Local Beaches Near Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
***Beaches That are Close to Kailua-Kona***
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Including Whitesands / La'aloa Beach Park, Pahoehoe, Kahalu'u, Hanl's, Old Airport State Park, and More

Big Island Beaches Overview

There are many beaches around the Island. Some of the most popular are the "resort" beaches of Kohala such as Hapuna. These beaches are a short 25-40 minute drive (depending on the beach and traffic) from Kailua-Kona, thus an easy day trip. The North part of the Island heading down to Hilo has some beautiful views, but not many beaches. The South part of the Island has some nice beaches to hike to, including popular Greensands and Blacksands beaches. Just South of Kona, another easy day trip, is Two Step and Kealakekua Bay - world famous for snorkeling, kayaking, and as the resting place of Capt. James Cook, who manned the first European vessel to reach the islands. For more information on the beaches - and the island in general - we suggest you pick up a guide book.

The Beaches Near Downtown Kailua-Kona

The following is a listing of popular beaches in and around downtown Kailua-Kona. Not all beaches are suitable for swimming, and beachgoers should beware of high surf, currents, and other potential ocean hazards. As a general rule, exercise caution! One further word of warning is that the sun here is harsh even to those "used to the sun in San Diego," so make sure to wear plenty sunscreen, even on a cloudy day.

Heading South along Ali’i Drive

Ali’i Drive extends South from downtown Kailua-Kona to the bedroom community of Keauhou.  Running along the ocean, it is the locale for many of Kona’s nicer condos, homes, and several of our vacation rentals.  The Popular beaches heading out of town are Honl’s (see our downtown page), Banyans & Lyman’s Bay (Primarily Surf Spots, not frequented by beach-goers), Pahoehoe and La’aloa (Whitesands) Beach Parks, and Kahalu’u Beach Park.  

Pahoehoe Beach Park

Pahoehoe is located just North of the Whitesands / La’aloa Beach Park (a.k.a. Magic Sands).  While there is a beach here it isn’t good for swimming.  The main attraction is the large grassy section of the park featuring picnic tables, grills, benches, and plenty of shade trees.  This is a popular spot for fishing, family picnics, grilling out, or just sitting on a bench and watching the water.  Several yoga/fitness and hula classes also take place throughout the week here.  For those with young children, this is a great place to come Lay out a blanket and watch them play because it offers ample shade.

Whitesands / La’aloa Beach Park

The name La’aloa means “sacred” in Hawaiian, and on the point near the parking lot stand ancient Hawaiian ruins, or Heiau (temples to gods).  Located about 3 miles South of town on Ali’i Drive, Whitesands is a popular sunbathing, swimming, body surfing, and boogie boarding spot.  The beach is also known locally as Magic Sands because large amounts of sand can be sucked out in a single night of high surf, leaving exposed rocks along the shoreline, only to return a few days later.  There's more sand during the summer than the winter months, however there is always some sand up by the palm trees and volley ball court. 

What many guides fail to point out is that even when sand by the shore has been sucked out there is still plenty of sand in the water, making this the best non-rocky-in-the-water beach down Ali’i Drive.  This is a good thing if you like to swim and play in the water.  While it can be a little tricky to climb in over the rocks, most people including kids are able to manage it. The swimming is usually safe here, however inexperienced swimmers should pay attention to the signage posted by the life-guards and stay out during high surf. As usual exercise caution and consult with the lifeguards where available. 

Not only does Whitesands have great swimming and body surfing, but there is also some excellent Snorkeling.  You can swim out 30 yards from Whitesands and see some coral reef.  Sea turtles frequently visit the beach and Moray Eels can be found in the rocks near Jamison’s restaurant, not to mention numerous colorful fish.  

On the South side of the parking lot is the often overlooked La’aloa Cove, a popular shore entry for experienced Scuba Divers and Snorkelers.  A grassy, tree shaded path leads down from the parking lot to a rocky beach.  The beach is usually empty, save the occasional sunbather, and is a perfect place to sit and quietly watch the ocean.

Kahalu’u Beach Park (Snorkel Beach)

Kahalu’u, also known as the Snorkel Beach, Turtle Beach, or Children’s Beach, is located about 1.1 mils South of Whitesands on Ali’i Dr.  There are two pavilions with picnic benches, as well as benches and grills scattered throughout the park.  This is a nice beach, though it is often crowded with tourists both on the beach and in the water.  Still, this is some of the best novice snorkeling on the island, featuring loads of reefs, tropical fish, and sea turtles.  While there is some sand in the water, it is mostly rocky and better suited for snorkeling than playing around in the water.  A barrier of rocks about a hundred yards out means the water tends to be calm, however be advised that this beach can have strong currents, especially towards the Church.  When in doubt, consult with one of the two lifeguards who are usually on duty here.

Kahalu’u is the best beginners surf beach on the island and on any given day you will see hoards of untanned people from the Midwest learning how to surf – as well as a few amused locals.  Overall this beach makes great people watching!  The surfing takes place at the break on the North side of the beach, about 50 to 100 yards out. Again, consult with the lifeguards about the currents and other conditions. 

Also on the North side of the beach are two religious sites: one is a Heiau, or Hawaiian temple, to the god of the Surf – the only one of its kind in the islands.  The other is tiny St. Peter’s Catholic church (rumored to be the smallest Catholic church in the world).  While services are only held here at 7:30 a.m. on Saturdays (check St. Michael's Parish website), it’s tiny charm and oceanfront locale make it a popular spot for weddings.