FANTASTIC WHITE SAND BEACHES ON THE ISLAND OF HAWAII

Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea Beach are gorgeous white sand beaches pounded by the crystal blue Pacific ocean on the island of Hawaii. Visiting them may redefine your view of the perfect tropical beach.

Both beaches are located on the Kohala coast, north of the Kona airport and Kohala resort area off Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway (Hwy 19).

Hapuna beach is located at the 69 mile marker, just south of Kawaihae harbor, 30 miles north of Kona. The beach is a half a mile long, with crystal clear water and fine white sand.

A path leads to the sand making access easy. Life guard stands watch over swimmers and post signs if there are dangerous currents or surf conditions. The surf can get violent since the beach is not protected by a break water.
On weekends and holidays Hapuna beach can be very crowded and parking can be a challenge.

The Hapuna Beach Prince hotel sits at the north end of the beach. The hotel has 350 rooms, 2 golf courses, a spa and pool, and health club.

Kauna'oa or Mauna Kea Beach beach is a mile away from Hapuna beach at the 68 mile marker. The sand beach is in the shape of a crescent and over 1/4 mile long. Snorkeling and boogie boarding are excellent and the sand is wonderful.


There is limited parking and the surf can be dangerous, like Hapuna beach. At night you can see a big light under the ocean which attracts plankton making it a popular destination for tour boats bringing snorkelers to see manta rays.


The Mauna Kea Beach hotel, which sits right on the beach, was built by a Rockerfeller in 1965. The hotel has 310 rooms, pool, health club, tennis courts, golf courses, restaurants, and on-site luau.

On weekends and holidays Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea Beach can be very crowded due to their popularity with locals and visitors alike. Parking is limited, so get their early in the morning and stake out your perfect spot on the white sand.