When I visit the Big Island of Hawaii, I always get excited to spend time at the beach. The island offers many beaches with different kinds of waves, making it a great place to try bodyboarding.
Finding the right beach makes bodyboarding safer and much more fun. I want to share what I’ve learned so others can enjoy catching waves on the Big Island too.
Kekaha Kai State Beach
When I visited Kekaha Kai State Beach, I found a big stretch of sand and clear blue water. The beach stays dry and hot most days, so I brought plenty of water because there’s no drinking water available.
I saw people swimming, bodysurfing, and relaxing on the sand. When the waves get bigger, bodysurfing and bodyboarding become exciting, but you need to watch out for strong rip currents and high surf, especially if the waves are over three feet.
The Mahai’ula section has a wide sandy beach that’s great for hanging out or having a picnic. I found some picnic tables under trees for shade.
I walked part of the trail along the coastline and hiked up a cinder cone for a great view. Maniniʻōwali (Kua Bay) at the north end of the park felt a bit busier but is perfect for swimming and sunbathing when the water is calm.
During bigger surf, only experienced bodyboarders should go in since there are no lifeguards.
Rating: 4.6 (2140 reviews)
Location: View on Google Maps
Website: Visit Website
Magic Sands Beach Park
When I arrived at Magic Sands Beach Park, I noticed right away how lively the spot felt. The white sand and clear water attracted people looking to have fun in the waves.
Many locals and visitors come here for bodyboarding. The waves can be strong and are perfect for riding, especially during summer.
Lifeguards watch over the beach, which made me feel safe to join in. The beach can get crowded, but I still found a spot to drop my towel and watch the action.
There are rocky areas along the shore, but most of the main beach is soft sand. The changing waves make each visit feel different.
It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the ocean, because sometimes the sand washes away, leaving more rocks exposed.
Rating: 4.5 (4771 reviews)
Location: Ali’i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Website: Visit Website
Hapuna Beach
When I went to Hapuna Beach, I saw right away how wide and open the sandy area was. There’s plenty of space to spread out, and many families and locals relaxed and played in the water.
The waves stayed steady, making bodyboarding fun. Lifeguards watched over the beach, so I felt safe in the surf.
The water was warm, and the beach was very clean. I took breaks in the shaded picnic areas and used the clean restrooms.
Besides bodyboarding, I found it easy to unwind there. The peaceful setting felt far from the busy world.
After my session on the waves, I walked along the shore and watched the sunset.
Rating: 4.7 (1288 reviews)
Location: Hapuna Beach
Website: Visit Website
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
When I hiked to Papakōlea Green Sand Beach, I noticed the unusual olive-green color of the sand right away. It’s not something you see every day, and it made the trip feel special.
The walk to the beach is a bit long, but the views along the way are beautiful. Once I arrived, I found the bay calm and the water clear.
The beach felt quiet compared to others. The waves are not very big here, so bodyboarding works better for beginners and people looking for a gentle ride.
I saw a few others floating near the shore, enjoying the mild surf. The cliffs around the beach gave me a great spot to rest and take in the scenery.
Getting down to the sand can be tricky, so I wore sturdy shoes. There are no lifeguards or bathroom facilities, so I packed what I needed and stayed extra careful in the water.
Rating: 4.6 (2046 reviews)
Location: Naalehu, HI 96772
Website: Visit Website
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
I visited Hapuna Beach, and it’s perfect if you love bodyboarding. When the waves pick up, people catch really nice shore breaks.
If the surf is more than 3 feet, only experienced riders should go in. Lifeguards watch the beach, which made me feel safer.
The beach is wide with soft sand and lots of room to spread out. On calm days, the water stays clear, but when the swell is up, it becomes a bodyboarding hotspot.
I found good spots near the middle of the beach, where the waves break clean and not too close to the rocks. There are shaded picnic areas, showers, and restrooms, which made it comfortable to stay for a few hours.
I noticed a hiking trail along the coast, but I mostly stayed near the action in the water. The park is well taken care of, and even though it can get crowded, it didn’t feel overwhelming.
If you plan to drive, you’ll need to pay for parking if you don’t live in Hawaii. There’s an entrance fee for non-residents, but it’s worth it.
During my visit, I saw families, solo travelers, and groups all enjoying their day.
Rating: 4.8 (5574 reviews)
Location: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
Contact: (808) 961-9540
Website: Visit Website
Pine Trees Surfing Beach
When I went to Pine Trees, I saw right away that it’s a spot where locals hang out. There’s a laid-back vibe, and people grill or relax by the water.
The sound of waves and the smell of BBQ made the place feel inviting. The waves here attract surfers and bodyboarders.
Some of the breaks are strong, so I saw more experienced riders catching waves. A few beginners watched and learned from the shore.
The beach isn’t huge, but there are plenty of good spots to pick from. Tide pools line the edges of the beach, and I spent time looking for fish and crabs in the shallow water.
It’s a nice way to take a break from the waves if you want to explore. There are no lifeguards, so I stayed aware of the conditions the whole time.
The parking area is close by, which made it easy to carry my board and gear. The lot fills up fast, especially on weekends, so coming early helped me get a spot.
Rating: 4.6 (314 reviews)
Location: Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Honoli’i Beach Park
When I got to Honoli’i Beach Park, I noticed the waves right away. Local bodyboarders come here because the surf breaks close to shore.
The black sand and smooth rocks make it look different from other beaches on the Big Island. There is a steady crowd, but everyone was friendly and shared the waves.
I saw people of all ages, from beginners to more skilled riders, having fun in the water. The current can be strong sometimes, so I paid close attention when I went out.
Palm trees and a big grassy area line the shore, making it a nice spot to relax after a session in the water. Parking can fill up on busy days, but the view and easy access to the waves are worth it.
Rating: 4.7 (509 reviews)
Location: Wainaku, HI 96720
Website: Visit Website
Honl’s Beach
I visited Honl’s Beach during my trip to Kailua-Kona. This spot quickly became one of my favorite places for bodyboarding.
The waves stay pretty consistent, especially in the summer. They provide just enough challenge for both beginners and those with some experience.
The beach is not very large, but the locals and visitors create a friendly, laid-back vibe. Getting in the water is easy, and the sandy shore makes it comfortable to relax between sets.
I noticed some rocks in the water, so I watched my step while entering and exiting the surf. Parking can be tight if you arrive later in the day.
I brought my own board, but I also saw people renting gear nearby. There are grassy spots and a few shady trees where I could leave my things and take a break.
If you need a snack or drink, you can find food options within walking distance. I liked not having to drive anywhere after being in the water.
Rating: 4.4 (490 reviews)
Location: Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Website: Visit Website
Mauna Kea Beach
When I arrived at Mauna Kea Beach, I saw a wide stretch of soft, white sand. The water looked crystal clear and calm.
Bodyboarding here was fun because the waves are gentle but consistent, especially in the afternoons. I saw kids and adults catching waves close to shore, which made the spot feel safe and beginner-friendly.
Lifeguards watched over the beach, which helped me relax while enjoying the water. Parking filled up quickly in the morning, so I arrived early.
The walk from the parking area to the beach took just a few minutes. Showers and restrooms were available nearby.
I liked finding shaded spots under the trees for breaks from the sun. The peaceful scenery, with palm trees and blue water, made the experience even better.
Rating: 4.8 (85 reviews)
Location: Kamuela, HI 96743
‘Alula Beach
I found ‘Alula Beach tucked away in a quiet cove just north of the harbor in Kailua-Kona. The beach has soft white sand and a calm, relaxing atmosphere.
The clear water made it easy for me to spot fish from the shore. The waves here are smaller than at other Big Island beaches, so I didn’t see many serious bodyboarders.
It’s a nice spot for beginners or anyone wanting a gentle ride. When I visited, a few families floated around and the vibe felt laid-back.
What stood out to me was how uncrowded it felt compared to places like Magic Sands. I could hear the waves and wind without loud music or big groups.
It’s also great for swimming and snorkeling, with plenty of room to explore. I found easy parking next to the beach, which made my visit smooth and hassle-free.
Rating: 4.3 (22 reviews)
Location: Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Bodyboarding Conditions on the Big Island
I check the local weather and surf reports before heading out because conditions change fast. Wave height, wind, and crowds can affect my day at the beach, so I plan ahead for safety and fun.
Best Seasons and Weather
From my experience, the best bodyboarding happens in the summer months (May to September) on the Big Island’s west side beaches like Kua Bay and Hapuna Beach. The water is warmer, and the surf is more consistent but usually still safe for beginners and kids.
In the winter months (October to April), bigger swells hit the island, especially the east and north shores. These stronger waves offer more challenge but can also be risky for less experienced riders.
I always check current beach warnings and look for lifeguards. I also pay attention to trade winds; mornings are often calmer before the winds pick up.
Extra sun protection and staying hydrated are important because the sun can be strong even on cloudy days.
Typical Wave Types to Expect
On the Big Island, I find a mix of wave types. Most popular bodyboarding beaches like Kua Bay and Hapuna Beach have mostly sandy bottoms and gentle breaking waves.
These waves are perfect for riding and safe for most ages and skill levels. Some areas near Kona have reefs, where waves break faster and in shallow water.
I only go to reef breaks if I have experience and feel confident. Otherwise, I stick to sand breaks, which are more forgiving and easier to access.
Here’s a quick list:
- Sand breaks (gentle, rolling waves): safer, good for learning
- Reef breaks (quicker, stronger waves): better for advanced riders
Knowing the type of break at each beach helps me pick the best spot for the ride I want.
Safety Tips for Bodyboarding in Hawaii
Staying safe while bodyboarding in Hawaii is important. I always pay attention to ocean conditions and use the right equipment to avoid danger.
Rip Currents and Ocean Hazards
I check the beach conditions before getting in the water. Some beaches on the Big Island have strong rip currents, rocks, and powerful shorebreaks.
I never swim or bodyboard alone. If I get caught in a rip current, I stay calm and swim parallel to the shore to escape.
I avoid standing on wet rocks because waves can knock me over. I always respect signs and warnings at the beach.
Listening to local lifeguards gives me important information about hazards. For more on avoiding hazards and understanding rip currents, I use the ocean safety tips for Hawaii as a helpful resource.
Recommended Gear and Local Guidelines
Using the right gear makes bodyboarding safer and more fun. I always bring a good bodyboard, a pair of fins, and a leash to keep my board close.
Wearing a rash guard or surf shirt helps prevent board rash. This is especially helpful during long sessions.
I only bodyboard at beaches that allow it and I follow any posted rules. Some beaches are better for beginners, like Hapuna or Kua Bay.
Other beaches might be too advanced. I avoid crowded spots to lower the risk of collisions.
For more tips on what to bring and where to go, I check important safety information for shoreline access on the Big Island.
