Hapuna Beach State park
add photosHapuna Beach is a golden crescent between Mauna Lani Resort and Mauna Kea Beach Resort. The sand slopes gently into the water and the water is clear if the surf isn’t too big. The south end of the beach is the most protected area. Kids love bodyboarding at this beach when the waves are moderate. consistently rated on the numerous international Top Ten lists. The largest of our island’s white sand beaches, it offers consistently good conditions for swimming, body-boarding, sunbathing, strolling and snorkeling. Located adjacent to the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, there is ample parking, along with food vendors, picnic areas, restrooms and showers.
3 Reviews for Hapuna Beach State park
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"Hapuna Beach tops for families on the Big Island!"
Tucked in amid lava flows from Mauna Kea, and Mauna Loa volcanoes is Hapuna Beach State Park, considered one of the best beaches in the entire state and frequently mentioned near the top of most lists for best beaches in the world. It is a beach lover’s delight, and a dream come true for parents seeking a family friendly beach to take the kids to for an afternoon of fun in the sun.
Hapuna Beach is a fantastic half mile long stretch of soft sand that boasts almost every convenience that a family could want. During the summer, the beach is a 200 yard wide expanse of powdery white sand that slopes gently into the water with waves typically calm enough for young explorers to enjoy. During the winter months, the beach gets eroded by high surf so its considerably smaller but still sizable and surf conditions are not as good for water activities but there is still plenty to do for an afternoon! Just be sure to check with the life guards before swimming or letting the little ones get too close to the shore break if it looks rough and take note of any markers they post regarding beach conditions. Life guards patrol the beach year round from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The weather on this portion of the Big Island is phenomenal! Orographic shielding from the surrounding volcanoes protects the coast for rain and clouds meaning almost everyday of the year is sunny and dry. The beach is a sun worshippers delight with plenty of space to stretch out and let the sun soak over you. Just be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen for the children! We also found a sun shelter useful in providing some protection for the smaller kids. The only shade at the beach park is in a small forest of trees between the parking lot and the beach.
The park has plenty of free parking, although it can get crowded early on weekends and holidays. Access trails are paved and stroller friendly so making your way to the beach is easy if you are loaded down with lots of gear. If you chose not to bring your own beach gear, there is a concessionaire called "3 Frogs" that rents chairs, umbrellas, snorkeling gear and other beach necessities near the parking lot. Located in the same building is "Paradise Grill" a convenient snack shack that sells burgers, tacos, kalua pork, shave ice and drinks. The prices are about average for Hawaii. There are numerous picnic tables and shelters scattered throughout the park that are great for eating lunch.
There are three restroom and shower facilities available for use throughout the park. The condition of the restrooms is questionable at best though—we would recommend bringing your own paper and hand sanitizer!
This is a great beach popular with locals and tourists. Conditions here are great for all beach and water activities although winter surf limit them if it gets to high. Since it is on the leeward side of the island, the beach also makes a great place to relax and watch a famous Hawaiian sunset!
If you decide you want to try camping, it is allowed by permit. There are 4 A-frame shelters at the park available for nightly rental. The shelters are simple, just a screened in room with a picnic table and wooden benches for beds (they sleep up to 4 people). There is a communal kitchen and shower area nearby. The rates are $30 for kama’aina and $50 for non-residents per night.
This is a must stop for any family visiting the Big Island! It is the one beach that locals come to from as far away as Puna and Hilo on weekends. Yes, its that good! One look at this pristine beach and you will understand why! As parents, this is the closest you will come in Hawaii to the perfect family friendly beach when conditions are right!
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"beautiful"
This was a great beach - it's been rated one of the Top 10 in the US. We happened to go on a windy day so we were dealing with blowing sand. But the waves were perfect for our kids (ages 7 to 12) who don't have much water experience. We loved it but actually ended up deciding that Kua Bay (a few miles south) was our very favorite.
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"Love - Love This Beach!"
I was in love with this beach, it was so beautiful and such a nice place. The beach area is a bit small and the parking was a little difficult but the waves were nice enough to float and not get rocked and there were tons of little kids running around. The area like I said is small so you can feel safe that all eyes are on the water and the kids! I love laying out here, the sand is beautiful and the rays hit this spot just right!
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