It's Official: These Are the Best Beaches in Hawaii
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It might have an easy, breezy lifestyle and incredible fresh fish—hello, poke—but if you're one of the millions of people who flock to Hawaii every year, it's safe to say you're probably going there for the beaches. Not only does the Aloha State have over 100 beaches—all of which boast bright blue water, a robust marine ecosystem, and incredible views—but most of them are also free for the public. With so many stretches of sand to peruse, it can be difficult to pin down the very best beaches in Hawaii. That's where we come in to help.
While scrolling through social media or a tourist site might yield dozens of great options, you'll want to narrow your search by island. The state is technically comprised of 137 islands of various sizes; however, most people visit the eight largest (and most popular) outposts: Hawaiʻi, Kauaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, and Oʻahu. (Though Ni’ihau is a notable Hawaiian island, it's typically off-limits to locals and travel groups.) After you've whittled down your options by destination, consider what you want to do once your feet have made it to that stretch of sand. Are activities like snorkeling, parasailing, and jet skiing calling your name? Your best is to stick near a high-trafficked beach by your island's hotel zone. Looking to up the romance with your travel buddy? Venture out to a picturesque and more secluded locale.
But remember: You don't need to stick with one beach for your entire trip. Since the best part of traveling is exploring your destination—and getting for the entire area—we recommend bookmarking a few of the best beaches in Hawaii for your next vacation.
Waikiki Beach, Oʻahu
No conversation about the best beaches in Hawaii can begin without mentioning Waikiki Beach. Spanning across two miles, Waikiki Beach is actually made up of a bunch of smaller beaches; however, this larger area is considered one of the most iconic stretches of sand in the world.
Not only does this Oʻahu hotspot boasts lots of water sports—making it a must for thrill seekers—but it also has an excellent view of Diamond Head, a volcanic tuff cone you can actually hike through. Another thing to love? The beach is dotted with dozens of hotels, so you'll never be too far away from your home base.
Kawela Bay, Oʻahu
As incredible as Waikiki Beach is, the area is usually packed with tourists. For something a little more off the cut, Kawela Bay an is awesome alternative.
Located at the northern tip of Oʻahu, this secluded spot is 45 miles away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki Beach. Though you should always swim with caution, this beach is generally free of massive waves and intense surfs. There's a reason Kawela Bay is nicknamed Turtle Bay: If you're lucky, you might spot some of the island's prized tortoises.
Makapu'u Beach Park, Oʻahu
Nestled on the windward side of Oʻahu, Makapu'u Beach Park has something for just about everyone. Between the dramatic sea cliffs, impressive views, and the Makapuʻu Lighthouse nearby, this option is perfect for scenic sight seekers. Meanwhile, the area has plenty of picnic tables should you want to kick back and relax with a delicious meal. And, if you're a pro-boarder, the waves are great for body surfing.
Yokohama Beach, Oʻahu
Think of Keawaʻula Beach, or Yokohama Beach, as an excellent spot to take in the views. Located at the end of Oʻahu's Leeward Coast, this curvy beach offers an excellent vista for watching surfers and dolphins alike. If you manage to take your eyes off of the turquoise water for just a second, you'll be dazzled by the forest reserves located just behind the beach. Yokohama Beach might be a great sunbathing spot, but avid hikers will also appreciate its proximity to Kaʻena Point.
Related: The World's 10 Most Beautiful Hiking Trips
ʻEhukai Beach, Oʻahu
Warning: ʻEhukai Beach is not for beginners. Home to the famous Banzai Pipeline—it's one of the Triple Crown of Surfing venues—this beach has a sharp reef and powerful breakline. In fact, it's actually one of the most dangerous places to surf, so we recommend enjoying this striking view from the comfort of the sand.
Wailea Beach, Maui
A stone's throw away from some of Maui's fancier hotels like the Waldorf Astoria and Andaz, Wailea Beach is a particularly posh pick. (In fact, some people think it's an excellent spot to rub shoulders with celebrities!) That said, there's more to Wailea Beach's star-power than its A-List inhabitants. Peppered with lush greenery and palm trees, the area beautifully embodies a picturesque tropical vacation. Plus, many lucky guests are able to see (and hear) whales from the beach during the winter months.
Makena Beach, Maui
As one of the largest undeveloped stretches in Maui, Makena Beach is perfect for anyone who needs a break from the buzzier areas. Located in the southern part of Maui, Makena is comprised of two areas: Big Beach and Little Beach. Loved by both visitors and locals, Big Beach is considered a more intimate alternative to Wailea. (Don't worry, this area has food trucks, lifeguards, and restrooms.) Little Beach, on the other hand, is more like a small cove with zero amenities or lifeguards. Since neither beach has much shade, you'll want to make sure you pack an umbrella and lots of SPF.
Hamoa Beach, Maui
If you're planning to spend a day driving up and down the Road to Hana, Hamoa Beach is priority pit stop. Clear waters, silky sand, and lines of Hala trees makes this beach a welcomed respite from Maui's windy roads. The tide can be a bit unpredictable, but this area has public bathrooms, showers, and a designated foot-washing station. That way, you can freshen up before you get back in the car.
Related: How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Maui
Hanalei Bay, Kauaʻi
Paradise is found at Hanalei Bay, a crescent-shaped beach in the northern part of Kauai. You might come to this spot for its golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and lush green mountain backdrop, but you'll stay for the activities. While Hanalei Bay has solid waves to draw the surf crowd in winter, it mellows out come summer so you can get your swim on.
Kalapakī Beach, Kauaʻi
Believe it or not, lounging on beach with a juicy book and tropical beverage isn't for everyone. Fortunately, energized travelers will get a lot of action at Kalapakī Beach. Located by Marriott's Kaua'i Beach Club, this sporty spot is packed with snorkelers, rookie surfers, and paddle boarders. If water sports aren't your thing, you'll likely find a beach volleyball court or two along the sandy shore. Should you need a break between activities, reach for a helping of shaved ice.
Poʻipū Beach Park, Kauaʻi
Animal lovers can't leave Kauai without making a stop at Poʻipū Beach Park. Not only is it a great spot to fish and snorkel, but you also may be able to spot the Hawaiian sea monk seal. Since these sea creatures are on the endangered species list, it's a good idea to keep your distance and refrain from using flash photography. Plus, visitors may even spot a glimpse of a humpback whale from December through April.
Lydgate Beach, Kauaʻi
If going to the beach with little ones makes you feel uneasy, give yourself some peace of mind at Lydgate Beach in Kauaʻi. Located on the eastern side of the island, this family-friendly option features two rock-enclosed ponds to protect your kids from the open water. Lydgate Beach is also frequently patrolled by lifeguards, giving you some extra security as your family swims and snorkels in the shallow end. Want to dry off? You can enjoy the beach's restrooms and showers.
Hulopoʻe Beach Park, Lānaʻi
Though Hulopoʻe Beach Park in Lānaʻi is technically open to the public, this intimate beach is typically frequents by guests of the nearby Four Seasons hotel. However, if you're willing to make the trek, Hulopoʻe Beach is worth it. In fact, many beachgoers have enjoyed tide pools as well as dolphin and whale sightings!
Polihua Beach, Lānaʻi
Bring a little bit of romance to your vacation with a trip to Polihua Beach. Though swimming is strongly discouraged at this northern
Lānaʻi spot, Polihua Beach has two miles of often-remote sand, making it a great spot for a secluded stroll. And, if you time your walk around golden hour or sunset? Well, you'll be a few steps away from living out a real-life fairy tale.
Hāpuna Beach Park, Hawaiʻi
Hāpuna Beach is one of the largest options on the Big Island, so it's safe to say there's something here for just about everyone. Perched along the Kohala Coast, this beach's expansive sandy shore has enough room for sunbathers, snorkelers, bodyboarders, and swimmers to co-exist. (There are also lifeguards on site for added comfort.) And, thanks to food concessions and public restrooms, you can comfortably spend the entire day here.
Hōnaunau Bay, Hawaiʻi
Academia meets adventure at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park in South Kona. The 180-acre park was one home to royal grounds and refuges for ancient lawbreakers, it is rife with time-honored statues, huts, and other artifacts. (A museum al fresco, if you will.) While the rocky coast of Hōnaunau Bay isn't ideal for lounging, the bay itself is regarded as one of the islands best areas for experiences SCUBA divers and snorkelers.
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, Hawaiʻi
While daydreaming about a trip to Hawaii might conjure visions of golden, sandy vistas, Punaluʻu Beach flips convention on its head. Located 30 miles south of the Big Island's Volcanoes National Park, this beach features black basalt sand you'll need to see to believe. Once you get over the initial visual shock, Punaluʻu Beach offers a cool respite filled with turtles and coconut palm trees. One caveat: The waters here are known to be rocky, so it's a good idea to enjoy this photogenic point from land.
Pāpōhaku Beach, Molokaʻi
Molokaʻi might be one of Hawaii's least-frequented destinations—the island reportedly receives less than 1,000 visitors per day—but it still has beaches worth checking out. Case in point: Pāpōhaku Beach. Clocking in at three miles long and 100 yards wide, this white sandy spot is one of the largest on the island.
Though the waters can be a bit unpredictable—and there are zero lifeguards monitoring the tides—it's best to only swim when the waters are calm and flat. That said, Pāpōhaku Beach still has a lot to offer even when the ocean is less-than-ideal: Look closely and you may be able to see Oʻahu off in the distance.
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