Hapuna Beach: One of the Best Family Beaches on the Big Island

Hapuna Beach is one of the best traditional beach stops we found on the Big Island. If you are looking for a broad sandy beach with easy access and family-friendly amenities, this is a strong option.

There is plenty of parking, and near the beach entry there is a payment kiosk. Bathrooms are available, along with places to rinse off your feet. There are also showers and more rinse stations closer to the beach itself.

One fun little detail: there were wild chickens along the walkway heading down to the beach, and up in the parking lot there were even two covered pay phones. That is not why you go, obviously, but it adds character.

There are pavilions with picnic tables for meals, a lifeguard stand, bike racks, and even single covered picnic tables up higher with views overlooking the beach. That last part is especially nice if some people in your group want the view without necessarily spending the whole time down in the sand.

The beach itself feels more like what many people picture when they think of a classic tropical beach—broad sand, bordered by palm trees and other local trees. At the same time, a few large lava rocks and some shallow-water rocky areas keep it from feeling generic. It still feels very much like Hawaii.

We actually took time there to sit in our chairs, settle in, and pray for some unspoken needs of a friend. That alone tells you something about the feel of the place. It is beautiful, but it is also the kind of place where you can exhale.

Final Take

Great beach for families. Great beach for a slower pace. Great beach even if not everyone wants to be in the water the whole time.

Pair this with Manta Rays from the Shore at Copper Bar and then head back to our full Big Island guide.