Local Hawaiian family enjoying authentic beach day on Big Island

Unique Insider Guides

Local secrets, perfect itineraries, and cultural wisdom for experiencing Big Island beaches like a true islander

Written by a Local Expert

Unique Insider Guides

Beyond just picking a beach, sometimes you want a plan. And sometimes, an experience is so special it requires its own guide on how to approach it with the right mindset. Here are two of my personal guides to making the most of your time on our shores.

My Perfect Kohala Coast Beach Hopping Day (An Itinerary)

Want to experience the best of the "Gold Coast" in one perfect, sun-soaked day? This is my personal itinerary. It's a bit of a hustle, but it strategically navigates the crowds and conditions to give you a taste of everything that makes this coastline so famous.

8:00 AM - The Strategic Start: Kaunaʻoa (Mauna Kea) Beach

This is the non-negotiable first step. The goal is to be one of the first cars at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel gate to snag one of those precious 40 public parking passes. Your reward is enjoying the most pristine beach on the island in the calm, quiet morning hours before the winds pick up and before the crowds have even finished their breakfast.

Pro Tip: Enjoy the perfect sand and gentle morning water for about 3 hours.

11:00 AM - The Classic Scene: Hāpuna Beach

After a few hours of serene beauty, it's time for some energy. Pack up and drive a few minutes south to Hāpuna Beach State Park. By now, it will be getting lively, which is all part of the fun. The beach is massive, so you'll have no trouble finding a spot to lay down your towel.

Activities: Bodyboarding in the waves, people-watching, concession stand lunch.

1:30 PM - The Shady Escape: Waialea Bay (Beach 69)

As the midday sun reaches its peak, it's time to seek some shade. Drive south again to Waialea Bay, known to locals as "Beach 69". This is your spot for an afternoon snorkel and a siesta. Unlike the wide-open expanse of Hāpuna, Beach 69 is a series of smaller sandy coves separated by gnarled Kiawe trees and lava rock outcroppings.

Perfect For: Natural shade, snorkeling the rocky points, escaping peak sun.

4:00 PM - The Sunset Setup: ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay (A-Bay)

For the final act, head to ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay, located in the Waikoloa Beach Resort area. This long, curving beach has a unique "salt-and-pepper" sand and is famous for its stunning sunsets. Take a walk along the shore, explore the ancient Hawaiian fishponds that border the beach, and find a prime spot on the sand to watch the sky begin to change color.

Cultural Bonus: Ancient Hawaiian fishponds add historical significance to your sunset viewing.

5:30 PM - Pau Hana (Happy Hour): Lava Lava Beach Club

You're already in the perfect spot, so there's no need to get back in the car. Walk down the beach to the Lava Lava Beach Club. Kick off your slippers, find a table with its feet literally in the sand, and order a well-deserved Mai Tai.

Perfect Ending: No better way to end a Kohala Coast day than watching sunset with toes in sand and a cold drink.

Sharing the Shore: How to Respectfully View Honu

Seeing a honu, our Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, in the wild is a gift. It's a moment of pure magic that can become the most cherished memory of your trip. But it's important to understand that these are not just animals; to many Hawaiian families, they are revered as ʻaumakua—ancestral guardians, a spiritual connection to our past.

Before I even talk about the rules, I want to share the "why." When you understand the cultural reverence we have for the honu, the guidelines shift from things you can't do to actions you want to do out of respect.

When you see a turtle resting on the black sand at Punaluʻu, you are witnessing a sacred act. When you float above one as it grazes on limu at Kahaluʻu, you are a visitor in its home. Approaching them with this mindset changes everything.

Here is how you can share the shore with our honu in a way that is filled with aloha:

📏 Give Space (At Least 15 Feet)

The official recommendation is often 10-15 feet, but I always say give them even more. Think of it as showing respect for an elder. Never crowd them, block their path to the ocean or shore, or make them feel cornered.

🤫 Be Quiet and Calm

Approach with a calm presence and speak in soft voices. Loud noises and sudden movements can be startling. Your peaceful energy allows them to continue resting or feeding undisturbed.

🚫 Never, Ever Touch

This is the most important guideline. Our hands carry oils and bacteria that their immune systems can't handle. Touching a turtle can damage its protective shell and make it very sick.

🛡️ Be a Guardian Yourself

If you see someone else getting too close or harassing a turtle, you can be a voice for the honu. A polite reminder about the 15-foot rule can make all the difference.

Best Places to See Honu

• Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach: Where they bask on the warm sand
• Kahaluʻu Beach Park: Where they feed in the shallow bay

Beyond the Beach: Other Island Adventures

While our beaches are the main event for many, the Big Island offers a world of adventure beyond the shoreline.

A Note on Island Hopping

I often get asked about planning day trips to Pearl Harbor or adventure parks like Coral Crater. These are incredible places, but they're on Oʻahu, which requires a separate flight. This guide focuses on authentic Big Island experiences—and trust me, our island has more than enough adventure to fill your entire vacation.

Kalani's Picks for Big Island Thrills

🌿 For the Zipline & ATV Enthusiast: The Umauma Experience

When I'm looking for a rush on this island, I head to the lush Hāmākua Coast. Their 9-line zipline course sends you flying at up to 65 mph over 14 different waterfalls and across a 200-foot suspension bridge. They also offer fantastic ATV tours through their property.

🏛️ For the History Buff: Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

For a historical experience that connects you to the soul of the Big Island, visit this powerful place of refuge for ancient Hawaiians. Its spiritual energy is something you can still feel today. Perfect cultural pairing for snorkeling at Two Step next door.

🌟 Unforgettable Only-on-Big-Island Tours

Two experiences are so unique to our island, they're truly life-changing:

• Manta Ray Night Snorkel: Float in dark water as gentle giants with 15-foot wingspans glide inches below you
• Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour: Journey from sea level to 14,000 feet to watch sunset above clouds, then gaze at cosmos through powerful telescopes

A Hui Hou (Until We Meet Again)

I hope this guide has served you well, not just as a map, but as an invitation. An invitation to explore, to discover, and to connect with the shores of our island in a way that is meaningful and memorable. The Big Island has a perfect beach for everyone, from the sunbather to the surfer, from the family to the solitary wanderer.

Go find your beach. Treat our island with love and respect (aloha ʻāina). Listen to the stories the waves and the wind have to tell. And please, leave this special place a little better than you found it.

A hui hou—until we meet again.