Laaloa Bay is a popular recreation area in Kailua-Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii. Locals call…read morethis beautiful beach Magic Sands (also known as "Disappearing Sands, White Sands and Magic Sands Beach Park").   A Beach For Tourists, A Beach For Locals: Magic Sands is a compact beach, but it is a bit like a Swiss Army knife offers: Bathrooms, lifeguards, tight, but adequate if you get there early, parking, classic white sand, iconic palm trees providing both great ambiance and shade, generally gentle waves, laid back, friendly locals. This is an awesome 'local' beach that is a rare find near Kona because there is actually white sand covering the lava rock. If you know San Diego County, this beach is a cross between Moonlight Beach and Beacons Beach. https://www.yelp.com/biz/moonlight-state-beach-encinitas and Beacons Beach https://www.yelp.com/biz/beacons-beach-leucadia Magic Sands Beach Overview: White sand beach and rocky shoreline. Swimming, surfing. Parking, restrooms, showers, drinking water, lifeguards. Hazardous footing due to lava just barely under the sand. Also, there can be strong currents and waves. Gates open 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Just so you know, it isn't the best beach on the Big Island but is the best beach with nearby access to Kailua-Kona. It is one of my favorite beaches. Locals Tip: The sand is just a layer on top of lava rock. The best, safest place to enter the water is in the middle, right in front of the lifeguard tower. Just Why Is It Called 'Magic Sands?'  It is called 'Magic Sands' since the sand, poof, like magic, can immediately disappear when there is a large storm (several times a year), and all the sand is swept off the beach. Later the sand returns, via wave action, after the storm.  Also known as "Magic Sands" or "White Sands Beach", the official name is "Laaloa Beach County Park". During calm weather, it is one of the only fine white sandy beaches in the Kailua-Kona area.  A strong surf break on the shore can be dangerous, but makes it a favorite for bodyboarding by experienced locals, even under moderate surf conditions.   In the Hawaiian language, la'a loa means "very sacred" because there are several Archaeological sites are in the area.  Surf vs. Boogie Boarding: While this beach can rarely offer a surf break, most often the break is hard and fast, and better for boogie boarding. Snorkeling: If there are any waves at all, skip snorkeling, it is just too rough. If the waters are calm, and at higher tides, there is a reef to just north of the beach. Turtles: Because there is sand on the beach, this can be a popular beach to see turtles when the beach isn't crowded. Directions To Magic Sands: 77-650077 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 - Essentially, go south from downtown Konan, along Ali'i Drive for about four miles - along the waterfront. Locals Tip: Just before you arrive at Magic Sands Beach, there is a parking lot on the east side of Ali'i Drive. For more information call the County of Hawai`i Department of Parks and Recreation at (808) 961-8311. Magic Sands can sometimes have a major swell. See more pictures at https://movingtokona.com/magic-sands-beach-park/ I would be very appreciative if you could respond below: Was this review Useful / Funny / Cool Read all my reviews here bit.ly/RodsYelpReviews

What a beautiful sandy beach also known as Magic Sands/Disappearing Sands due to the strong surf…read more It was packed here & we ate at the adjoining restaurant which was beautiful with a phenomenal view. (Magic Sands Restaurant). We were able to park for free just across the street. This beach is super small and busy. Note, it is thee only sandy beach near Kona. All the rest are super rocky & dangerous. It has shade, lifeguards, toilet facilities and a little shallow water. Be very careful of that surf & the lava rocks underneath. But the water is so beautiful and clear with a gorgeous turquoise hue. We were told we may see turtles but we didn't today. I'm assuming it was just too busy. I'm sure if we were there super early we may have a better shot at it. Do not miss.

We swim here regularly, year-round. IMHO this is the best all-around snorkeling beach on the…read moreisland, but as with any ocean activity the surf and tide will affect your experience, so ask the lifeguards or the volunteers for advice. This protected bay has over 120 species of resident fish, and usually has clear water. Other than urchins (7 species) there is no marine life to worry about. Turtle sitings are more likely at high tide when their salad bar (the algae on the rocks) is available. Typically from 9 to 3 daily the Reef Teach volunteers have photo guide books and other reference materials available, along with free advice, defog spray, and reef-safe sunscreen. Water access is the narrow and shallow rocky channel in front of the lifeguard station by the parking and pavilion. Swim fins or sand shoes are recommended. The locals value their feet and swim through it even at low tide when it is only a foot deep. Coming back in you can actually swim all the way back to the sandy channel. The water is usually noticeably warmer and clearer away from the entry. The bay is shallow with only a few places that are even 8' deep at high tide. Unless you really need to, don't stand on the bottom or coral - fins and feet damage it.

Snorkele experience was awesome, easy to park and get to the water, people were helpful on…read moreetiquette how to navigate the channel

This beach is the best kept secret in Kona! Nice sand, no real shore break to deal with...and, if…read moreyou're keeping a sharp eye out, you'll probably be able to see the Spinner Dolphins dancing just a little ways from shore A short walk from the parking lot, this is a gem for children Just bring your own beach chairs!

Small little calm water cove next to the pier with Kona boys rental, in front of Marriott…read morecourtyard, with ABC, snacks, Ululani best shaved ice ,safe for kids to play and snorkel to see plenty of coral fish. Keep an eye for dolphin playing around the outside too. Outside shower, restrooms, very close to the street.

As some travel experts have pointed out, Makalawena Beach is arguably the best beach on the Big…read moreIsland that cannot be reached by road. That's right, there are two ways to reach this beautiful white sand beach and gem by hiking, and the path I took was via the Kekaha Kai State Park's main parking lot, and first that is a rough 20-minute drive with 4x4 vehicles like Jeeps from Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway to that trailhead. Then it's about another 30-minute hike in each direction and you go on lots of loose lava rocks and it can get hot, so make sure you have sunscreen, a good bucket hat, and plenty of water. I don't know about the second way in, so I could not speak to that method. But in any case, it is so worth the time and effort when it was all said and done. There were a few crowds when getting to Makalawena Beach but not super busy at all. You'll find other tide pools, palm trees, and other native plants. Waves are rather rough at times, but it is still swimmable for the most part.

This was a nice clean beach to settle into for the day. The water was clear and had a lot of see…read morelife to see snorkeling. I hung out for a long time following a squid watching it change to its surroundings.

Incredible blue, clear water that looks like pool water. Waves were fun but not scary. Great white…read moresand space for laying out too. Best swimming beach we found in Kona! If you don't have a local ID, it does cost $20 to enter with your car. (If you park at the top it's a 1.5 mile walk down to the beach so I don't recommend that). But the beach is well worth it!

Pretty, has a life guard, shower, flushing toilets But small…read morebeach area, too many people... Taking 1 star off for being a busy beach..

This is a great spot to sit and have a meal, enjoy the views or listen to the sounds of the ocean!…read more The goats are a special treat to watch in the early mornings or the late afternoon!;) Be aware if you decide to jump off cliff to swim and enjoy the ocean blue- it can be dangerous if you don't understand and know the ocean currents and how it works down There. Also, take your rubbish and junks out to the trash bins that is provided out of the Locked Private Gate-! This place is Sacred to us Hawaiian people and respect our Land which offers beauty and peace to all whom visits! If you don't respect and care, it will be taken away ñ in-useable for the future generations! Read up in the History of this area and be Respectful. Give Aloha - Share Aloha - Be Aloha! Mahalo IesuKristo pu

This spot is off the beaten path, with no real signs leading to the sight. Although I had…read moreresearched it, we really arrived by accident and were just exploring. Goats wandering around, beautiful views and a little hike to get to the water across burial grounds. The views were really amazing. We came here twice, once during a rain storm and the other on a beautiful sunny morning. This is a special spot that you should not miss. B

I absolutely love this place! The walking trail is level and paved while the other side is the…read morebeach. It is so pretty with all of the plants and art. We came before sunset and walked the trail. As the sun was setting we crossed over to the beach side. It was beautiful. The coolest part were some friendly locals were playing their ukulele and singing. It felt magical honestly. There is so much parking and space. I always come to this park at least once on my visits. Highly recommended

As a lover of travel, this was great to visit although we didn't have time to stop at the beach or…read moreanything. The landing strip was remade to a regular road along the pretty long drive (felt maybe a mile?) out and back. There was plenty of parking and even a walking path if I recall. I don't know what it was used for other than the obvious, planes, but maybe the walking path had some history noted.

Right off Ali HWy with marking along the street. There are waves which makes this beach perfect for…read moreboogie boards or just riding the waves. There's a lifeguard that goes on the megaphone to warn people to stay away from the rocks, watch your kids, and go under the bigger waves because those waves hit! It was so fun. It's fun watching people ride the waves too. It's not the biggest area but so beautiful. There are a lot of people so it can get crowded. I had so much fun!

Come back after a month. Still beautiful but no luck with the sunset. Free parking across the…read morestreet, velvety white sands, amenity and lifeguards, restaurants and quick food next door. Always has music( you might not want though plenty of rock to sit on to watch the beautiful sunset.

This is a beautiful, smaller beach, great for little kids. It's more like a bay since there's a big…read morereef protecting it from waves. For the adventurous you can snorkel out beyond the reef. The parking lot does get full quickly, so getting there early as ideal.

Kikaua Beach is a great location to relax at when visiting the Big Island of Hawai'i. However, you…read moreneed to obtain a parking pass to access the lot, and parking passes are very limited. Best to come first thing in the morning if you can. As for the beach, there are restroom facilities and showers, and there is a protected cove so it is great for families and their young kids. It is not super big, but the sand is clean and well-kept by the grounds crew.

A hidden gem rich in Hawaiian history, wildlife, and outstanding staff!…read more ​If you want to experience authentic Hawaiian history away from the crowded resort beaches, Kaloko-Honokōhau is a must-visit in Kona. ​Walking along the coastal trails gives you an incredible look at ancient Hawaiian engineering. The Kaloko Fishpond (loko iʻa) and massive stone seawalls built without mortar are mind-blowing to see up close. Along the paths, you can also spot ancient petroglyphs carved into the lava rock and historic heiau (temple) sites. ​Highlights of our visit: ​Honu (Green Sea Turtles): We saw multiple sea turtles resting on the shoreline at ʻAiʻōpio Beach near the harbor. Remember to give them plenty of space! (20ft to be exact) ​Cultural History: The park does a fantastic job preserving the spirit of how native Hawaiians lived and farmed aquaculture centuries ago. ​Exceptional Staff (Special shoutout to Ranger K. Cartee!) Park Ranger K. Cartee made our visit extra special. She was so polite, knowledgeable about the land and wildlife, and had absolute wonderful energy while answering all of our questions. When I asked about the walk to the beach, she explained it was about a mile each way from the main lot, but took the extra time to give us a game-changing tip: driving down to the boat yard road leads to a short, easy 10-minute walk instead. That suggestion was a lifesaver for my 70-year-old mother and allowed our whole family to enjoy the trip comfortably! Mahalo K. Cartee for truly carrying an awesome Aloha Spirit! :)

This is a NPS managed site that protects the ancient fish traps and fish catch ponds. centuries old…read more, all by hand to catch fish that come in on the tides to feed. One Way traps. A marvel to imagine