Beach Parks" & Beaches on the Big Island of Hawai'i !

Beach Parks" & Beaches on the Big Island of Hawai'i !

The Big Island of Hawai’i has over 266 miles of coastline. Many beaches on the Big Island are “Beach Parks” meaning they have facilities and a host. A "BEACH" means that it generally lacks facilities but has a "host" or owner. You pack out what you bring in!!


Types of Beaches on the Big Island.
1) Black Sand-
These beaches are made by the erosion of basalt or are created when a lava flow comes in contact with the sea. The molten rock fractures as it is rapidly cooled and some of the molten earth becomes gains of black sand.
2) Coral Rubble-
This type of shoreline is composed of pieces of coral and coral heads. The rocks and coral heads are broken off the reef and deposited onto the shoreline during large surf.
3) Green Sand-
Green Sands Beach is composed of a greenish semiprecious stone known as olivine that is mixed with black sand.
4) Salt & Pepper-
A mixture of white sand made from coral and black sand created by Madam Pele mixed with shell fragments from the sea.
5) White Sand-
The natural occurring white sand was created from the coral reefs offshore. It is not the same stuff you see on the golf course and at certain resorts.

Ahalanui Park
This relatively unknown county park offers a natural geothermally heated pool that is lifeguarded. The perimeter of the warm pool is shaded by hau trees. The water temperature is warm and comfortable. The pool measures approximately 50x20 yards (45x18m) and is protected by a seawall.
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'Anaehoomalu Bay
The name of the area indicates the importance of these fish ponds. A full-size "mullet" is an 'anea and ho'omalu means "to protect". Only ali'i (royalty) were allowed to take fish from the pond. Follow the ancient trail that goes around the perimeter of the pond. Signs placed along the trail provide information.
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Green Sands Beach
The beach at Papakolea or Green Sands Beach is composed of green and black sand. The grains of greenish sand are made of a semi-precious stone known as olivine. Pu'u o Mahana has been eroded by the surf and slowly torn down to expose the cinder cone's core.
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Hapuna State Beach Park
The beach is made of soft white sand (as you'll discover in the shower when you get home). Hapuna offers swimming and body boarding in small waves. Please use caution when the surf is large. Check with the lifeguards if you have any questions. Turtles can be seen by the rocks at the ends of the beach.
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Holoholokai Beach Park
This park is located between the southern edge of Puako and the Orchid Resort. The park has recently been improved: 3 new fire pits/grills have been added and the underbrush has been cut back to improve the beautiful ocean view and to provide a breeze. By the restroom, is a bike rack that can hold six bikes.
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Hookena Beach Park
North of the main beach are some great tidepools and a couple of blowholes. If you walk south towards the end of the beach and look up you can see a lava tube in the side of the cliff. It is partially hidden behind a kiawe tree and it is about 100 feet above the beach. Use caution and bring flash lights.
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Isaac Hale Beach Park
There is a small geothermal pond in Pohoiki located just outside the park. From the boat ramp, follow the path just above the high water mark past the red house towards the bay. The path will lead you to the warm pond in 3-5 minutes. The pond is located about 50' back from the beach.
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Ka Lae Historical District-"South Point"
South Point or Ka Lae is the most southern point in the United States. The South Point Area is surrounded by the Ka Lae National Historical District. On the way to South Point or Ka Lae "the point", you will pass many trees that are growing sideways due to the constant wind.