Sight guide · Big Island (Hawaiʻi) · United States
Visiting Hāpuna Beach
A long crescent of white sand on the Kohala Coast, often ranked among Hawaiʻi's finest beaches, with lifeguards, picnic shelters and good swimming and bodyboarding in calm conditions.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Polihale, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Hāpuna Beach is a beach in Kohala Coast, Big Island (Hawaiʻi). Allow half a day; it is low cost. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Beach
- Area
- Kohala Coast
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- kids and outdoors
- Best months
- January–February and November
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About Hāpuna Beach
A long crescent of white sand on the Kohala Coast, often ranked among Hawaiʻi's finest beaches, with lifeguards, picnic shelters and good swimming and bodyboarding in calm conditions.
Tip: Arrive in the morning for parking and calmer water; winter swells can create strong shorebreak and currents.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: Half a day.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Kohala Coast, resort enclaves on black lava fields with white-sand bays.
Best time to visit Hāpuna Beach
Hāpuna Beach is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- January: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, busy crowds.
- February: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, busy crowds.
- November: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Big Island (Hawaiʻi) has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Big Island (Hawaiʻi) itinerary visits Hāpuna Beach on day 2, together with Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, Chain of Craters Road and Manta ray night snorkel.
- No. 3 of the 19 sights in our Big Island (Hawaiʻi) things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 2 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Big Island (Hawaiʻi).
- A family favourite in Big Island (Hawaiʻi) with kids.
Near Hāpuna Beach
Also in Kohala Coast, so you can walk between them:
- Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site — 45 minutes, free
If you like Hāpuna Beach
- Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach — Kaʻū, 1 hour
- Papakōlea Green Sand Beach — Kaʻū, 3–4 hours
Staying near Hāpuna Beach
Stay in Kohala Coast ($$$$) to walk here: resort enclaves on black lava fields with white-sand bays. All areas to stay in Big Island (Hawaiʻi).
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Hāpuna Beach?
Plan half a day. With Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site nearby, it fits a half-day in Kohala Coast.
+Is Hāpuna Beach free?
No, it is low cost. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Hāpuna Beach?
January–February and November for the most comfortable weather. Arrive in the morning for parking and calmer water; winter swells can create strong shorebreak and currents.
+Do I need to book Hāpuna Beach in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Hāpuna Beach good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Big Island (Hawaiʻi). The Big Island is a superb family destination for active children, with volcanoes, turtles, waterfalls and calm beaches.