Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
Encyclopedia
Hawaii (island)
The Island of Hawaii, also called the Big Island or Hawaii Island , is a volcanic island in the North Pacific Ocean...
of Hawaii
Hawaii
Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
. The Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel is also located adjacent to the beach. Hāpuna (literally, "spring" or "pool" in Hawaiian
Hawaiian language
The Hawaiian language is a Polynesian language that takes its name from Hawaii, the largest island in the tropical North Pacific archipelago where it developed. Hawaiian, along with English, is an official language of the state of Hawaii...
) is popular with residents and visitors.
This is one of a few other white sand beaches on the west coast of the Big Island. The few others include Kua Bay (Manini Beach), Kaunaoa Bay
Kaunaoa Bay
Kaunaoa Bay has one of the few white sand beaches of the Kohala Coast, the western side of the island of Hawaii. A historic hotel is located on the bay, which has given it the name Mauna Kea Beach.-Description:...
, known as Mauna Kea Beach, and Samuel M. Spencer Beach Park. It was named the Best Beach in America by Florida International University
Florida International University
Florida International University is an American public research university in metropolitan Miami, Florida, in the United States, with its main campus in University Park...
professor Stephen Leatherman
Stephen Leatherman
Stephen P. Leatherman is the director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University.In addition to his educational duties, Dr. Leatherman is known for his annual rankings of American beaches, thus earning him the nickname "Dr. Beach".-Education:Leatherman earned his...
, known as "Dr Beach", in 1993.
The 61.8 acres (25 ha) park is located at coordinates 19°59.4789′N 155°49.3809′W, west of Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19, called Queen Kaahumanu Highway) on Hapuna Beach Road. It is about 2.3 miles (3.7 km) south of Kawaihae, Hawaii. A part of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail is a long trail located on the island of Hawaii. It is not yet a continuous "trail", but can be accessed at several broken segments along the coastline of the Big Island. The trail was established to access the traditional Ancient Hawaiian culture along with...
runs through the park from Spencer Beach to the north, to Puako to the south.
Hāpuna beach has lifeguards, but can be hazardous during high surf conditions since the beach is not protected from the open ocean. The park has free admission, paved parking, pavilions, picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Camping permits are available.