Originally Posted by sylvia hennesy

Captain Cook is close to good snorkeling, but not beach. For beaches, you have to drive at least north to Kona, and then ~30 minutes farther for the postcard (Hapuna-type) beaches. There's grocery shopping in Captain Cook, but much more in Kona, of course.
For the west side, Waikoloa resort condos are a good bet; lots of deals to be had these days. Try VRBO. A-Bay there is very nice, there's a new grocery ("Gourmet Market", but adequate), shopping, pretty good proximity to the Mauna Kea, Hapuna, etc. beaches.
On the west, Hilo is good; there are several nice beach parks (who knew?!) just east of town, waterfalls nearby, parks, close to Vocano NP, caves, etc.
Puna (Pahoa or along the coast) is closer to the tidepools, Lava Tree state park, the place where the lava enters the ocean, etc.; beachwise, not so much.