Hakalau Bay Beach - Beaches On Big Island Hakalau, Hawaii

Hakalau Bay Beach is a beach made up of black sand and pebbles and really isn't a great swimming beach. The Hakalau Stream empties into the ocean here which creates strong currents, murky water, and the ocean bottom drops off quickly. Strong currents make for dangerous swimming conditions and murky water, aside from just being unpleasant, is something sharks enjoy.

So while we don't suggest you taking a dip here, it is a fun place to stop, take in the beautiful scenery, and grab some photos. This is really more of a local's beach than a tourist beach so be respectful of the locals. On that note, the locals may very well be boogie boarding or otherwise playing in the water but that doesn't mean you should.

The ruins of Hakalau Mill are located along the shoreline, it was destroyed in the tsunami of 1946. The Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge is located nearby.

To get here, you'll take the Mamalahoa Highway (19). If you're coming from the north you'll pass over the bridge, from the south you won't pass over the bridge. You want to turn makai (toward the ocean) onto Old Mamalahoa Highway. Follow that road and it will eventually curve left, go down in elevation, take a u-turn, and head you right into the beach area.

• Facilities: Bathrooms	• Facilities: Grassy Area	• Facilities: Picnic Tables	• Type: Kid Friendly	• Type: Murky Water
• Type: Protected From Open Ocean	• Type: Shady	• Sand Type: Black	• Parking: Good / Plenty	• Good For: Bodysurfing
• Good For: Boogie Boarding	• Surfing Level: Advanced