We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page. We don’t add any fee, and the commission helps support LayzTravel.
The best family beaches in Kailua-Kona are Kahalu’u Beach Park, Kamakahonu Beach, Magic Sands and Hapuna Beach State Park, and with young kids Kahalu’u is the one to start with. It is a snorkeling favorite with fish and sea turtles close to shore, snorkel gear to rent on site, and lifeguards every day from 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Kamakahonu is the small cove by the pier in town, handy for a quick swim but not guarded. Hapuna is the big white sand beach with a paved lot and full facilities, and Magic Sands suits older kids on boogie boards when the surf is mild.
| Beach Name | Key Amenity | Booking Options |
|---|---|---|
| Kamakahonu | Restrooms/Showers | View Details → |
| Magic Sands | Restrooms/Showers | View Details → |
| Hapuna | Restrooms/Showers | View Details → |
| Kahalu’u | Snorkel Rentals | View Details → |
Kamakahonu Beach
Kamakahonu is a small cove in town, sheltered by a rock wall next to the pier.
- The Beach: A small sandy cove for a quick swim. It is not on the state lifeguard list, so an adult stays in the water.
- Key Amenities: You will find convenient restrooms, showers, and rental kiosks right on-site.
- Tip: It is right by the pier, so you can buy a snack instead of packing a cooler.
Good to know: Parking at the pier is limited, so come early or use a public lot nearby.
Top-rated family hotels in Kailua-Kona
Magic Sands Beach
This beach is famous for its disappearing sand, making it a fun place for kids to observe natural changes in the landscape.
- The Beach: While the surf can sometimes be strong, it is a fantastic spot for boogie boarding when conditions are mild.
- Key Amenities: Restrooms, showers and picnic tables for lunch.
- Tip: A small pop-up tent claims your spot without heavy umbrella gear.
Good to know: Street parking is very limited. Arrive before 9:00 AM.
Top-rated family hotels in Kailua-Kona
Hapuna Beach State Park
Hapuna is one of the largest white sand beaches on the island, offering massive amounts of space for kids to run free.
- The Beach: The sand is soft and plentiful, perfect for building sandcastles while parents relax nearby.
- Key Amenities: There are full facilities including restrooms, showers, and a spacious picnic area.
- Tip: The big paved lot saves you hunting for street parking.
Good to know: Non-residents pay a small parking fee, so keep a few dollars handy.
Top-rated family hotels in Kailua-Kona
Kahalu’u Beach Park
This is the premier snorkeling spot, acting as a natural, shallow-water classroom for kids to see sea turtles.
- The Beach: Its calm water makes it a snorkeling favorite, with fish close to shore (Hawaii Tourism Authority), and it is lifeguarded daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. (Hawaii Ocean Safety).
- Key Amenities: On-site snorkel rentals make it easy to grab gear without hauling it from your hotel.
- Tip: Arrive at sunrise for a spot near the water before the crowds.
Good to know: The lot fills up very quickly, so a shuttle may be easier.
Top-rated family hotels in Kailua-Kona
FAQs About Family Beaches in Kailua-Kona
Which beach is best for toddlers?
Kahalu’u Beach Park, because its water is described as calm (Hawaii Tourism Authority) and it is on Hawaii’s list of lifeguarded beaches, staffed daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. (Hawaii Ocean Safety). Kamakahonu Beach by the pier is not on that list, so an adult stays in the water there.
Do I need to rent snorkeling gear?
No. Kahalu’u Beach Park rents snorkel gear on site.
What is the best time to arrive at these beaches?
Before 9:00 AM at most of them, and at sunrise for Kahalu’u, to get parking.
Kailua-Kona is one of the 11 US beach towns that average 70°F or better in December, all compared in our guide to warm beach towns in December.
More Family Travel Guides for Kailua-Kona: