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Big Isle Beaches
In terms of beach variety, the Big Island of Hawaii may be the top destination. Punaluu Beach on the south shore is a beautiful black gravel beach, better for looking at than swimming. The western shore of the Big Island is dry and has a number of sandy beaches. Ironically, the most popular tourist destination here is Kailua-Kona, a city somewhat lacking in great beaches. A quick drive south or north will bring you to several great options. Kahaluu Beach Park is a bit rocky as a swimming destination, but has good sand and is the best place in Hawaii to spot the uncommon Lagoon Triggerfish. Another nearby possibility is White Sands Beach Park. Probably the single best beach in all the Hawaiian Islands is Hapuna Beach State Park, about an hour north of Kailua-Kona near the start of the south Kohala coast. Hapuna Beach has beautiful facilities, powder white sand, perfect waves, and beautiful tropical foliage. If you don't want to make the drive, there are also resort facilities available right at Hapuna Beach. Explore the beaches of the Big Island using the menus and photos in the right pane of this page.