4 curated experiences
Kohala Coast
Turquoise lagoon and black-lava bay north of Kona with green sea turtles in the shallows; a fifteen-minute walk in from the highway lot. Bring water — no shade.
Kohala Coast
Shaded white-sand beach south of Hāpuna with the best beginner snorkelling on the coast, then a sunset drink with feet in the sand at Lava Lava Beach Club in Waikoloa. Her standard Kohala afternoon.
Kohala Coast
The most consistently swimmable beach on the Big Island — a half-mile crescent of white sand with warm, clear water and reliable surf conditions for bodyboarding. Consistently voted Hawaii's #1 beach for swimming. Almost no shade on the beach itself; the Hapuna Beach Resort above rents umbrellas. In winter (November–February) north swells build and the beach becomes excellent for bodyboarding, though non-swimmers should check conditions. A restorative contrast after days of lava and volcanoes.
North Kohala
The most dramatic valley viewpoint on the Big Island — a sweeping panorama over Pololū Bay and the green-walled valley, with the north Kohala sea cliffs stretching beyond in both directions. The 10-minute descent to the black sand beach is steep but manageable and completely worth it (swimming is prohibited due to powerful shore break and currents). The black sand, wild vegetation, and total isolation create a landscape that feels genuinely primordial. An ideal drive-and-stop on the way back from a North Kohala day.