The Kohala Coast — Hawaii's driest shore and home to its most spectacular white sand beaches
The Big Island's west coast — the Kohala and Kona coasts — sits in the rain shadow of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Annual rainfall here is under 10 inches in most areas (compared to 200+ inches on the Hilo side). The result: white sand beaches with crystal-clear water, minimal runoff, and consistently Low Risk (1/5) water quality year-round. This is where most Big Island resort visitors stay — and for good reason.
Kaunaʻoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach)
Pristine crescent of white sand near Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Excellent swimming, good snorkeling at rocky edges. Public parking limited — arrive early.
Hapuna Beach
Consistently ranked one of America's best beaches. Wide, long, white sand. Lifeguard on duty. Body surfing. Facilities. First choice for most visitors.
Kua Bay (Maniniowali)
Spectacular turquoise water, top snorkeling at lava points. Sea turtles. Small lot — arrive by 9am. No food or rentals.
Anaehoʻomalu Bay (A-Bay)
Near Waikoloa Beach Resort. Calm, shallow bay. Sea turtles rest on beach. Good for beginner snorkelers. Watersports rentals available.
Kikaua Point Beach
Hidden gem near Kukiʻo area. Calm, protected. Requires knowledge of access road.
Kahaluʻu Beach Park
Kailua-Kona area. Best beginner snorkeling on the Big Island. Shallow reef, calm entry, sea turtles almost guaranteed. Lifeguard on duty.
South of Kailua-Kona, the coast becomes more rugged. The road narrows and the beaches are smaller and less developed — but the marine life is outstanding.
🦆 World's Best Manta Ray Experience
The Big Island's west coast is globally famous for its manta ray night snorkel and dive. Giant manta rays (wingspan up to 14 feet) gather near the Garden Eel Cove and Manta Village near the Kona airport to feed on plankton attracted by dive lights. This is consistently rated one of Hawaii's top wildlife encounters. Tours depart from Kailua-Kona nightly.
Independent passion project — not affiliated with Hawaii DOH. Ratings not real-time. Verify with Hawaii DOH.
When in doubt, don't go out. 🤙