Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
Planning on visiting one of the beautiful beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii, then you must plan a trip to Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area! When searching for the best beach to visit while on the Big Island of Hawaii, Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area is the place to go to- here’s what to know to have an amazing beach experience.
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Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
Welcome to Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area! If you’re looking for a picture-perfect Hawaiian beach experience, Hāpuna Beach should be on your list. Hāpuna Beach is the kind of place that most people dream about visiting when they think about coming to Hawai’i.With over half a mile of stunning white sand, crystal clear water, and a clean and well-maintained beach, it’s no wonder why locals and visitors alike flock to this destination.
One of the best things about Hāpuna Beach is its calm waters, which make it perfect for a wide range of water activities. Whether you want to go for a leisurely swim, ride the waves on a boogie board, or try your hand at skimboarding, Hāpuna Beach has got you covered. The facilities at Hāpuna Beach is just a short walk from the beach area, you can spend the whole day enjoying the sun, sand, and surf.
If you’re planning a trip to Kailua-Kona, be sure to add Hāpuna Beach to your itinerary. It’s located just 30 miles north of Kailua-Kona and is closer to other beach resorts. However, it’s important to note that there is minimal tree shade on the beach, so be sure to bring a beach umbrella or sunshade to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
How to Get to Hapuna Beach Park
Hapuna Beach is easily accessible by car, and there is plenty of parking available. From Kona, take Highway 19 north for about 30 miles until you reach the turnoff for Hapuna Beach State Park. Follow the signs and drive through the park until you reach the beach parking lot. If you don’t have a car, there are also shuttle services available from Kona and other nearby towns. Alternatively, you could book a tour that includes a visit to Hapuna Beach.
According to Hawaii’s official government website the entrance fee to Hapuna beach state park is $5 per person (non-resident), children are for free and Hawai’i residents are free admission with official drivers license or state ID. The parking area at Hapuna beach is paved and larger in capacity in comparison to other neighboring beaches. Although there is more parking available it is important to still go as early to avoid the crowds and get closer parking to the beach.
Hapuna Beach State Park Information
Hapuna Beach opens at 7 am and closes at 6:45 pm. Please be aware that the gates will open and close at those designated times.
Entrance fee
- Credit Card Only
- Hawai’i Residents = Free with Drivers License or ID
- Non-Residents = $5 per person
- Children 3 & under = Free
PARKING
NON-COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
- Residents = Free with State ID/DL
- Non-Residents = $10 per vehicle
- 1-7 passenger vehicles: $25
- 8-25 passenger vehicles: $50
- 26+ passenger vehicles: $90
FACILITIES and AMENITIES
Hapuna Beach State Park offers a range of facilities and amenities to make your visit comfortable and convenient. These include restrooms, showers, paved parking, picnic tables, trash cans, drinking water, pay phone, BBQ grills and lifeguard services. At Hapuna beach there is also a 4-person A-Frame shelter (aka pavilions). These shelters consist of a single screened room with wooden sleeping platforms and a picnic table.
Beach Activities
Hapuna Beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. The beach is also a great spot for snorkeling, as there is an abundance of marine life to see just off the shore. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle or two! If you’re feeling adventurous, there are also opportunities for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Rental equipment is available at the beach for a reasonable price.
Things to Do Nearby
While Hapuna Beach is a destination in its own right, there are also plenty of other attractions and activities to enjoy in the surrounding area. Many visitors have said that this was the best beach on the Big Island of Hawaii. However, if Hapuna beach doesn’t impress you might find that Mauna Kea beach, which is located not too far from Hapuna beach park will impress you.
Mauna Kea Beach Park is next to the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and is known for calmer waves and less of a crowd. Just a short drive away, you’ll find Waikoloa Village, which has a range of shops, restaurants, and cultural activities. You could also visit the nearby Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, which is an ancient Hawaiian temple and one of the most significant cultural sites on the island. Another popular attraction in the area is the Mauna Kea Observatory, which is located at the summit of Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in Hawaii. Visitors can take a guided tour of the observatory and enjoy incredible views of the night sky.
Food and Drink
Many visitors ask if there are any restaurants, food, or drinks close by Hapuna Beach and the easy answer is, yes! While there is no actual food on the beach Hapuna Beach Resort and hotel is close by! Meridia is Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort and is the signature restaurant. The views are breathtaking and is a perfect place to dine. If you are lucky there are sometimes food trucks at the entrance of Hapuna Beach. Some of them include the following: Manuela Malasada Co, Anuenue Ice Cream & Shave Ice, and Plates of Aloha.
Tips From a Local
- If you want to hang out with more locals, go to the left side of the beach.
- Bringing a wagon will help you carry everything you need for the day without going up and down the hill too many times. Lots of locals bring their own food and snacks, and you can too by buying them at local stores and packing them yourself.
- Snorkeling at the northern end of the beach where you may found honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles)
- Snorkeling at the southern end of the beach you will find more coral & fish
- If you get there early there is a nice shade of trees right next to the wall of rocks that divides Hapuna Beach from the resort side! Be sure to claim this spot as the beach does not have very many shady spots available! & bring a mat as the tree provides shade for you to enjoy.
- Be mindful of the invasive long-thorn Kiawe trees that can poke through mostly anything. Some of these Kiawe thorns can be found on Hapuna sandy slopes, so be careful as it may penetrate your slippahs (shoes, slippers, skin, feet).
- Remember to bring a trash bag to keep the beach clean. Hawaii residents would very much appreciate cleaning after yourself!
A Must Visit Destination
Overall, Hāpuna Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and tranquility of Hawaii’s stunning beaches. Hapuna Beach is a truly stunning destination that is well worth a visit if you’re on the Big Island of Hawai’i. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach or an adventure-packed vacation, there is something for everyone at Hapuna Beach. Just remember to pack plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and a camera to capture all the memories you’ll make on this beautiful stretch of coastline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an admission fee to enter Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area?
Yes, there is an admission fee to enter Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area. The fee is $10 per vehicle for non-Hawaii residents and $5 per vehicle for Hawaii residents. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and moped riders pay $5 per person.
What are the hours of operation for Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area?
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area is open daily from 7:00 am to 6:45 pm.
Is Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area suitable for families with children?
Yes, Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area is suitable for families with children. The beach is wide and spacious, with calm waters that are perfect for swimming and playing. The park also offers picnic tables and restrooms, making it an excellent spot for a family day out.
Are there any water activities available at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area?
Yes, Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area is a great spot for water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and boogie boarding. Visitors can rent equipment and arrange guided tours from vendors located on the beach.
Are there any hiking trails near Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area?
Yes, there are several hiking trails near Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area. One of the most popular trails is the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, which runs along the coastline and offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.
Is there a camping facility at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area?
No, there is no camping facility at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area. However, visitors can find several campgrounds located nearby, including the Spencer Beach Park Campground and the Lapakahi State Historical Park Campground.
Can visitors bring food and drinks into Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area?
Yes, visitors are allowed to bring food and drinks into Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area. The park offers several picnic tables and grills, making it an ideal spot for a picnic or barbecue.
Is Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area is wheelchair accessible. The park features paved pathways that lead to the beach, as well as accessible restrooms and showers. Additionally, the park offers beach wheelchairs that visitors can borrow free of charge.
