Hapuna Beach is the most popular beach on the Big Island and regularly ranks among the most beautiful beaches in the Hawaiian Islands in various rankings.

A half-mile stretch of fine white sand lies on the northwest coast of the island in a small green oasis amidst dried lava fields. Just a mile and a half north, you can visit another of Hawaii's top beaches , Kauna'oa (Mauna Kea) Beach.

Top 10 beachfront hotels

Swimming and beach facilities

Hapuna State Beach is one of the largest on the island of Hawai'i and, thanks to its location, one of the most beautiful. This comes with the downside of frequent overcrowding on the beach, so if you want to enjoy the freedom of choosing the best spot on the beach, get here ideally before 9am.

The beach is surrounded by vegetation providing shade and you can also take advantage of the picnic pavilions, toilets, showers and changing facilities, all of which are free.

Beach surface - fine white sand
Entrance to the water - gradual and without rocks
Length of the beach - 800 metres
Width of the beach - 60 metres
Sun lounger hire - no, only available for hotel guests
Toilets and showers - yes
Catering - yes, small snack bar with drinks and snacks
Shops - no

The waters on the west coast of the Big Island are generally calm and Hapuna Beach is no exception. Swimming here is safe, and it's guarded by the coastguard.

Snorkeling

The southern part of the beach, where the coral reef begins, is one of the great snorkeling spots for beginners and experienced swimmers alike, who can venture further offshore to a spot called Kanekanaka Point.

The underwater world will offer dozens of species of colourful fish, the occasional giant kareta turtle, and the colourful coral reefs are particularly impressive.

Beachfront accommodation

Right on the beach, at its northern end, you can stay in a 4* resort The Westin Hapuna Beach Resortwhich offers a dream holiday without compromise, but also at a price without compromise starting at around 733 eur per night.

Prices for holiday homes in the immediate area aren't any lower either, with cheaper hotels and guesthouses as far afield as Kona, 53km away.

How to get there

The easiest way to get to Hapuna Beach is by car, where you can park for free in a large car park just about 70 metres from the beach. The turnoff to Hapuna State Beach Park is clearly marked from Highway 19.

However, bus routes 80 (Kona, Kona Airport, surrounding beaches and Hilo) and 90 (Kona, surrounding beaches and the entire west coast) also run directly to the beachfront hotel. In total, buses run to the beach about 8 times a day, and you can find details of transport on the heleonbus.org website.