Mauna Kea Beach curves in a perfect half-moon on the sunny Kohala Coast, where the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has stood since 1965 and Laurance Rockefeller first chose this cove for its unusual white sand. Unlike the island's volcanic black shores, this pocket of crushed coral and shell sits sheltered between two lava points, its soft texture drawing beachgoers who spread towels beneath the shade of kiawe trees. The water grades from turquoise at the tideline to deep sapphire where the seafloor drops, and you'll spot green sea turtles surfacing near the rocks on both ends of the bay.
“The Big Island's most celebrated white-sand beach exists as a rare coral-built anomaly on an overwhelmingly volcanic coastline.”
Credit: FlickrHawaii Big Island Kona Hilo 395
Snorkeling is best along the northern point, where the lava formations create ledges and caves that shelter schools of manini, parrotfish, and the occasional whitetip reef shark gliding over sand channels. Bodysurfers and boogie boarders work the middle of the beach when swells arrive, timing their rides on waves that break fast and close to shore. You'll need to arrive before 10 a.m. to claim one of the limited public parking spots—the lot fills quickly, and the resort strictly enforces the count.
The beach takes on different moods throughout the day: mornings bring glassy water ideal for swimming laps parallel to shore, midday sees families camped under umbrellas, and late afternoon light turns the white sand amber while spinner dolphins occasionally cruise the bay. Showers and restrooms sit near the parking area, and a short path winds through the resort's lower lawn if you want to admire the Hawaiian art collection indoors.
