Hapuna Beach

Hapuna Beach is a favorite local location on the Big Island of Hawaii for snorkeling. It is a one-mile-long white sand beach with aqua water. The calm and tranquil beach allows people to swim in the shallow water or take their time and walk along the shoreline. The Ulua Fishpond, or Hapuna Lagoon, is also nearby.

The views of all the different colors of sand make it easy to spot patterns. The array of colors is perfect for a day to relax from work or for a quick splash after soccer practice. There are fabulous snorkeling opportunities in Hapuna Beach, and there is plenty of room to sunbathe, walk or picnic. Picnic tables and public restrooms are provided.

There are many fish species here, including Black Dorado, Spanish Mackerel, Blue and Yellow Tang, Crabs, Green Moray Eels, Wrasse, and Wild Prawns. There are also shellfish in the water, such as Shells and sponges.

Snorkeling is done close to shore in the calm water. Snorkelers can swim as far as they like without being in deep water. 

Many types of sea life can be seen on a snorkel tour, such as Blue Winged Snapper, Parrot Fish, Nudibranchs, and Sea Cucumbers. In addition, Humpback Whales are often seen in the winter months.

It is an excellent place for beginners to get the taste of snorkeling before spending time in deeper water. The reef can be reached with the help of a local guide but improves your snorkeling experience if you know how to swim well. There are many coral gardens, and you can find colorful sea life along the way. It is a great starting point for a scuba diving trip as well.

Hapuna Beach is located on the west side of the island of Hawaii in the town of Kohala. The beach has a paved path down to the beach, and there are shower facilities. The path is slightly steep, so you need to watch your step. Remember, this is a natural area, and you can see interesting plants and rocks at the bottom of the ocean. It is an excellent place for both kids and adults.

The Hapuna Beach Camp is not an overnight facility. It is only for day use by tourists and visitors to Hapuna Beach Park. The camp lets you enjoy your vacation at Hapuna Beach without worrying about finding a place to stay that night.

Hapuna Beach is located on the Windward side of the Big Island (Hawaii), between Kawaihae and Kailua-Kona. The beach is relatively isolated, but several convenient places are nearby, including the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel, Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, Four Seasons Hualalai Resort, and Fairmont Orchid hotel.

There are public restrooms outside the Beach House restaurant and parking near the surf shop, store, showers, and lockers. You can get food near the Beach House restaurant or have your picnic lunch along the beach if you prefer not to eat at the restaurant.

The famous snorkeling spots are located near the ocean entry and deep in small caves, rock grottos, and shallow troughs.

The surface area of the water is quite deep for snorkeling – at least 20 feet in some places. Many fish, shrimp, crabs, squid, and critters are swimming around. If you don’t want to snorkel, you can provide a place for fish to swim by sitting on the sand or even floating on your back as if you were swimming.

Beachgoers can enter the water anywhere. There are no ropes or buoys near the ocean entry, so swimmers can swim out to sea to find a reef, sand flat, or other exciting snorkeling location.

The visibility is often fair to excellent, depending on the day. Be sure to bring your snorkel and fins, plus sunscreen and a hat if you intend to be in the water for a while. Unless you are booking this location with us, we provide all your snorkeling equipment if you don’t have your own that you prefer to use.

It is hard to get lost on this beach as there is only one road in and one out. Just follow the road out, and you will be back at the parking lot in no time.

Some beachgoers try to swim out as far as possible. Others swim a few feet out and back. You can find an excellent place to go all along the beach. The sand is firm enough for those who don’t want to get their feet wet, and there are even some shallow caves along the beach for those who like small caves and caverns to explore.