5 day Big Island Plan

Day 1: Hapuna Beach

Hapuna Beach is a wide, half-mile crescent of white sand on the Kohala Coast — one of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island. The beach has a gradual sandy slope into the water, with bodyboarding and boogie boarding popular on the shore break. Morning conditions before 10 AM are calmest. Lifeguards are on duty daily. Restrooms and outdoor showers are at the north end near the parking lot. Winter swells can produce powerful shore break, so check the posted surf conditions before entering.

Water quality note: Check the Hapuna Beach page for current advisories. Hapuna has excellent water circulation due to its open exposure. Runoff issues are rare here since the Kohala Coast is arid, but always verify after island-wide storms.

Day 2: Mauna Kea Beach

Mauna Kea Beach (also called Kaunaʻoa Bay) sits just north of Hapuna and is fronted by the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Public access is guaranteed but limited to 30 parking passes per day, handed out at the resort gate on a first-come basis starting at 7 AM. The beach has fine white sand, a gentle slope, and calm water most of the year. Snorkeling is decent along the rocky points at either end of the bay where green sea turtles often feed.

Water quality note: Check the Mauna Kea Beach page for current status. The enclosed bay shape provides moderate wave protection but slower flushing than Hapuna after heavy rain.

Day 3: A-Bay (Anaehoʻomalu)

Anaehoʻomalu Bay, locally called A-Bay, is a sheltered crescent beach fronting the Waikoloa Beach Marriott. Anchialine ponds behind the beach support rare shrimp species. The water stays calm most of the year, making it popular for paddleboarding and kayaking. Snorkeling is fair along the lava rock at the south end. Free public parking is in the Waikoloa Beach Resort lot. The beach has full facilities including restrooms, showers, and gear rentals on site.

Day 4: Kua Bay

Kua Bay (Maniniʻōwali Beach) is a stunning pocket beach with turquoise water backed by black lava rock. The sand is brilliant white despite the volcanic surroundings. Summer brings calm, clear conditions ideal for swimming. Winter can produce powerful shore break that makes the beach dangerous. The access road is paved but narrow, and the parking lot holds about 50 cars — gates open at 8 AM and close at 7 PM. No shade on the beach, so plan morning visits or bring an umbrella.

Day 5: Spencer Beach

Spencer Beach Park is protected by an offshore reef, creating one of the calmest swimming areas on the Kohala Coast. The beach sits below Puʻukoholā Heiau, a significant Hawaiian temple. Water stays shallow and calm, making it the most family-friendly option on this itinerary. Full facilities include restrooms, showers, picnic pavilions, and a large free parking lot that rarely fills even on weekends.

Reef shoes: Essential at A-Bay and Kua Bay where lava rock edges the swimming area. Hapuna and Spencer have sandy bottoms comfortable for bare feet.

Extra water and snacks: The Kohala Coast has limited food options between resorts. Kua Bay has no facilities at all — pack everything you need for the day.

Snorkel gear: Worth bringing for Mauna Kea Beach (turtle sightings along the rocky points) and A-Bay (reef fish along the south lava shelf). Rental shops in Kailua-Kona run $10–$15/day.

How many days do I need on Big Island?

5-7 days minimum — the Big Island is huge (4,028 sq mi)

What is the best order to visit Big Island beaches?

Start on the Kohala Coast (resorts), then Kona, Volcano, Hilo, and back. Do not underestimate driving distances.

What if it rains during my 5 day on Big Island?

Rain alternatives on Big Island: Volcanoes National Park, Hilo farmers market, Kona coffee farms, Imiloa Astronomy Center. Also check our brown water advisory guide — avoid the ocean for 72 hours after heavy rain.