Planning a trip to Hawaii with little ones can feel overwhelming. Finding beaches that are safe and comfortable for toddlers is important.
Some beaches have strong waves or rocky shores that aren’t ideal for small children. I want to help parents and caregivers find the best spots where young kids can play safely and everyone can relax.
The Big Island has several great beaches perfect for families with toddlers. Here are some of my favorites.
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
I saw many families with young kids enjoying themselves at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area. The white sand is soft and wide, which made it easy for me to set up near the shoreline and watch my toddler play in the shallow water.
Lifeguards watch over the beach, which helped me relax while my child played. When the water is calm, the swimming area is nice, but sometimes waves get bigger, so I kept a close eye and avoided swimming when the surf picked up.
The park is big and has plenty of room for picnics. I brought snacks and found shaded picnic tables for a nice break from the sun.
Bathrooms and showers are available, making it easy to clean up after playing in the sand. Parking was easy, but there is a fee for non-residents, and you need a card to pay.
There are cabins, but they were closed when I visited. My child and I took a short walk along the trail and enjoyed beautiful views.
Rating: 4.8 (5574 reviews)
Location: Old Puako Rd, Kamuela, HI 96743
Contact: (808) 961-9540
Website: Visit Website
Kaunaʻoa (Mauna Kea) Beach
When I visited Kaunaʻoa Beach, I noticed the gentle waves right away. The water is clear and shallow near the shore, so toddlers can play without getting knocked over.
The sandy bottom has no sharp rocks, making it comfortable for little feet. There is plenty of space to set up a blanket or shade tent.
I found a shady spot under the trees, which made it more comfortable for my family. Bathroom and shower facilities are close by and were very clean during my visit.
Parking is limited, so I arrived early in the morning to get a spot. The beach is part of a resort area, but you can ask for a beach pass at the entrance for public access.
I liked the calm and safe feeling, which let my toddler run around and play freely.
Rating: 4.8 (863 reviews)
Location: Hawaii 96743
Kahalu’u Beach Park
When I visited Kahalu’u Beach Park, I noticed the calm waters immediately. The lagoon is shallow in many areas, so I could easily watch my toddler splash around safely.
Kahalu’u is known for clear water and colorful fish. I brought our snorkel gear and saw many fish even in the shallow spots.
My child enjoyed pointing out the fish swimming near our feet. Some parts are rocky, so we wore water shoes.
The park has shady spots under trees, which helped us take breaks from the sun. Bathrooms and showers are nearby, which made our visit easier with a little one.
When we went early in the day, the beach was not crowded and felt calm. I noticed the beach hosts children’s and teen programs during the summer.
It felt like a spot where families come often to relax and play together.
Rating: 4.6 (3,923 reviews)
Location: Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Contact: (808) 961-8311
Website: Visit Website
Onekahakaha Beach Park
When I visited Onekahakaha Beach Park, I saw right away how family-friendly it is. Calm, shallow tide pools by the shore let toddlers splash around safely.
The water is clear and warm, and I saw many parents letting their kids try wading for the first time. There are several picnic areas with tables and lots of grass for running and playing.
I appreciated the playground nearby, which gave kids a break from the water. Palm trees provide plenty of shade, which helped keep us cool.
I found picnic shelters for snacks or lunch, which made it easy to relax and eat outside. The beach is clean and well cared for.
Rating: 4.7 (1473 reviews)
Location: 74 Onekahakaha Rd, Hilo, HI 96720
Contact: (808) 961-8311
Website: Visit Website
Hapuna Beach
I recently visited Hapuna Beach, and it was one of the best beaches I have seen for toddlers. The sand is soft and wide, giving my child lots of space to play and build sandcastles.
The area is clean and well-kept, which made me feel safe letting my toddler explore. Public restrooms and picnic spots are close to the beach.
This made our visit easier since we could take breaks and have a snack without going far. Lifeguards are on duty, which gave me extra peace of mind.
The water at the shore was usually calm in the morning, perfect for little kids to splash around. I liked the shady spots under trees, so we could get out of the sun when needed.
Rating: 4.7 (1288 reviews)
Location: Hapuna Beach, Hawaii 96743
Website: Visit Website
Manini’owali Beach (Kua Bay)
I enjoyed my visit to Manini’owali Beach, also called Kua Bay by locals. The soft, white sand is comfortable for little kids to play and walk barefoot.
The water is usually clear and bright blue. There’s an easy path from the parking lot to the beach, but some rocky spots are near the edges, so I kept a close eye on my toddler when we explored.
The waves can get stronger in the afternoon, so mornings are best for quiet play in the shallow areas. There aren’t many shade spots, so bringing a beach umbrella or tent helped.
We packed our own snacks and water since food options are limited nearby. Restrooms and outdoor showers are close to the parking lot, making cleanup after a sandy day much easier.
Rating: 4.8 (1709 reviews)
Location: Kalaoa, HI 96740
Kikaua Point Park
When I visited Kikaua Point Park, I noticed how calm and safe the water looked. The cove is naturally protected, so the waves are gentle.
I felt comfortable letting toddlers play and splash near the shore. Shady spots from trees along the sand helped us take breaks from the sun.
The beach is small and easy to keep an eye on little kids. I saw families enjoying picnics and kids building sandcastles close to the water.
The sand is a bit more coarse, mixed with small bits of shell and volcanic rock. My toddler enjoyed spotting little fish while wading in the shallow spots.
There are interesting volcanic rock formations to explore, including a small sea arch that’s fun to look at. Snorkeling is an option for older kids, but for younger ones, just floating in the shallow water was peaceful and safe.
Rating: 4.8 (658 reviews)
Location: Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Magic Sands Beach Park
I visited Magic Sands Beach Park and found it lively and fun. The waves can get strong, but lifeguards are on duty, which made me feel safer bringing my toddler.
The sand is soft and white, and the area is well-kept. I saw families enjoying the water and people relaxing on the beach.
There are rocky spots along the shore, so I watched where my child played. The beach has enough space to set up towels and umbrellas for shade.
Swimming and playing in the shallow parts was a fun way to cool off. I brought snacks and found a good spot to watch surfers ride the waves.
It’s a popular place, so it was a bit crowded later in the day.
Rating: 4.5 (4771 reviews)
Location: Ali’i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Website: Visit Website)
Makalawena Beach
When I arrived at Makalawena Beach, I noticed the soft white sand and peaceful atmosphere. The beach felt less crowded than others, so I could easily keep an eye on my little one.
The walk to the beach took some time and the path was rocky. I wore sturdy shoes and brought everything we needed for the day.
At the beach, my toddler played in the shallow water near the shore. The waves stayed calm during our visit, making it safe for young kids.
We explored tide pools surrounded by lava rocks and found small fish and crabs. My child enjoyed searching for these little creatures.
Makalawena Beach doesn’t have many facilities, so I packed snacks, water, and sunscreen. We found plenty of shade under the trees, which helped us stay cool.
We enjoyed spending the day away from busy roads and shops. The natural setting made our visit relaxing.
Rating: 4.7 (779 reviews)
Location: HI-19, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Waialea Beach
When I visited Waialea Beach, I saw plenty of shade from trees right by the sand. This made it easy for my toddler to play without too much sun.
The soft white sand and calm water in summer felt safe for kids to splash around. Locals call it Beach 69, named after the phone pole marker at the turnoff.
The parking lot sits close to the shore, so carrying beach toys and snacks was easy. The road is a bit rough and bumpy, but we managed by driving slowly.
I saw families snorkeling near the reefs. The water near shore stayed shallow and clear, making it fun to watch fish with kids.
Showers and restrooms are located near the beach, which made clean-up easier. I noticed the beach gets smaller in winter because of bigger waves, but in summer the sand is wide and the water gentle.
There are no lifeguards, so I watched my child closely. My toddler had a great time playing by the water’s edge.
Rating: 4.6 (1535 reviews)
Location: Waialea Beach, Old Puako Rd, Kamuela, HI 96743
Website: Visit Website
Essential Tips for Visiting Big Island Beaches With Toddlers
Taking a toddler to a Big Island beach means getting ready for sun, sand, and safety. I plan ahead to keep trips smooth and fun.
Safety Considerations
I always check water conditions before going to the beach with my toddler. Some Big Island beaches have strong currents and waves.
I choose beaches with calm, shallow water, like Spencer Beach Park, which is family-friendly and has gentle waves. I keep my toddler within arm’s reach at all times.
Even at beaches with lifeguards, I watch my child closely. I avoid rocky areas and stick to sandy spots to prevent slips or scrapes.
Shade is important for safety. Since the Hawaii sun is strong, I set up under trees or use a beach tent for protection.
I use sunscreen, a wide hat, and UV-protective clothing to help prevent sunburn.
What to Pack for a Day at the Beach
Packing the right gear helps make our beach day easier. Here’s my simple checklist:
- Sunscreen: I bring reef-safe, waterproof sunscreen and apply it often.
- Hats and UV shirts: For extra sun protection.
- Snacks and water: I pack plenty of snacks and a refillable water bottle.
- Beach toys: Shovels, buckets, and floaties keep my toddler busy.
- Swim diapers and wipes: I always bring a few extra just in case.
- Towels and blankets: I like to have something soft for sitting and drying off.
- Change of clothes: After swimming, a dry outfit is a must.
If there are no showers, baby wipes help clean off sand before we get in the car.
Best Times to Visit
I’ve found that mornings are the best time to visit Big Island beaches with my toddler. The sun is not as strong, and the sand stays cooler for little feet.
Beaches are less crowded early in the day, so it’s easier to find shade and parking. I avoid the beach between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. because the sun is harsh and the risk of sunburn is higher.
If we go in the afternoon, I look for shade and take more breaks. In the late afternoon, the temperature is comfortable and the beaches get quieter.
I always check the forecast and tide charts, since weather and tides can change quickly on the Big Island.
Fun Family Activities Beyond Swimming
My kids and I love spending time at the beach. We like exploring new spots and playing simple games to make every beach day special.
Exploring Tidal Pools Safely
I look for beaches with shallow tidal pools when I visit the Big Island. These pools let curious toddlers see little fish, crabs, and sea snails up close.
We talk about what we find, practicing colors and counting together. I check that the rocks aren’t slippery and remind my child to walk, not run, to avoid falls.
I bring water shoes to protect our feet from sharp rocks or shells. Before exploring, I look at the tide schedule to visit pools when the water is low.
We use a small bucket and a kid-friendly net to gently observe sea creatures. We always put them back where we found them, teaching gentle care for wildlife.
Toddler-Friendly Beach Games
Simple games keep my toddler active and happy at the beach.
We love having a sandcastle contest. I help my child create simple towers, walls, and moats with buckets and shovels.
We decorate our creations with seashells and sticks to add more fun.
Running games like “Follow the Leader” are great on the soft sand. I walk in wavy lines or tiptoe, and my toddler copies me.
We also play “beach bean bag toss.” I draw a circle in the sand, and my child throws bean bags or small stones inside.
This game helps my toddler practice hand-eye coordination.
I pack extra snacks, plenty of water, and a sun hat for my toddler.
These routines help us stay safe and entertained during a day at the beach.
