Picture paradise: Hapuna Beach. It is not only beautiful but also has shaded picnic tables with great views, showers, snack bar, and the warmest, friendliest waters you'll ever see, even coral reefs where plenty of tropical fish call home, just a few yards from shore to have some snorkeling fun.
If in the Big Island you must go.
Locals know this beach well. They know it for its long sandy beach and scenic attraction.
What tourists may not know is that this beach is either #1 or #2 for the most serious, back or neck breaking accidents in the entire hawaiian islands. My father was reduced to a former athlete after suffering neck fractures and partial paralysis on a smallish day of waves. The power is deceiving and the consequences permanent. On a flat day this is a wonderful place and is often so in the summers, in autumn and winter, novices beware, do not be fooled by the locals having great fun in the breakers.
A beach just like you dreamed of! Go in the morning during the week. You may have it all to yourself. Snorkeling is decent.
I had read about this beach being one of the nicest in the US, but also that it gets crowded, so we should go early. We did go early and noticed that the crowds started to arrive by about 10:30, so it is definitely good for parking to get there before then. Parking for nonresidents is $5. As expected, the beach is pretty, nice scenic views, lovely white sand, pretty blue water, nice and warm. We stayed in the water for quite some time, because it was so relaxing, easy to float with the waves. There isn't shade on the beach itself, but there are shaded picnic tables overlooking the beach as well as shaded tables at the snack bar. There are umbrellas, chairs, etc. for rent, and bathrooms. It is a nice, well maintained beach state park, a great value.
They have huge roofed tables and benches so if you don't wanna stay under sun all the time you can also retreat there. Or have lunch/snacks there. They also have a shower so you can refresh before heading home. The parking for one vehicle is 5 USD per day I think.
