A complete guide
Magic Sands (White Sands) Beach Park
Big Island

White Sand Beach Park is a popular tourist destination located on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is known for its unique white sand that is created from tiny fragments of coral, shells, and fish bones. The beach is surrounded by lush green vegetation and provides visitors with a picturesque view of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and hiking in the nearby area. Additionally, the beach park offers facilities such as restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.

White Sand Beach Park, also known as Hapuna Beach, is located on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island and is considered one of the best beaches in Hawaii. It is a half-mile long crescent-shaped beach that is ideal for swimming and bodyboarding. The sand is white and soft and the water is usually calm, making it a great place for families to enjoy.

The park offers ample parking and picnic areas, making it a popular destination for families and groups. There are also lifeguards on duty during the day, so visitors can enjoy the beach with peace of mind. The beach is surrounded by lush green vegetation, providing visitors with shade and a tropical setting.

In addition to swimming and sunbathing, visitors can also enjoy snorkeling and hiking in the nearby area. The snorkeling is good, especially near the rocks at either end of the beach where you can spot a variety of marine life. There are also trails that lead from the beach park to nearby scenic areas, providing visitors with opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the island.

Overall, White Sand Beach Park is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the Big Island of Hawaii. With its beautiful white sand and clear water, it provides a truly unique beach experience.

Weather - best time to visit?

Kauai's climate is tropical, and the water temperature is consistently warm, making it possible to swim all year round. More information about the temperature and beach conditions in Kauai

Where to park

Magic sands beach park has a parking lot located near the beach, where visitors can park their vehicles. Parking is free of charge. Visitors are advised to arrive early, especially during peak tourist season, as the parking lot can fill up quickly. There is also limited street parking available near the park.

Visitors are also advised to take precautions to protect their vehicles while parked, such as locking doors and windows and not leaving valuables visible inside the vehicle. It is also a good idea to take note of the parking spot number or location to help make it easier to find the vehicle after enjoying time at the beach.

Popular activities

White Sand Beach Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, offers a variety of popular activities for visitors to enjoy:

Swimming: The beach has calm and clear waters, making it a great place for swimming. Visitors can also enjoy snorkeling to explore the underwater life in the nearby reef.

Sunbathing: The beach has soft white sand and warm sunshine, making it a popular place for sunbathing and relaxing.

Bodyboarding: The park's gentle waves make it a popular destination for bodyboarding.

Picnicking: The park has picnic areas with tables and grills, making it a convenient place for families and groups to enjoy a picnic lunch or dinner.

Hiking: The park is surrounded by lush green vegetation, and there are several nearby hiking trails that offer opportunities to explore the island's natural beauty.

Wildlife watching: The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles and birds, and visitors can observe them from a safe distance.

Surfing: There are opportunities for surfing near the park, although the waves are generally gentler than those at other beaches on the island.

Overall, White Sand Beach Park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, making it a popular destination for families, beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers.

Wildlife

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including many species of birds, marine life, and endemic plants. Some of the most commonly seen wildlife at White Sand Beach Park include sea turtles, which are known to come ashore to lay their eggs. These endangered creatures can often be seen swimming in the waters near the beach.

In the surrounding areas, visitors might also spot a variety of bird species, such as seabirds, pelicans, and frigate birds. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of marine life, including colorful tropical fish, octopuses, and various species of coral.

While enjoying the beach, it is important to respect the wildlife and their habitats. Visitors should avoid touching or disturbing the wildlife and instead observe them from a safe distance. It is also important to follow the park's rules and regulations to help preserve the wildlife and their habitats for future generations to enjoy.

What to eat

There are several dining options near White Sand Beach Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. Here are a few of the most popular options:

1. Beach Tree Restaurant & Bar: This popular restaurant is located at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and offers stunning ocean views along with a menu of contemporary American cuisine.
2. Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel Restaurant: This restaurant is located within the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel and offers a menu of international cuisine, including local specialties.
3. Meridia Restaurant: This contemporary restaurant is located at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and features a menu of innovative cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients.
4. Cafe Pesto: This casual dining spot is located in Waimea and offers a menu of Italian-inspired cuisine, including pasta, pizzas, and salads.
5. Waimea Brewing Company: This brewery and restaurant is located in Waimea and offers a menu of pub food, along with a selection of locally brewed beers.

These are just a few of the dining options available near White Sand Beach Park. Visitors can choose from a variety of cuisines to suit their tastes and budget.

Nearby landmarks

White Sand Beach Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a popular tourist destination and is close to several landmarks. Here are the distances to some of the most popular landmarks:

• Kailua-Kona: 50 miles (80 km)
• Mauna Kea Observatory: 45 miles (72 km)
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: 85 miles (137 km)
• Waipi'o Valley: 70 miles (113 km)
• Hilo: 80 miles (129 km)

These distances are approximate and may vary depending on the exact location and route taken. Visitors can get to White Sand Beach Park by car or tour bus, and there are also several airport shuttle services available for those arriving by plane.

Who visits

White Sand Beach Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a popular destination for a variety of visitors, including:

• Tourists: The beach park is a popular destination for tourists who come to Hawaii to experience its beautiful natural scenery, warm weather, and clear blue waters.
• Families: The park is a great place for families to relax and play, with its soft white sand and calm waters. The park also offers facilities such as restrooms, showers, and picnic areas, making it a convenient place for families to spend the day.
• Beach lovers: The park is a paradise for beach lovers, with its half-mile long crescent-shaped beach, soft white sand, and clear blue water. The beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and bodyboarding.
• Nature enthusiasts: The park is surrounded by lush green vegetation, providing visitors with opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the island. The nearby area also offers opportunities for hiking and snorkeling, making it a great place for nature enthusiasts.
• Adventure seekers: White Sand Beach Park is a popular destination for adventure seekers, with opportunities for activities such as snorkeling, hiking, and bodyboarding. The nearby area also offers opportunities for more challenging activities, such as surfing and kayaking.

Overall, White Sand Beach Park is a popular destination for a variety of visitors, who come to experience its beautiful natural scenery, warm weather, and clear blue waters.

How to get there

White Sand Beach Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is easily accessible by car. Here are the directions to get there:

1. From Kailua-Kona: Drive south on Route 19 for approximately 50 miles (80 km). Turn right onto Waikoloa Beach Drive and continue for about 1 mile (1.6 km) until you reach the park.
2. From Hilo: Drive north on Route 19 for approximately 80 miles (129 km). Turn left onto Waikoloa Beach Drive and continue for about 1 mile (1.6 km) until you reach the park.

Visitors can also reach the park by taking a tour bus or shuttle service from the airport. There is a parking lot near the beach, and parking is free. Visitors are advised to arrive early, especially during peak tourist season, as the parking lot can fill up quickly.

Safety considerations

White Sand Beach Park is generally considered to be a safe place for visitors to enjoy. However, as with any beach or park, there are a few safety considerations to keep in mind:

1. Rip currents: The park is located near the ocean, and visitors should be aware of the danger of rip currents. These currents can pull swimmers out to sea, so visitors should swim only in areas designated for swimming and follow the lifeguard's instructions.
2. Sun exposure: Visitors should also be aware of the danger of sun exposure. The sun in Hawaii is intense, and visitors should use sunscreen and take other precautions, such as wearing a hat and seeking shade, to protect their skin.
3. Wildlife: The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles and birds. Visitors should avoid touching or disturbing the wildlife and instead observe them from a safe distance.
4. Litter: Visitors should also be mindful of litter and properly dispose of their trash to help keep the park and surrounding areas clean and preserve the natural beauty of the island.

By following these safety considerations, visitors can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at White Sand Beach Park.

History

White Sand Beach Park has a rich history that dates back to the ancient Hawaiian culture. The area was traditionally used for fishing and recreation by the indigenous Hawaiian people.

In modern times, the park was developed as a resort area in the 1980s, and the beach was created by bringing in white sand from nearby quarries to replace the original black lava rock shoreline. The park has since become a popular destination for tourists and local residents, who come to enjoy its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Throughout its history, White Sand Beach Park has remained a beloved and cherished part of the Big Island of Hawaii, offering a glimpse into the island's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Today, the park continues to be an important and much-visited destination for visitors from around the world, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for all who visit.

More beaches on Big Island

• Pohoiki Beach
• Leleiwi Beach Park
• Carlsmith Beach Park
• Richardson Ocean Park
• Onekahakaha Beach Park
• Honoliʻi Beach Park
• Spencer Beach Park
• Hapuna Beach Park
• Kahaluʻu Beach Park
• Magic Sands (White Sands) Beach Park