Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area
Hāpuna Beach
One of the Big Island's largest and most beautiful white-sand beaches, with nearly a kilometre of soft sand and clear water, repeatedly ranked among America's best beaches.
Hāpuna Beach lies on the Kohala Coast. Its wide, gently sloping white-sand beach, about 800 metres long, is ideal for swimming, bodyboarding and snorkelling, and the rocky areas at both ends attract plenty of fish. Nearby are Mauna Kea Beach (Kaunaʻoa) and other resort beaches. Lifeguards, showers and a snack bar are provided, and non-Hawaii residents pay for parking. In winter, large swells can create strong rip currents, so heed the lifeguard warnings. It is about 55 km from Kailua-Kona, roughly 45 minutes by car, and can be combined in one day with Puʻukohola Heiau.
Opening hours
07:00–19:45
Nearby sights
- Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
- Puakō Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve
- ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay (A-Bay)
- Kīholo Bay
- Lapakahi State Historical Park
- Pololū Valley Lookout
- King Kamehameha Statue (Kapaʻau)
- Kekaha Kai State Park (Kua Bay)