Beach In Hawaii: Guide To Hit Most Beautiful Beaches

The state of Hawaii is located in the Pacific Ocean in the Western United States. It has a rich culture, unique marine life, and a diverse landscape and climate. The archipelago contains around 137 volcanic islands. The biggest is Hawaii Island, otherwise known as the Big Island. Maui, Kaua’i, O’ahu, Moloka’i, Lana’i, Kaho’olawe (uninhabited), and Ni’ihau (forbidden island). Except for Kaho’olawe and Ni’ihau, all the islands of Hawaii allow tourism. The beaches there are world-class and attract tourists throughout the year.

Hawaiian beaches are favored for their surf. Most of the beaches have turbulent tides. But you can still find calm waters if you know where to look. 

Few of the Best Beaches in Hawaii

Below is a list of beaches in Hawaii that you should visit. Each of these has unique characteristics and will make your beach vacation memorable. 

Oahu

Oahu is one of the most popular islands of Hawaii and is home to the state capital Honolulu. The historic Pearl Harbor and the famous Waikiki Beach are located here. The Leahi (Diamond Head) hike is considered Hawaii's most beautiful hiking experience. You will get a 360° view of the coast at the summit. The hike takes only 1.5 hours and is relatively easy.

The iconic Iolani Royal residence is the only existing royal palace in the USA that you should visit. The Dole plantation, Polynesian Cultural Center, Kaena Point State Park, and the Makapuu Lighthouse are some notable landmarks you can visit in Oahu.

Ko Olina

Ko Olina is a great beach for families. It is calm and sand-bottomed. You can walk around or have a picnic. Riding around the beach with an electric mountain bike is a good idea, especially if there are hills nearby where you can ride the bikes.  

There are excellent bathhouse facilities. You should also check out the Four Seasons Hotel on the beach. 

Kahe Point Beach Park

You will get one of the best snorkeling experiences of your life at Kahe Point Beach Park. The power plant near the ocean keeps the water warm, so schools of fish are attracted to the area. You can find various fish, including turtles, eagle rays, and dolphins. White-tip sharks and octopuses can also be seen if you're lucky. 

The best time for snorkeling in calm waters is from May to October. You can rest at the Makaha or Yokohama beach from there.

Waimea Bay

Waimea Bay is a surfing beach with big waves. During winter, this beach attracts lots of pro surfers who try out for competitions. You can visit this beach to enjoy surfing or to check out the contest. 

Laniakea Beach

Laniakea Beach is nicknamed 'Turtle Beach' for its abundance of green sea turtles. These can be seen lying around the shoreline, basking in the sun. However, you cannot touch or provoke the turtles since it's against the law. 

You can snorkel, swim, or kayak in the calm waters of the Laniakea shore.

Waikiki Beach

The Waikiki beach is 1.5 miles long and is divided into a few sections through boardwalks. It is one of the most popular beaches in Hawaii. Because of its popularity, it usually remains very crowded year-round. Surfing is available here throughout the year. You can choose to stay at the Kapiolani Beach Park adjacent to it, which is much less crowded.

You can visit the Leahi, go shopping, or dine at the high-end resorts or hotels here. 

Lanikai Beach

Lanikai Beach is perfect for swimming in calm ocean waters. The offshore reef keeps the waves small and favorable for kids and people who can't handle big waves. Families often find it a great spot to practice water safety and build confidence in the ocean. If you're traveling with little ones, it might also be a good time to look into the best baby swimming lessons near me to help them get comfortable in the water before or after your trip. There are also two offshore islands with bird sanctuaries that you can visit near Lanikai. There are also two offshore islands with bird sanctuaries that you can visit near Lanikai. 

Kailua Beach

Kailua is one of the best beaches in Hawaii. It is a 3-mile-long stretch of soft white sand that will take your breath away. The intensity of the waves varies, allowing swimming, kiteboarding, kayaking, boogie boarding, and surfing. The Koolau mountain range serves as a scenic backdrop here. There are no beach hotels or resorts, so it stays crowd-free on weekdays.

Waimanalo Beach

Waimanalo Beach Park is situated in the middle of Waimanalo Bay. It is around 4 miles long and once contained an air force base that is now closed down.

The ocean here is unstable and can create problems for inexperienced swimmers, but you'll have fun boogie-boarding. Besides, the sand, skyline, and scenery make it a scenic destination to visit.

Sunset Beach

This one is a beautiful eye-pleasing beach that is stretched long. This beach offers excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities during the summer. During winter, it's only suitable for expert surfers and swimmers as the wind remains high, causing bigger waves. 

Goat Island and Malaekahana State Park

Swimming, surfing, boogie boarding, and occasional snorkeling are available at the Malaekahana State Park beach. The soft sand is excellent for making sand castles. You can swim to the nearby goat island when the water is calm. Overall you'll have a good time at this beach. 

Kauai

Kauai Island, or the 'Garden Island,' is Hawaii's fourth biggest island. The aerial or sea view of the island can be breathtaking. The region is covered in green mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, and rivers.

Kauai Island offers loads of activities. You can hike in the mountains or swim in the ocean. The beaches are diverse enough for families as well as adventurous surfers. The white sand coastline around the island is nearly 50 miles long. You can see whales or sea turtles on the northern shorelines.

Some of the best beaches of Kauai are listed below.

Hā'ena Beach Park

Hā'ena Beach Park has the scenic Mount Makana as a backdrop. You can take some beautiful photos or enjoy the sunset here.

'Anini Beach Park

This white sand beach is perfect for kids and families. It is protected by coral reefs that keep the water calm enough for snorkeling. The sea has the calmest nature on Kauai's north shore. Though some channels may have strong currents. 

Windsurfing is available here. There are restrooms and other facilities but no lifeguards.

Kē'ē Beach

The kē'ē beach has coral reefs that are great for snorkeling and scuba diving. You can see the Nāpali shoreline from the beach while sunbathing. The Kalalau trail starts at this beach.

Lydgate Beach Park

This is a family-friendly site where your children can play in the water safely. The water is protected by lava rock formations that keep the waves small. Picnic facilities, as well as restrooms and lifeguards, are available here.

Keālia Beach Park

Keālia Beach is good for surfing. You can swim or boogie board at the northern end, where the waves are relatively calm. 

Hanalei Beach

White sands, clear blue water, and a mountain backdrop make Hanalei Beach one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. It is popular among people for surfing. During winter, the surf can get very high, and the ocean becomes unsuitable for swimming. The fall and summer seasons are best for swimming. 

Tunnels Beach

During the summer, you can snorkel in peace in the calm and clear waters of Tunnels Beach. The calm waters and the serenity of the place will bring peace to your mind.

Poipu Beach

Poipu Beach has clear waters that make it a popular destination. A sand strip separates it into two sections. One section is suitable for little children for swimming and the other for swimming and snorkeling.

You can find monk seals, an endangered species, on this island. Surfing is also an option when the waves are right. 

Kiahuna Beach

Kiahuna is a famous beach located on Kauai's south shore. It's a section of Poipu Beach. Kiahuna Beach faces the Kiahuna Plantation condominiums and plunges between Poipu Beach Park and Lawai Beach.

Kiahuna is a good beach for beginner surfers, snorkelers, and boogie boarders. Because of the outlying reef, the water always stays calm. On the outside of the reef, experienced surfers may ride the waves. There isn't much shade so you must bring an umbrella. Parking is scarce, but you can park at Poipu Beach.   

Mahaulepu Beach

Mahaulepu Beach has three separate beaches: Gillin's Beach, Kawaiola Bay, and Ha'ula Beach. There is always a strong wind blowing, so it's a better fit for experienced surfers. As it takes more effort to come to this beach, it often remains uncrowded. 

This beach is also suitable for kite borders, snorkelers, and body borders. The amusing landscape includes lava tubes, sandstone cliffs, blow holes, and isolated coves. The best way to explore this beach is by walking on foot. 

Secret Beach

Secret Beach is filled with serenity and picturesque seascapes. The sand is deep and soft and guarded with towering, tall palm tree-lined sea cliffs. Swimming during the summer is safe as the sea waves tend to be drastic in winter. With many soothing views, Secret Beach is a great place to be if you prefer a smaller crowd.

Lanai

Lanai is the smallest island in Hawaii. Despite being under private ownership, the beaches on the island are open to the public. 

Lanai Island has quaint and peaceful beaches. Most of the roads on the island are not paved, so you'll need a four-wheel drive to get around. 

The beaches here are secluded and are more suitable for picnics and sunbathing. 

Hulopoe Bay

Hulopoe Bay is the best spot on Lanai for snorkeling and swimming. Backing it is the luxurious Four Seasons resort. Hulopoe was named USA's best beach in 1997 due to its pristine beauty. 

Summertime is convenient for swimming since the surf picks up during winter. There are tide pools at Hulopoe Bay with unique marine life that you should check out. 

Spinner dolphins and humpback whales can be seen at Hulopoe Bay. 

Polihua Beach

Polihua or 'egg nest' in Hawaiian, was once where green sea turtles would make their nests. Nowadays, these turtles have become a rare sight. But you can still find whales swimming very close to the shore in winter.

Polihua Beach is not suitable for any water activities. Since it is completely open to the ocean and has strong currents, swimming is not recommended here. The winds here are quite strong and can make the sea disruptive at any time. Sand storms are common during windy days. 

Maui

Maui has a coastal shoreline of 120 miles with 81 accessible beaches. There are black, green, and golden sand beaches. It is the second largest island in Hawaii and contains four other smaller islands in the county. It is home to the largest dormant volcano in the world- Haleakala.

The other islands of Maui County are Molokai, Lanai, and Kaho'olawe. 

Maui beaches are famous for humpback whale sightings. If you're visiting from the middle of December to the middle of April, then you're guaranteed to see humpback whales close to the shores. 

Makena Beach

This beach is one of the largest undeveloped beaches in Maui. Its sand is white, and this beach is known for bodyboarding, bodysurfing, surfing, swimming, fishing, and snorkeling too. 

Kapalua Beach

Kapalua beach is excellent for snorkeling. It is a protected bay that was one of the USA's best at one time. The sand is fine, and the water is clear. However, due to the rise in popularity, it remains quite crowded these days.

Kaanapali Beach

Kaanapali Beach is located on the west shore of Maui Island. It was once the destination for royal retreats and is one of the most popular beaches in Hawaii.

Swimming, cliff diving, and zip-lining activities are available here. The beach has some excellent hotels and condominiums. The Whaler's Village is a world-class shopping mall where you can dine and entertain yourself. Kaanapali is more commercial than other beaches when it comes to resorts. 

Keawakapu Beach

Keawakapu Beach is located between Wailea and Kihei. It is less crowded and more peaceful than other beaches.

The sand and water on this beach make it a fun destination for swimming and playing. There are some beautiful condos around the beach where you can stay during your vacation.

Kahekili Beach

Kahekili Beach is for people who don't like crowds. It is located within the Kaanapali resort area and is often confused with the Kaanapali beach.

It has fine sand and is great for swimming. Its unique features and hotels make it worthy of a visit.

Kamaole Beach Park

You can have a nice time swimming and snorkeling at Kamaole Beach Park. It has a rocky seabed that makes snorkeling fun.

It is located close to a busy road, but the dunes at the back of the beach protect its peacefulness.

Napili Bay

Napili Bay is suitable for families and tourists traveling on a budget. Surfing and boogie boarding opportunities are good. You can go snorkeling as well if the water is calm. Amateur swimmers may have difficulty swimming due to the occasional rip tides. 

Finding a good parking spot is tricky, but because of this reason, the crowd stays small. The resort there is mid-range, but the service is satisfactory.

Wailea Beach

With soft sand and good swimming chances, this beach is one of the picturesque places to visit. You can stay at the two remarkable hotels and the marvelous Wailea Beach Villas. 

Big Beach

This is one of Maui's widest beaches. It seldom gets crowded and is famous for boogieing and body boarding. Because of a deceptively strong shorebreak, serious injuries occur frequently. The Southern section sometimes delivers calmer conditions where you can swim but you should be careful. 

Poolenalena Beach

This beach is known less than the others making it a comfortable place for less crowd-loving people in South Maui. This beach comes with good snorkeling openings at the rocky end areas of the beach. 

Hamoa Beach

With silky white sand, this beach is located in Hana, Maui. This beach is best for swimming and body surfing. 

DT Fleming Beach Park

This beach is large and offers adequate swimming opportunities. You can also pass the time through boogie boarding. On the weekends this beach can become crowded but remains quite empty on weekdays. 

Hawaii/ Big Island 

The big island is larger than all other islands combined in Hawaii. Here, you can experience all four seasons, from the tropical climate to the polar tundra. 

Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are two dormant volcanoes in Hawaii. The things to see here are endless, from colorful beaches to diverse aquatic life.

Hapuna Beach

Hapuna Beach has soft light-colored sand with crystal-clear water fit for snorkeling. The water is usually calm, but you can boogie board when the tide is right. 

Punalu'u Beach

You can swim, snorkel, have a picnic, or camp out at the Punalu'u beach. This beautiful black sand beach was created by volcanic lava sediments. The endangered hawksbill sea turtles can be seen basking in the sun here. 

Manini'owali Beach

The Manini'owali beach gives a true feeling of the Caribbean. This is a beautiful white sand beach where you can swim and snorkel. 

The beach becomes crowded during the weekends so you should make plans for an early visit.

Makalawena Beach

Makalawena Beach has wonderful scenic beauty. It is close to the Manini'owali beach.

You can only get there on foot from the Kekaha Kai beach by hiking on a lava rock trail. Because of this, it remains crowd-free most of the time.

Mauna Kea Beach

Mauna Kea will remind you of the picturesque Hawaii beaches with white sand and deep blue waters surrounded by palm trees. It is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. You can find sea turtles swimming in the clear water.

The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel arranges manta ray viewing events at night. You can also go diving to swimming with manta rays.

Parking is not readily available here. So, visit early in the morning to get a good spot.

Kikaua Bay

Kikaua Bay has a secure lagoon where children and amateur swimmers can swim in calm ocean waters. Parking is limited at this beach, so you should visit early in the morning.

Like every other beach in Hawaii, Kikaua Bay is also public. You'll need to get a pass from the security guards to enter the beach. 

There's a trail made of lava rocks to the north, which you can use to hike over to the Kukio beach. Green sea turtles can often be seen resting along the path.

Wailea Bay Beach Park

Excellent snorkeling opportunities are available at Wailea Beach as well as beautiful views in the morning before the wind commences. The beach is crowded during the weekends and empty during the weekdays.  

Molokai

Molokai is not very popular among tourists compared to the other Hawaiian islands. It only contains one hotel, and properly organized tours cannot be found here.

Molokai resists the commercialization of its neighborhoods by saying no to cruise ship moorings and establishing big hotels. The people ensure that their way of life is not threatened by tourism.

You can visit Halawa Beach and Kalaupapa at Molokai.

Papohaku Beach

This is one of the largest white sand beaches in Hawaii. It's about 100 yards wide. There are campsites, both indoor and outdoor showers, and restroom facilities as well. 

There's a chance of shore break during the winter, but other than that, it's just the place if you want less crowd around.  

Hawaii is the best place to experience different beaches. It’s also one of the best places to go for your honeymoon. There are family-friendly beaches as well as adventurous ones. Hope this guide will help you choose the perfect beach you want to spend your weekdays or weekends on. 

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