The Best Swimming Beaches on the Big Island 2024

Imagine crystal clear waters, warm sand, and gentle waves. Discover the Big Island’s best beaches for a refreshing swim and unforgettable memories.

Introduction 

The Big Island of Hawaii is an excellent place with volcanoes and incredible beaches! It’s got the perfect spots to swim in the ocean. Some beaches are super calm and safe for families. Others have neat coral reefs full of fish for snorkeling. If you like waves, there are even beaches where you can play on a bodyboard. This guide will show you the best swimming beaches on the Big Island so you can have the best time ever!

1. Finding the Safest Spots for Your Big Island Swim

Not all beaches on the Big Island are the same. Sometimes, the ocean can be rough! When picking a beach to swim at, being safe is imperative. Look for beaches with calm water, especially if you need to be a stronger swimmer or have kids with you. Beaches with lifeguards are safest. They understand how the ocean works there. If things get rough, they’ll notice way before you do! If you need to figure out if it’s safe to swim, always ask a lifeguard or someone who lives on the island. The ocean is super strong, so watch out for flags and signs that warn you about danger. If you plan a little, your swim on the Big Island will be fun and safe!

2. Discover the Best Beaches for Snorkeling and Swimming on the Big Island

Imagine swimming next to a giant sea turtle or seeing a ton of colorful fish playing in the ocean! That’s what snorkeling on the Big Island is like! When picking the best swimming beaches, also look for ones where you can go snorkeling. You want clear water so you can see, and lots of fantastic fish and animals! Calm bays and little hidden beaches are usually the best for this. Remember, it’s safer to snorkel with a friend. Wearing flippers and a snorkel mask makes it much more fun! If you’ve never tried snorkeling, some tours take you to excellent spots and show you everything there is to see underwater.

3. Beat the Heat: Big Island Swimming Beaches with Shade

The sun on the Big Island is super intense, so sometimes you need a break from it! Look for beaches with lots of trees for shade. This is important if you have little kids because their skin burns quickly. A shady spot is perfect for a picnic, playing in the sand, or just chilling out. Only some beaches have shade, so if you want some, do a little digging to find the best beach before you go. That way, you can stay cool and have fun all day without getting a sunburn!

4. Catch a Wave: Big Island Beaches for Bodyboarding and Swimming

If just floating isn’t exciting enough for you, the Big Island has beaches with waves for bodyboarding! Look for beaches with a soft, sandy bottom and waves that roll in nicely – those are best for catching a ride on your board. Playing in smaller waves is fun, even if you’re not a pro! But remember, even beaches with waves can sometimes be dangerous with strong currents. Always pay attention to your surroundings and listen to any posted warnings.

5. Explore the West Coast: Swimmable Beaches on the Kona Side

The west side of the Big Island (the Kona side) has calm water and many hotels for families, making it a great place to find incredible swimming beaches! Look for beaches in little bays or ones protected by rocks since those will be the calmest. Many beaches have soft sand, the water slowly dries, and shops and stuff are nearby. That’s perfect for swimming and playing without any worries! There are many famous beaches to choose from, so some searching will help you find the perfect one for you – whether you want quiet and peaceful or lots of restaurants and fun things to do!

6. Hilo’s Hidden Gems: Swimming Beaches on the Big Island’s East Side

The Hilo side of the Big Island has cool rainforests, waterfalls, and some unique swimming spots! The ocean here is usually rougher, but there are some hidden beaches and pools where you can dip. Look for small, tucked-away beaches that are outside the open ocean. You won’t find vast stretches of sand like on the other side of the island, but Hilo beaches are calm and peaceful. Always check the weather before you go since the east side can change quickly, making the ocean dangerous.

7. Find Resort-Ready Swimming Beaches on the Big Island

If you’re staying at one of the Big Island’s fancy hotels, you might already be close to a fantastic swimming beach! Many hotels are built right next to calm beaches perfect for swimming. If a great swimming spot is essential to you, check out the hotel’s beach before you book your stay! See if it’s calm or if the waves are big. Also, find out if the hotel has cool chairs, umbrellas, and water toys you can rent. Staying in a hotel on a perfect beach makes for a relaxing Big Island vacation!

8. Discover the Rarity: White Sand Swimming Beaches on the Big Island

The Big Island is famous for its excellent black sand beaches, but there are some secret spots with white sand where you can swim too! The white sand is extra special on the island because most of the sand is black from volcanoes. Look for beaches in hidden bays where the ocean brings white sand. These beaches often have clear water and look different from the rest of the island. Finding these white sand beaches might take some digging, but it’ll be an incredible and unique way to explore the Big Island!

9. Swim Alongside Ancient Wonders: Big Island Beaches with Lava Formations

Because of volcanoes, the Big Island has super cool underwater scenery! Some swimming beaches have remarkable lava rocks that make it feel like you’re on a different planet. Look out for lava tubes, arches, and little pools created by old lava flows. Swimming next to these is a fantastic adventure! Remember, don’t touch or climb on these rocks. They’re unique and home to lots of sea creatures.

10. Top Tips for Finding Your Ideal Big Island Swimming Beach

If you plan a little, you’ll find the best beach for swimming on the Big Island! Here are some additional tips to help:

• Ask people who live on the island! Hotel workers, shop owners, and locals know the best and safest swimming spots.
• Check out websites! Many websites talk about the Big Island and tell you which beaches are best and what the water is like that day.
• Use map apps! Look at the beaches from above to see if they have calm areas, shade, or places to get snacks.
• The ocean can change quickly on the Big Island, so be ready for anything! If you’re unsure, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Follow these tips and find the perfect beach for your excellent Big Island swim!

11. Remember: Respect the Ocean and Stay Safe

The Big Island’s ocean is impressive, but remember, it’s super firm! To stay safe and have fun, follow these rules:

• Never swim alone: Always have a buddy in the water, even if you’re a good swimmer.
• Don’t fight strong waves: If the water starts pulling you, swim sideways until you’re out of it, then return to the beach.
• Be friendly to sea creatures: The ocean is their home. Look at animals from far away and never touch them!
• Don’t swim too far: It’s better to stay close to the beach where you’re safe.

If you follow these rules, you’ll have the best and safest time swimming on your Big Island trip!

12. Plan Your Visit: When to Go and What to Pack for Your Big Island Swim

The Big Island has sunny weather and great beaches all year! But the best time to go swimming depends on what you like. Summer (May to October) has the calmest water and the most people. Winter (November to April) sometimes has more giant waves, but the beaches are less crowded. Whenever you go, here’s what to bring for your Big Island swimming trip:

• Sunscreen that won’t hurt the ocean: This protects your skin and the animals!
• Beach towel or blanket: Pick one that dries quickly or a big blanket to lay on.
• Hat and sunglasses: The Hawaiian sun is intense!
• Lots of water: It’s easy to get thirsty when you’re out in the sun.
• Snorkel and mask: Bring your stuff or rent some on the island to see the excellent fish.

With some planning, you’ll be ready for a fantastic swim on the Big Island!

13. Experience the Best of the Big Island’s Beaches

The Big Island is perfect for anyone who loves to swim! From the calm beaches on the Kona side to the rocky ones near Hilo, you’ll find the best spot for you. Whether you want to float in peaceful water, go snorkeling with colorful fish, or try to ride some waves, the island has it all. Always remember to be safe. The ocean is mighty! Do a little digging to find the best beaches for what you want to do. Now, get ready to jump in and have the best time swimming on the Big Island!

14. A Few Recommendations to Get You Started

There are way too many incredible swimming beaches on the Big Island to name them all, but here are a few great ones to get you started:

• Hapuna Beach (West Coast): Huge beach with soft white sand, lifeguards, and usually calm water for swimming.
• Kahalu’u Beach Park (West Coast): This beach is in a protected bay, perfect for snorkeling and even new swimmers.
• Kua Bay (Manini’owali Beach) (West Coast): Beautiful, quiet beach with white sand.
• Carlsmith Beach Park (East Coast) has many calm tide pools, which are great for families with little kids.

This is just a tiny peek at what the Big Island offers! Explore to find more special beaches. Books about the island, websites, and blogs will help you find the best spots.

15. Beyond the Swim: Enhancing Your Big Island Experience

Swimming on the Big Island is impressive, but there are lots of other cool things you can do at the beach, too:

• Look for animals: You might see dolphins playing in the waves, sea turtles sunbathing, or colorful fish swimming around!
• Check out Tide Pools. These unique spots are home to little crabs, starfish, and other neat sea creatures.
• Watch the sunset: Hawaiian sunsets from the beach are the best!
• Have a picnic: Pack some yummy local fruits and snacks to eat while you enjoy the view.
• Talk to people who live on the island: They might tell you about secret swimming spots or incredible stories about the beach you’re on!

The Big Island’s beaches are more than just a place to swim – try all these things for a fantastic day!

16. Be a Responsible Beachgoer: Leave Only Footprints

Taking care of the Big Island’s beaches is essential so they stay beautiful! Here’s how you can help:

• Take your trash with you: Always clean up after yourself and throw your garbage away in the right place. Better yet, try to avoid making any trash at the beach!
• Be friendly to coral reefs: Use sunscreen that doesn’t hurt them, and never touch or stand on coral.
• Leave the animals alone: Watch sea creatures, but don’t bother or feed them.
• Don’t take things from the beach: Leave seashells, rocks, and other stuff where you found them.
• Help local stores: Buy snacks and souvenirs from beach shops to support people who live on the island.

If everyone helps a little, the Big Island’s beaches will stay amazing for a long time!

Conclusion

The Big Island is perfect for anyone who loves swimming! There are so many different beaches to select from. The island has everything you need: a quiet place to float, a colorful reef to snorkel, or waves to play in. Be safe, listen to the ocean, and find out about beaches before you go. That way, you’ll pick the perfect spot for your swim and have the best time on your Big Island trip. So, get your towel and sunscreen ready, and jump into the amazing waters of the Big Island!

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