When I visit the Big Island of Hawaii, I always look for quiet spots away from the crowds.
The island has many hidden beaches where I can relax and enjoy the natural beauty in peace.
These secluded beaches offer a special escape for those who want a more private experience.
Each hidden beach has its own charm.
Whether I want to swim, watch wildlife, or just listen to the waves, I can find a beach that feels like it was made just for me.
Waialea Beach
I found Waialea Beach tucked away on the sunny west coast of the Big Island.
Locals also call this spot Beach 69 because of the nearby pole marker.
The path to the sand is a little rough, but I felt it was worth it once I arrived.
The beach has soft white sand and some shade from trees, which makes it comfortable even on hot days.
The water stays calm in the summer but gets rougher in the winter, and there are no lifeguards.
I used the public showers and restrooms, which made it easy to rinse off after a swim.
I love snorkeling at Waialea Bay, especially in the southern part where the reef stretches into deep blue water.
Colorful fish and coral fill the area, and sometimes people see humpback whales from the shore during winter months.
This beach feels quieter and less crowded than the bigger beaches, especially during the week.
Parking is close by, so bringing my gear down is easy.
The rules protect the marine life, making it a good place to enjoy nature.
Rating: 4.6 (1535 reviews)
Location: Old Puako Rd, Kamuela, HI 96743
Website: Visit Website
Mau’umae Beach
I found Mau’umae Beach to be quiet and peaceful.
It sits away from the crowds and feels almost hidden.
The walk to get there is easy, with a short trail shaded by trees.
The sand at Mau’umae is soft and light-colored.
The water was calm when I visited, perfect for swimming and floating.
A few families visited, but there was plenty of space to relax.
There aren’t many facilities here, so I brought my own snacks and water.
The area felt safe and clean.
Parking was simple, and I found a spot easily.
I spent most of my time in the water, enjoying the clear views of the coast.
Rating: 4.7 (270 reviews)
Location: Mau’umae Beach, Hawaii
Makalawena Beach
When I went to Makalawena Beach, I noticed how peaceful and quiet it was.
Getting there takes some effort since I walked about 20 minutes over a rocky lava path.
The walk felt like an adventure.
The sand at Makalawena is soft and white, making it comfortable to walk barefoot or relax on a towel.
Large lava rocks line the shore, giving the beach a unique look.
The waves are usually gentle, which makes swimming feel safe.
Makalawena feels very natural.
There are no buildings or food stands, and I didn’t see any crowds.
A couple of lava pools are perfect for relaxing in the water while looking out over the ocean.
I always bring my own water and snacks, because there aren’t any shops nearby.
Rating: 4.7 (779 reviews)
Location: HI-19, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Kekaha Kai State Beach
I found Kekaha Kai State Beach to be peaceful and not crowded, even on a sunny weekend.
The drive in feels a bit bumpy, but stepping onto the soft sand felt like finding a hidden spot.
There is plenty of room to spread out, so I never felt cramped.
The water is clear, and the waves were gentle when I visited, which made swimming easy.
Sometimes the surf can be rough, so I always check before going in.
There are no lifeguards or drinking water here, so I bring what I need for the day.
I enjoyed hiking along the coastal trail and exploring different sections of the beach.
Walking to the top of Pu’u Ku’ili gave me a great view.
There is also a picnic area with tables, so I brought my lunch and enjoyed the scenery.
Rating: 4.6 (2140 reviews)
Location: Kekaha Kai State Beach
Website: Visit Website
Shipman Beach / Haena Beach
I recently hiked out to Shipman Beach, also known as Haena Beach.
The beach felt tucked away from the usual crowds.
Getting there means walking through a lush forest, which adds to the feeling of discovery.
The trail isn’t hard, but it can get muddy after rain, so I wore sturdy shoes.
When I reached the beach, I saw a calm, protected cove with soft, light-colored sand.
Only a few other people were there, so it felt peaceful.
The gentle sound of the waves was relaxing, and I found a spot just for myself.
The area has lots of shade from the trees, which is great for escaping the sun.
The water was clear, but swimming isn’t always safe because of rocks and currents.
I waded at the edge and enjoyed the view.
There’s no road access to the beach, so I brought everything I needed on the hike.
I didn’t see any facilities or restrooms, so I packed out all my trash.
Rating: 4.4 (222 reviews)
Location: Keaau, HI 96749
Contact: (757) 247-7649
Pōhue Beach
When I visited Pōhue Beach, I felt like I had discovered a quiet spot far from the usual crowds.
The beach is remote, and getting there takes some effort, but that’s part of what keeps it peaceful.
The sand is dark, and the shoreline stretches out with few footprints around.
I walked for a while and only saw the ocean, lava rocks, and the wide sky.
The gentle waves made it a calming place to sit and watch the water.
There are no lifeguards or big signs, so I stay careful, especially if I go alone.
There isn’t much shade, so I bring extra water and sun protection.
Because the area is so quiet, it’s easy to relax and enjoy the sounds of nature.
Rating: 3 (15 reviews)
Location: Pōhue Beach
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
When I first heard about Papakōlea Green Sand Beach, I wasn’t sure what to expect.
The hike to get there is about 2.5 miles each way over rocky paths and windy fields.
It takes some effort, but the distance keeps the crowds away and makes the spot feel peaceful.
The sand is green because of olivine crystals found in the surrounding cliffs.
Standing on the shore, I saw sparkling olive-colored grains mixed with the waves.
The bay is shaped like a small crescent, with clear water and big scenic views.
Swimming is possible, but I stay careful because the waves can be strong.
The quiet makes it easy to sit and listen to the ocean.
I bring plenty of water and sunscreen since there aren’t any facilities.
I wear sturdy shoes for the hike and go early to avoid the midday sun.
It’s important to respect the land because this area is special to local people.
Rating: 4.6 (2046 reviews)
Location: Naalehu, HI 96772
Website: Visit Website)
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
When I visited Hapuna Beach, I loved the wide, long stretch of soft white sand.
The waves stayed gentle early in the day, so swimming felt relaxing.
As the day went on, the waves grew bigger, and I watched experienced bodysurfers enjoy the surf.
Lifeguards watched over the beach, which made me feel safe in the water.
I found shaded picnic areas where I could relax and enjoy a snack out of the sun.
Showers and restrooms were nearby, so I could easily wash off the salt and sand.
Even though many people visit Hapuna Beach, I still found some quieter corners to lay out my towel away from most crowds, especially during weekday mornings.
The beach park is big enough that it never felt too packed.
I also walked along the Ala Kahakai Trail and enjoyed beautiful ocean views.
Non-residents pay by credit card only, and parking costs a little extra if you drive in.
I noticed some A-frame shelters, but they were closed when I visited.
Rating: 4.8 (5574 reviews)
Location: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
Contact: (808) 961-9540
Website: Visit Website
Ke‘EI Beach
When I arrived at Ke‘EI Beach, I noticed how peaceful and quiet it felt.
The sand was soft and the water looked clear.
Not many people were around, so I easily found a spot to relax.
I found a few tide pools with small fish and enjoyed watching them.
Palm trees offered some shade, which helped me stay cool during the hot afternoon.
Getting to the beach was a bit tricky because the road is rough and the signs are hard to spot.
I wore sturdy sandals for the rocky areas near the shore.
Swimming felt safe, but I watched out for strong waves at times.
I saw a few locals fishing and families having small picnics, which made the beach feel welcoming and calm.
Rating: 4.1 (15 reviews)
Location: Honaunau-Napoopoo, HI 96704
Two Step Beach
I found Two Step Beach tucked away next to Hōnaunau Bay.
The main draw is the snorkeling.
I entered the water from the lava shelf, which turned out to be much easier than I expected.
The rocks form big “steps” right into the clear water.
When the waves are calm, it’s simple to get in and out.
I saw bright fish right away, and a green sea turtle glided by just a few feet from me.
Other people told me dolphins often swim by in the mornings.
The water is usually calm, but it can get bumpy when swells roll in, so I stayed alert.
There isn’t much sand for spreading out a towel, but a small beach area sits near the boat ramp.
That spot has shallow, protected water, so families with young kids seemed to enjoy it.
I noticed some picnic tables and a couple of barbecues if you want to bring food.
Parking fills up fast, and you’ll probably need to use the parking lot across the street.
The beach area can get busy, especially on weekends.
If you want to see more, Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park is right next door.
Rating: 4.7 (577 reviews)
Location: Two Step Beach, Captain Cook, HI
Website: Visit Website
What Makes the Big Island’s Secluded Beaches Unique?
I notice that the hidden beaches on the Big Island stand out because of their scenery and wildlife.
Many beaches are surrounded by lava rocks, unique sand colors, and quiet, natural settings.
Natural Features and Coastal Landscapes
When I visit secluded beaches on the Big Island, I see that volcanic activity shapes the coastlines.
Many beaches have black or green sand, which comes from the island’s lava rocks and minerals.
For example, Ke’ei Beach has white sand mixed with black lava fragments, giving it a unique look and feel.
Some beaches are hard to reach, often hidden behind rough roads or trails.
This keeps crowds away and lets me enjoy the tranquil coastline almost by myself.
I often spot tide pools with colorful stones, and some beaches have dramatic cliffs or shaded groves nearby.
Each one feels like a secret place that few people know about.
Wildlife Encounters and Marine Life
I often see wildlife up close on these quiet beaches.
Sea turtles are a common sight along the shore, sometimes even sunning on the sand.
If I snorkel in the clear water, I can spot different types of tropical fish and sometimes manta rays.
Secluded coves like Kukio Beach are great for seeing tide pool creatures and watching seabirds.
With fewer visitors around, the animals seem more relaxed and easy to watch.
I never know what I’ll see each time I visit one of these hidden spots.
For more about the unique features and wildlife, you can check out these hidden beaches on the Big Island or explore some secluded Kona coast beaches.
Tips for Respectfully Visiting Remote Shores
When I visit secluded beaches, I try to leave them just as beautiful as I found them.
Taking care of the environment and staying safe helps keep these special places unspoiled.
Sustainable Travel Practices
I always pack out everything I bring, including trash and food scraps, to protect nature.
Many of these beaches have fragile plants and wildlife, so I avoid walking on dunes or touching coral.
If I need sunscreen, I use reef-safe brands to keep the ocean safe for fish and turtles.
Sometimes I see signs asking visitors to avoid certain areas, especially if seabirds are nesting or turtles are resting.
I respect these signs and keep my distance.
I never take shells, rocks, or sand because they belong to the beach.
Instead, I take photos and memories home with me.
I also try to travel with a small group and keep noise down.
This helps wildlife feel safe and lets other people enjoy the peace and quiet.
Simple habits make a big difference for Hawaii’s remote shores.
Safety Considerations for Adventurous Beachgoers
Reaching a hidden beach feels exciting. Before I go, I check the weather.
I bring plenty of water and snacks. If I need to hike, I wear sturdy shoes.
Some remote beaches lack cell service. I tell someone where I am going and when I’ll return.
Strong currents and sudden waves can be dangerous. I watch the ocean carefully.
I avoid swimming alone and stay out of the water where there are warning signs. If I want to snorkel, I make sure my gear fits well.
I wear a rash guard to protect my skin from the sun. I always follow local rules and obey posted warnings.
Emergency help may be far away, so I stay alert. I make smart choices to stay safe.
