by Kim LaPat
Travel Editor, Emma Spencer Living

The Big Island’s ecosystem personifies diversity, with landscapes ranging from arctic tundra to lush, green rainforest to dry, scorched lava—and everywhere in between. That’s part of the reason tourists love coming to Hawaii—that and the beaches, of course!
With Hawaii’s unique coastline, there’s no shortage of spectacular beaches. But like so many attractions on the Big Island, our beaches are anything but cookie-cutter in nature. Each has its own personality and its own strengths and distinctions. Some are ideal for snorkeling, others are perfect for surfing, while some are best suited as sunbathing and picture-taking spots. Even the sand is anything but ordinary. There’s white sand, of course, but we’ve also got beaches with black sand and green sand!

White Sand
If you’re looking for the stereotypical white sand beach, don’t worry, we’ve got them! The Kona Coast (on the west side of the island) is lined with miles of picturesque beaches loved by tourists and locals alike. Among them is the Big Island’s most popular, Hapuna Beach (pictured, left), which boasts plenty of parking, picnic areas, clean restrooms, showers, and a snack stand. With nice waves that don’t typically get too high, it’s great for boogie boarding, body surfing, and swimming. This gorgeous beach is often found on lists of the “world’s best beaches.”

Further south is Honaunau Bay, a spot with a small, white sand beach that’s best known for its easy-in/easy-out snorkeling. With crystal-clear waters that range from 3 to 30m deep, families love exploring this area and sometimes catching sight of a dolphin or two. There’s a nominal fee to park at Honaunua Bay, but it’s well worth the price, especially with the Pu-uhonua o Honaunau National Park a stone’s throw away at the South side of the bay.

Black Sand
On the East side of the island are a string of Hilo beaches that are quite different, but just as stunning as those on the Kona Coast. The contrasting effect of rocky, black-lava shorelines and black sand against a backdrop of turquoise waters provides a breathtaking panorama. Many of the “beaches” on the Hilo side have no sand to speak of, but instead have a rocky, jagged lava coastline. Still, they’re beloved for their tidepools, fantastic snorkeling opportunities, and gorgeous scenery. At Richardson Ocean Park, however, there’s a narrow black sand beach. This Hilo area beach is a favorite for snorkeling and swimming. Another beach with a small black sand area is Leleiwi Beach Park, where sea-turtles and plenty of fish can be spotted while you’re swimming or snorkeling.

Further south, but also on the Hilo side of the island, is one of the world’s most unforgettable beaches, Punalu’u Beach, also known simply as Black Sand Beach (pictured, right). Here, an expansive beach of smooth, black sand is not only picture-perfect; it’s a hot-spot for green sea turtles—literally. The majestic honu enjoy the warmth of the black sand, which is made of basalt, a substance formed from lava flowing into the ocean, cooling, and breaking into small bits. Although swimming is not recommended, watching the sea turtles and walking through the warm black sand is reason enough to visit this island gem. Just remember, don’t touch or disturb the protected honu—it’s against the law!

Green Sand
In South Hawaii, a remote beach called Papakolea is an adventurer’s dream come true. The out-of-the-way beach is only accessible via a somewhat daunting 2 ½-mile hike or by using a rugged ATV. However, if you’re up for the challenge, the reward is out of this world! Like something out of a movie, the secluded spot features a green sand beach situated in the cinder cone of an ancient volcano. It’s the olivine crystals that are washed out of the cinder cone that causes the sand to be green. Although you’ll probably want to devote a good part of your day to reaching and exploring Green Sand Beach, it will be a day you never forget. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a picnic lunch or snack—and don’t forget your swimsuit, towel, and of course, a camera!

The trifecta of sand on Big Island’s beaches allow you to explore and experience the wonder of one of the world’s most diverse and beautiful places.