One of the highlights of a Big Island vacation is to spend a couple of days at the beach. Lets face it, a day at the beach is about as good as it gets! Hawaii is known for perfect temperatures both in and out of the water. Get a good book and a lounge chair and hours will pass by. Just imagine yourself laying on one of the many beautiful beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii. With over 50 beaches to choose from, we are sure you will find your favorite. Unlike O'ahu, the Big Island's beaches are small, quiet, secluded, and beautiful. Here are a few of our favorites. We have included maps to each beach from our condo. (click for more information on our condo)

A-Bay, which is short for Anaehoomalu Bay, is a great beach! You can walk to it from the condo and see the most beautiful sunset, or enjoy a day of playing in the water and laying on the beach. There are beautiful palm trees all around, and even an old beach gymnasium. The beach gymnasium is an obstacle course of pull up bars, ropes, and all sorts of equipment. A-Bay is nestled right between the Marriott Hotel, the Hilton Hotel, and our condo. It is a wonderful atmosphere that will leave you with many vivid memories! (click here for a map to A-Bay Beach)

Mauna Kea Beach is one of the best beaches in all of Hawaii! The sand is a smooth off white color and the water is crystal blue. Mauna Kea is only a ten minute drive from the condo. The waves are the perfect size, fun, but not over bearing. The kids will find it perfect for boogie boarding. Also, you will find nice snorkeling to the south of the bay. There are public showers and restrooms at the top of the beach for added convenience. The Travel Channel rated this beach as one of the top 10 Hawaiian beaches, and we agree! (click here for a map to Mauna Kea Beach)

The Black Sand Beaches of the Big Island are quite spectacular. The sand is made from volcanic rock. Punaluu is a black sand beach that is also a good swimming beach, but watch for the current just outside the bay because it can be dangerous. It is quite fun to experience the feel of the unique lava sand under your feet and between your toes. Sometimes when sunlight hits the black lava sands at a certain angle it almost seems to glow.