Best beach lists are always a unique challenge. The best beaches in Kona are known for legendary landscapes and views, the journey to get to them, the water sports and the sheer frivolity of lazing in the sand.
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Laaloa Beach
The descriptive names for Laaloa Beach, Disappearing Sands and Magic Sands, make this beach sound all the more mystical. Summer is the best time to enjoy these white sands, great for volleyball and body boarding. Some watch and some participate, but the real magic is when high tides carry away the sands, which magically reappear eventually. The facilities are good here—lifeguards, restrooms and showers. Parking is limited and you can park along Alii Drive.
Makalawena Beach
Makalawena Beach is one of the rewarding beaches as the travel to it, by hike or by 4WD, is part of the experience. The scene is what every beachgoer expects—sugary sand, clean, foamy surf, and multiple shades of blue when the skies are clear. A great day itinerary is a visit to Kekaha Kai Beach Park (also known as Kona Coast State Park) for a hike, just a half hour path to Makalawena. Lava rocks make for great photo stops along the beach. If you drive, pack a picnic and snorkel gear or a kayak. Or just see the turtles and take a swim. Another notable snorkeling and sea turtle beach is Kahaluu Beach.
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Lapakahi State Historical Park
History and heritage are revealed through the archeological site of an ancient fishing village at Lapakahi State Historical Park. Heiaus, huts, and home sites are part of a self-guided tour here, which is another spot for snorkeling. Holoholokai Beach Park is another place to explore old Hawaii. See the Puako Petroglyphs, approximately 1,200.
Mahana Beach
Mahana Beach, also Green Sand, is genuinely green due to the olivine mineral that has melded to black sand from dried lava rocks. Jagged cliffs, lava rocks and five-mile roundtrip hike make this beach worthy of a visit for the peace and rare beach sand. Driving to it is best in a 4WD, but make sure to get a permit. The beach’s location is Puu o Mahana, the site of the eruption of Mauna Loa.
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Spencer Beach Park
Spencer Beach is a tranquil beach park that is ideal for families and those interested in nature, picnics, heiaus, white sands, and plentiful snorkeling. Camping is an option here too and locals and visitors alike enjoy watching the sunsets at Spencer Beach.
Make sure to have the right shoes when hiking the beach trails, get a permit where necessary and pack plenty of gear and essentials for a good day at a Kona beach.