Every Hawaiian trip needs that perfect beach day. Here’s our Top 5 Beaches pick.

Kamakahonu Beach

A quaint beach within steps from Pacific 19 hotel.

Region    Kona    |    Miles from P19    0.1 mi
Time from Hotel    1 min. walk
Coordinates    19°38’19” N, 155°59’51” W

Kamakahonu Beach, or often called King Kam Beach due to its proximity to the King Kamehameha Hotel, is a nice, small beach located just a few steps from Pacific 19 hotel. While it’s not a large sprawling white sand beach like some of the more iconic spots on the list, it’s great for a quick dip or to take in a Kona sunset. Google Map

Magic Sands Beach Park

An unfussy beach good for picnics and sunsets just a few minutes drive from Pacific 19 hotel.

Region    Kona    |    Miles from P19    4.2 mi
Time from Hotel    10 min. drive
Coordinates    19°35’42” N, 155°58’20” W

Located along Ali‘i Drive, about 3 miles south of Kailua-Kona’s downtown, Magic Sands (or White Sands) makes for a great half-day beach trip when you want a proper white sand experience but don’t want to haul yourself to the farther, more iconic spots along the Kohala Coast. However, its convenient location does tend to attract crowds at peak times. The unique shore break makes for great boogie boarding. However, you’ll find most visitors bobbing in the water just past the waves. The winter months can bring rough waters, though, so be careful and follow lifeguard and safety sign instructions. Google Map

Kua Bay

Easily accessible three-quarter-mile white sand beach that makes for a perfect beach day.

Region    Kona    |    Miles from P19    13.3 mi
Time from Hotel    20 min. drive
Coordinates    19°48’35” N, 156°0’23” W

Kua Bay (or Manini’owali Beach) has direct driving access and parking available, making it the most accessible beach within the incredible Kekaha Kai State Park. It boasts a three-quarter-mile white sand beach backed by lava rock and features a reef that makes for great swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking. Due to its easy access, it is very popular, so it is recommended to visit on weekdays or arrive early on weekends. Due to the reef that extends along the shoreline, fine sand, and easy water access, Kua Bay makes for a great swimming experience. While not the best on the island, snorkeling is very nice here as well, and you’re likely to encounter a variety of ocean life. There are also lifeguards on duty daily, and conveniently, there are also restrooms and showers available. If you’re looking to explore the state park on foot, there are hiking trails that lead to other amazing (and more secluded) beaches. Google Map

Kiholo Bay

Black sand beaches, Green Sea Turtles, and a natural freshwater pool.

Region    Kona    |    Miles from P19    19.0 mi
Time from Hotel    45 min. drive
Coordinates    19°51’17” N, 155°55’24” W

Kiholo Bay is a unique location due to its diverse features—black sand beaches, excellent marine life, and ancient Hawaiian history. Kiholo Bay is a protected series of calm, turquoise tide pools, a result of the mix of freshwater and seawater, inside a picturesque bay. It’s a great place to spend a beach day, especially if you want to be a little more off the beaten path. Here, you’ll find beautiful views, Green Sea Turtles, a freshwater pool, and swimming spots to explore. No facilities are available, so be prepared with plenty of water for your visit. Google Map

Two Step Beach at Honaunau Bay

One of the top snorkel spots on the Big Island.

Region   Captain Cook   |   Miles from P19   22.1 mi
Time from Hotel    40 min. drive
Coordinates    19°25’24” N, 155°54’52.” W

Honaunau Bay’s (or Two Step Beach) incredible turquoise water and coral reefs make it among the best places in all of Hawaii to enjoy world-class snorkeling. There isn’t a sandy beach area at Honaunau, just a smooth pahoehoe (lava rock ledge), creating the famous Two Step entry point into the water. And, sometimes you’ll be lucky enough to be visited by Hawaiian spinner dolphins coming out from the deeper parts of the bay. Google Map