Zest Vit

Waterfalls stream down the mountainsides like tears on the dramatic Na Pali coast, while ancient rivers have carved deep into the rock of Kauai to create the Waimea Canyon. The Big Island is home to an active volcano, and Oahu is home to Pearl Harbor and its rich history.

You have to travel a bit north from Kailua-Kona to reach Kukio Beach, but you'll be so glad that you did. A little less than 20 miles from Kona, along the Kohala Coast, are the sun-drenched shores of Kukio. It's no wonder this beach is so perfect — it is the resident beach of the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort.

Spread out in front of the lovely Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, the aptly named Mauna Kea Beach is a picture-perfect crescent of powdery soft sand backed by a gradient of turquoise sea. If you're scouting the whitest, sandiest beaches in and around Kona, this would be one to add to the list.

Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park is not only a fabulous beach, it also happens to be a place deeply rooted in Hawaiian heritage and culture. This 182-acre park was once a royal site for ancient Hawaiians, as well as a place of refuge for those who broke Hawaiian law. Today it's a learning center with archaeological artifacts, hiking trails, and a gorgeous beach.

Not only is Hapuna Beach State Park one of the best beaches in Kona, it rivals the most beautiful beaches in all of Hawaii. This expansive stretch of white-sand beach is consistently ranked among the best beaches across the state — and for good reason.

This beach is very popular with families who have younger kids because of its calm and shallow water. The "ponds" at this Kona beach are tide pools that are protected by a barrier of lava rocks, and they only get waves of any height during the peak tide. There are patches of white sand and some grassy areas, but a large portion of the beach is made of lava rocks that are full of sea life waiting to be discovered.

The historic Ho`okena Beach Park is a popular camping spot with a rich history, located about 25 miles south of Kona on Kauhao Bay. This is one of Hawaii's last traditional canoe fishing villages, and tourists can still watch local fishermen come and go in their canoes while using the same fishing methods that have been practiced for generations.

Tourists should be sure to pick a tour operator that is a member of the Sustainable Tourism Association, as this popular reef had suffered damage after years of popularity. While on a boat tour, keep an eye out for the spinner dolphins who love the deep water in the middle of the bay.

Getting down to the beach requires a trip down some lava rocks, so this is not a good beach for those with accessibility limitations. There is a lifeguard on duty, and restrooms and showers are available in the parking lot, but there are no concessions or rentals here.

Located just north of Kona near Kona Coast State Park, Makalawena Beach is ideal for tourists who want to get away from the crowds. The beach takes a little effort to reach, which is why it's not crowded, but it's well worth the 20-minute hike across the rough lava path to the soft sand. Those who are willing to carry their snorkeling equipment along will be able to enjoy some very good snorkeling here as well, although there are no lifeguards, so anyone planning on going in the water should check ocean conditions before heading out.

Although this is not a beach for swimming due to big waves and strong currents, Honl's Beach is one of Kona's most popular spots for experienced surfers. Also known as Tiki's Surf Spot, the sand gives way to a rocky shoreline, and visitors will want to have appropriate footwear if planning on walking here.

Located on the perfectly crescent-shaped Anaeho'omalu Bay, this beach is popular for its expansive white sand and plenty of room to spread out. Also known as "A Bay," visitors will find the water spotted with small boats and plenty of activity, making this a lovely spot for people-watching and relaxing. Although there are no lifeguards here, there are showers and restrooms.