Consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world, and honestly it lives up to every word. This crescent of white sand at Kaunaʻoa Beach on the Big Island's Kohala Coast has impossibly blue water and world-class snorkeling along the rocky points. You'll spot sea turtles close to shore (reviews mention seeing 4+ in one visit), plus parrotfish and maybe even reef sharks.
The catch? It's attached to the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, and they only give out about 20-30 free public parking passes daily. You'll go through two security checkpoints to get your permit, but the soft sand, shallow crystal-clear water extending 30-40 feet out, and peaceful vibe make it worth the early wake-up call.
💡 Insider Tip
Arrive before 9 AM to snag one of the limited free parking passes at the hotel gate — by 9:30 even on weekdays, you're likely out of luck. Bring your own chairs and umbrellas since there are no public facilities.
Open 24 hours
Free
Free lot (limited passes, arrive early)
Morning for snorkeling, afternoon for sunbathing
