Big Island beaches at a glance
The beaches of Hawaiʻi Island are spread out and very different from one another. On the west side, along the Kona and Kohala coasts, you find white sand at Hāpuna and at Magic Sands near Kailua-Kona. In the southeast, Punaluʻu has black sand, and near South Point the sand at Papakōlea is tinted green by olivine.
Four of these beaches have lifeguards during the day. Others have none, and a pretty beach says nothing about safe currents. If you want a guide in the water, a Kona snorkel tour or a cruise to Kealakekua Bay is the easier choice.
Which beach for what
- Swimming and sand: Hāpuna on the Kohala coast, with lifeguards and a wide white beach. Watch for surf and rip currents.
- Snorkeling: Kahaluʻu Beach Park south of Kailua-Kona, also with lifeguards.
- A beach near town: Magic Sands on Aliʻi Drive, a few minutes from Kailua-Kona.
- Black sand and turtles: Punaluʻu in the southeast, often combined with a volcano day tour.
- Green sand: Papakōlea near South Point, a long, exposed walk with no services.
Our pick: a black sand beach day
This Hilo tour stops at Punaluu black sand beach on its way through the national park.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Beach and snorkel trips on the Big Island
Snorkel cruises on the Kona coast and day tours that stop at a black sand beach, with live prices and availability.
Magic Sands Beach
Magic Sands is the popular name for White Sands Beach Park, also called Laʻaloa, on Aliʻi Drive south of Kailua-Kona. It is the easiest beach to reach if you stay in town or along Aliʻi Drive, and free Hele-On bus route 201 runs along the street. As of 2026 lifeguards are on duty daily from 9:30 to 16:45. That is a schedule, not a promise of calm water or a staffed tower at every moment, so check the signs and ask the lifeguards before you swim. More ideas for this stretch of coast are on our things to do in Kona page.
Hāpuna Beach
Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area on the Kohala coast is about 30 minutes by car from KOA airport. It is open daily from 7:00 to 19:30, and the gates close at 20:00. As of 2026 non-residents pay $5 per person plus $10 per private vehicle; children up to 3 are free and Hawaii residents with ID enter free. Payment is by credit card.
Lifeguards are on duty, but surf and rip currents can build up. When the waves are high, Hāpuna is no family swimming beach. The A-frame cabins in the park are closed, so do not plan an overnight stay there without checking the state park notices first.
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Punaluʻu in the southeast of the island has black sand, and you may see green sea turtles here. No visit comes with a turtle guarantee. If you see one, stay at least 10 feet (3 m) away, on the sand and in the water. If you come across a Hawaiian monk seal, keep at least 50 feet (15 m) from a seal and at least 150 feet (about 45 m) from a mother with a pup, and respect any rope barriers.
Lifeguards are on duty at Punaluʻu daily from 9:30 to 16:45 (2026). Several day tours from Hilo combine Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park with a black sand beach stop, which makes it easy to fit into a volcano day. Check the tour description for which beach it is.
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
Papakōlea lies near South Point in the south of the island. Its sand gets its green color from olivine. Getting there means walking: plan on about 2.5 miles each way and 2 to 3 hours for the round trip, on sunny, exposed ground with no shade, no water and no lifeguard. Do not count on a ride or a shuttle across the Hawaiian Home Lands.
- Start early and carry plenty of water and sun protection.
- The color of the sand is no promise of a good swim, and there is no lifeguard.
- Leave the green sand where it is (see the rules below).
Kahaluʻu Beach Park
Kahaluʻu Beach Park, south of Kailua-Kona, is known above all as a snorkel spot. Lifeguards are on duty daily from 9:30 to 16:45 (2026). It is a good first try with mask and fins; keep the 10 feet (3 m) distance if a turtle swims by. Our snorkeling guide covers other bays along the coast.
Beach safety and rules
Lifeguards and currents
Magic Sands, Kahaluʻu, Hāpuna and Punaluʻu have lifeguards daily from 9:30 to 16:45 (2026). Outside these hours, and on all other beaches, you are on your own. Practice with your mask before you go out, know your limits and do not touch coral or marine life.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Since 1 January 2021 Hawaii has banned the sale of sunscreens with oxybenzone or octinoxate without a prescription. The law is about selling, but bringing a reef-friendly sunscreen is still the considerate choice.
Leave sand and coral on the beach
Taking sand, dead coral or coral rubble is banned statewide, and living coral and rocks covered in marine life must not be damaged or removed. That applies to the black sand at Punaluʻu and the green sand at Papakōlea as much as to any white beach.
Big Island beaches compared
Fees and lifeguard hours as of 2026.
| Beach | Sand | Region | Lifeguards | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magic Sands (Laʻaloa) | White | Kailua-Kona | Daily 9:30 to 16:45 | – |
| Kahaluʻu | – | South of Kailua-Kona | Daily 9:30 to 16:45 | – |
| Hāpuna | White | Kohala coast | Daily 9:30 to 16:45 | $5 per person + $10 per car |
| Punaluʻu | Black | Southeast | Daily 9:30 to 16:45 | – |
| Papakōlea | Green | South Point | None | – |
For most visitors, Hāpuna is the beach for a swimming day and Kahaluʻu the place for a first snorkel; Punaluʻu fits into a volcano day, and Papakōlea is only for fit walkers with time to spare. Planning a second island? Compare with the beaches on Maui.
Big Island beaches: frequently asked questions
Which Big Island beaches have lifeguards?
Magic Sands (White Sands, Laʻaloa), Kahaluʻu, Hāpuna and Punaluʻu have lifeguards daily from 9:30 to 16:45 as of 2026. A lifeguard schedule is no guarantee of safe water.
Can I take some black or green sand home?
No. Taking sand, dead coral or coral rubble is banned statewide. Leave the sand on the beach.
How do I get to the green sand beach?
On foot, about 2.5 miles each way from the South Point area, 2 to 3 hours round trip. There is no shade, water or lifeguard, so start early.
Will I see turtles at Punaluʻu?
You may see turtles there, but there is no guarantee. Stay at least 10 feet (3 m) away and do not touch them.
Do I have to pay to visit Hāpuna Beach?
Non-residents pay $5 per person plus $10 per private vehicle as of 2026, by card. Hawaii residents with ID and children up to 3 are free.