Kauna‘oa Beach (Mauna Kea)

A nationally-ranked beautiful, white sand crescent beach fringed with palms and naupāka is a great place for swimming and snorkeling due to the gradually sloping sandy bottom, except during heavy winter surf. Get there early since public parking passes are limited. Lifeguard, restrooms and showers are available. There is a reason that Laurence Rockefeller visited this site in 1960 and chose to build the Kohala Coast's first resort on this pristine beach. You'll feel like you're in a real life Corona commercial as you relax at this idyllic spot. Located through the entry gate to Mauna Kea Beach Resort off Hwy 19.

62-100

This splendid, large white sand beach with clear turquoise water is great for swimming, snorkeling and body boarding. See Maui’s Haleakalā across the big blue Pacific. It’s crowded on the weekends and shade is scarce, so plan accordingly. Be careful of the strong rip currents and shore break. There is a lifeguard, picnic areas, snack stand, restrooms and showers. Located off Hwy 19, it is adjacent to The Westin Hāpuna Beach Resort with plenty of public parking spaces. The park has free admission for Hawai’i residents and is $5 for visitors. There are also camping permits available.