Kona Coast State Park (Kekahakai State Park):

Sandy beach and dunes, picnic area with tables and portable toilets. A 4.5-mile hike North through this wilderness park on the historic Ala Kahakai coastal trail leads to Kua Bay. Midway, a hike to the summit of Pu’u Ku’ili, a 342-foot high cinder cone, offers a coastline view. Dry and hot with no drinking water. On Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway (Highway 19), 2.6 miles north of Kona International Airport, turn Makai (down) off of highway at sign indicating Kekahakai State Park. The unpaved 4-wheel drive road is about 1.5 miles in length, leading you to the Mahai’ula beach section.

Kua Bay (a part of Kona Coast State Park/Kekahakai State Park):

A paved road winds around Pu’u Ku’ili, a 342-foot high cinder cone. Picnic tables, public restrooms and showers. On Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway (Highway 19), about 3 to 4 miles North of Kona International Airport, turn Makai off of highway at sign indicating Kua Bay, Kekahakai State Park. Follow the paved road to the beach.

Old Airport Beach Park (Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area):

There is a football and baseball field as well as a hockey rink near the entrance. Drive to the end of the old airstrip and relax for lunch at one of the many picnic tables along the shoreline. There is a popular surf spot as well as many tide pools and a walking trail. Restrooms and showers are located near picnic tables and pavilions. Follow Kuakini Highway all the way to the North end; make a left into the Old Airport Beach Park.

Pahoehoe Beach Park:

This oceanfront park is a great place for a picnic, sunset or relaxation. Nice grass and shady trees make this an ideal park for gatherings. The shoreline access is rocky, so use caution if you enter the ocean. Public showers and a portable restroom. Located at the South end of Alii Drive about a half block North of White Sands Beach Park.n.

White Sands Beach Park (Magic Sands, La’aloa Beach Park):

This small beach is unique because the sand disappears and re-appears, depending on the water and surf conditions. This spot is used for body boarding, body surfing and swimming when the sand is in and the waves aren’t too big. Showers and portable restroom. Located a few miles out of Kailua-Kona along the ocean on Alii Drive.

Kahalu’u Beach Park: Kahaluu Beach:

One of the best snorkeling spots in the world

This black sand beach is used for snorkeling and swimming. The bay is protected by an outer reef and rock formation. This beach is very popular and is ideal for snorkeling with calm waters and vast ocean life. Lifeguards may be on duty. Showers and restrooms. Located on Alii Drive about 3 miles South of Kailua-Kona.

Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park & Captain Cook Monument:

Small beach with public restrooms and showers. Rent or bring kayaks and kayak over to Captain Cook Monument. There are no kayak rentals down in the bay, look into rentals before turning off highway. Swim, snorkel or just enjoy the historic surroundings. On Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 11) about 15 miles from Kailua-Kona turn Makai on Napo’opo’o Road. Follow the windy road down towards the ocean. Turn right at the “y” and follow road to the beach park area on the right.

Pu’uhonua O Honaunau Place of Refuge:

This National Historical Park preserves the site where, up until the early 19th century, Hawaiians who broke a kapu or one of the ancient laws against the gods could avoid certain death by fleeing to this place of refuge or "pu`uhonua". The offender would be absolved by a priest and freed to leave. Defeated warriors and non-combatants could also find refuge here during times of battle. The grounds just outside the Great Wall that encloses the Pu`uhonua were home to several generations of powerful chiefs.

The 182 acre park, established in 1961, includes the Pu`uhonua and a complex of archeological sites including: temple platforms, royal fishponds, sledding tracks, and some coastal village sites. The Hale o Keawe temple and several thatched structures have been reconstructed. Located about 30 miles South of Kailua-Kona,Kainaliu, Captain Cook and Kealakekua. Watch for the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau sign at the horseshoe bend and turn Makai. Drive down to the ocean following signs.

Natural Energy Laboratories of Hawaii (OTEC, NELHA):

Nice sandy white beach with a large tide pool used for swimming and exploring the ocean life. Watch the planes fly directly overhead on their way to land at the airport. Bathrooms and showers are located to the right of beach. Just a short drive off of the highway, N.E.L.H.A. is located about 2 miles South of the Airport on Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway (19). Turn Makai off of the highway at the Natural Energy Laboratories of Hawaii’s entrance, follow the road straight down until you see the beach with picnic tables and barbecues and tide pool.

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach:

This popular beach is used to snorkel or watch the turtles sunbathe on shore. The bay is privately owned but the state area of beach is on the south end. Take Highway 11 South from Kailua-Kona all the way past Kau. Turn Makai at the sign on highway indicating Punalu’u Black Sand Beach and Sea Mountain at Punalu’u. This road will lead you down to the beach.

Wailea Bay (Beach 69’s):

Wailea Bay has soft white sand and crystal clear waters that make this beach ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxation. This beach is in a protected cove with trees for shade. One restroom facility, sink and shower are located near the center of the beach at the entrance. Located about 5 miles from Kawaihae and about 45 miles north of Kailua-Kona Town. Turn Makai off Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway (Highway 19) into Puako. Drive down Puako road for about 2 blocks and take the first right and follow road about a quarter mile. Wailea Bay Beach access road and parking will be on your second left.

Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area:

Hapuna Beach

One of the more popular sandy beaches here on the Big Island

Hapuna is a long wide white sand landscaped beach park with swimming during calm seas, bodysurfing during periods of shore breaks, sunbathing and other beach related activities. Two picnicking shelters. During high surf, there are dangerous rip currents and pounding shore breaks. Lifeguards may be on. Two restrooms and two public shower areas. About 2.3 miles South of Kawaihae and about 45 miles North of Kailua-Kona, turn Makai off of Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway (Highway 19) into Park area.

Spencer Beach Park and Historic Pu’ukohola Heiau:

Spencer Beach Park is a protected sandy beach, with no waves or small waves. Easy entrance for children. There are easy paths from the parking area and public rest rooms. At Spencer Park is Pu'ukohola Heiau (temple), Hawaii's most famous and largest Heiau. Another small Heiau as well as an information shack and nice trails to the coast are all at the same location. Located a half mile South of Kawaihae and about 45-48 miles North of Kailua-Kona.

Anaeho’omalu Bay…. “A Bay”:

This salt and pepper sand beach is located on the ocean side of the Outrigger Waikoloa Resort is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and windsurfing. Many boat cruises depart from “A Bay”. The nearby Outrigger Resort offers a large choice Luau with great entertainers. The historical King's Trail runs nearby and there are over 2-acres of petroglyphs, rock shelters, trails and ancient sites scattered throughout the area. This lovely beach is perfect for swimming, diving and snorkeling and is fairly well protected from strong surf due to the offshore reef. Inland from the beach is a large ancient Hawaiian fishpond. The pond was used for raising mullet for the Royal Ali’i of the times. The pond is ringed by palm trees and educational plaques along the surrounding trail. Located about 30 miles North of Kailua-Kona town. Take Highway 19 North from Kona toward the Kohala Resort Area. Turn left at Mile Marker #76. Turn left at the road across from Kings' Shops. Park behind the tennis courts.

Waipi’o Valley State Park:

2,000 foot cliffs surround this spectacular valley. Freshwater streams criss-cross and waterfalls are scattered around valley walls that meet the Pacific Ocean. There is a large grey-black sand beach that stretches from wall to wall of the valley. Wild horses roam the valley; explore the functioning wet taro fields, worked by the locals and valley inhabitants. The views will take your breath away as you see the vast area of the valley and sights to be seen. Access to the valley floor is only through a good four-wheel drive vehicle, hiking, horseback or a local tour company. Hiking down the narrow steep roadway is a strenuous hike so exercise caution and bring lots of drinking water. There are restrooms and a grassy area at the lookout point, but there are no facilities down in the valley. Located off of Highway 19, drive through Honoka’a and take Highway 240, 8 miles West of Honoka’a to the very end of the road which ends at the Waipi’o Valley Lookout.