4 Best Sandy Beaches in Kona

Kona, Hawaii, is known for its stunning beaches that perfectly blend natural beauty, sand, and water. With several beaches to explore, it takes time, and what to do is challenging. Therefore, we’ve compiled a guide to the top 4 beaches in Kona to help you decide. From snorkeling and scuba diving to sunbathing and boogie boarding, these beaches have something for everyone!

Visit the best sandy beaches in Kona

In this article, I will take you through my recommendations of the best beaches in Kona, Hawaii, and provide details to help you plan your perfect beach day.

I’ll give you directions and tell you what is unique about each sandy beach. This guide is concise and to the point so that you can quickly find your way to the best beaches on the Big Island. Remember to bring your snorkel gear; most beaches have great snorkeling.

How to get to the best beaches

Use this map to locate the best sandy beaches in Kona. Scroll left to right, and use two fingers to zoom in or out.

Kona has world-renowned sandy beaches, and choosing a favorite one is tricky. Each beach has its unique charm and adventure.

You can opt for snorkeling, swimming, surfing, relaxing on the sandy beach, and enjoying the stunning views. I highly recommend visiting these beaches, as each has something special.

What to bring

• Lots of water and snacks
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Towels
• Snorkel equipment
• GoPro or underwater camera
• Fishing equipment

1. Ke’ei Beach

Ke’ei Beach is one of the best beaches near Kona, Hawaii, just 4 miles south of downtown Kona. This beach is a beautiful blend of white sand and lava rock and offers several shady spots if you want to take a break from the sun.

You’ll find shallow waters here, making it an excellent spot for paddle boarding, snorkeling, and swimming. If you’re looking for a beautiful beach area that isn’t crowded, Ke’ei Beach is the place to be! You can also explore the large tide pools that are filled with a variety of marine life.

Ke’ei Beach is a hidden gem in South Kona near Captain Cook, and the perfect spot for snorkeling and swimming. The beach has no restrooms, showers, or lifeguards, so it is essential to be careful when swimming.

Advice on getting to this Kona Beach

Location: 83-654 Ke’EI Rd, Captain Cook, HI 96704

Distance from Kona Airport: 26.3 miles via HI-19 (45 minutes)

You can find directions here: Ke’ei Beach. Just so you know, you will go down a road that could be better maintained to get to Ke’ei Beach. Parking is at the end of the road on the right, next to the picnic table.

This white sand beach in Kona is more remote. It’s a local hangout, and as with most of these sandy beaches in Kona, it’s best to go during the weekday when they are less busy.

Activities at Ke’ei Beach

• Surfing
• Fishing
• Snorkeling
• Spearfishing
• Turtle viewing

This beach has a lot of diversity, with cliffs and blow holes at the beginning, transitioning to a sandy beach. Fishing and snorkeling can be good, as well as surfing and kayaking. A local kayaker and fisherman caught this sailfish when we were swimming.

Fishermen and spearfishermen can try their luck in Ke’ei Bay, but always check current fishing regulations with Hawaii Department of Natural Resources.

Lots of sea turtles adorn the tidal pools inside the reef. When we visited in October, we saw three in one day. Sea urchins are found in the rocks. Consider wearing water shoes or staying clear of the bottom with snorkel fins.

Features of Ke’ei Beach

• Diverse landscape
• Ample reefs
• Tidal pools
• Plentiful shade
• Lots of wildlife
• Local hangout, not crowded
• Cliffs

2. Kikaua Point Beach

Kilauea Point Beach is located on the Kohala Coast and is one of the best sandy beaches near Kona. This beach provides calm waters perfect for swimming, tide pools, and outdoor showers to rinse off the sand.

The beach area is relatively small and rarely crowded, making it an ideal relaxing spot. You’ll also find several picnic areas here if you want to enjoy a meal with friends and family.

Kikaua Point Beach is located within Kona Coast State Park and has beautiful tide pools, making it an ideal spot for children to explore. This beach has picnic tables, restrooms, and showers. However, no lifeguards are present, so be careful when swimming.

Advice on getting to this Kona beach

Location: 72-3055 Kakapa Pl. Hōlualoa, HI 96725

Distance from Kona Airport: 7.3 miles via HI-19 (11 minutes)

Features of Kikaua Point Beach

This white sand beach in Kona, Hawaii, is very unique. When you drive to the entrance, you’ll be greeted by a security guard of the local resort. This resort must provide access to beach-goers since the beach is public. Multi-million dollar residences adorn the entrance, along with fancy entrance gates.

Parking is limited and provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you’re one of the lucky ones to get a pass, you’re in for a treat. Going to this beach is like going to a resort without paying for one. The showers are upscale, with walls of lava rock and oversized shower heads.

Kikaua Point Beach activities

• Observe a sea turtle in the tidal pool
• Snorkel to find large trigger fish
• Explore the two large lava rock formations inside the tidal pool
• Take a nap under a shade tree on the beach
• Bring a paddle board

We saw four turtles in the water at this beach and large triggerfish, yellow tang, and parrot fish. The water is rough as you get closer to the reef, so stick to the tidal pool along the beach.

Those interested in fishing can do so to the left of the sidewalk in the bay south of the tidal pool (take the trail to the left of the parking lot). Make sure to read all fishing regulations so you know where you can fish and what you can keep.

After you are done snorkeling and swimming, return the pink pass given to you to the security guard on your way out.

Features at this sandy Kona beach

• One of the best beaches for privacy
• Calm water, soft sand
• Shallow water
• Lots of sea turtles and fish
• Luxurious outdoor showers
• Water fountains
• Sidewalk beach access

3. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Kona, Hawaii. Located on the southeastern side of the Big Island, this beach is covered in fine black sand that contrasts with the clear blue water.

The beach offers several scuba diving, snorkeling, and boogie boarding opportunities. You’ll also find several parking lots here, making it easy to access the beach. The beach area is lined with palm trees and offers a stunning ocean view.

Located on the southern coast of the Kona, Punalu’u Beach is a must-see for anyone visiting Hawaii.

What makes this beach so unique is the jet-black sand formed from lava ash. Although the waves can sometimes be strong, there are usually calm pockets suitable for swimming.

Finding this Kona beach

Location: 96-894 Ninole Loop Rd, Pahala, HI 96777

Distance from Kona Airport: 75 miles via HI-11 (1 hour 46 minutes)

As with many of our beach recommendations, this beach is also famous for sea turtle sightings, so keep your eyes open!

Restrooms and showers are available, and if you’re lucky, you may spot some vendors selling local snacks, such as shaved ice, macadamia nuts, and fresh coconut water.

This beach gets crowded on the weekends, but it’s still worth the trip. The beach is fairly broad, so I always felt I had plenty of space.

Features of Punalu’u Black Sand Beach

• Unforgettable black sand
• Opportunities for turtle sightings
• Lots of palm tree shade

Note: It’s unlawful to remove sand from this beach

4. White Sands Beach

White Sands Beach is located 3 miles south of Kona and is one of the best beaches on Kona for swimming and sunbathing. The beach has amenities such as washrooms, showers, and parking lots.

If you’re looking for excitement, the beach offers boogie-boarding opportunities, while others prefer to stroll along the beach’s edge.

This beach is also known as Magic Sands Beach, and the reason is that the tides sometimes wash away the sand, making it appear as though the beach has disappeared.

This beach has clear waters and is excellent for surfing. Visitors can also take a hula class on the beach, making it a unique and memorable experience.

Finding this Kona beach

Location: Ali’i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Distance from Kona Airport: 11.1 mi via HI-19 (20 minutes)

Features of Magic Sands Beach

• White sand
• Busy area, if you like to socialize or hang around other people

Best times to visit these Kona beaches

The best time to visit Kona’s sandy beaches depends on your preferences. 

Summer months (June-August)

• Warmest temperatures
• Calm waters
• Ideal for swimming and snorkeling
• Busiest time of year

Winter months (December-February)

• Excellent surf conditions
• Rough waters not good for swimming
• Best for experienced surfers

Other times to visit

• Traveling with children
• Crowds
• Climate

Final thoughts and recommendations

If you are traveling with children or prefer to avoid crowds, consider visiting during other times. Be sure to check the climate for the duration of your stay. 

The best time to visit Kona’s sandy beaches depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. Whether you want a bustling atmosphere or a serene getaway, there is a perfect time for everyone.

Kona beaches that did not make the list

• Manini’owali Beach
• Kauna’oa Beach
• ‘Alula Beach
• Papakolea Green Sand Beach
• Makalawena Beach
• Kahaluu Beach
• Mahai’ula Beach
• Mauna Kea Beach

Visit Kona beaches soon

Kona, Big Island, has some of the best beaches in Hawaii, and each beach has unique features. Whether you are looking for a popular spot or a secluded beach, Kona has something for everyone.

It is essential to pack accordingly and be respectful of the beaches and the environment. We hope this guide helps you plan your perfect beach day in Kona.