Anaeho'omalu Bay and Waikoloa Beach

Waikoloa Beach Dr, off Hwy 19 N, Waikoloa, HI 96738

Description: KOHALA COAST. One of the Big Island's top beaches, A-Bay is known for metallic, yellow-hued sands that earn it the nickname "Gold Coast." The bay's crystal blue waters are ideal for snorkeling, scuba, kayaking, surfing, and windsailing. Several popular resort hotels are within easy walking distance of the beach, so you can rest assured that it will always be peppered with a myriad of bathing beauties. During the winter, whales make an annual pass by Anaeho'omalu Bay, so make sure you bring a telescoping lens for your camera. Sea-turtles at play in the bay can also be seen.

Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area

Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy, Kohala Coast, HI 96720 808-974-6200

Description: KOHALA COAST. Hapuna Beach, nestled between Waikui and Puako, is known for being one of the cleanest, most family-friendly beaches on Hawaii. Its smooth, white sands extend far out into the surf, so wading in the shallows is easy on your feet. During summer months, the beach is at its widest and stays crowded from sunup to sunset; in contrast, winter months bring unfriendly waters with deadly riptides. (Combined with the fact that lifeguards don't work the beach during this season, swimming is unwise.) Beach facilities include camping areas, men's and women's showers, a snack bar, and a pavilion.

Kahalu'u Beach Park

Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Description: KONA COAST. Easily one of the Big Island's most popular beaches, Kahalu'u offers parking, equipment rental stalls, a covered pavilion, and a snack bar. A reef far offshore prevents the waters from getting too rough, making a terrific snorkeling opportunity. Have care, though: the beach tends to get crowded early since thousands of locals and tourists flock here to take advantage of the calm turquoise waters. Kahalu'u is situated between Kailua-Kona and Kealakekua.
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Laupahoehoe Beach Park

Laupahoehoe Point, off Hwy 19 N, Laupahoehoe, HI 96764

Description: LAUPAHOEHOE. Easily offering one of the best vistas on the island, this leaf-like peninsula extends far into the Pacific. In the mid-'40s, tragedy struck the village located here when a tsunami swept across the peninsula and claimed the lives of 24 people. A memorial in the park remembers that dreadful incident. Today, Laupahoehoe Point is a terrific place to spend the afternoon, whether your aim is to explore surrounding waterfalls or do some fishing. (Have care: the undertow can be deadly during winter months.) Camping is permitted at the park, and facilities include a pavilion area, restrooms, showers, and camping sites with drinking water and electrical outlets.

Mauna Kea Beach

100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Kamuela, HI 96743 808-882-7222

Description: KOHALA COAST. South of Hapuna Beach, Mauna Kea is regarded by many as one of Hawaii's ­ if not the world's ­ top beaches. Smooth, golden sands are flanked on one side by lush coconut groves and on the other by calm, crystalline waters protected from strong currents by a series of offshore lava flows. Try to arrive early ­ by 10am most days, you'll find the beach already staked out by sunbathers and the waters brimming with snorkelers, kids trying out new boogie boards, and those just wanting to cool off with a quick dip. Parking is limited, and the resort that maintains the beach allows only a certain number of visitors at a time ­ two more reasons to get there early.

Old Kona Airport State Park

Kuakini Rd, off Hwy 11 N, Kailua-Kona, HI 808-974-6200

Description: KAILUA-KONA. Some beaches are beautiful, but you can't park anywhere near them. Old Kona Airport beach is attractive AND has lots of parking. In fact, the original airport runway now functions as a parking lot. It's ideal for a family outing, with picnic tables and shelters, showers, and Little League fields, plus ample opportunity for tidal pool exploration. The northern section of the mile-long beach is favored by local surfers and boogie boarders.
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