Hawaii Island features some of the most picturesque and varied beach landscapes in the islands. Here youll find not just white sand beaches but black sand and green sand beaches with olivine crystals. And along with beautifulresortbeaches, Hawaii Island also has rugged, off-the-beaten-path sands that are wild, remote and rewarding.

Kolekole Beach Park: Twelve miles north ofHiloon theHamakua Coastyoull find this jungle garden by the ocean, with a nearby stream lined with smooth lava rocks and a waterfall. A banyan tree leans over the river with a rope swing.

Onekahakaha Beach Park: A favorite with locals, this small, shallow sand-bottomed ocean pool just east of the Hilo Airport is one the safest swimming areas along theHilocoast, with tide pools and inlets. Perfect for family snorkeling, it also offers lovely views of Hilo Bay.

Richardson Ocean Center/Lelewi Beach Park: The shallow bay fronting Richardson Ocean Center is the most popularsnorkelingsite on the east side of the island. The center, which is two miles south down Kalanianaole Avenue from Onekahakaha Beach, has picnic pavilions, restrooms, parking and showers.

Punaluu Black Sand Beach: 30 miles south ofHawaii Volcanoes National Parkis Hawaii Islands famous black sand beach and a great place to see honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) basking on the shore. An adjacent campground is popular with local families and fisherman.

Anaehoomalu Beach: This stretch ofKohala Coastbeach next to theWaikoloa Beach Marriottis a place to rent kayaks, hydro bikes and body boards or to snorkel, scuba dive or sunbathe. There is ample parking, along with picnic facilities and restrooms. A historic Hawaiian fishpond also hugs the beach.

Hapuna Beach: The largest white sand beach on Hawaii Island, this world-renowned beach is located adjacent to theHapuna Beach Prince Hotel. There is ample parking with restroom and picnic facilities.

Holoholokai Beach: This small beach park with full facilities near theFairmont Orchid Hawaiiisnt a sandy beach, but its a beautiful place to explore tide pools and snorkel. Its a short walk from thePuako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve, where youll find hundreds of ancient carvings in the lava rock.

Kaunaoa Beach: This near-perfect crescent of sand leading to calm water has been voted among the Top 10 beaches in the U.S. by Conde Nasts Traveler magazine. Adjacent to the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, parking spaces are limited, so its good to arrive early.

Kahaluu Beach: Located just south ofHistoric Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona)in theKeauhouarea, Kahaluu Beach is known for honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) that frequent its shores. This is one of the Keauhou and Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona) areas most popular beaches, great for snorkeling.

Laalao Beach: Also known as Disappearing Sands and Magic Sands, this white sandKonabeach is located on Alii Drive just south of Historic Kailua Village.This popular pocket of sand is great for splashing in the surf, body-surfing and body-boarding. There are restrooms, showers and a lifeguard, but limited parking. This small beach may disappear overnight due to tidal shifts or strong surf, but always returns.

Samuel Spencer Beach Park: Popular among families, thisNorth Kohalabeach, located a half-hour north of Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona), is well protected by an outside reef, which allows for calm swimming and snorkeling waters on most days. The beach park has picnic pavilions, tables and barbeque grills and is within walking distance ofPuukohola Heiau National Historic Site.

Note: Heed all warning signs and be aware of changing conditions, strong currents and reefs. Use your own best judgment to determine whether a particular beach is appropriate for you and your ability level.

Excerpt from:

Beaches | GoHawaii.com