Hapuna Beach stands as the Big Island's largest white sand beach and consistently ranks among the world's best beaches, stretching nearly half a mile along the spectacular Kohala Coast approximately 30 miles north of Kailua-Kona at mile marker 70 on Highway 19. This immaculate crescent of powdery white sand backed by gently sloping grassy areas has earned international recognition for its stunning natural beauty, consistently excellent swimming conditions, and the comprehensive facilities that make extended beach days comfortable for visitors of all ages and abilities. The beach serves both as a state recreation area with public access and facilities, and as the aquatic playground for the adjacent Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, creating a unique environment where resort guests and day visitors share one of Hawaii's most magnificent coastal settings. During winter months, visitors can sometimes spot migrating humpback whales breaching in the distance, adding another dimension to the already spectacular scenery that has made Hapuna a must-visit destination for Big Island travelers seeking the quintessential Hawaiian beach experience.
Swimming conditions at Hapuna reach their peak during summer months from May through October when the ocean remains calm and inviting, with gentle waves perfect for bodysurfing, bodyboarding, and leisurely swimming in the crystal-clear turquoise waters. Winter brings larger swells that create more challenging conditions requiring stronger swimming abilities and careful attention to ocean safety, though lifeguards maintain watch throughout the year to provide assistance and guidance. Snorkeling opportunities exist at both the north and south ends of the beach where rocky points host vibrant tropical fish and beautiful coral formations, with the southern edge offering particularly good conditions during calm summer mornings when visibility peaks. The gently sloping sandy bottom makes water entry easy and comfortable, allowing even novice swimmers to wade out gradually while building confidence in the ocean environment. The beach's wheelchair and baby stroller accessible grounds ensure that visitors with mobility challenges can enjoy this spectacular setting, though the potable water system currently remains shut down with portable restrooms serving in place of the usual shower and bathroom facilities until repairs restore full services.
Accessing Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area requires following the clearly marked sign at Highway 19 mile marker 70 and proceeding quarter-mile to the large paved parking lot where non-residents pay a 10 dollar vehicle parking fee. Park hours run from 7 AM to 7:30 PM with gates closing at 8 PM, giving visitors ample time to enjoy the beach throughout the daylight hours. The comprehensive facilities include restrooms, covered picnic pavilions, barbecue pits, and shaded areas perfect for escaping the intense tropical sun between swimming sessions. Concession stands provide refreshments and beach supplies, though visitors planning extended stays should bring adequate food, water, sunscreen, and beach equipment to ensure comfort throughout the day. The large parking area accommodates substantial crowds, though prime spots near beach access fill quickly on weekends and holidays when both tourists and local families converge on this beloved coastal treasure.
After spending a day enjoying Hapuna's pristine sands and excellent swimming, visitors can explore the Kohala Coast's outstanding dining scene, with Meridia at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort offering Mediterranean cuisine, brilliant cocktails, and an award-winning global wine list with gorgeous ocean views that earned Hawaii Magazine's 2019 Best New Big Island Restaurant recognition. Lava Lava Beach Club delivers the ultimate feet-in-the-sand dining experience with unbeatable coastal views, while Manta at the iconic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel serves Pacific Rim cuisine featuring seasonal, local, and sustainably-produced ingredients with breathtaking Kohala Coast vistas. Browns Beach House at the Fairmont Orchid provides American and modern Hawaiian cuisine for dinner service, and Roys Waikoloa Bar and Grill combines American, seafood, Polynesian, and Hawaiian dishes in the nearby Waikoloa Beach Resort. The cultural significance of Hapuna extends beyond its recreational value, as this coastline holds deep importance in Hawaiian history and continues serving as a gathering place where diverse communities come together to celebrate Hawaii's ocean heritage. Modern visitors honor this legacy by respecting lifeguard instructions, properly disposing of all trash, avoiding disturbance to coastal vegetation and wildlife, and recognizing that maintaining Hapuna's world-class condition requires collective stewardship from everyone who enjoys this special place. Those seeking the archetypal Hawaiian beach experience will find Hapuna delivers exactly that perfect combination of stunning natural beauty, excellent facilities, consistently good swimming conditions, and the genuine aloha spirit that makes Hawaii's beaches truly exceptional destinations rather than merely beautiful shorelines.
