3 Best Sights in Mauna Kea and Hapuna, Big Island

One of Hawaii's most breathtaking beaches, Hapuna is a ½-mile-long stretch of white perfection, with turquoise water that is calm in summer, so it's good for kids, with just enough rolling waves to make bodysurfing and body boarding fun. Watch for the undertow; in winter it can be very rough. There is excellent snorkeling around the jagged rocks that border the beach on either side, but high surf brings strong currents. Known for awesome sunsets, this is one of the island's best places to see the "green flash" as the sun dips below a clear horizon.

Parking is ample, although the lot can fill up by midday and the beach can get crowded on weekends and holidays. Plenty of picnic tables and lots of grass overlooking the beach offer shady respite on a hot day. Lifeguards are on duty during peak hours. Amenities: lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.

Hands down one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, if not the whole state, Kaunaoa features a short crescent of pure white sand framed by coconut palms. The beach, which fronts the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, slopes very gradually, and there's great snorkeling along the rocks. Classic Hawaii postcard views abound, especially in winter, when snow tops Maunakea to the east. When conditions permit, waves are good for body and board surfing also. Currents can be strong in winter, so be careful. Get a cocktail at the beach cabana and enjoy the sunset. Public parking is limited to a few spaces, so arrive before 10 am or after 4 pm. If the lot is full, head to nearby Hapuna Beach, where there's a huge parking lot ($10 per vehicle). Try this spot again another day—it's worth it!Amenities: parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; sunset; swimming; walking.

This hidden gem just off to the north of Puako Beach Drive is popular with locals and offers good swimming in a protected, sandy setting. Snorkeling is fairly good here due to the presence of lots of rocky lava formations; turtles are everywhere. It's a Marine Life Conservation District, which regulates certain activities. Summer finds it calm and pristine; winter can be rough and unswimmable. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling, sunbathing, swimming.