7 day Big Island Plan

Duration	7 day
Island	Big Island
Beaches	8 beaches covered
Best For	All experience levels

Hapuna Beach

Half-mile white-sand crescent on the arid Kohala Coast, one of the Big Island’s largest beaches. Gradual sandy slope, lifeguards on duty daily. Popular for bodyboarding on the shore break. Winter swells bring powerful waves — check posted conditions. $5 state park lot fills by 10 AM weekends. The dry climate means runoff is rare.

Mauna Kea Beach

Kaunaʻoa Bay, fronted by the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Only 30 public parking passes daily (gate opens 7 AM). Fine white sand, gentle slope, calm water most of the year. Green sea turtles at the rocky points on both ends. Despite being next to Hapuna, the bay is more sheltered and has a different feel.

A-Bay (Anaehoʻomalu)

Sheltered crescent at the Waikoloa resort area. Ancient anchialine ponds along the shore. Calm water year round for paddleboarding and kayaking. Snorkel the south lava shelf for reef fish. Free parking, full facilities, gear rentals on site. The most accessible Kohala Coast beach.

Kua Bay

Stunning white-sand pocket beach surrounded by black lava. Turquoise water in summer, powerful shore break in winter. Gates open 8 AM, close 7 PM. About 50 parking spaces. Zero shade on the beach — morning visits or an umbrella are essential. No food or water available.

Spencer Beach

Protected by an offshore reef, creating one of the calmest swimming areas on the Kohala Coast. Below Puʻukoholā Heiau (significant Hawaiian temple). Full facilities including picnic pavilions. The large parking lot rarely fills even on weekends. Best for families and beginners.

Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach

Volcanic black sand beach on the Kaʻū coast, about 2 hours south of Kona. Green sea turtles bask on the black sand daily — maintain the legally required 10-foot distance. The water here has strong currents and is not recommended for swimming. Visit for the landscape and turtles, then continue to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (30 min further).

Richardson Beach

Black sand beach in Hilo with natural lava-rock tide pools. One of the best spots in Hilo for swimming and snorkeling when conditions are calm. Green sea turtles frequent the shallows. The Hilo side gets more rain than Kona, so check conditions. Free parking, restrooms, and lifeguards on weekends.

Hapuna parking	$5 state park lot. Fills by 10 AM weekends. Overflow along the access road
Mauna Kea passes	30 passes/day at the gate starting 7 AM. If unavailable, walk in from Hapuna (15 min along the Ala Kahakai trail)
Kona to Kua Bay	15 min north on Hwy 19. Gates 8 AM–7 PM. Bring all supplies
Kona to Punaluʻu	1.5–2 hours south via Hwy 11. Combine with Volcanoes NP (30 min further)
Kona to Richardson	2 hours east via Hwy 19 or Saddle Rd. Different climate zone — expect more rain

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 7 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.