Beach & Relaxation: Hoʻonanea (To Unwind)

Sometimes the best thing to do is nothing at all

Written by a Local Expert

The Art of Doing Nothing, Hawaiian Style

Sometimes, the best thing to do on the Big Island is nothing at all. Just find a patch of sand, listen to the rhythm of the waves, and let the island work its magic. Or get in the car and just drive, letting the scenery unfold before you. This is how you recharge, Hawaiian style.

The Big Island's beaches tell the story of creation itself. From pristine white sand formed by coral and shells to dramatic black sand born from volcanic fire - each beach offers its own unique slice of paradise.

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World-Famous Sands

Beaches That Made the Big Island Famous

☀️ Hāpuna Beach State Park

This quintessential, world-class white sand beach is a long, wide crescent consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world. Perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and boogie boarding when surf conditions are right.

Note the state park entrance fee, and expect crowds, especially on weekends.

Best for: Classic beach experience, photography

🖤 Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach

The visual contrast of jet-black sand against turquoise ocean and green coconut palms is unforgettable. This is also the best and most famous place on the island to see honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles) basking on the shore.

Kalani's Tip:

That beautiful black sand gets incredibly HOT in the sun. Keep your slippers on all the way to the water's edge. To avoid the biggest crowds from tour buses, visit early morning or late afternoon.

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Kalani's Hidden Gems

For a Little More Effort

Makalawena Beach

Arguably the most beautiful and pristine beach on the island, this series of perfect white sand coves looks like a postcard. The catch is access: it requires a rugged 20-30 minute hike over an unmaintained lava rock trail, which deters most visitors.

The reward is a slice of untouched paradise.

Difficulty: Moderate hike required

Mauʻumae Beach

A more accessible "secret" beach accessed through the Mauna Kea Resort guard shack, where you request one of only 10 public parking passes available at any time.

This system naturally limits crowds, ensuring a quiet and secluded experience on beautiful, calm shores.

Difficulty: Limited parking passes

Kalani's Tip:

For these hidden spots, you are on your own. Pack in everything you need—plenty of water, snacks, and reef-safe sunscreen—and be sure to pack out every single thing you bring. Leave no trace is the rule. This is how we all work together to preserve these special places for generations to come.

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The Journey is the Destination

Iconic Scenic Drives

🌋 Chain of Craters Road (HVNP)

This dramatic 18-mile drive descends 4,000 feet from the summit of Kīlauea volcano to the sea. The road cuts through vast, historic lava flows of varying ages, offering a stark and beautiful lesson in geology.

It ends at the impressive Hōlei Sea Arch, carved by the ocean into tall sea cliffs.

Highlights: Lava flows, sea arch, geological diversity

🌿 Hāmākua Heritage Corridor (Hilo to Waipiʻo Valley)

This route winds through the lush, green heart of "old Hawaiʻi," passing tropical rainforests, countless waterfalls, and scenic gulches with historic bridges.

Don't miss the Onomea Bay Scenic Drive (also called Pepeʻekeo Scenic Drive), a 4-mile stretch of old highway that's one of the most beautiful roads in the state.

Highlights: Waterfalls, rainforest, historic bridges

🏔️ Saddle Road (Daniel K. Inouye Highway)

More than just a transit route, this spectacular drive passes through the island's high-elevation interior, through the "saddle" between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.

The landscape shifts dramatically from barren lava fields to rolling green pastures and mist-shrouded forests, showcasing the island's incredible diversity.

Highlights: Diverse landscapes, high elevation views