What a beautiful sandy beach also known as Magic Sands/Disappearing Sands due to the strong surf. It was packed here & we ate at the adjoining restaurant which was beautiful with a phenomenal view. (Magic Sands Restaurant). We were able to park for free just across the street. This beach is super small and busy. Note, it is thee only sandy beach near Kona. All the rest are super rocky & dangerous. It has shade, lifeguards, toilet facilities and a little shallow water. Be very careful of that surf & the lava rocks underneath. But the water is so beautiful and clear with a gorgeous turquoise hue. We were told we may see turtles but we didn't today. I'm assuming it was just too busy. I'm sure if we were there super early we may have a better shot at it. Do not miss. read more

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This beach can get quite crowded, but it boasts an excellent restaurant right next to it. It features a volleyball area for family fun, pristine white sand, and minimal rocks. read more

White sand. Turquoise water. Amazing shaved ice and food next door?! It's almost too good to be true. Turns out at least 100 other people felt the same way. On a little beach during a pandemic that starts feeling pretty snug. That aside, thus is a gorgeous beach in the Kona area on the Big Island. Definitely recommend. Just get there early so you can snag a spot! read more

Laaloa Beach - Mele Kalikimaka - Beaches Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Busy Beach Off The Road! The water can be rough at times here so know your skill level and don't push your limits... Other times it's as mellow as can be. Super nice sand covering the rock so you get a happy soft on the feet feel! Nice beach and great swimming opportunities here, but good luck finding parking! This is located right on the main road along the coast. There are several abandoned vehicles taking up the parking spots and the beach can be packed! Nice water and good area if you can swim the distance and get out a ways to see marine life. read more

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La'Aloa State Beach is located in Kailua-Kona and it is a small beach (more like a cove), that packs a punch. The area is super chill, there are showers, and a lua (restroom). On the day I went after surfing, there was a honu (turtle) and puhi (eel) in the water. However, everyone was chill and didn't try to touch either wildlife. The honu was enjoying the waves like everyone else, and all the peeps were staying out of its way. The small beach has a lifeguard and the area was clean. It was good to see the locals hanging out and smoking some pakalolo too! A definite good place to come chill after buying some poke at Umeke's or Da Poke Shack, and see the wildlife: Natural and the locals! - LOL!!! read more

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Great place no as big I was expecting super kid friendly like couple hundred yards long.. That it read more

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We were in Kona for the afternoon and heard this beach had fun waves so we stopped by. The beach is small -- less than 100 yards end-to-end, and on the day we went (a Wednesday in November), it was super crowded. At first that was a turn-off and we almost left for a different beach. But then we remembered we love people-watching and the waves did look really fun, so we stayed. I'm glad we did. We found an open spot on the right side of the beach to lay our towels and after a few minutes of digging our toes in the sand, I waded into the water. The waves were small but fun. It was crowded but I had enough room to catch a few without crashing into anyone. I snorkeled for a bit and was surprised at how good it is there. I went off the right side of the beach and found coral and tons of fish. I could see for about 30 feet in the water. I dove down to look at a coral cliff that had a bunch of yellow fish and they didn't immediately swim away. They let me just hang out there with them for several seconds until I had to go back up for air. (Turns out I can only hold my breath for about 20 seconds before I start to feel panicky. I timed myself because a guide on a tour we did earlier in the day told us he could hold his breath for 2 minutes. He competes in free dive competitions.) Anyway, I also saw a two-foot eel. It was blue with a white mouth. I floated above it for a while and it just looked at me with its mouth wide open. After snorkeling I just relaxed on the beach with friends and family. We watched a bunch of kids skim board into the shore break waves. They were really good at it. They would either shoot right into the wave just before it broke and launch into the air, or they'd turn with the wave and catch it as it broke on top of them. Very entertaining. Around 5pm we heard the lifeguard announce that she was going off duty and that she'd be back at 9:30am the next day and that if anyone got injured, 9-1-1 would be a good number to remember. The sunset was beautiful. The sun glowed red behind some thin clouds, which lit up the sky into a brilliant orange. Lots of couples and friend groups took selfies. Overall it was a fantastic place to spend the afternoon. Fun surf, great snorkeling, lots of people, beautiful sunset. I would go back. read more

Laaloa Beach - Beaches Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Come and stay ... Relax and enjoy the sounds of many waters. The ocean mist in your face. See turtles swim everyday during your stay. Watch the Yellow Tang swim just below your deck_lanai. Be near the White Sands Beach_Magic Sands_La'aloa Beach. ( a hop-skip-jump) a stones throw away from Pahoehoe Beach park Kahalu'u beach is a 7 minute drive South on Ali'i Drive. 2 King Bedrooms N have a marvelous view.(upper) 1 Double bedroom view of a lovely beach park. A couple's Studio suite is below and NOT connected via interior of home. Studio has kitchenette_marble double head shower and AC unit. KTA_(food store) Tropics Tap House_Subway_LnL_Kenichi_US Post Office_Small Shopping Stores_CVS_Cinemas_More dinning options 10 minutes away towards South on Ali'i. Much more options North on Alii drive read more

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Laaloa Bay is a popular recreation area in Kailua-Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii. Locals call this beautiful beach Magic Sands (also known as "Disappearing Sands, White Sands and Magic Sands Beach Park").   A Beach For Tourists, A Beach For Locals: Magic Sands is a compact beach, but it is a bit like a Swiss Army knife offers: Bathrooms, lifeguards, tight, but adequate if you get there early, parking, classic white sand, iconic palm trees providing both great ambiance and shade, generally gentle waves, laid back, friendly locals. This is an awesome 'local' beach that is a rare find near Kona because there is actually white sand covering the lava rock. If you know San Diego County, this beach is a cross between Moonlight Beach and Beacons Beach. https://www.yelp.com/biz/moonlight-state-beach-encinitas and Beacons Beach https://www.yelp.com/biz/beacons-beach-leucadia Magic Sands Beach Overview: White sand beach and rocky shoreline. Swimming, surfing. Parking, restrooms, showers, drinking water, lifeguards. Hazardous footing due to lava just barely under the sand. Also, there can be strong currents and waves. Gates open 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Just so you know, it isn't the best beach on the Big Island but is the best beach with nearby access to Kailua-Kona. It is one of my favorite beaches. Locals Tip: The sand is just a layer on top of lava rock. The best, safest place to enter the water is in the middle, right in front of the lifeguard tower. Just Why Is It Called 'Magic Sands?'  It is called 'Magic Sands' since the sand, poof, like magic, can immediately disappear when there is a large storm (several times a year), and all the sand is swept off the beach. Later the sand returns, via wave action, after the storm.  Also known as "Magic Sands" or "White Sands Beach", the official name is "Laaloa Beach County Park". During calm weather, it is one of the only fine white sandy beaches in the Kailua-Kona area.  A strong surf break on the shore can be dangerous, but makes it a favorite for bodyboarding by experienced locals, even under moderate surf conditions.   In the Hawaiian language, la'a loa means "very sacred" because there are several Archaeological sites are in the area.  Surf vs. Boogie Boarding: While this beach can rarely offer a surf break, most often the break is hard and fast, and better for boogie boarding. Snorkeling: If there are any waves at all, skip snorkeling, it is just too rough. If the waters are calm, and at higher tides, there is a reef to just north of the beach. Turtles: Because there is sand on the beach, this can be a popular beach to see turtles when the beach isn't crowded. Directions To Magic Sands: 77-650077 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 - Essentially, go south from downtown Konan, along Ali'i Drive for about four miles - along the waterfront. Locals Tip: Just before you arrive at Magic Sands Beach, there is a parking lot on the east side of Ali'i Drive. For more information call the County of Hawai`i Department of Parks and Recreation at (808) 961-8311. Magic Sands can sometimes have a major swell. See more pictures at https://movingtokona.com/magic-sands-beach-park/ I would be very appreciative if you could respond below: Was this review Useful / Funny / Cool Read all my reviews here bit.ly/RodsYelpReviews read more

It's not large but great when waves aren't at dangerous levels. Super fun boogie boarding, nice swells. Not board-friendly. Some rocks but much better than many places. Kid friendly beach, beautiful sands, mostly kid friendly water if swells are low. Public restrooms and a restaurant next door. read more

Laaloa Beach - Beaches Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Omg this is the worst beach in Kona. I'm sorry but the riffraff at that beach made my skin crawl. It was dirty. The people were slobs and I wouldn't waste my time there in August. I hope it's better in other seasons. read more

If you want to see turtles, come here! I have been already few (6-8) times last 5 years, and always I see turtles here. Just give them space. It's kids friendly and there are ToiToi plastic bathrooms. There is missing shower. Area has few historical places, so respect them and be the "good" tourist. I will be definitely back. Not decided yet? There is Cosco near by! ;) read more

Laaloa Beach - The small spot is a turtle - Beaches Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

3.5 for convenience, 2.5 for the always present crowds. Don't listen to the other guy that said this is the best beach on the Big Island. Far from it. However, this is the most convenient beach for people staying right in town or near Alii Dr. The water is great, waves are great, sand is great (except when it disappears- hence its other name- Magic or Disappearing Sands Beach). The one bad thing about this beach is because it is so small and close to town, it is always crowded. Turnaround is pretty quick, so you normally won't have a problem getting your 3x6 patch of sand to lay down on. And with many people often comes great people watching. If you are more into secluded beaches, look elsewhere. read more

Visited this beach end of April. Its was beautiful with plenty of white sand and turquoise water. The waves do get huge and crash hard but if you swim past the breaking point it becomes peaceful rolling waves. You can float over them and relax. There were sea turtles too that swam past us. The beach does get busy but I always found room. Some people would snorkel but theres an amazing snorkeling reef one mile down the road. read more

Laaloa Beach - View from the rocks - Beaches Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

-Easy to access -Lifeguard was there for part of the day -Small beach strip with large lava rocks & white-ish (salt & pepper) sand -Beautiful blue water -Large waves that come in twos or threes so can be dangerous, break super close to the shore (hence one less star). -Large colorful fish and some sea turtles but no coral (still a good snorkel time). -Limited parking on side of the road -Cool for people watching - some local boogieboarders are good! -Relatively close to Kailua-Kona -Bathrooms & showers -Other names of this beach: La'aloa Bay Beach, Disappearing Sands Beach. read more

Laaloa Beach - Don't be fooled, these beautiful waters can be dangerous. Listen to the life guard and read signs. - Beaches Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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This is by far the best beach on the Big Island! Depending on what you were looking for, you can find almost everything at this beach paradise. The tides can get serious and the red flags will fly to indicate this but it's still a great spot for surfing and body boarding! There are a lot of rocks and things to be careful of while indulging in this spectacular beach but it's all worth it. Just use caution. The photography and the waves in the completely clear water cannot be beat! A must see while visiting the Big Island!!! read more

Loved this little beach. Turquiose water, white sand beach... it's heavenly. Beach fills up pretty fast so recommend coming early. Plenty of parking across the street in the dirt lot. Whatever you do be sure to jump in the water. read more

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Laaloa Beach is incredibly convenient beach for those staying in the Kona area, and although it appears crowded on first glance, a lot of people come and go so there is often a space or two opening up - a pleasant beach for getting some sun. The sand is fine and white, and there is a decent amount of shade, along with easy-access street parking and a lifeguard. Bathrooms are also clean and decent. But, as beaches and natural geography go, I would NOT recommend this for people wanting to have some peaceful ocean frolicking or carefree snorkeling. The waves here are intense and massive, building straight up and crashing straight down in the relatively shallow and rocky shore. It was appalling how many people out near the wave break had zero clue as to how to handle themselves in such surf - more often than not we would see some poor soul getting obliterated as he or she (well, usually a he) would try to navigate the incessant pounding of the waves. For goodness sake, PLEASE do not come to this beach if you're wanting to experience the ocean waves but don't have much experience or confidence in personal safety in moderate surf conditions. There is literally an art and technique to navigating powerful waves, and if you don't know this skill, you could get hurt very badly. Lifeguards were constantly booming over their megaphone don't-do-this-or-that due to the amount of clueless people endlessly getting bowled over and pummeled by waves. Anyway, rant over. Again, please don't get in the water here if you're not comfortable with moderate surf conditions. This is a beach best for sunbathing and people watching rather than snorkeling or body surfing, unless you truly understand what you're doing. read more

This beach was a 5 minute walk from our house in Kona so it was super convenient. As others have noted the beach is on the small side but the sand is white and the water is pristine. This is the beach to swim alongside the large turtles that just add to the wild beauty of the Island. It can get a bit crowded but people are coming and going so chances are you will find a place for your chairs and or towels. One important caution. The benign tame waves can change literally in a minute to raging swells and waves that challenge the most experienced. We saw several people testing the harsh surf and they would up with severe cuts and bruises. This is one beach you don't turn you back to. The locals don't call it "Tragic Sands" for nothing! read more

AKA magic sands beach. This really is a disappearing beach. It went from glassy calm water and perfect beach to 8-10 foot waves and rocks within 2 days. Be careful as the current is strong. People started leaving and the lifeguard warned if you're not an advanced swimmer to get out. We saw several people get their feet dragged out from under them while waves pounded them into the sand. It's a smaller beach with some trees and shade, but as we were staying next door we went often just to watch the surfers and enjoy the sunset. There were alot of families and locals, it wasn't overly crowded and plenty of room to sit on the beach or outer areas even end of August/Labor day weekend. If you're lucky enough to be there during a no swell period, I guess there is a bit of snorkeling around the outer edges where the rocks are. read more

Most of the sand in Kona isn't black, but there's a hell of a lot of black sand mixed in (which is coarse on this mainlander's feet). I've found all the lava rock everywhere and the dark sand kind of bleak, so I was pleased to be going to a white sand beach to swim. There are still a lot of lava rocks here, both on the beach and going into the ocean, so you have to climb down to the ocean, and it's unsafe to swim near a chunk of the beach. There is a lifeguard, which is great for a beach this small, and the one on duty while we were there was EXTREMELY attentive. Trucks from a few local eateries (including kosher tacos!) parked nearby, for those wanting lunch. Several people went snorkeling or swimming from this beach, and there were a fair amount of boogie boarders. The waves weren't good enough at all for surfing, but nice for swimming and playing. There were also showers and restrooms. read more

Great beach. Perfect water. You can snorkel, ride waves or just relax in the crystal clear water! Only negative is limited parking because they are working on the nearby parking lot! But awesome time! read more

Laaloa Beach - Fantastic beach! White sands, great waves beautiful water! - Beaches Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Kind of crowded, but great water and soft sand. The surf varies so don't go too close to the rocks. I saw a turtle just swimming along and that was a nice surprise. You can spend the whole day here, but there aren't any vendors so bring your own water and snacks and drinks. No alcohol allowed however so drink before and after go avoid getting a ticket. Enjoy friends! read more

We stayed across this beach from our condo. Very busy beach as you can see. Lots of people going Boogy boarding. There is also a life guard present. If you are looking for a quick trip to the beach, this is a good find. Water was beautiful. read more

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When you read "White Sands Beach" on a map and pull up to a salt and peppered beach, you'll be disappointed to realize it's not what you first think of. It's surrounded by lava rocks, everywhere! This is definitely a locals spot since there's lots of people coming in and out and many people just sleeping on rocks and by the few trees. Not the Hawaiian beach spot I was looking to take my family to and blew out half the day driving to it. If you want an actual beach, this isn't it. The whole "beach" is surrounded by lava rock and it says so on the signs around it. There were a lot of waves which looks perfect for boogie boarding but you'll be crashing onto the rocks if you aren't a pro so that was a no-go for my girls. A plus is there was a lifeguard on duty when I was there briefly, which I assume is because of all the rocks. Another plus is the volleyball net if you like to play but you'll be playing right against all the people sitting around it because it's such a small area. read more

Warm, calm, blue waters to swim, snorkel, and paddle board. But it can get choppy if there is a tropical depression...like great body board tubes. I don't mind all the local Ohana that bbq and sun here on weekends. I do mind all the tourists and their ill-mannered offspring acting like idiots. Go to Florida, mainlanders, you don't belong here. Mahalo. read more

Magic Sands Beach in Kona, Hawaii is a beach that was considered sacred and magic by the ancient Hawaiians due to the loss of its sand each winter and early spring to the rough currents. Large waves and storms would extract the white sands from the shoreline portion of the beach and temporarily deposit them further out to sea exposing dangerous exposed rocks in the process. The sand would eventually come back to cover the beach in the late spring and summer. As popular and convenient as Magic Sands Beach is, it is not a place for the novice swimmer or surfer. Another nickname given to this beach is "Tragic Slams Beach" because of the number of people that are hurt or paralyzed at this beach due to the strong shore-break. The waves really thrash here but people still come, as the location is right off the main Kona drag and it is a easy beach to access. Parking can be difficult at times dues to Magic Sand's popularity. I give this beach 4 YELP STARS for being one of the few beaches accessible in this area of Kona. However, 1 YELP STAR is deducted because a big CAUTION should be heeded when enjoying Magic Sands. According to www.TomBarefoot.com, "continuous wave action which funnels the waves from the open ocean to form a shore-break make it quite an exciting beach for local boogie boarding enthusiasts who quite enjoy the rides. In the summer when there is still a sand beach present and when the waves are smaller this can be fun for those who are skilled at this location." Still, lifeguards stationed at this beach make rescues almost every day. During the winter months, TomBarefoot says "the problems here increase astronomically as the power of the waves dramatically increase as well. The emergency room in Kona is very familiar with the accidents that occur here and every caution should be taken when entering the water." A local may know to be careful here, but the tourists (of which I was one) should know the best policy to keep you safe at Magic Sands is to walk up to the Lifeguard tower and ask if it was safe to enter the water, where to go and what to look out for. Nothing can ruin a day at the beach or a trip to Hawaii faster than experiencing a nasty wipe-out! read more

Laaloa Beach - Beaches Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Nice small beach. Large waves and a TON of people. As it got late people cleared out and it was a just as peaceful as it could be.

Beautiful, clear aquamarine blue water! Not too crowded on a Friday morning, clean, and (at least today) a nice and calm crowd of people. Family friendly! Would definitely go back! read more

Laaloa Beach - July 2017 - Beaches Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Beautiful beach, lots of people, really intense waves. The right side (facing the ocean) is definitely calmer then the left. The rip tide is gnarly, you don't want to turn your back against the waves. Great for body surfing. Not good for kids unless they are good at swimming and know how to handle the waves! read more

This beach is nice, clear water and not a lot of rocks. But it is dangerous, waves are super high, scary for me don't know how to swim. There is warning signs and lifeguards on site. Saw a big turtle which was pretty cool, when your not expecting it. Not a big beach tho. But would come here again. read more

Laaloa Beach - Beaches Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

I love this little blue cove right before the Ali'i strip. The water is very clear and there's plenty of parking. On the left side of the cove is where the turtles hang out. Stay on this side and you'll soon be swimming with them. The waves can get big so you have o be a strong swimmer. read more

This was an incredible spot to watch the sunset in Kona. There was a volleyball net, sand to lay on, rocks to sit in, perfect size waves for frolicking in, and a spectacular view of all the colors of the sunset. Something for everyone. It was nice that there were also showers and bathrooms, as we had had a long day. I will definitely be going back here again... read more

Laaloa Beach - Beaches Near Me - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Our family loved this beach. It gets crowded with locals, particularly adolescent boys in various stages of learning daring boogie board tricks, but they are so fun to watch. When the tide is in, there is often a family of turtles eating on the rocks on the northern end of the beach. The beach was just rough enough for everyone to have fun, but not so rough that you worried someone might get hurt. read more

Beach was nice, very rocky but lots of people sitting out and boogie boarding in the water. Nice to see if you are in Kona but not worth to go out of your way to see in my opinion. Lots of better beaches in Hawaii. read more

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Great beach, its also called Magic Sands. The waves can get as high as 15 feet, so if you plan on snorkeling here its a no go. Bring your boogie board! read more

This beach is nice. The parking is across the street and it can get pretty packed. We went on a weekend which was probably a mistake. Plus there is Da Poke Shack which is nearby, added plus. There's a small walkway that leads to a very beautiful clear blue beach. The sand is soft and without shells, and the traditional beige color, unlike the other beaches in town. It's got a small reef off shore but from what we saw there was little to be impress as far as snorkeling. The waves are a bit treacherous for little ones along the shore. If you go out a bit past where the waves break, it's a standable height and the waves are nicer. There is a bit of a drop off and current so you gotta be careful. The sand gets everywhere and there's no where to wash it off at this beach. No other amenities either. But it's beautiful, hard to care about the other stuff. read more

Pretty beach, but very small. We got some gorgeous pictures and enjoyed the view for a bit but I wouldn't spend much time here as it was very crowded and there weren't many places to find a spot to sit. Not a bad beach to check out if you're in Kona but I wouldn't drive far to seek it out. read more

Very picturesque however quite the under current at high tide. Were several men with ruksaks drinking under the shade keep an eye on children if you bring them with. read more

Very crowded tourist beach. Love the white fine sand. Much better options up north! Hapuna, Kua Bay, Beach 69, or Makalewena if you will hike! read more