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.

Ashley ProbstMar 22, 2022, 03:16 IST

I visited Hapuna Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii — it's currently said to be the best beach in the US.Ashley Probst

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.

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.Ashley Probst

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.Ashley Probst

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.Ashley Probst

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.Ashley Probst

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.Ashley Probst

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.Ashley Probst

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.Ashley Probst

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.Ashley Probst

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.Ashley Probst

My meal wasn't the best option to bring to the beach.

Dynamite mahi-mahi from Island Gourmet Markets.Ashley Probst

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.Ashley Probst

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.Ashley Probst

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.Ashley Probst

There was a diverse crowd of beachgoers doing a range of different activities.

A view from the south end of Hapuna Beach.Ashley Probst

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.Ashley Probst

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.Ashley Probst

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.Ashley Probst

I took my time to explore the north end.

The north end of Hapuna Beach.Ashley Probst

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.Ashley Probst

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.Ashley Probst

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.Sunset on the north end of Hapuna Beach.

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.Ashley Probst

Though this was a fun excursion, I wouldn't make another trip just to visit Hapuna Beach.

A rainbow at Kaanapali Beach on Maui.Ashley Probst

I travelled business class on Amtrak's high-speed Acela train and thought it was worth paying extra for a quicker journey

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