Lakes, Rivers, Canals & Beaches

Located 30 miles outside of Hilo town along the Puna coast, Ahalanui County Park is one of those places that once you discover, you feel like someone let you in on a secret. The main attraction is a geothermal hot pond. Surrounded by towering coconut trees and jungle foliage, the remote pool is heated by underlying volcanic activity to a comfortable 90 degrees Fahrenheit. A man-made lava retaining wall keeps the ocean out. The waves crashing over the wall only add to the experience. A lifeguard is usually on duty during the day, but if you come at night, you are on your own. Make sure you bring a flashlight because it is pitch dark. Be advised that some visitors opt swim without clothing. Picnic tables are also onsite.

This ride through the Kohala Sugar Plantation irrigation canal is one of the biggest thrills you may experience on the North Kohala coast. Five people can ride in an inflatable boat along with guides and instructors. The ride passes over a small stream before it joins the 22.5 mile long canal. The entire cruise is three-and-a-half miles, passing over waterfalls, and through ravines and tunnels. Come by and experience adventure at its best. The view of the green forest will enthrall you during this ride, if you can take your eyes off the course—and that is a big IF!

This white sand beach is the stuff of movies, photo shoots and imagination. They stretch as far as the eye can see. The sand is sugar-fine, warm and clean. The waves are deep blue in the distance, foamy when they hit the shore. Among the Big Island's white sand spots, this one stands out and is regularly ranked among the top beaches in the world. The half-mile strip also has great facilities like a paved walkway leading from the parking lot, which is a rarity in Hawaii!

This quiet, peaceful beach is located behind the Orchid at Mauna Lani. While it is separate from any of the hotels, it often gets included in hotel amenity lists. A secluded, rocky expanse, it is good for hiking or picnicking, but not so good for swimming. A path across the parking lot from the beach leads to the Puako Petroglyphs. Restrooms and picnic tables are onsite. Pets and off-road vehicles are not allowed and camping is prohibited. Do not try to bend the rules, security guards patrol regularly.

Many of the fishing charters and scuba dive boats that operate on the West Side dock at this harbor. It's located just four miles from the Kona Airport, across from ever-popular local restaurant Sam Choy's. Among the vessels docked here are the Prime Time, the Kona Spirit and Hustler. A few restaurants and sundry stores are also onsite, most notably the Harbor House Restaurant. The Charter Desk has a fish weigh-in twice daily.

Snorkelers and divers flock to this bay, which is a designated marine preserve and home to hundreds of varieties of tropical fish, sea turtles and even some dolphins. Kayakers also enjoy the calm, warm waters. History buffs will be more interested in the monument to Captain James Cook, the first British sailor to venture to Hawai'i. Cook was at first revered by the Hawaiians, who believed him to be the god Lono, but eventually they killed him in a skirmish upon his return to the island.

This is one of the Big Island's best places to swim, sunbathe, picnic and bodysurf. A dirt road off Highway 19 leads out to Mahai'ula Beach, where a picturesque crescent of golden sand meets the head of a protected bay. Kua Bay, located about a four-mile hike north from the beach, is a good place for more activities. Divers frequently visit the underwater tunnels and the shipwreck off shore. Vehicles that aren't four-wheel-drives will have a difficult time with the one-mile unpaved road to the beach.

The Hawaiian name for this park is Laaloa, but it's also referred to as Disappearing Sands, White Sands and Magic Sands. The sands of the beach really do pull a disappearing act when the crashing winter waves come, reappearing gradually as the weather and waves calm down. When the weather is fine, there's plenty of sand on this beach and plenty of people to enjoy it. Bodyboarders, swimmers, sunbathers and picnickers descend upon the pretty little crescent of "magic sand" in the heart of touristy Kailua-Kona.

Even in Hawai'i there aren't many beaches like this one. The sand is an odd shade of green with gold hues - actually much prettier than it sounds. Billions of tiny fragments of green crystal give the beach its unusual color. This is a good place for swimming, sunbathing and diving during calm months. Avoid the water during high surf; but always bring your camera; photo opportunities abound. Note that unless you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you may have to hike a couple miles to get to this beach.

En route to the Kohala Coast hotels is this pleasant, secluded beach. It is actually some ways off the main highway, 15 minutes' walking distance from the parking lot at the north end of Kona Coast State Park. Because of the abundance of easily accessible beaches in this area, few people find it worthwhile to trek out to this one. The people that do will have the gentle slope of white sand bordered by rolling dunes all to themselves. There are no facilities or lifeguard services.

Ever heard of the snows of Mauna Kea? This is where you find them. In the winter, the slopes here get plenty of snow. The reserve is noteworthy for several other reasons, as well. Natural deposits left by Ice Age glaciers are easily visible to any science buff. People with an interest in archaeology may want to hike the 40-minute path to Lake Waiau, where an archaeological site still shows remnants of ancient pre-contact Hawai'i. Plenty of other people come here to get a good look at the island from the vantage point of 13,000 feet above sea level. Note: Limited access to rental cars. Check before attempting to make the drive.

With its shade trees, picnic tables and gentle surf, this is a great place for family outings or afternoon naps. It is a quiet neighborhood beach just outside of Kawaihae. The same elements that draw swimmers and snorkelers tend to dissuade surfers, windsurfers and other thrill seekers. The shorebreak is gentle and usually small. Facilities include barbecue pits, showers and even tennis courts. The soft, golden sands are usually not very crowded.

A nicely maintained park in central Hilo, this place is great for family outings or group picnics. The park, which spans a little more than 130 acres, has a picnic area, a boat ramp, a visitor center and a war memorial. People can choose to boat down the river or to stroll through the park and take in the scenery. The Wailoa Center, located on the property, often features displays and exhibits by local artists, while the outdoor pavilions sometimes are the sites of special events.