13 Best Beaches in Kona That Travelers Can’t Stop Talking About

Some places just stick with you, and for me, Kona’s beaches are at the top of that list. From dramatic black lava shores to soft white-sand coves, Kona, Hawaii, has a beach for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re looking to snorkel, unwind under a palm tree, or chase a sunset, this part of the Big Island never disappoints.

Here are my personal picks for the best beaches in Kona, including a few that might not be on every tourist’s list. I’ve also added practical tips, activity highlights, a beach map, and some FAQs to help you plan the perfect beach day.

Quick Comparison Table

Beach	Best For	Facilities	Crowds	Notes
Kua Bay	Swimming, photos	Yes	Moderate	Classic white sand
Magic Sands	Boogie boarding	Yes	Busy	Sand disappears seasonally
Kahalu‘u	Snorkeling, turtles	Yes	Moderate	Great for beginners
Old Kona Airport	Quiet, walking	Yes	Low	Great for solitude
Hapuna	Family swimming	Yes	High	Postcard-perfect, north of Kona
Kealakekua Bay	Kayaking, dolphins	Limited	Low	Historical + snorkeling
Mahaiula	Solitude, tidepools	No	Low	Remote, pack in/out
Honl’s	Sunsets, surf watching	Limited	Moderate	Small & scenic
Kikaua Point	Kids, relaxing	Yes	Moderate	Gated access, shallow bay
Kuki‘o	Quiet lounging	Limited	Low	Near Four Seasons, serene
Kaimu	Photos, lava fields	Yes	Low	Black sand, no swimming
Wawaloli	Tide pooling, locals	Yes	Low	Calm, great for kids
Pine Trees	Surfing	Yes	High	Local surf spot

Best Beaches by Type

Best for Surfing: Pine Trees (Kohanaiki)
Best for Snorkeling: Kahalu‘u Beach Park, Kealakekua Bay
Best for Families: Kikaua Point Beach, Hapuna Beach
Most Photogenic: Kua Bay, Kaimu Beach
Best for Sunsets: Magic Sands, Honl’s Beach

1. Kua Bay (Maniniʻowali Beach)

Why I love it: It’s picture-perfect and easy to access.

• Vibe: Classic white-sand paradise with shockingly blue water it’s like walking into a postcard.
• Best for: Swimming, sunbathing, romantic beach days, and drone photography
• Facilities: Flush toilets, freshwater showers, paved parking lot just a short walk from the beach
• Travel Tip: Mornings are ideal here, especially before 9 AM. The surf is calmer, and you’ll score a good spot before the beach fills up. Pack your own shade if you’re staying long there’s little natural cover.

This is one of the most accessible “dream beaches” on the island, which makes it both popular and a great first beach stop for new visitors to Kona.

2. Magic Sands Beach (Laʻaoloa Beach Park)

Why I love it: It’s energetic and always changing.

• Vibe: Lively, compact beach with a friendly local crowd and dramatic surf when conditions are up
• Best for: Boogie boarding, body surfing, sunset watching
• Facilities: Clean restrooms, freshwater showers, seasonal lifeguard tower, and a nearby food truck pullout
• Travel Tip: The “magic” name isn’t just for fun this beach can vanish overnight due to high surf! Check conditions before heading out. Summer is best for sandy lounging, while winter often brings stronger waves.

It’s small, but it packs a punch. If you’re looking for a quick beach fix right near downtown Kona, this one delivers with both fun and flair.

3. Kahalu‘u Beach Park

Why I love it: One of my top spots to snorkel with sea turtles.

• Vibe: Shallow bay framed by lava rocks and protected by an outer reef. Ideal for beginners and snorkelers of all levels.
• Best for: Snorkeling, turtle watching, tidepool exploring
• Facilities: Large parking lot, restrooms, shaded grassy areas with picnic tables, gear rental shack
• Travel Tip: Bring reef shoes for easy entry over lava rocks, and please don’t stand on coral. The bay is monitored by local conservation teams, and reef-safe sunscreen is a must.

I’ve seen turtles here almost every visit sometimes five or more at once! It’s also a great learning spot for kids or adults trying snorkeling for the first time thanks to the calm water.

4. Old Kona Airport Beach

Why I love it: It’s calm, local, and kind of underrated.

• Vibe: Wide, quiet stretch of sand with a peaceful, uncrowded feel. Locals walk here for exercise or enjoy long beach days without the buzz of resort crowds.
• Best for: Peaceful beach days, beachcombing, long walks, sunrise solitude
• Facilities: Ample parking in the old airport lot, restrooms, shaded picnic tables, and a paved walking path
• Travel Tip: There’s very little shade and no rentals, so bring your own umbrella, chairs, and food. It’s perfect for those who want a quiet beach to themselves, especially in the morning.

This is one of those places that feels like a secret, even though it’s hiding in plain sight right in town. You can hear the waves without interruption and enjoy the beauty of Kona without the crowds.

5. Hapuna Beach (Just north of Kona)

Why I love it: It’s one of the most beautiful swimming beaches on the island.

• Vibe: Wide, golden-sand beach with gentle waves and plenty of room to spread out. It’s busy for good reason it delivers on the picture-perfect Hawaii day.
• Best for: Families, swimming, boogie boarding, picnic hangouts, and sunset walks
• Facilities: Lifeguards on duty, spacious restrooms, showers, snack bar, picnic pavilions, and shaded areas
• Travel Tip: Arrive early to grab a shaded picnic spot. This beach gets busy on weekends, but it’s large enough to still feel open. The water is usually calm, but surf can rise in winter.

Hapuna is worth the 40-45 minute drive from Kona. It’s one of the best full-day beach destinations on the Big Island.

6. Kealakekua Bay (Manini Beach)

Why I love it: Great for kayaking, and dolphins sometimes show up!

• Vibe: Scenic bay with glassy water, framed by dramatic cliffs and lava rock. It’s steeped in history and stunning natural beauty.
• Best for: Kayaking, snorkeling near Captain Cook Monument, history lovers
• Facilities: Limited roadside parking at Manini Beach; no public restrooms at launch point. Portable toilets may be available near Napoʻopoʻo area.
• Travel Tip: The Captain Cook Monument is only accessible by water or a rugged trail. Rent a kayak from local vendors or join a guided tour for a safe, respectful experience.

Kealakekua Bay is a Marine Life Conservation District and one of the clearest places to snorkel in Hawaii. Spinner dolphins are frequent visitors in the early mornings, making it feel magical if you arrive before the day gets going.

7. Mahaiula Beach (Kekaha Kai State Park)

Why I love it: Feels totally off the grid.

• Vibe: Remote, wild, and uncrowded a true hidden escape. With rugged lava rock paths and a sweeping crescent of golden sand, it’s a beach that rewards the effort it takes to get there.
• Best for: Tide pools, beachcombing, solitude, and a raw Hawaii experience
• Facilities: None no restrooms, no showers, and no lifeguards. It’s all nature.
• Travel Tip: The access road is rough and unpaved drive slowly and only go if you’re comfortable with potholes. Bring everything you’ll need: water, shade, snacks, and reef-safe sunscreen.

If you want to feel like you have a piece of Hawaii all to yourself, this is your place. I’ve spent quiet afternoons here exploring tide pools and napping under the sparse palms it’s peaceful and untamed.

8. Honl’s Beach

Why I love it: Chill spot for watching surfers and sunsets.

• Vibe: Small and social with an old-school surf energy. Locals and visitors blend here, lounging on the lava rocks and watching the waves roll in.
• Best for: Surf watching, sunset photography, quick dips
• Facilities: Limited parking, restrooms across the street, and a picnic table or two
• Travel Tip: Best visited in the late afternoon for golden hour light and a classic Kona sunset. Parking is limited try walking from nearby if you’re staying in town.

This is more of a vibe beach than a full-day destination. I love stopping by after grabbing coffee or shave ice in Kona especially when surfers are out showing off.

9. Kikaua Point Beach Park

Why I love it: Calm waters and a peaceful, tucked-away vibe.

• Vibe: Serene and shallow lagoon protected by lava rock walls. The water is calm and clear, perfect for families or anyone who just wants to float peacefully.
• Best for: Families with kids, wading, relaxing under trees
• Facilities: Clean restrooms, outdoor showers, beachside benches; parking is limited and requires a pass from the resort gate
• Travel Tip: The beach is technically public, but you’ll need to ask the guard at the Kukio Golf and Beach Club gate for access. They only allow a limited number of cars per day, so arrive early ideally before 9 AM.

It’s small but so relaxing. I’ve taken a book here and lost track of time under the trees. If you’re traveling with little ones or just want an easy, crowd-free beach, this is a gem.

10. Kuki‘o Beach

Why I love it: Quiet, luxury vibes without the resort price tag.

• Vibe: Elegant and serene, this beach feels exclusive even though it’s open to the public. Palm trees sway over white sand and lava rocks, creating the perfect setting for a laid-back afternoon.
• Best for: Peaceful lounging, tide pool exploring, sunset strolls
• Facilities: No public amenities. Access via a gated road at Four Seasons Hualalai ask the gate for a public beach pass.
• Travel Tip: Arrive mid-morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and avoid any resort traffic. The tide pools are best explored at low tide.

Kuki‘o is a luxury hideaway with very few visitors. I love bringing a book here it feels like a retreat from everything without needing to book a five-star room.

11. Kaimu Beach (Black Sand Beach)

Why I love it: A dramatic contrast to Kona’s white-sand favorites.

• Vibe: Dark, dramatic, and raw. This beach was created by volcanic eruptions and still feels otherworldly. There’s no lounging or swimming here just nature in its boldest form.
• Best for: Photography, lava walks, quiet reflection
• Facilities: Basic restrooms at the nearby parking area; small visitor center sometimes open
• Travel Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for walking across the lava path to the beach. It’s not a place to swim but definitely worth the trip for those who appreciate Hawaii’s volcanic power.

Kaimu Beach is for travelers who like their landscapes wild and unforgettable. It’s humbling to walk through a place where the earth is still reshaping itself.

12. Wawaloli Beach Park

Why I Added It: Great tide pools and fewer tourists.

• Vibe: A hidden gem near the Natural Energy Lab, Wawaloli is rugged and uncrowded with lava-rock pools ideal for wading or watching small marine life.
• Best for: Kids exploring tide pools, local-style picnics, quiet afternoons
• Facilities: Restrooms, shaded picnic tables, open grassy area
• Travel Tip: Check tide charts the tide pools are best and safest to explore when the tide is low. Bring reef shoes for comfort and safety.

This is one of my go-to spots for a chill afternoon or for taking kids somewhere that feels like a natural playground. You’ll see more locals than tourists here, which adds to its charm.

13. Pine Trees Surfing Beach (Kohanaiki)

Why I Added It: Best Kona beach for surfing

• Vibe: Buzzing with local energy and surf culture, Pine Trees is where you’ll find serious waves and laid-back community vibes.
• Best for: Surfing, picnics, watching locals shred the waves
• Facilities: Large parking area, restrooms, picnic shelters, and even a permitted camping zone
• Travel Tip: This beach gets busy early, especially with local surfers. If you’re not surfing, it’s still fun to watch or enjoy a shaded lunch by the water.

Whether you’re catching waves or catching the view, Pine Trees has that classic Big Island surf atmosphere. I love coming here with friends and watching the sunset with sand still on our feet.

What to Pack for a Kona Beach Day

Before heading out, here are a few must-haves:

• Reef-safe sunscreen (mandatory in Hawaii)
• Water shoes or reef shoes
• Rashguard or swim shirt
• Beach towel and mat
• Cooler with water and snacks
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Umbrella or shade tent (most beaches have no natural shade)
• Offline Google Maps or printed directions (some beaches have poor signal)

Where to Eat After the Beach

Basik Acai – Near Magic Sands. Smoothie bowls, fresh fruit, and ocean views.
Kona Coffee & Tea – Perfect pit stop post-snorkel for cold brew or lattes.
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill – Local-style poke bowls, near downtown Kona.
Da Poke Shack – Great for grab-and-go lunches on your way to Magic Sands.
Island Lava Java – Sunset dining and beachfront coffee breaks.

Safety Tips & Cultural Etiquette

• Always check surf conditions and tide forecasts before entering the water
• Never touch sea turtles or marine life it’s illegal and harmful
• Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral ecosystems
• Respect cultural sites and signage at historical beaches like Kealakekua Bay
• Park only in designated areas and pack out your trash

Final Thoughts: My Kona Beach Favorites

There’s no shortage of beaches in Kona, but each one offers a different kind of magic. I bounce between Kua Bay when I want a classic beach day, Kahalu‘u when I’m in the mood to snorkel, and Old Kona Airport when I need a break from the crowds. No matter what your vibe is relaxed, adventurous, or romantic you’ll find a Kona beach that feels just right.

FAQs: Best Beaches in Kona