Hapuna Beach State Park

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Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Hapuna Beach State Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.


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Summary

The park features a wide stretch of white sand beach and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. One of the main reasons to visit the park is its natural beauty, with stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.

There are several points of interest to see at Hapuna Beach State Park, including the variety of marine life that can be found in the waters. Visitors can spot colorful fish, sea turtles, and even whales during the winter months. Other popular activities include hiking, picnicking, and camping.

One interesting fact about the park is that it was created in the 1960s using sand from the nearby Mauna Kea volcano, which gives the beach its distinctive white color. The park is also home to a variety of native plants and wildlife.

The best time of year to visit Hapuna Beach State Park is during the summer months, when the waters are calm and clear. However, visitors should be aware of strong currents and potentially dangerous surf during the winter months.

Overall, Hapuna Beach State Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Big Island of Hawaii. Its natural beauty, variety of activities, and unique history make it a truly special place to visit.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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