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"Where are the beaches?" This is perhaps the number one question asked by the thousands of visitors to the Big Island each year. You know they're here, but finding the best beaches the island has to offer can involve somewhat of a learning process. The most important thing about finding the right beach for you is understanding the way the beaches differ, namely, by the color and texture of the sand. Click Here for Beach Detail.


Many of the world's best beaches
are in Hawaii...
What are you waiting for?
(Kekaha Kai Beach Park)

The white sand beaches are probably the most popular and among the biggest beaches the island has to offer, although there are some smaller white sand beaches also. The white sand is soft and the fine and it is gentle on the bottoms of bare feet. White sand beaches can be ideal for certain types of activities, like sun bathing, swimming and body boarding, but sometimes not so hot for SCUBA diving or snorkeling, as the sand may cover the reef. Of course, if there's no reef, there are no reef fish. Click Here for Beach Detail.

Gray sand beaches can be found almost anywhere on the island. They are generally smaller in size, and of rocks and pebbles. Tenderfoots should be sure to take slippers or reef walkers with them. Gray sand beaches often offer ideal conditions for snorkeling and SCUBA but may not be great for body surfing or boogie boarding. The sand is rough and there is oftentimes many areas of exposed rock and reef. Click Here for Beach Detail.

Black sand beaches are rare in the world and fascinating. Like white sand beaches the sand you find there is usually very fine and easy to walk on, if not too hot. Black sand is created either from the natural erosion of volcanic rock, or the instantaneous shattering of molten lava hitting cold seawater. These beaches can take literally thousands of years fo form or less than a year. You can find these beaches on South facing shores of the Big Island. Click Here for Beach Detail.

Saving the best for last, there is the famous green sand beach that lies just East of South Point. Accessible only by four wheel drive (or 3-mile hike) you may find the olive green sand of this beach mesmerizing. Click Here for Beach Detail.

Please remember, those of you who may find yourself tempted to take some of our rare and precious sand home with you, that this is considered kapu (forbidden), and will not only deplete our wonderful island of the very thing that makes it unique, but will incur the wrath of the Hawaiian spirits who will certainly bring you misfortune. Also, don't leave anything behind on the beach, as trash only takes away from the beach's natural beauty. Please show your aloha spirit and treat our beaches with the respect they deserve. Click Here for Beach Detail.

Snorkeling Tips

BE PREPARED - Rent high quality snorkel equipment from your favorite beach gear rental shop. Properly fitted fins and mask, de-fogger, sunscreen and fish I.D. card will make snorkeling much safer and more fun. Talk to the rental shop staff to learn the current surf conditions and consult the beach chart in this guide for the best snorkel spots.

BE CAREFUL - Never snorkel in high surf conditions, and since you should never snorkel alone, check your equipment fit and function with you buddy. No hair in the mask? Snorkel positioned correctly? Comfortable? Then ease yourself in and practice in the shallows. Once you feel relaxed and confident, venture into deeper waters, but never beyond the capabilities of your buddy. Snorkel equipment will not make you a better swimmer so go no further than you would without the equipment. If either you or your buddy feels tired, cold or anxious, head back to the beach.

BE RESPECTFUL - The reef is a living animal. What may look like just rocks or plants is most likely thousands of tiny organisms, trying to build a home. Therefore, enter, exit and rest only on sandy bottoms and bare lava, and never dive in! Approach fish slowly, you'll find they respond best to the passive viewer, not the fish chaser! Green sea turtles are protected by law, so do not touch or disturb them and they will probably swim to you. Also be careful not to stand on the coral, as it can be very fragile. Take away only pictures and leave behind only a ripple!

HAVE FUN - With the right equipment, the appropriate precautions, and respect for the fragile marine environment, you may find that Hawaii below sea level is the best part of all!

Body Boarding Tips

THE EQUIPMENT - Rent the appropriate equipment from your favorite beach gear rental shop; a board that suits your ability and size, and the proper fins. Of course body boarding could become body board floating or body board crashing, so find out about the current conditions and best locations.

THE SURF - It will not take you long to discover that the sea is a mighty force so always exercise caution, especially during high surf conditions. If you're not an experienced boarder, start with waves that are 1 to 2 feet and break over sand. If the surf is up, catch the wave after it breaks and ride the white water to the beach. Since all beaches are different and even change from season to season, ask other boarders about the surf, obstacles and current. Play it safe, body board with people of similar skill, get advice from the locals, and make friends!

BODY BOARDING ETIQUETTE - Once you have chosen a spot, observe how the other boarders are riding the waves. The locals will take turns with one or two boarders per wave to maximize the fun and minimize collisions. Learn from and respect the experienced boarder before trying some of the advanced moves yourself. Remember, there will always be another day and another wave so be careful.

Shore Diving Tips

BE QUALIFIED - Diving is for qualified and certified divers only. If you are not certified or haven't been diving for a while, dive only with a certified instructor. If you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with your dive site, seek advice from an instructor or certified diver who has been diving there before.

BE PREPARED - Rent quality, carefully maintained, and properly fitted equipment from a reputable dive shop. Get a thorough briefing from the dive shop staff about your proposed dive site. Get all the current conditions (visibility, surf, etc.) and complete your dive plan before heading out. Be sure you aren't planning any other activities (flying, etc.) that can compromise safety.

BE CAREFUL - Completely check out the dive site, and especially the surf conditions, before making the decision to dive. If the site looks good, make a snorkel dive first of the entry spot and surrounding area to familiarize yourself with conditions and hazards. Never dive alone or beyond your abilities or the abilities of your body.

©Copyright 2002-2003 by Alaka'i Publishing. P.O. Box 5516, Kailua-Kona, HI 96745. Phone 808-334-0344, Fax 808-327-9411, Email: mail@beachactivityguide.com All right reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. So there!