Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area
Hāpuna, Kohala Coast
The Big Island's Long White-Sand Beach — Calm in Summer, Rough in Winter
Hāpuna Beach is the Big Island's longest white-sand beach, about half a mile long, with clear water and almost no rain on the Kohala Coast. In summer (roughly May–October) the water is calm for swimming and snorkeling, with the gentler slope at the southern end; in winter (roughly November–March) larger swells bring a strong shore break and dangerous rip currents, the domain of experienced bodyboarders.
A lifeguard is on duty year-round per one guide (another source says only occasionally, so confirm on arrival). The beach has restrooms, cold showers, a drinking fountain, and a covered picnic pavilion, but no food concession is operating, so bring food and water. Non-residents pay $10 per vehicle plus $5 per person (children 3 and under free), by card only at the gate; the lot is small and can fill by mid-morning, with gates closing when full. DLNR lists daily hours of 7 AM–7:30 PM, with gates closing at 8 PM.
Current status (DLNR notice dated October 8, 2026): the park is open, but the Waialea section is closed for fallen trees, camping and cabins are closed, and the beach concession is temporarily closed. Check DLNR before you go.
Why Roamwise recommends this
A classic Kohala Coast beach day — best in summer, a watch-the-waves stop in winter.
Best for: families, swimming and snorkeling in calm months, a full beach day with shade and facilities.
Insider tip: go early, bring your own food, and in winter treat anything over about 3 feet as expert-only.
- Hazards / conditions:
- Winter swells bring a pounding shore break and dangerous rip currents (waves over about 3 feet are expert-only). Snorkelers should not go alone — visibility near shore is low and they're out of lifeguard sight.
- Safety notes:
- Lifeguard coverage is reported year-round by one guide and 'occasionally' by another — confirm on arrival. Non-residents: $10 per vehicle plus $5 per person (card only); confirm current rates. Per a DLNR notice dated Oct 8, 2026, the Waialea section and camping are closed for fallen trees and the beach concession is temporarily closed.
- Weather sensitivity:
- Calm summers (May–Oct); winter (Nov–Mar) surf and currents are stronger.
- Best arrival time:
- Early morning, before the lot fills
- Cost:
- Non-residents: $5 per person plus $10 per vehicle, by card. Hawaiʻi residents are free. (checked October 2026)
Reviews: Google MapsYelp
Local tips
- •Waves over about 3 feet bring dangerous rips and shore break — expert-only.
- •Bring food and water
- •no concession is operating.
- •Pay by card at the gate
- •the lot can fill by mid-morning.
- •Check DLNR for the Waialea section and camping closures.
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