. Makalawena Beach

USA, Hawaii, Big Island, Kona, Makalawena Beach

The sandy shoreline of Makalawena Beach. Photo: Getty Images

If you’re looking to get away from the crowds—not hard on the Big Island—look no further than the shining white sands of Makalawena Beach. It’s only accessible via a 20-minute hike across a lava rock trail, but the trek is well worth the effort. Equipped with several coves and inlets, the beach also features some of the largest sand dunes along the Kona Coast and is also home to the Ōpaeʻula Pond, a 12-acre body of water that’s also a bird sanctuary.

See all of the winners of our 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards in our latest issue, which you can buy here. Better yet, subscribe and get HAWAIʻI Magazine delivered to right to your mailbox.