Ha'Puna Beach Spring, Hapuna Beach Park, Hawaii 96743

## Overview HaʻPuna — a name that carries deep Hawaiian meaning. In ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, *Ha* signifies "the breath of life" and *Puna* means "water spring," making Hapuna quite literally "the spring of life's breath." This natural water source sits at the southern end of Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, one of the Big Island's most celebrated white-sand beaches, near the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort along the Kohala Coast. The spring has a long history of cultural significance. A local Hawaiian healer (kahuna lāʻau lapaʻau) has been using this spring for over 40 years and holds water rights dating back to 1976. The water has been cherished by Native Hawaiians and visitors alike, and the spring is considered a place worthy of gratitude and prayer — a reminder of the deep spiritual connection between water and life in Hawaiian culture. Water quality readings taken at the spring show a pH range of approximately 7.3 to 8.5 and total dissolved solids (TDS) ranging from roughly 1,100 ppm to 1,650 ppm. These values suggest a mineral-rich, slightly alkaline water influenced by the coastal geology of the area — likely a brackish mix of fresh groundwater percolating through porous volcanic basalt and nearshore ocean water. Visitors have described the water as "ono wai" — delicious water in Hawaiian. Low tide is reported to be the best time for collecting water, particularly during new moon or full moon phases when tidal fluctuations are most pronounced and the freshwater-to-saltwater ratio may be more favorable. ## Directions 1. From the intersection of Highway 19 (Hawaiʻi Belt Road / Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway) and Kauna'oa Drive, turn west toward the coast onto Kauna'oa Drive. 2. Follow Kauna'oa Drive toward Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area. The park entrance and parking lot will be well signed. 3. Park in the Hapuna Beach parking area (a small fee or valid state parks pass may be required). 4. Walk down to the beach and head toward the southern end of Hapuna Beach, in the direction of the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort (formerly the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel). 5. The spring is located right at the end of the beach park area, in front of the hotel. Look for the water source near the rocky shoreline at the south end of the sand. *GPS coordinates: 19.994775, -155.825765* ## What to Expect Hapuna Beach is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the United States, so the setting alone is spectacular — a wide crescent of powdery white sand framed by dark lava rock and turquoise Pacific waters. The spring itself is at the far southern end of the beach park, near where the sand meets the rocky coast in front of the resort. The water flow and quality are influenced by the tides. Visitors report that the best time to collect water is during low tide, especially around new and full moons when tidal swings are greatest. At these times, the fresh groundwater component is said to be strongest, resulting in better-tasting water with potentially lower salinity. The Kohala Coast is part of the dry, leeward side of the Big Island, so expect warm, sunny conditions most of the year. Bring sun protection and footwear suitable for walking on sand and lava rock. The beach park has restrooms, showers, and picnic facilities. This spring holds cultural and spiritual significance in the Hawaiian tradition. Visitors are encouraged to approach the site with respect — offering a moment of gratitude or a quiet prayer, as is customary when receiving a gift from the ʻāina (land). Please leave the area as you found it and be mindful of others who may be collecting water or observing cultural practices.