I spent a day at the best beach in the US. It's great, but I'd prefer to go to a different one in the same state
I visited Hapuna Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii — it's currently said to be the best beach in the US.
I visited the renowned Hapuna Beach, which Tripadvisor has named the best beach in the US.
The beach is suitable for people of all ages and has plenty of room for various activities.
Still, I'd rather stay on Maui and go to Kaanapali Beach since it's also beautiful and closer to me.
On the Big Island of Hawaii, Hapuna Beach is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world.
The north end of Hapuna Beach.
Locals and tourists all flock to Hapuna Beach, which has been praised by the likes of Dr. Beach, Travel and Leisure, and Condé Nast Traveler.
Though the locale received a recent accolade from Tripadvisor, which named it the No. 1 beach in the US and No. 13 in the world for 2022.
The largest of the Big Island's white-sand beaches, this half-mile oceanfront oasis is a playground for beachgoers of all ages.
Known for its ideal conditions to sunbathe, go boogie boarding, toss a ball, have a picnic, and more, it has plenty of opportunities for fun beach activities.
So I decided to check out the spot for myself. From the parking to the views, here's what the entire experience was like.
In order to get to this top-rated beach, I had to island-hop from Maui.
Me in Kona with the commuter plane I flew over on from Maui.
I inadvertently booked my flight on a 10-seater commuter plane.
The 40-minute flight took off from a terminal I didn't even know existed at the island's main airport — this was an experience in and of itself.
After landing in Kona, I met with the owner of a rental car that I booked through Turo.
The Ford Escape I rented through Turo.
It was my first time using Turo, a personal car-sharing service, and the owner had never rented out their vehicle before.
But they met me right at the commuter terminal and handed me the keys, then I hit the road.
On my way to the beach, I stopped at Island Gourmet Markets to get some food and drinks to bring with me.
Island Gourmet Markets has a distinctly local vibe and inventory.
Island Gourmet Markets has an extensive selection of local goodies, such as malasadas and mochi from the bakery, sushi burritos from a build-your-own station, and handcrafted beverages.
I opted for a plate lunch from the deli and a Hawaii-grown, mango-hibiscus tea.
The store also sells souvenirs, like Hawaiian sea salt and engraved cutting boards.
After driving a total of 30 minutes, I arrived at Hapuna Beach.
Me in front of the Hapuna Beach sign at the entrance to the park.
I saw the state-recreation-area sign before I could catch a glimpse of the beach, but was so excited that I pulled over to snap a quick picture at the entrance.
There are two parking lots — an upper and a lower option — and a walkway that leads to the beach.
A view of the stairs that connect the upper and lower parking lots.
I tried the lower lot first, figuring it was worth a shot but also that I might have trouble finding parking on a Friday afternoon.
Though I had no problems and parked fairly close to the walkway that led down to the beach.
Upon entering the park, nonresidents were asked to pay a couple of fees.
The pay station at Hapuna Beach requires nonresidents to pay $10 per vehicle in addition to $5 per person.
Since the beach is part of a state park, parking and entry respectively cost $10 per vehicle and $5 per person for nonresidents. There are no fees for locals.
Another sign posted along the walkway down to the sand reminded beachgoers to respect and care for the land.
The artwork at Hapuna Beach that's made by local students.
The sign seemed to be made by local students in partnership with conservation organizations, like Keep Puako Beautiful, Hawaii Wildlife Fund, and Surfrider Foundation, among others.
The walkway branched off toward various picnic tables that looked out on the beach below, so I picked one to enjoy my lunch at.
The picnic table where I enjoyed a meal after arriving at the beach.
I originally considered taking my food down to the beach but figured it was less risky to eat at a table.
So I chose a spot that was shady and centrally located, that way I could continue to watch the activity on and around the beach.
My meal wasn't the best option to bring to the beach.
Dynamite mahi-mahi from Island Gourmet Markets.
While traveling, I try to order unique dishes, such as the dynamite mahi-mahi from the deli.
Though the panko-crusted fish was a bit dry — it likely would've been better if I had eaten it sooner and asked for more dynamite sauce. I absolutely hate wasting food, but I couldn't get myself to finish both extra-large scoops of rice.
Additionally, a swarm of flies immediately came for my food, so perhaps eating down on the sand was the move after all.
That said, the mango-hibiscus tea was delicious and my favorite part of the meal.
When I walked down to the beach, I noticed signs warning visitors to be wary of several things, from high surf and slippery surfaces to bees and falling coconuts.
Caution tape blocked off these trees to protect beachgoers from falling coconuts.
Though the statistic that says falling coconuts kill more people than sharks per year has murky credibility, the caution tape made it clear that these trees produce particularly precarious fruit.
There was also an active beehive in a different tree along the beach walkway.
I made my way to the south side of the beach, which offered a shady respite from the sun-drenched sand.
The south end of Hapuna Beach.
Many travel websites recommend bringing an umbrella for extra sun protection, but the tall rock formations on the south side of the beach provided plenty of shade in the late afternoon.
The sand also wasn't as hot as I expected.
I set my beach bag down on a volcanic rock and started to explore.
My beach bag on a volcanic rock at the south end of Hapuna Beach.
Before getting acquainted with the area, I put on a fresh layer of sunscreen. Then I walked down to the shore and tested the water, which was perfectly warm.
Since I could see the entire stretch of beach, I decided to do some people-watching.
There was a diverse crowd of beachgoers doing a range of different activities.
A view from the south end of Hapuna Beach.
There was a range of people on the beach, from children to elderly folks, plus families, couples, and groups of friends.
There were also sunbathers, volleyball and football players, and an overwhelming amount of boogie boarders.
After befriending a nearby group who agreed to keep an eye on my things, I took a walk to the north end of the beach.
I took a walk along Hapuna Beach.
Many people were walking back-and-forth along the beach, which is over half-a-mile long, or about a 10-minute stroll one way.
During my walk, the lifeguards were packing up to go home for the day.
The lifeguards at Hapuna Beach were off duty by around 4:45 p.m.
If you have little ones or are simply more comfortable being at the beach with a lifeguard on duty, I would suggest coming here earlier in the day.
When I was there, they were getting ready to leave at around 4:45 p.m.
The north end of the beach is in front of The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, which only offers lounge chairs and rental equipment to guests.
A view of The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort.
There is still space for regular visitors to enjoy this end of the beach, but they would have to book a night at The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort to utilize the amenities.
I took my time to explore the north end.
The north end of Hapuna Beach.
The water seemed a little less inviting on this end since not as many people were in it.
There were also some tide pools (though I didn't spot any sea creatures), as well as an entrance to the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, a 175-mile network of culturally and historically significant walkways.
Too bad I wasn't wearing the proper footwear to traverse the trails.
Once I got back to the south end of the beach, I took a dip in the ocean, then laid on the sand.
Me sunbathing on the white, fluffy sand of Hapuna Beach.
The ocean was warm and extremely shallow, with small, yet fun waves that were great for people of all ages to play in.
There is apparently good snorkeling here, but you have to go a bit further out to reach clear water, which I wasn't comfortable doing knowing the lifeguards weren't on duty.
After one set of waves, I went back to the shore and laid out in the sun for a bit — the sand made it feel like I was resting on a peaceful, fluffy cloud.
After drying off, I made my way back to The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort to get a cocktail.
The Coconut Wireless in front of a mural at Naupaka Beach Grill.
Earlier, a resort employee told me that anyone over the age of 21 could purchase a drink from the bar at Naupaka Beach Grill, the resort's casual poolside restaurant.
So once I got back, I ordered the cocktail the employee recommend, the Coconut Wireless, a piña colada garnished with crushed macadamia nuts, mint, and an edible orchid.
The eatery also hosts live music every day from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
As the day came to a close, it was time to enjoy the golden hour and sunset.
The sunset on the north end of Hapuna Beach.
I was taking a lot of pictures, as were most people who were on the beach at this time.
I enjoyed watching the sunset in this world-renowned setting.
As I walked back to my rental car, I expressed gratitude for the beach and the day I spent there.
The twilight hour at Hapuna Beach.
The colors of the sky began to change from warm oranges and pinks to cool blues and purples. So naturally, I had to take some final photos to capture the beautiful twilight hour.
Though this was a fun excursion, I wouldn't make another trip just to visit Hapuna Beach.
A rainbow at Kaanapali Beach on Maui.
Hapuna Beach is rated one of the best beaches in the world for a reason, as it's suitable for all ages and has plenty of room for various activities. There truly is something for everyone.
That said, I don't recommend it to those who prefer tranquil beaches with minuscule waves.
Considering the expenses and travel stress, I'd much rather stay on Maui and go somewhere like Kaanapali Beach, which was rated No. 17 on Tripadvisor's same list of the best beaches in America.
This beach also features gorgeous white sand, as well as a variety of activities like parasailing, boat excursions, cliff jumping, snorkeling, bodysurfing, and much more. There are also places to shop and dine at Whalers Village.
Even though it has a lot more tourist activity since it's located in front of many condos and resorts, the beach is so expansive that you're practically guaranteed to find a good spot.
Overall, there are more opportunities for adventures of all kinds, and it's a convenient 15-minute drive from my home.
