Magic Sands Beach (Laaloa Beach Park)

Magic Sands Beach at La’aloa Bay Beach Park is one of the best-known beaches along Alii Drive south of Kailua-Kona. One of the reasons is that there are so few sandy beaches in the area. That said, it’s a pretty cool place and there’s a good reason behind the name.

The nicknames “magic sands” and “disappearing sands” come from the fact that the sand at La’aloa Beach can “magically” disappear into the ocean leaving mostly lava rocks behind. The good news is that it will magically reappear too.

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.

Parking at Magic Sands is available in several places. 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. There’s a grassy area with picnic tables next to the lot across the street. Note that the park hours are 7am to 8pm so don’t park where gates can be closed if you plan to stay beyond 8pm.

Magics Beach Grill next to the beach is a good reason to stay late in these parts, but they close at 8pm too (happy hour is 2-6pm). Magics also has a beach shack outside the restaurant that has snacks, coffee, and refreshments until 3pm daily.

Since Magic Sands Beach is so busy on sunny days, it’s smart to get there in the morning or early afternoon to stake out a spot on the sand (if there is any).

Address

77-6474 Ali‘i Dr
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Phone

808-961-8311

Park Name

La'aloa Bay Beach Park, Kipapa Park

Other Names

Magics, White Sands, Disappearing Sands

Owner

County

Pet Details

No dogs allowed

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Swimming, Snorkeling, Bodyboarding, Sunbathing, Volleyball, Scuba Diving

Amenities

Lifeguards Every Day, Restaurant, Restrooms, Showers, Drinking Water, Picnic Tables, Sand Volleyball Court