Hapuna Beach is one of the few white-sand beaches on the Big Island’s west coast. The state park covers 61.8 acres (25 hectares) of the island and is a great destination to hike, swim and snorkel. The park is also home to the popular Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, sister hotel to the famous Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Hapuna Beach is long and expansive, and there is more than enough room even on a crowded day. Stretch out your towel and enjoy the best of Hawaii’s sun, sand and surf. The water here is shallow and often quite warm in summer. The protected section at the northern end of the beach is perfect for swimming with children. While lifeguards patrol the beach, large swells are known to reach the beach and riptides may form, with waves of 3 feet (1 meter) or higher, especially during winter. Familiarize yourself with the conditions before venturing into the water. Jump from the cliffs at the south end of the beach into the ocean, an activity popular among the locals. In ancient Hawaii this act was a popular sport called lelekawa, with the aim being to make the smallest splash upon entry.Hike part of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail that runs through the state park. This trail follows the coast of Hawaii’s Big Island for 175 miles (281 kilometers) linking a number of ancient Hawaii’s significant cultural and historical sites.The Hapuna Beach State Park is a particularly popular location for its wide range of amenities. There are restaurants, bars, small food vendors, equipment rental companies, restrooms and picnic tables. The area also has six shelters for overnight lodging available for rent via the Hawaii State Park website. Hapuna Beach State Park is located on the Kohola Coast, approximately 32 miles (51 kilometers) north of Kailua-Kona. The park is best reached by car, with ample parking available. Some charter buses serve the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel however, they are not always available for day visitors. The beach is open daily and a small entrance fee applies.
Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area Tours
Visit Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area
Plan a trip to see Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area
Hawaii Island Retreat
Reviewed on Jul 21, 2021
Kona Reef, A Raintree Vacation Club Resort
Reviewed on Sep 24, 2024
Reviews of Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area
4/5 - Good
Beatiful beach but gets super crowded. Go early to beat the crowds
5/5 - Excellent
$5 to park for non Hawaii residents. Main beach is staffed by lifeguards, and it is advised to bring your own shade/umbrella. The south portion of the park has a wonderful "Beach 69" with shaded beach and a rope swing, and tidal areas. Fun time for kids and people to enjoy the ocean.
5/5 - Excellent
Go early - parking lot fills up by 11. Bring your own shade.
3/5 - Okay
Ive been in october and it was awesome but it was so windy. BEAUTIFUL but windy
5/5 - Excellent
Beautiful beach but lifeguards here for a reason! With all Hawaiian beaches, pay attention to what the waves are doing... I got caught in a nasty wave at beach just south of Hapuna one day and almost got a spinal cord injury (not exaggerating)... that was when my husband, son, and lots of other families had been bodysurfing all day! All it takes is one rogue wave, so be careful.
5/5 - Excellent
Free parking, but it's limited. It's a swimmable beach with some shade.
Popular places to visit
Waialea Beach
Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Waialea Beach during your travels in Puako? Wander the seaside or discover the area's sunsets.
Mauna Kea Beach
Visit what was once the most expensive hotel ever built, one of the first resorts in the region.
Hāpuna Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Hāpuna Beach during your trip to Kamuela? Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches, or seek out the snorkeling spots.
Hapuna Golf Course
Play a round of golf at Hapuna Golf Course and enjoy other activities in Kamuela such as snorkeling. Discover the beautiful sunsets and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.
Manta Ray Point
Enjoy an outing to Manta Ray Point during your stay in Kamuela. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this relaxing area.
Puako Bay
Explore the great outdoors at Puako Bay and enjoy the beautiful sunsets during your trip to Puako. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches, or seek out the golf courses.
Best Lodging Options Near Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area
Check availability on hotels close to Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area
- Vacations and getaways similar to Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area
- Other Hotels near Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area, Kamuela
- Hotels near popular Kamuela Attractions
- More Hotel Options in Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Mauna Kea Beach
- Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course
- Mauna Lani Beach
- Waialea Beach
- Puako Beach
- Mauna Kea Resort Golf Course
- Puako Bay
- Mauna Lani Historic Park
- Spencer Beach Park
- Parker Ranch Center
- Hapuna Golf Course
- Waimea Park
- Francis H.I'i Brown North Golf Course
- Mau'umae Beach
- Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
- Mauna Kea Villas #13 w/AC: Luxurious Oceanview, Serene Lanai & Coastal Views
- Ocean Views! Mauna Kea Resort. Beach Gear Include. Kumulani J3
- Ocean Views! Newly Remodeled in 2023! Kumulani D2.
- Beautiful Mauna Kea Condo at Kumulani with Dual Resort Access
- Oceanview Mauna Kea Luxury Villa - Private Pool & Spa - In-home Chefs Available
- Largest Wai'ula'ula Family Residence with Heated Pool & Guest House
- 🏖️Private Pool | Central AC | Concerige Included | Resort Access | vrKCV🏖️
- Stunning Views and Resort Amenities
- ʻOhana Hale in Puako! Rare full Mauna Kea Views, Steps to the Beach, Private.
- Coral Dreams Condo-Top Floor Amazing Views of the Ocean! NEWLY RENOVATED
- PUAKO CONDO 403 ~ 3 BR ~ Top Floor with Ocean View ~ Pool ~ Puako
- Hotels near Mauna Kea Beach
- Hotels near Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course
- Hotels near Mauna Lani Beach
- Hotels near Waikola Village Golf Club
- Hotels near Waikoloa Beach Golf Course
- Hotels near Waialea Beach
- Hotels near Kailua-Kona Beaches
- Hotels near Kohala
- Hotels near Genesis Gallery
- Hotels near Kings Shops
- Hotels near Anaehoomalu Beach
- Hotels near Kiholo Bay
- Hotels near Queens' Marketplace
- Hotels near Makani Golf Club
- Hotels near Mauna Kea Resort Golf Course
- Hotels near Waikoloa Kings Golf Course
- Hotels near Waikoloa Kings' Course
- Hotels near Puako Bay
- Hotels near Queen's Bath
- Hotels near Spencer Beach Park