There are more than 80 beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii and we can't possibly cover them all here. Here's our choice of beaches in West Hawaii (Kona Side). Enjoy, be safe and observe signs!
Kauna'oa Beach at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is perhaps one of the two most beautiful beaches on the island (the other being Hapuna Beach). A great place for snorkeling, you must get here early as public parking spaces are limited. Enter through the gate of Mauna Kea Beach Resort off Highway 19. Located approximately 30 miles North of Kailua-Kona.
Hapuna Beach State Park is part of a glorious 61 acre park. The beach forms a 1/2 mile crescent of glistening sand where you can sit and enjoy the amazingly blue ocean. Ideal for swimming, snorkeling and body surfing, there's also a snack bar close by. Located between the Mauna Kea Beach and Mauna Lani Resorts off Highway 19, approximately 30 miles North of Kailua-Kona.
Old Kona Airport Park has picnic tables, showers, bathroom facilities and tennis courts, along with the still visible unused runway that many people use for jogging or running. A great place for snorkeling, this is located in Kona at the North end of Kuakini Highway.
Kamakahonu Beach, also known as the "King Kam" beach, has white sand, shady trees and good snorkeling outside on the cove. This beach is conveniently located between the Kailua pier and the King Kamehameha Hotel on Ali'i Drive.
Kona Magic Sands Beach is officially called La'aloa Bay Beach Park but is also known as White Sands or Disappearing Sands Beach. During the winter, ocean waves wash away this small white-sand beach. But the rest of the year, you'll see body boarders and surfers. A great place to hang out, there's also a volleyball net, restrooms, showers and a lifeguard tower. Located 4.5 miles South of Kailua-Kona on Ali'i Drive.
Kahalu'u Beach Park is one of the best snorkeling spots on the big Island. Many sea turtles can be found here and you may find yourself swimming alongside one! But remember - don't touch the turtles! And be sure to check the water conditions; ocean swells can make the water murky. Located 5.5 miles South of Kailua-Kona on Ali'i Drive next to the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort.
Best Happy Hour can be found at the Royal Kona Resort. Watch the sun set in comfort on one of their sofas while you enjoy a drink (or two) and pupus. You won't be disappointed. Located at 75-5852 Ali'i Drive, 9 miles South of the Kona International Airport. Phone 808-329-3111.
Swim with the Dolphins with Captain Nancy and her crew. Friendly, intimate journey includes lunch and lots of fun. Check out their site, Dolphin Journeys, for more information.
Best place for a workout is Pacific Island Fitness. Formerly Gold's Gym, the new owners have cleaned up and completely remodeled this gym. Stay in shape while you're on vacation at Pacific Island Fitness, located in Old Industrial at 74-5583 Luhia Street. Phone 808-334-1977.
Like any other town, Kailua-Kona is filled with numerous places to eat, drink and be merry. Here's just a few of the places you'll find here in Paradise.
NATIONAL CHAINS
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company is located right on the water and the view is undeniably amazing. Located at 75-5776 Ali'i Drive in Kailua-Kona. Phone 808-331-8442.
Outback Steakhouse has THE best burgers in Kona. Located in the Coconut Grove Market Place at 75-5809 Ali'i Drive. Phone 808-326-2555.
LOCAL GRINDS
O's Bistro has an eclectic menu of pad Thai noodles, orecchiette tuna casserole, spring rolls and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. They also have the best Fettuccine Alfredo in town. Located near Safeway in the Crossroads Shopping Center at 75-1027 Henry Street. Phone: 808-327-6565.
Kenichi Pacific serves sushi and Japanese fusion cuisine. Pricey but delicious, this elegant restaurant is located in the Keauhou Shopping Center at 78-6831 Ali'i Drive. Phone 808-322-6400.
Orchid Thai Cuisine has delicious Thai food. Need we say more? Located in Old Industrial at 77-5563 Kaiwi Street. Phone 808-327-9437.
Mixx Bistro Bar is a great place for drinks, pupus and live music. Located in the King Kamehameha Mall in downtown Kona. Phone 808-329-7334.
Island Lava Java is a coffee house / restaurant with a fantastic view of the ocean. Eat breakfast, lunch or dinner on their outside oceanside lanai and with free wireless access, you can even work on your laptop! Located in front of the Ali'i Sunset Plaza facing the ocean, just South of Bubba Gump! Phone 808-327-2161.