Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
- https://www.virginiabeach.com/
- Virginia Beach, VA 23451
About This Beach
Hapuna Beach, located on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island, is one of Hawaii’s most spectacular and beloved beaches — famous for its half-mile stretch of white sand, gentle turquoise waves, and year-round sunshine. As one of the largest and most accessible white-sand beaches on the island, Hapuna offers ideal conditions for swimming, bodyboarding, snorkeling, and simply soaking up the sun.
Part of Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, this beach is consistently ranked among the “Top Beaches in the U.S.” by Dr. Beach and TripAdvisor. It’s a favorite for families, couples, and travelers looking for a picture-perfect Hawaiian day by the ocean.
📜 History & Unique Features
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Name Meaning: “Hapuna” means “spring” or “pool” in Hawaiian, reflecting the area’s once-freshwater springs.
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State Park Designation: Managed as part of the Hawaii State Parks system, ensuring clean facilities, lifeguards, and conservation protection.
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White-Sand Rarity: The Big Island is known for lava-rock coastlines, making Hapuna’s vast white sands a unique natural treasure.
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Proximity to Resorts: Located near the Kohala Coast’s luxury resorts — like Mauna Kea and Hapuna Beach Resort — yet remains open to the public.
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Morning: Calm waters and cooler temperatures — ideal for snorkeling and swimming.
Winter (Dec – Mar): Occasional higher surf; excellent whale watching.
Summer (May – Sep): Perfect beach conditions with calm, clear water.
Year-Round: The Kohala Coast averages 350+ days of sunshine per year!
Winter (Dec – Mar): Occasional higher surf; excellent whale watching.
Summer (May – Sep): Perfect beach conditions with calm, clear water.
Year-Round: The Kohala Coast averages 350+ days of sunshine per year!
Things To Do
Popular Activities
- Swimming: Calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for families and casual swimmers (especially in summer).
- Bodyboarding: Gentle rolling waves ideal for beginners and kids.
- Snorkeling: Coral reefs and fish-rich waters at the north and south ends of the bay.
- Sunbathing & Picnicking: Wide sandy area with shaded pavilions and picnic tables.
- Whale Watching (Winter): Spot humpback whales breaching offshore from December to April.
- Beach Walks: Stroll along the entire length of the beach or connect via coastal trail to Mauna Kea Beach.
- Photography: Capture postcard-worthy views of the white sand contrasting with dark lava and blue ocean.
Amenities
Nearby Amenities
- Lifeguards on duty daily
- Restrooms and outdoor showers
- Picnic areas and covered pavilions
- Ample parking (paid)
- Food vendors (seasonal)
- Snorkel gear and beach rentals nearby at Hapuna Beach Resort
Beach Hours
Beach Hours
Open Now
Open 24/7
Hours/Lifeguards
Hours/Lifeguards
Open Daily: 7:00 AM – 6:45 PM
Lifeguards: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Park Gate: Closes promptly in the evening
Lifeguards: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Park Gate: Closes promptly in the evening
Pricing
Pricing
Beach Access: Free
Parking: $10 per vehicle (non-residents), free for Hawaii residents
Rentals: Chairs & umbrellas ~$25–$40/day; Snorkel gear ~$20–$30/day
Nearby Resort Access: Day-use passes available at The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
Parking: $10 per vehicle (non-residents), free for Hawaii residents
Rentals: Chairs & umbrellas ~$25–$40/day; Snorkel gear ~$20–$30/day
Nearby Resort Access: Day-use passes available at The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
Food & Drinks
Food & Drinks
Snack Shack (Seasonal): Offers drinks, sandwiches, and shave ice.
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort: Fine dining, bars, and casual beachfront options within walking distance.
Nearby Puako: Small general stores and cafés within a 10-minute drive.
Tip: Bring your own picnic or cooler — tables and shade are available.
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort: Fine dining, bars, and casual beachfront options within walking distance.
Nearby Puako: Small general stores and cafés within a 10-minute drive.
Tip: Bring your own picnic or cooler — tables and shade are available.
Events & Festivals
Events & Festivals
Annual Hapuna Roughwater Swim (July): One of Hawaii’s premier open-water swim races.
Humpback Whale Season (Dec–Apr): Excellent whale viewing from the shore.
Community Beach Cleanups: Locals and visitors often participate in maintaining the park’s pristine condition.
Humpback Whale Season (Dec–Apr): Excellent whale viewing from the shore.
Community Beach Cleanups: Locals and visitors often participate in maintaining the park’s pristine condition.
Contact Information
Primary Phone
Location
Beach Address
Old Puako Rd, Waimea, HI 96743, USA
Access Points
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
Old Puako Rd, Waimea, HI 96743, USA
Located about 30 miles north of Kailua-Kona and 7 miles south of Waimea
Easily accessible via Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway (Route 19)
Public parking area near the beach entrance (fee required)
Adjacent to The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
Old Puako Rd, Waimea, HI 96743, USA
Located about 30 miles north of Kailua-Kona and 7 miles south of Waimea
Easily accessible via Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway (Route 19)
Public parking area near the beach entrance (fee required)
Adjacent to The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
Old Puako Rd, Waimea, HI 96743, USA
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