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Image by Kyle McLeod

TOP BEACHES

Image by Heather Morse

Top 10 Beaches

From Big Island Retreat, Kailua-Kona – Perfect for snorkeling, sea turtles, history and relaxing!

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South Kona / South Coast

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1. Kahaluʻu Beach Park

  • Description: Steps away, calm water, snorkeling, frequent sea turtles.

  • Distance from BIR: Approximately 0.2 miles

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2. Manini Beach

  • Description: A a quiet and peaceful beach located on the
    southern shore of Kealakekua Bay, snorkeling, swimming.

  • Distance from BIR: Approximately 12 miles

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3. Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

  • Description: UNESCO site, royal temples, adjacent to Two Step
    snorkeling.

  • Distance from BIR: Approximately 18 miles

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4. Two Step (Hōnaunau Bay)

  • Description: Lava rock steps, clear water, abundant marine life
    and turtles, excellent snorkeling.

  • Distance from BIR: Approximately 17 miles

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5. Ho‘okena Beach Park

  • Description: Local gray sand, calm bay, occasional turtles, snorkeling and kayaking.

  • Distance from BIR: Approximately 19 miles​

​​North Kona / North Coast

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1.Magic Sands (La‘aloa Beach Park)

  • Description: Famous “disappearing sands,” swimming, bodyboarding, sunsets.

  • Distance from BIR: Approximately 1.5 miles

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2. Kamakahonu (King Kam) Beach

  • Description: Downtown Kona, calm, family-friendly, near Ahu‘ena Heiau temple.

  • Distance from BIR: Approximately 5.5 miles

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3. Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

  • Description: Ancient fishponds, coastal walk, sea turtles.

  • Distance from BIR: Approximately 9.5 miles

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4. Maniniʻōwali (Kua Bay)

  • Description: White sand, turquoise water, swimming, sunbathing. Minimal shade.

  • Distance from BIR: Approximately 19 miles

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5. Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area

  • Description: Island’s largest white sand beach. Swimming, sunbathing, picnics, facilities available.

  • Distance from BIR: Approximately 37 miles

Suggested Itineraries

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Kona Half-Day Trip

  • Kahaluʻu Beach: snorkeling & turtles

  • Kamakahonu Beach: short visit & historic temple

  • Optional: Magic Sands for sunset

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South Kona Full-Day Adventure

  • Morning: Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

  • Midday: Two Step snorkeling with turtles

  • Afternoon: Ho‘okena Beach – swim, kayak, relax

  • Evening: Return to Big Island Retreat

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North Kona Full-Day Adventure

  • Morning: Maniniʻōwali (Kua Bay) – swim & sunbathe

  • Late morning: Makalawena Beach – quiet & snorkeling

  • Afternoon: Hapuna Beach – swimming, sunbathing, picnic
    Or Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park—History & Green sea turtles

  • Evening: Drive back, optional coastal sunset stop

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Image by William Zhang
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