Spotlight on Hawaii

BIG ISLAND BEACHES

 It's what you come to Hawaii for:  the beaches.  Nothing beats basking in the sun, listening to the lullaby of waves falling on shore and twiddling your toes in the sand.

 "Unique" is the best word to described Big Island beaches.  Where else can you find a black sand, white sand and green sand beach all on one island?  There's also a beach that completely disappears!

 The Big Island is the youngest island in the Hawaiian chain; consequently, there just aren't as many accessible beaches as you'd find on the neighbor islands.  There simply hasn't been enough time for the shore to erode.  Still, the Big Island has some of the most gorgeous and enjoyable beaches around.

 The best beach is one that you've probably heard of:  Hapuna.  The fine, white sand stretches gracefully along the shore for a half-mile.  On days that there's moderate surf, body boarding is excellent.  There's always a lifeguard stationed here, plus shade trees, picnic pavilions and concessions.

 Kaunaoa Beach is backed by the Mauna Kea Resort.  There are bathrooms and the parking lot does get filled up, so you might want to go early on weekends.  Kaunaoa Beach spans about a quarter mile and the snorkeling is great.  No lifeguard stationed here.

 A beach that most Big Island visitors are familiar with is Laaloa Beach – also known as Magic Sands or White Sands beach.  It's called Magic Sands because when rough surf hits, all of  the sand is emptied off the beach and temporarily moved out to sea.  No need to worry, it all comes back eventually.  You can get to Laaloa from Alii Drive, and, because of its proximity to Kona hotels, it is often well-populated.  There is always a lifeguard on duty here;  facilities include:  showers, bathrooms and a volleyball net.

 The west side of the Big Island isn't alone when considering beautiful beaches on the Orchid Isle.  At the end of Kalanianaole Street in Hilo, there's a beach park that offers not only fun swimming and snorkeling (it's not unusual to see turtles or dolphins), but there are also staff members from the Division of Aquatic Safety.  They provide information for beachgoers about the beach and its marine life.  If you want to set up a presentaton for the keiki (children), call County Aquatics at 961-8694.  There is always a lifeguard on duty.

 As for the beaches with sands of different colors, Green Sand beach is located at South Point.  It's difficult to get to, so skip it. 

 Punaluu Black Sand Beach is located in Punaluu.  Swimming is cold due to many freshwater pools and it's a favorite spot for sea turtles.  There's also gray sand at Kona's Kahaluu Beach Park where snorkeling is at a premium.