Picture Hawaii and you're probably conjuring images of Kauna'oa Bay without even realizing it. Located on the Kohala Coast of the Aloha-state's Big Island, Kauna'oa Bay is quintessential, picture-postcard Hawaii. With its abundant white sand, palm trees and clear, calm blue water, the crescent-shaped beach is a natural draw for sun worshipers, water sport enthusiasts and families in search of safe, sandy fun.

Perched at the water's edge is the beach's most dominant feature, The Westin Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, a name almost synonymous with Kauna'oa Bay. If you're staying at the Westin Mauna Kea or its nearby sister resort, Westin Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, you're in luck. Both resorts offer complete access to the beach at Kauna'oa Bay and give guests the full use of either resorts' plush facilities.

If you're not a resort guest, don't worry, you can still enjoy the beach via a public access entrance, but with some restrictions. The Westin Mauna Kea maintains both its own beach and the public beach and limits public access to 25 passes at any given time.