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Hapuna Beach State Park
Rating Details »
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
36 reviews for Hapuna Beach State Park
Think of someone you've slept with. Well, think about a time when sleeping with them was good. And you actually liked them. Now think about the way you would run your hands through their hair... or touch their skin. You thought "this is it... I'm in a Dove commercial! Everything is so soft! it's like that white laundry detergent that falls from the top of the screen before you see the perfectly orange skin of the model showing you how silky smooth Dove can be."
The sand at Hapuna Beach is just like that experience. Except not white and creamy.
Easy access to this beach from HI-19. Ample parking. Bathrooms! Shower. Snack bar (although it didn't look open to me). Place to BBQ. Lifeguard stations. Plenty of room to lay out. White sand.
Not crowded when we were there. Waves were a bit rough, but get past the break and you're still walking in the water. Relaxing and enjoyable. What a beach should be.
My review is probably a bit biased because I've been to some really, really ncie beaches in the Caribbean.
The beach here was nice, about a half mile wide and about 100 miles deep with only one set of rocks in the middle. Unfortunately its completely packed with people, even during the offseason, and its really not what I would picture as a white sand beach.
I just don't think it compares with most spots in the Carribean.
As many of the other reviews of Hapuna Beach state, this is THE beach to visit if you're on the Big Island (specifically the Kona side). A picture-perfect white sand beach coupled with clear, blue-green waters will make the trip here more than worth it.
I've been here a few times and, in addition to your usual beach supplies, I highly recommend some snorkel gear. Then, head towards the rocky outcroppings to check out the sea life. The first time I visited Hapuna (during a stay at the Hapuna Prince Hotel) I saw quite a few green sea turtles feeding here. Just make sure you don't disturb them as they're identified as endangered species.
If you're interested, here's a link to a panoramic photo of the beach (since it's too large of a file to upload to Yelp): http://www.flickr.com/...
Great beach for the "Hawaii" experience!
white sands, shallow surf, picnic tables, and a snack bar.
there is a resort at 1 end of the beach and nothing but sand all the way to the other! Great beach well known, Best Eye candy! minor draw back is all the shade for the area is off the beach in the picnic areas.
Nice beach with plenty of parking. Restrooms, picnic area and a food stand are available. This is a more populated beach - but there is plenty of room.
One of the ten best beaches in the world? Oh yeah!
If you're on the Kona side of the big island, this is one trip you have to make. It's about 20-30 minutes north of the airport and I doubt there are any buses that go up there so you'll have to drive or arrange a shuttle.
Walking down from the parking lot to the beach is a treat as you see glimpses of the white sand through the trees. On this day, there was an extra treat as the trees were being trimmed by workers as we arrived. The tree trimmers were climbing up 40 to 50 feet near the top of the coconut trees to chop down the coconuts and to trim the leaves.
As I watched for a little bit as the tree trimmer climbed up higher and higher, I thought to myself "Now, there's a job I would never do". As if I needed further convincing, the wind picked up and the trees started to sway! Yup, I would've lost my lunch during the second or third swing back and forth atop that tree so there's a job I can cross of my job search.
After the show, we made it to the beach. The sand felt so nice and warm between the toes as we walked across the beach. There were a lot of people, but it didn't feel crowded at all, certainly not for a beach as nice as this one.
The most amazing part of this beach is walking out into the water. I wasn't too surprised that the water was clear as it got knee or even waist deep, but it was still crystal clear when the water was up to my chest. Absolutely stunning!
There was even a small coral near the beach where there were a few snorkelers. We didn't bring the snorkeling gear, but we were able to see plenty of fish swimming in the area.
It would've been a perfect day except it was a bit windy. With the sand being soft and light, it would kick up during with the gusts of wind and pelt us mercilessly. Unfortunately, the wind kept picking up and we eventually had to leave a little bit earlier than we wanted.
Despite the unwanted pebble attack, we still had a fabulous experience at Hapuna Beach and we intend to spend a day or two here when we return to Kona in the future.
Mertie was sooo right.....one of the best ever!!
We headed here on our very first afternoon on the Big Island...and were NOT disappointed!!
Funny thing about the Kamuela side of the island...from the freeway it looks like one big dark lava field...kinda ugly.
The only interesting thing are the many things "written" in white rock...so sweet...."Jim hearts Kiki" all down the road...great local color. I hope that it is not true that the authorities have banned the practice...that would be so mean!
All you can see from the road are a few palm trees...but this beach is marked with a sign at the highway, unlike the others we visited.
Big parking lot...not full in the early afternoon when we arrived. Showers and rest rooms were great.
Short walk to the beautiful white sand crescent....ahhhh!!!
We found an umbrella at the condo...so we had shade and we could wile away the afternoon.
Lots of large families, good for kids, but maybe a bit out of the league for our little keiki...she can't handle the surf to well yet.
A Big Island must-do!!!
My daughter and I found this beach when I hit the wrong choice on our GPS and I am still happy that I made the error. Hapuna is the beach that you see in dreams about tropical locations.
Relax as the blue and green water rushes to shore, enjoy the snack bar, rent gear and most of all, feel alive!
Showers and bathrooms are waiting for you and new affordable cabins are being built as I type this. If you are visiting The Big Island, this beach is a must-see!
Picture perfect. Beautiful white sand beach... perfect for swimming or simply frolicking about. Waters were calm in October when we were there. Pleanty of parking available, showers and bathrooms on site. Picnic tables above the beach. Shade is a bit hard to come by... and there are a lot of ants around the rocks (where most of the shade is located).
If you close your eyes and imagine a picturesque Hawaiian beach, you've just visited Hapuna Beach. Or as my down-syndrome friend Andrew H calls it, "Hapuna swimming pool." He is wiser than he appears.
The beach is white sand, white hot, white people. You'd be hard pressed to find any locals here.
Don't get me wrong, its super safe and nice for the kiddos, so mom and daddy can go get a cocktail and don't have to worry about junior drowning, because there is absolutely nothing threatening in that water. VOG in the air perhaps, but that's to be expected.
I had a great time at Hapuna, and left with a few shades of color. Water was warm and we got to almost view a sunset.
Not the most exciting adventure to be had on the big Island, but if you're looking for a place to read a book and get a sunburn, this is your spot!
Now I know why this is one of the BEST 10 BEACHES in the world! It is absolutely beautiful, not crowed, the sand is soft (but it gets HOT), and the water is pristine and clear...
Me and the hubby spent two days here and wished we could have spent more. We told ourselves we will stay at the Hapuna Beach Hotel next time, just to be walking distance.
Lots of families, locals, and tourists, but very safe. We stopped at the Queens Shops and picked up some lunch from Island Gourmet and brought it with us....It was a perfect two days!
We did get pretty roasty and toasty out there! So wear your sunblock! We got burnt to a crisp, but maybe that was due to being out there for 5 hours! Hahhahaha
My honey is a beach guy. So when he tells me that Hapuna Beach is his favorite beach he has EVER been to....I have some seriously high expectations. It's also why we planned a good few hours to stop here before hitting up Kona. With coolers packed with fresh poke and Hawaiian Suns, I was ready for Hapuna.
And without fail, as I walked up to the beach from the parking lot, I let out a long sigh of happiness. Absolutely beautiful...clear, blue water....wonderful breeze...and soft sand to walk in.
We parked ourselves down and soaked in the rejuvenating sun. After a bit of snacks: http://www.yelp.com/bi... we headed toward the water and swam out to the rocks, climbed up about 15-20 feet and jumped in the ocean. So exhilarating!!! Word to the wise, it's not an easy swim out so make sure you'll be able to swim against some currents.
I LOVED it!!! If you are going to be on the Big Island, this is a beach you cannot miss! I can't wait to come back to the Big Island to jump back in
This is my favourite beach in all the world....and I've been to more than a few. Perfect sand, velvet water....usually great body surfing. Hapuna is perfection. I used to live on the Big Island and we would think nothing of driving from the other side of the island to spend time here.
On my most recent visit we stayed at the Hapuna Beach price Hotel which adjoins the beach. We stayed there because I wanted to be as close as I could be to the best beach I know. I wasn't disappointed. Hapuna is as wonderful as ever.
The winter can be dicey anywhere in Hawaii as far as surf and wind go...but usually Hapuna has a nice, gentle drop and pretty peaceful wave action. Head the warnings if they're up!
I love Hapuna...it epitomizes the perfect island beach.
I visiting from California. When I arrived on the Island I didn't think there were any decent beaches, but I was wrong. Hapuna Beach State Park has the whitest sand and clearest water I've ever seen. If you come to the Big Island, DO NOT MISS this place! I heard the waves can be rough during the winter months but when I visited during this summer, it was calm. If only beaches back home looked like this...
Beautiful beach with clear water and super soft sand. The sand does get hot so bring appropriate footwear (e.g. slippers)! The day we visited it was pretty rough, not ideal for babies although I imagine this depends on the tide. No shade near the surf (although there are picnic areas with shade away from the beach) so bring an umbrella. Plenty of parking and easy to get to, which is probably part of its popularity.
Best beach I have ever been to. Even trumps the ones I have visited in Mexico, the Bahamas and a couple of the islands in French Polynesia. It is that good.
Awesome body surfing here. Be careful though, the waves can get massive.
If/when I return to the Big Island I will certainly sit aside 1 or 2 days to play here.
Gorgeous beach with the bluest waters, spinner dolphins playing beyond the nearly flat surf and some isolated and small coral reefs here and there.
This is not the place to go snorkeling, but a great way to snooze and bake and swim off your afternoon. The sand is fine, the sun shines strong and families can swim in the ocean without too much surf or strong currents.
I would make out "From Here to Eternity" style with my honey here.
I came here the day before the Ironman 70.3 and it was packed. There was a nice shaded picnic area overlooking the water where we sat and ate our mixed plate box lunches. The beach itself is beautiful, and definitely popular. There wasn't any shade anywhere, so I got overheated quickly, but overall, the beach was beautiful and there were bathrooms and showers for rinsing off the salt water.
I was told this was the best beach on the big island (which in itself isn't best known for its beaches). I was definitely satisfied.
I could tell you about the clear turquoise water, the free parking, the rock formations and the decent waves for boogie boarding...but I didn't notice any of that.
What I can tell you is that it's a spectacular spot for scoping local Hawaiian bebots. I can also tell you Hapuna State Beach is an excellent place to get frowned at by your girlfriend when you inevitably get caught looking at said scenery.
First time i went to visit Hapuna was also my very first time riding a body board... lol....
Seriously,,waves here are crazy.... First wave i caught was so big that it led me to the ground and my face was touching the sand, and almost see the light, feels like LORD is taking me already hahahaha.. but the rest?
....... PLACE is awesome, make sure that u know how to swim and dont be stupid like me when going to this beach..
.....hapuna is a nice place to meet hotties!:) wuhoo!:)
Hapuna is the beach of my childhood, along with any other people that grew up on the Big Island. The beach is long, sandy, and wet. Typ. The water is generally clean, except in the winter, when these giant "sea dredlocks" form on the ocean floor. They are made of mostly of hair, band aids, aluminum cans, bathing suits and jewelry. Otherwise, it's much cleaner than say... Ocean Beach?
Loc's bbq here all the time, but the grills are always covered in mongoose shit. If you come here at night, you may run into some loc's home from college, just maxing in lawn chairs, straight booz'n. If you make conversation, they may give you a beer. If you show attitude, they may rough you up. Or so I've heard, I don't know any of these people personally...
From a loc's perspective:
Don't go in the bathrooms, they're worse than any Calcutta dive bar latrine.
This is one nice ass beach. this is pretty much the epitome of a postcard beach, or a beach you think of when you think of "Hawaii".
there's a relatively large parking lot, so you don't have to fight over a space. the water was a beautiful turquoise blue, the sand was silky smooth, though the waves were very small - which would be perfect for jumping into, definitely not a surfing beach. it was fairly protected wind-wise, and not too many people on a weekday, so it made for a very relaxing and enjoyable beach day.
This beach gets five stars because it just does. This is a typical Hawaiian beach, lots of sand, beautiful water and just enough facilities to keep it from being classified as a desert island.
We used to go to this beach all the time for small gatherings in the pavilion in the center of the park. There were picnic tables lined up with the best potluck cookout that you could ever imagine.
Now the beach has the huge Hapuna Prince hotel at the north end. If you go snorkeling on that end of the beach by the reef in the late mornings, you are sure to see some sea turtles swimming by.
Bring a cooler with plenty of ice and water, some beach chairs and towels and soak up the sun on the Big Island.
One of the most beautiful beaches in the world! The sand is nice and soft, the food vendor is yummy, and the picnic tables are great for gatherings. I love it!
I love Hapuna, I always come here when I visit my family. It can be crowded depending on the time of year but it's always such a nice place to be, and when I'm in hawaii i just want sun and a corona and I'm allll good. Kona's beaches usually are full of lava rocks since it's the island that has the most recent flows and still has an active lava flow, but this beach is one of the best in Kona, you actually get a white sand beach!
The beach is actually located off of Hwy. 19, instead of the address listed above. Like most parks and lookout points in Hawaii, there is no actual address.
Having been named one of the Top 10 beaches in the world in the past, this is a must visit for any tourist. This is a pretty long stretch of beach with crystal clear water. The fine, white glistening sand is as soft as snow and this is a great beach for families. The water is rather calm here, and is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. There are also picnic tables, outdoor showers and public restrooms. A lifeguard is not always on duty however.
I haven't decided which beach I like more: Hapuna or Mauna Kea. Hapuna also has super fine sand that's soft and great for digging holes and building sand castles. The only difference, really, is that the beach is more accessible to tourists and has a snack bar. Their fries are absolutely yummy! The water is a little strong and so is better for boogie boarding. Watch out for the pebbles at the edge of the water. They can be painful walking and boogie boarding on.
Caveat: The sand here ruins swimsuits. It's so fine it gets into the weaving and refuses to come back out. My poor swimsuit...! The bathrooms are also dirty. Yech.
The best day I spent on my recent trip to the big Island of Hawaii was spent here. The beach is sandy and spacious but the best part were the waves. My BF and I body surfed for hours. It was such a rush. If you are trying to decide which beach to go to, check this one out.
I caught the beach on an off day, where the sand was still nice and soft, but the ocean was swelling and crashing. Not ideal for frolicking in.
There were danger signs posted, and rough current signs.
Still, I was able to appreciate the power of the ocean, and admire those body boarding in the rough surf and being tossed and taken under, then sputtering out of the water, spitting out sand.
Most people stayed on shore. Some went deep enough to get their feet wet.
The sand was nice, though as we walked along we saw a poop lying in the sand, covered with sand flies, which quickly made me feel like I needed to wash my feet.
The restrooms are in decent shape for public restrooms. They had toilet paper, doors on the stalls, but no soap. Though for some reason one of the older tourists there decided to change into a swimsuit out in the open instead of in the stall where poor unsuspecting me would not have to happen upon her.
Perhaps next time I go, hopefully when the ocean is calmer, I can give it four stars. Lanikai Beach on Oahu, still remains my fave.
I'm going to cry...
This beach is my HAPPY PLACE!!!
I love this beach, it's what you think of when someone says paradise, white (super soft) sand beach with the clearest, warmest water ever!
I loved it here so much, I didn't want to leave. It's a great place to relax and soak in the beauty of Hawaii. If you're into a bit of adventure I would recommend swimming over to the left side of the beach where there is a really cool cave you can go in and stand on top of the mountain, it makes for a great pic.
This is a magical place that makes me feel so warm inside, it really is as beautiful (if not more) as all the travel books say. It tends to get crowded, but who care? Everyone is nice and you're in paradise.... ENJOY!!
Can I review beaches on Yelp? Well, I am anyways....and I'm happy to find out I'm not the first!
Close your eyes and picture a perfect beach. Well that's what Hapuna Beach is. Turquoise calm waters and white sands.
I'm not reviewing amenities here, so forget about clean bathrooms or a beachside cafe or cabanas. Not much of any shaded areas, but if I wanted shade, I would have stayed in my hotel suite.
It's been voted best beach in the nation, and I was stupid enough to not know about its existence until my last day. Thanks to the locals for letting me know. I did not have time to get to the green and black sand beaches.
Sorry for cramming in another review in here...but
Kealakekula Bay is also not to be missed if you like snorkeling and like to swim with dolphins. You'll see a cliff where the locals told me that some stupid cows sometimes wander off the cliff giving the fishes down below an ideal diet...( and see my identical last meal on earth!) of fish (sushi) and beef (well, I like mine medium rare).
Also there in ancient times, the Hawaiians buried the bones of its important royalty. A volunteer was sent down the cliff by ropes, while he hid the bones halfway down the cliff. When he was done burying the bones, he signaled to the people above who would promptly cut the ropes off, sending the guy down the cliff to his death. It was an honorable thing for him, ya know, like the kamikaze pilots.
Bones of royalties were hidden because usually the bones of commoners were recycled as weapons and the skulls were used as toilets. Yup, I'll stay out of sick humor here and let you fill in the blanks.
Yes, unfortunately I have known some #@$%# in my life .
Hapuna is regularly rated one of the best - if not THE best - beaches in the US, which makes it crowded, thus, kick that image of a pristine secluded beach out of your head. Not only is there a long, wide stretch of beach with fine sand that doesn't hurt your feet, the water is clear enough to see your feet when you're in up to your chin. The beach is also shallow pretty far out, so it's a good place to bring small kids, and walk out and swim around. Waves can get strong at times, and lifeguards leave in the early afternoon; I got several breaking waves to the face, and y'know, didn't really enjoy it, but that's the beach. Lots of boogie boarders there. Restrooms, showers (with warm water!!!), picnic areas, snack bar, big parking lots. I didn't walk on the beach at all (too busy swimming), but there are hotels that border it, and I was told a few statues as well.
4/12/08: Best beach on Big Island - great public access if you're not staying the Hapuna Beach Resort. Wide and expansive, you'll get a mix of tourists and locals. While there are lifeguards around, this is probably one of the safer beaches with lots of sand everywhere (limited amounts of coral or lava rock around so don't worry about getting scrapes), great for kids. Waves break virtually on the shore, lots of body boarders. Snorkeling is mediocre, better luck over at Mauna Kea Beach (a few minutes away at the private resort).
semi-secluded beach that offers it all.
stay on the resort side to avoid the crowd.
I've seen this beach listed as the best in the nation in several major travel publications -- and it's beautiful, don't get me wrong, but I don't see how it earns that title year after year. Yes, the water is clear, the sand like soft powder, but it's crowded almost every day, and there are certainly beaches -- Kailua on Oahu comes to mind -- that have more going for it. Still, it's up there, and you won't regret visiting.
