One of the most popular activities for tourists visiting Maui in Hawaii is snorkeling at the magical sands beach. This beautiful beach, often referred to as the "magic sands beach" or "White Sands Beach," is located in the town of Kailua-Kona. The beach gets its name from the unique sand that changes its color from white to black depending on the weather and ocean conditions. Snorkeling at this beach is truly a magical experience as you explore the underwater world surrounded by both white and black sand. The crystal-clear waters at this beach allow for excellent visibility, making it a perfect spot to discover the diverse marine life. Snorkelers can expect to encounter a wide variety of colorful fish, vibrant coral reefs, and occasionally even sea turtles.
Swimming and playing in the waves is the main activity at Magic Sands, and for that reason, there’s a lifeguard tower staffed seven days a week. The snorkeling can be decent on both sides of the cove when the waves aren’t churning up the bottom. Scuba divers can shore dive here at a place called Mile Marker 4 and they usually get into the water in the small cove just south of the park’s oceanfront parking lot. If you want to play volleyball, there’s a sand court available.
There s a large lot across the street, another one next to the restrooms south of the beach signed La aloa Bay Beach Park , and there are shoulder spots along Ali i Drive. During the winter months the annual Magic Sands Bodysurfing Championship, the only bodysurfing contest held on the Big Island, attracts large crowds.
Snorkelers can expect to encounter a wide variety of colorful fish, vibrant coral reefs, and occasionally even sea turtles. For beginners, the shallow areas close to the shore provide a safe and enjoyable snorkeling experience. More experienced snorkelers can venture further out to explore the deeper waters and reefs.
Magic Sands Beach Park
Enjoy the ideal Hawaiian beach trip for the whole family to the magical white sands of White Sands Beach Park. Time your trip for the summer if you want to see the white sands and have gentler seas for swimming or snorkeling. Visit in winter to watch surfing from the sandless, lava rock-strewn beach. Free parking, a lifeguard, and amenities at this public pocket beach make this a popular, sometimes crowded destination for locals and tourists.
- The HawaiianIslands.com Local Expert Team
Though tiny, White Sands Beach Park near Kailua-Kona has all the amenities you could want from a family-friendly beach plus a secret disappearing act. Each winter the sands vanish, seemingly overnight, only to return a few months later. This county park has several reasons to visit throughout the year, whether the white sands cover the rocky shore or not.
Also known as Magic Sands or Laaloa Beach, the former name comes from the trick that seems to happen in the winter. During the winter, high surf and tides pull the white sands from the shore, leaving behind the black lava rocks. Occasionally, this can happen at other times when storms create exceptionally high tides that remove the sand. When the winter tide eases, the ocean slowly restores the sand to the beach. The regular removal and restoration of the beach keeps the sands white.
The best time of year to go to White Sands Beach Park depends on what you want to do. This public park is open all year long. During the winter, you can enjoy the black lava rocks of the beach and watch surfers take advantage of the rough swell. Avoid swimming during this time because there is a heavy rip current and high waves that can drag even experienced swimmers out to sea or push them against the rocks on the beach.
In the summer, the white sands return with relatively calmer seas. Unlike other beaches on the other side of the Big Island, the shore slopes gently into the water here. If you prefer snorkeling, go just south of the beach to the small rocky cove.
For safety, stick to the protected swim areas and pay attention to any directions from the lifeguard while swimming here. Occasional southern currents can make swimming more difficult at this beach during the summer. As with all Hawaiian beaches, conditions can change quickly, so keep alert when in the water.
The county operates and maintains this pocket beach, which means that it has more amenities than other beaches on the island. For instance, at White Sands Beach Park, you’ll find a picnic spot, volleyball court, bathrooms, outdoor showers, a lifeguard, and free parking. If you cannot get a spot in the tiny lot next to the beach, look for street parking nearby. Food stands and cafes within walking distance feed hungry beachgoers and add to the convenience of this site.
The white sands have contrasting dark lava rocks closer to the water and coconut palms surrounding the beach, creating a picturesque setting that is popular with locals and tourists. Its attractiveness means that you may see crowds on the weekends or holidays. To enjoy a quieter time at this beach, arrive early in the day or on a weekday.
Overall, this beach is an ideal spot during the summer if you want convenient amenities, the safety of a lifeguard, and beautiful white sands. Even during the winter when the white sands vanish, this beach still is a great destination if you want to bodyboard, surf, or watch others doing these sports. Make this picture-perfect, family-friendly beach a stop at any time of the year for summer swimming, winter surfing, or year-round people-watching.
Insider Tips:
-Visit during the summer to catch a view of the white sands and enjoy better swimming conditions.
-Bring sunscreen and a beach umbrella to protect you from the sun since the beach has little natural shade.
-Arrive early or on a weekday to avoid the crowds and get a spot in the tiny, free parking lot.
Something Simple like this will allow you to swim without worrying about being run over. It will mark your position and give you something to hang your things off of. It’s also required by law and not having one can result in a fine by the local enforcement agency.
It is important to note that since this beach doesn't have a protective reef, the currents can sometimes be strong. Therefore, it is advisable to check the local weather and ocean conditions before snorkeling. Additionally, wearing a life jacket or using a flotation device is highly recommended, especially for those who may not be strong swimmers. Overall, snorkeling at the magic sands beach is a breathtaking experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the ocean. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, this beach offers something for everyone. So grab your snorkel gear and get ready to dive into the magical world beneath the surface of the water..
Reviews for "Snorkeling Adventures for Beginners at Magic Sands Beach"
1. John - 1 star: I was really disappointed with the snorkeling at Magic Sands Beach. The water was murky and there were hardly any fish to see. The waves were also quite rough, making it difficult to enjoy the experience. I've been to other snorkeling spots in Hawaii that were much better in terms of visibility and marine life. I wouldn't recommend Magic Sands Beach for snorkeling.
2. Lisa - 2 stars: I had high expectations for snorkeling at Magic Sands Beach, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to them. The beach was crowded with people, making it difficult to navigate in the water. The currents were also quite strong, which made me feel unsafe. Additionally, the coral and underwater landscape didn't seem very vibrant or colorful. Overall, I was underwhelmed with the snorkeling experience at this beach.
3. Michael - 2 stars: I've been snorkeling at multiple locations around the world, and Magic Sands Beach was definitely a letdown. The water clarity was poor, which made it difficult to see anything beyond a few feet. The beach itself was also quite rocky, making it uncomfortable to enter and exit the water. I would recommend exploring other snorkeling spots in Hawaii that offer better visibility and more aquatic life.
4. Sarah - 2 stars: Snorkeling at Magic Sands Beach was a disappointing experience for me. The beach itself was crowded and noisy, which took away from the tranquility I was seeking. The water was also quite cold, which made it uncomfortable to stay in for a long time. Additionally, I didn't come across many unique or interesting marine species while snorkeling. Overall, I wouldn't choose Magic Sands Beach as my go-to snorkeling destination in Hawaii.