Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area
Park Expansive white-sand beach and popular swimming spot
A white-sand beach on Hawaii’s Big Island Kohala Coast, Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area draws swimmers, snorkelers and families with lifeguarded shoreline and picnic facilities.
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Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area is a state-managed beach park on the Kohala coast of Hawaii Island (the Big Island), known for its broad crescent of white sand. It is one of the island’s larger sandy beach areas and is managed for swimming, sunbathing, and shoreline recreation.
The park offers a long sandy shoreline, lifeguarded swim areas, picnic facilities, restrooms, and parking, and is frequently used for bodyboarding and family swimming when surf conditions are moderate. Beach conditions vary with season and weather; some parts are exposed to stronger surf and currents at times.
The recreation area is maintained by the State of Hawaii as a public beach park and provides accessible facilities at the main beach access points. Visitors should check local conditions and posted warnings before entering the water.
Hāpuna sits along the northwest coast of Hawaii Island on the Kohala coastline, between the towns and resort areas along the island’s Kona-Kohala corridor.
- Safety and facilities: Lifeguards are regularly on duty at the main beach area during peak daytime hours, making it a popular family swimming spot.
- Crowd timing: Weekends and holiday periods draw large crowds; arriving early or visiting on weekdays gives easier parking and quieter conditions.
How to Get to Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area #
Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area is on the Kohala Coast of Hawai’i Island, located off the Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway (Route 19). From Kailua‑Kona drive north on HI‑19 (Queen Kaʻahumanu Hwy) toward the Kohala coast - the drive is typically about 30-45 minutes depending on start point and traffic; there is park parking at Hāpuna. From nearby Waimea (Kamuela) it is a much shorter drive (roughly 15 minutes). Public transit on the island is limited, so most visitors arrive by car.
Tips for Visiting Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area #
- Go at first light for calmer water, cooler sand and easier parking-midday is when the beach becomes busiest and hardest to find parking at the lot.
- Stick to the central, lifeguarded section for swimming conditions and local safety notices; if you want quieter stretches, walk toward either end of the long sand expanse outside peak hours.
- Combine an early- or late-day visit with a shaded picnic at the park's facilities to avoid the busiest midday period when families and tour groups converge.
Best Time to Visit Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area #
Hāpuna Beach is pleasant year‑round, with April-October offering the driest, sunniest conditions for beach activities.
Weather & Climate near Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area #
Subtropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 18°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (803 mm/year).
January
January is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with 98 mm of rain.
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April
April is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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May
May is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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June
June is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).
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July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 12 mm and breezy conditions.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).
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October
October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
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November
November is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
