Planning a family trip to the Big Island of Hawaii can feel exciting but also a bit overwhelming. With so many beautiful spots, it can be tough to know which beaches are best for kids and families.
I want to help you find the top family-friendly beaches on the Big Island so you can relax and enjoy your vacation. You can look forward to safe swimming, gentle waves, and plenty of places where everyone can have fun together.
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
I spent a sunny day at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area and loved how open and spacious it felt. The white sand stretches a long way, so it never felt too crowded, even with lots of families around.
The waves were fun but not too rough in the morning, making it good for swimming. Lifeguards watched over the beach, which made me feel safe letting kids play in the water.
During times of high surf, big and strong waves can appear, but signs warn about water safety. I saw some people bodysurfing and others just relaxing on the sand or under the shade of trees.
Picnic tables and restrooms are easy to find, and there are plenty of places to sit down and enjoy snacks. I noticed some hiking trails along the edge of the park, which would be fun for families who like a little adventure.
Staff keep the park clean, and I found parking easily. There is an entrance fee for non-residents and a parking fee, but the clean facilities and beautiful setting make it worth it.
I also noticed cabins for rent, though they were closed when I visited.
Rating: 4.8 (5574 reviews)
Location: Old Puako Rd, Kamuela, HI 96743
Contact: (808) 961-9540
Website: Visit Website
Magic Sands Beach Park
I recently spent an afternoon at Magic Sands Beach Park, and it was a great spot for families. The white sand beach is perfect for playing or relaxing, and the waves have enough energy for bodyboarding or surfing.
A lifeguard watched over the beach, which made me feel safer when swimming with kids. The beach is a bit smaller than some others nearby, but that gives it a cozy feel.
I liked how easy it was to watch everyone in my group without feeling crowded. When the waves get bigger, the sand sometimes washes away to reveal black lava rocks, which is interesting to see.
We packed snacks and sat in a shady area near the shore. Restrooms and showers are close by, so cleaning up after swimming was simple.
It’s a popular spot with both locals and visitors, but I still found it relaxing.
Rating: 4.5 (4771 reviews)
Location: Ali’i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Website: Visit Website
Waialea Beach
When I walked out onto Waialea Beach, I saw why so many local families call it “Beach 69” because of the nearby pole marker. The sand was soft and white, and the trees gave me plenty of shade, which came in handy on a sunny afternoon.
Snorkeling here was a real treat. The southern part of the bay has some of the best reefs I’ve seen on the Big Island, and I spotted lots of colorful fish without having to swim far.
I saw a few people scuba diving, and everyone enjoyed the clear, calm water. The gentle slope of the beach made wading comfortable and safe for younger kids when the surf was calm.
Parking was pretty convenient, even though the road was a little bumpy. I followed Old Puako Road, turning between the telephone poles with the right numbers.
There aren’t lifeguards, so I had to keep an eye on everyone in my group, especially when the waves got higher in the winter. Public showers and restrooms are nearby, which made it much easier for my family.
We packed a picnic and enjoyed the peaceful surroundings. It was a relaxed and fun beach day.
Rating: 4.6 (1535 reviews)
Location: Old Puako Rd, Kamuela, HI 96743
Website: Visit Website
Kahalu’u Beach Park
I spent a sunny afternoon at Kahalu’u Beach Park and found it to be one of the best spots for families to enjoy the ocean on the Big Island. The water is calm and shallow, so I felt comfortable letting kids splash around close to shore.
A reef sits not too far out, and I saw bright fish and even a sea turtle while snorkeling. Many families waded and swam, and every kid seemed excited about spotting something new underwater.
The beach isn’t very large, but there was enough room to spread out and find a place for our towels. Smooth lava rocks at the water’s edge made the area interesting to explore.
Everything felt relaxed, and the crowd was friendly.
Rating: 4.6 (3923 reviews)
Location: Kahalu’u Beach Park, Kailua-Kona, HI
Contact: (808) 961-8311
Website: Visit Website
Ho‘okena Beach Park
I love bringing my family to Ho‘okena Beach Park because it feels like stepping into old Hawaii. The gray sand and big stretch of coral reef make it great for kids to play and explore.
When we visited, we saw a few local fishermen getting their canoes ready, and it was interesting to watch them work. The water is usually calm and clear, which is ideal for swimming and snorkeling with little ones.
We rented snorkel gear right at the beach, and the underwater views amazed us with so many colorful fish. Sometimes the waves pick up, and local boogie boarders put on a fun show close to shore.
Ho‘okena stands out for its strong Hawaiian culture. The village has a real sense of history, and you can still see parts of the old pier along the sand.
If you want to stay longer, you can even camp at the park and fall asleep to the sound of waves.
Rating: 4.6 (1311 reviews)
Location: Ho‘okena Beach Park
Contact: (808) 328-8450
Website: Visit Website
Kekaha Kai State Beach
I recently visited Kekaha Kai State Beach and loved how peaceful it felt. The soft, sandy shore is perfect for building sandcastles or just relaxing under the sun.
A few picnic tables sit near the beach, so I brought my lunch and enjoyed eating by the water. Walking along the coastline trail was a real highlight for me.
The Ala Kahakai trail is about 4.5 miles long and takes you past dunes and lava rocks, with views of sparkling blue water. If you like hiking, you can also climb up Pu’u Ku’ili, a big cinder cone, for a great view of the area.
When the water is calm, swimming at the beach is fun and refreshing. There is no lifeguard, so I made sure to keep a close eye on the waves, especially since rip currents and shore breaks can be dangerous.
Kua Bay, at the north end, has clear water and soft sand, but the waves sometimes get pretty strong. There isn’t any drinking water, and it can get very hot and dry.
I brought lots of water and sunscreen with me and recommend others do the same.
Rating: 4.6 (2140 reviews)
Location: HI-19, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Website: Visit Website
Kaunaʻoa (Mauna Kea) Beach
When I arrived at Kaunaʻoa Beach, I noticed right away how calm and clear the water looked. The sand was soft and the beach was wide, making it easy to find a spot for my family to relax.
Shade trees lined the edge, which helped when the sun got hot. Swimming here felt very safe because the waves were gentle and there were hardly any rocks in the water.
Some kids built sandcastles close to the shore while parents watched nearby. I also saw families snorkeling together and pointing at little fish in the clear water.
The beach is a little hidden behind the Mauna Kea hotel, so I had to park in a special lot and walk down a path. The walk wasn’t long, and the view as I got closer to the ocean made it worth it.
The whole area felt peaceful and clean.
Rating: 4.8 (863 reviews)
Location: Kaunaʻoa (Mauna Kea) Beach, Hawaii 96743
Makalawena Beach
When I arrived at Makalawena Beach, I felt like I had found a hidden gem.
The walk to the beach goes over a rough lava path, but seeing the white sand and clear water made it worth it.
The area feels peaceful, and I didn’t see many crowds.
The beach has soft sand that is perfect for playing or lying down.
Black lava rocks line the edges and create interesting tide pools in some spots.
I liked how the waves stayed gentle most of the time, so kids could splash around safely near the shore.
I noticed there is not much shade, so I recommend bringing an umbrella or extra water.
Since the area feels remote and there aren’t any shops, I packed snacks for the afternoon.
A few locals enjoyed the water and relaxed near the lava pools, which gave the place a friendly vibe.
Rating: 4.7 (779 reviews)
Location: Makalawena Beach
Kohanaiki Beach Park
I found Kohanaiki Beach Park to be one of my favorite family spots on the Big Island.
The area mixes soft sand with a rocky shoreline and feels calm and relaxing.
I like spending a few hours here with kids.
The park offers clean toilets, showers, and a good parking lot.
Security guards watch over the area all day, which made me feel comfortable staying longer.
The park’s gate closes at 9 PM and opens at 5:30 AM, so I planned my visit around those hours.
Kohanaiki is also great for camping.
If you want to stay overnight, you need to get a permit and pick up a parking pass at the guard shack.
I saw many families setting up campsites near the beach.
Rating: 4.7 (780 reviews)
Location: PX23+72, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Contact: (808) 961-8311
Website: Visit Website
Onekahakaha Beach Park
When I walked into Onekahakaha Beach Park, I noticed right away how calm the water was compared to other beaches nearby.
The shallow wading pools make it easy for kids to splash around.
The bottom is mostly sandy with only a few rocks, so swimming and playing feel comfortable.
There are plenty of picnic shelters, so I found a nice spot to sit and enjoy lunch under some trees.
Kids laughed on the playground, and families grilled nearby.
The area felt safe and very clean.
I also saw people snorkeling in the gentle pools, looking at small fish and shells.
The waves stayed calm, which is great for anyone not used to the ocean.
It was relaxing to sit by the shore and listen to the water.
The beach isn’t huge, but it never felt too crowded during my visit.
I appreciate the peaceful vibe and how easy it was to keep an eye on kids since the pools are close together.
Rating: 4.7 (1473 reviews)
Location: 74 Onekahakaha Rd, Hilo, HI 96720
Contact: (808) 961-8311
Website: Visit Website
What Makes Big Island Beaches Ideal for Families
I love visiting the Big Island because its beaches are perfect for families who want a safe and fun experience.
Calm waters, soft sand, and easy access make trips to the beach enjoyable for kids and grown-ups.
Family-Friendly Beach Safety Tips
Keeping my family safe is my top priority at the beach.
Many of the Big Island’s best family beaches have gentle waves or protected lagoons, so children can play in the water without strong currents.
Onekahakaha Beach Park has calm waters and a lifeguard tower, which gives me peace of mind.
Lifeguards watch over popular beaches and make sure people follow both posted rules and safety guidelines.
Before we go, I always check for warning signs and talk to my kids about water safety.
I teach them about reef protection, watching out for rocks, and staying close to me.
It’s smart to bring reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and extra water since the Hawaiian sun can be intense.
If I see jellyfish warning signs or rough conditions, I pick another day to swim.
Facilities and Amenities to Look For
When planning a beach day, I look for places with family-friendly features like clean restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.
Beaches such as Hapuna Beach are well-loved because they have large parking lots, shaded areas, and snack bars.
This makes my visit much more relaxing, especially with young children.
I like easy access to the water, so I choose beaches with flat entry points or paths for strollers and coolers.
Tables, grassy spots, and playgrounds let kids take breaks from swimming.
Rinse-off stations help everyone stay clean and comfortable before heading home.
Having these facilities nearby makes my beach trips smooth, stress-free, and fun for the whole family.
Seasonal Considerations and Best Times to Visit
I find that the timing of my trip is just as important as the beach I pick.
The season changes how busy the beaches are, the weather I experience, and even how safe the water is for my family.
Weather Patterns and Ocean Conditions
The Big Island has a wet season from November through March. A drier season stretches from May to September.
I choose mid-April through October when I want the most sun and calm water for swimming.
April, May, September, and October usually have clear days and gentle ocean conditions. Fewer crowds visit during these months.
Families who want great weather and fewer people find these months ideal.
During winter, higher surf, rain, and stronger currents often affect the north and east shores. I check for posted warnings before I go out.
