The 19 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.
From the 7 guides that rank for "best beaches in big island"
Named by 4 of 71. Hapuna BeachAt half a mile, it is described as the longest white sand beach on the island.Good for swimming and bodyboarding, with lifeguards on duty. Snorkeling works only on very calm days.
Named by 4 of 72. Anaehoomalu Bay (A-Bay)The bay is sheltered, so snorkeling, paddleboarding and swimming all work well.An old Hawaiian fishpond shelters a calm inner area for swimming.
Named by 4 of 73. Kua Bay (Maniniowali Beach)Lively waves make it fun for bodyboarding, while the south end is often calmer.Best for swimming on flat summer days. On big winter days, stay on the sand.
Named by 3 of 74. Makalawena BeachSoft white sand and clear water, and its remoteness keeps crowds small.Reaching it takes a hike of about a mile over lava, or a high-clearance 4x4 on rough road.
Named by 3 of 75. Waialea Beach (Beach 69)Shade is rare on this coast, but trees reach down to the sand here.On a calm day you can snorkel from the beach.
Named by 2 of 76. Papakolea Beach (Green Sand Beach)Sources differ on rarity: one says one of four green sand beaches worldwide, another one of two in the U.S.The other source calls it remote, on the southern point of the island.
Named by 2 of 77. Kikaua Point Beach ParkA protected cove with water about six feet deep or less, good for toddlers.Lots of sea turtles and fish in the cove give good visibility for beginner snorkeling.
Named by 2 of 78. Mahaiula BeachA rough unpaved road deters many visitors, so it stays quiet.Calm, clear water suits swimming, and snorkeling is good near the rocks.
Named by 2 of 79. Spencer Beach ParkA top choice for small kids, with gentle water and picnic tables.On a typical sunny afternoon the bay is calm enough for small children.
Named by 2 of 710. Kaunaoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach)A gentle slope of soft sand, with limited public access passes.Show up early enough to get a pass.
Named by 2 of 711. Carlsmith Beach ParkSome of Hilo's calmest swimming water, with a lawn for towels.Part of a string of county parks on the Keaukaha peninsula.
Named by 2 of 712. Laaloa Beach Park (Magic Sands)Close to town with a lifeguard, and fun when waves are small.High surf can strip the sand away, leaving the beach rocky.
13. Hookena Beach ParkA gray sand beach with spinner dolphins and sea turtles nearby.Calm water works for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking.
14. Kahaluu Beach ParkA good first snorkel: calm and shallow, with fish and turtles on the reef.
15. Two Step (Honaunau Bay)No sand and no facilities, but rated as some of the best shore snorkeling in Hawaii.
16. Richardson Ocean ParkLifeguarded and full of turtles. The water is cooler than on the Kona side.
17. Pohoiki BeachA new black sand beach formed by recent volcanic activity.
18. Kaimu Black Sand BeachReached by a quarter-mile walk across a lava field.
19. 49 Black Sand BeachThe only black sand beach on the Kohala Coast.Live fares. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.
Finding fares from your airport…
Travel guides most often name September to October as the best time to visit Big Island of Hawaii.