One of the rare white-sand beaches on the Big Island’s north side, Samuel M. Spencer Beach Park features shallow water along its sandy shoreline, making it the perfect spot for safe swimming and snorkeling, even for young kiddos. Thanks to the picnic areas, restrooms, showers, lifeguards, and BBQ grills, it’s got all the family-friendly magic you could ask of Hawaii’s Big Island beaches.

One of the must-visit beaches on the Big Island, Hapuna Beach often appears on lists of the world’s best beaches. While most of the island’s coastal stretches are somewhat rocky and volcanic (the island is an active volcano, after all) Hapuna is an inviting stretch of soft white sand sloping gently into the sea. The largest white-sand beach on the island, it’s ideal for swimming, bodyboarding, and sunbathing. In the winter months, you might even spot humpback whales.

One of the Big Island’s newest black-sand beaches, Isaac Hale Beach Park (aka Pohoiki Beach) was formed by a volcanic eruption in 2018. The lava destroyed certain parts of the park (like picnic tables and light poles) and created others, including two brand-new surf breaks, three geothermal ponds, and the black sand beach itself.

As far as Big Island black-sand beaches go, Punaluʻu Beach is the most famous. Set conveniently between Kona and Hilo (near Volcano Village), this spot has it all: swaying palm trees, gorgeous black sand, wild waves, and even two species of turtles. Green sea turtles and hawksbill sea turtles regularly laze onshore. While this spot isn’t always suitable for swimming and snorkeling (check conditions beforehand) it’s fabulous for the scenery alone. Bring water shoes, a chair, and your camera.

Just a few minutes from downtown Hilo, Honoli’i Beach Park is best for two things: surfing (if you know what you’re doing) and admiring surfing (if you don’t). If you fall somewhere in between, head to Honoli’i in the summer months when the swells aren’t as wild. Those who don’t surf can still visit: Pack a picnic and catch one of the Big Island’s best free surfing shows, or nab a surfing lesson from a local outfitter.

Kealakekua Bay, or the Captain Cook Monument (where Captain James Cook landed and was killed), isn’t the best Big Island beach for swimming. But for kayaking, there’s nowhere better on the Big Island. With the coral beginning just a few feet from shore and spanning in every direction, you’ll see scores of tropical fish, sea turtles, and maybe even a favorite local resident: spinner dolphins. Note that since this is a protected area, you’ll need a permit to kayak here.

One of the few green-sand beaches in the entire world, Papakolea Beach is a must-visit, at least for those who are in for a trek. It’s a 5.5-mile (8.8-kilometer) hike in total, with an elevation gain of 275 feet (83 meters), plus a steep jaunt down to the olivine-rich sand. That may sound easy, but keep in mind there’s craggy topography, lack of shade, and warm winds. If you have good hiking shoes and a full water bottle, though, it’s definitely worth the sweat.

While every beach on the Big Island is worth a photography tour, Kauna’oa Beach is all about that symmetry: It’s a fabulous, palm-lined crescent of white sand. Also known as Mauna Kea Beach, it’s white, it’s turquoise, it’s green, which is every shade and shape a photographer is looking for. It’s also long and shallow, apt for swimming and frolicking in warm waves.