Ka'upulehu

Lonely Planet review

Even if you're not high-rolling enough to stay at either of the two exclusive resorts in Ka'upulehu, you can still visit the area's beautiful white-sand beaches, thanks to shoreline public access laws. A mile-long coastal footpath winds through reddish lava and brackish water, where turtles can be seen, and a string of pristine, easily accessible little coves lies further south. Showers, rest rooms and drinking water are available.

Ka'upulehu's first incarnation was a remote fishing village, accessible only by boat. After being destroyed in the 1946 tsunami, the area was abandoned until the early 1960s, when a wealthy yachter anchored offshore came up with an idea that spawned the resort movement here and forever changed this stretch of coast. The Four Seasons hands out free parking passes to those visiting Kukio Bay beach.