The 5 Best Beaches on Hawaiʻi Island

We asked our readers to vote for the best beaches on the Big Island—and the results are in.

From stretches of soft white sand and black volcanic coastlines to a rare green sand beach, Hawaiʻi Island is home to some of the most unique and diverse beaches in the world. Here, you can witness how ongoing volcanic activity continues to shape the island’s ever-evolving shoreline.

Whether you’re looking for family-friendly swimming spots or dramatic black sand shores, these are the five best Big Island beaches, as voted by the readers of HAWAIʻI Magazine.

1. Hāpuna Beach

Among lava landscapes and rugged shores, Hāpuna Beach is an ocean oasis. Located on the Kohala Coast on the island’s west side, this half-mile stretch of white sand is bordered by crystal-clear waters. Every year, Hāpuna Beach is voted as one of the best beaches on the Big Island by HAWAIʻI Magazine readers.

2. Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach

One of the island’s most famous black sand beaches is located about thirty miles south of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach sits on the Kaʻū coast between the towns of Pāhala and Nāʻālehu. The dramatic jet-black shoreline is a beautiful sight, and the beach is also one of the best places to spot honu. Although it’s better known for sightseeing than swimming, there are picnic areas shaded by tall palm trees, making it a great place to rest and relax.

3. Kaunaʻoa (aka Mauna Kea Beach)

This crescent-shaped white-sand beach is a favorite among families. Fronting Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Kaunaʻoa (also known as Maunakea Beach) features a soft sandy bottom and calm, clear waters that make it ideal for keiki.

4. Kahaluʻu Beach Park

Located just south of the town of Kailua-Kona, Kahaluʻu Beach Park is in the Keauhou area. The beach is popular among locals, visitors and honu. When conditions are calm, Kahaluʻu Beach Park offers excellent snorkeling, as you can swim among vibrant schools of fish.

5. Makalawena Beach

Makalawena Beach is part of Kekaha Kai State Park. Reaching Makalawena Beach requires about a 20-minute hike across a lava rock trail. But the trek is worth the effort. Beachgoers are rewarded with a gorgeous stretch of white sand lined with palm trees and surrounded by crystal-blue waters. The beach features large sand dunes and is home to the Ōpaeʻula Pond, which is a National Natural Landmark that protects nesting and breeding areas for native birds.

See all of the winners of our 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards in our latest issue, which you can buy here. Better yet, subscribe and get HAWAIʻI Magazine delivered right to your mailbox.