My family spent the 4th of July at this beach on our recent vacation. It was a very nice day, going much better than I expected for a holiday at the beach.
There were a lot of people but at no time did it feel overly crowded, a nice contrast to other beaches where I’ve been overwhelmed by the crowds on a regular day much less July 4. I guess this is what happens when you’re on an island full of nice beaches. :)
We arrived at 8:30am and were able to claim a spot under a tree with a picnic table just across the sidewalk from the sand/beach. This made a great home base for the day. There were a number of these spots which slowly filled up through the day, along with some large covered picnic pavilions. By around noon a lot more people had shown up and it was somewhat crowded in the water but still much better than literal elbow to elbow spacing on the beach that I’ve endured elsewhere.
Our daughter and her friend also set up camp on the beach with their towels and an umbrella they rented. There is a rental stand near the parking area (up the hill from the beach). It is cash only but otherwise very convenient and manned by very friendly staff. Umbrellas were $10. Boogie boards and scuba gear could also be rented. (Return time is 4:00pm).
A lot of people brought in food but there is also a cash only concession stand in the same spot as the rental window. They had a pretty extensive menu (I had a great Kalua pork sandwich), including shave ice to our delight.
The beach itself was great. The water was warm and clear and the waves were gentle early in the day. Later on the water was choppy but nothing super rough as I had heard may happen. We had a great time and spent a lot of time in the water. If you swim down to the left side of the beach there is a great sea cave you can see and even access at low tide (use caution, as the waves crash hard against the rocks in this cove).
We couldn’t have asked for a better holiday at the beach.
A few more logistics: Entry fee is $5 per car. There is a decent amount of parking but I would advise going in the morning to make sure it isn’t full. Rentals have to be returned at 4:00pm. The park closed at 4:30 when we were there; I’m not certain whether this was due to the holiday or if this is a regular time.
Plenty of shade, and a great snack bar. The price is $5.00 for admission. On certain days the price is reduced! Lots of friendly folks to visit with, you’ll for sure meet tons of nice people. If you’re prone to getting sunburn consider wearing lighter clothes the sun is VERY harsh at times. Aloha! P.S. you may need an umbrella
Residing permanently in KAILUA KONA, HI my resolution hasn't changed... HAPUNA BEACH is the greatest/best beach I have even experienced or know of.
This is a beautiful beach with a snack bar and a great place to spend a day. It was just my wife I, but I would suggest that this is family-friendly through. Just back to road and considered the same park is a beautiful shady area but with a separate entrance. I don’t like to be in the sun long, and at this location did not need an umbrella. If you’re at the main location that has the snack bar, you will need an umbrella if you get burned easily. Hope to get there again someday!
Always fun to go to this beach. Plus it’s like one of the only nice beaches on the whole island and it can be relatively calm. It’s a bit of a drive depending on where you’re staying but isn’t everything in the big island? Very large and not over crowded both on weekends and weekdays. If you do not have a Hawaiian in the car with you you will have to pay $5 per car load. No big deal. And well worth the 5$. Love it here!
