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When you think of Hawaii, what do you think of? Lush jungles, teeming marine life, aloha vibes, and, of course, jaw-dropping beaches.
All around the world, Hawaii is known for its stunning beaches. If you’ve ever had the pleasure to visit one of the Hawaiian Islands, you know their reputation is well-deserved. With crystal clear water and sand of every color, it’s no wonder that people flock to these waterfronts every year.
Whether this will be your first or 50th visit to Hawaii, you can’t do much better for a beach destination.
In this blog post, we will highlight some of the most beautiful beaches in the state. So put on your sunscreen and pack your swimsuit – we’re headed to Hawaii! This list includes some of Hawaii’s most famous beaches, as well as a few hidden gems. So whether you’re looking for a romantic spot to watch the sunset or a place to surf the waves, there’s sure to be a beach on this list for you.
The Best Beaches on Oahu
Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hawaii. It’s located on the southeast coast of Oahu, just a short drive from Honolulu. The bay is famous for its abundance of marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. There is also a nature preserve on the premises, which is home to over 400 species of fish.
If you’re looking for a breathtaking beach to relax on, Hanauma Bay is the perfect spot. With its turquoise waters and white sand beaches, it’s easy to see why this place is so popular.
Just be sure to get there early – the parking lot often fills up by mid-morning.
Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach is located on the windward side of Oahu, about 30 minutes from Honolulu. This beach is well-known for its powdery white sand and clear blue waters. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
If you’re looking for a secluded spot to relax, Lanikai Beach is the perfect place for you. With its lack of crowds and breathtaking views, it’s easy to see why this beach is so popular.
Just be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and water, as there are very few trees on the premises!
Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Hawaii. It’s located on the south shore of Oahu, about 30 minutes from Honolulu. This beach is known for its gentle waves, making it perfect for swimming and surfing. It’s also a great place to sunbathe and people-watch.
There are plenty of restaurants and shops lining the beach, so you won’t have to go far to find something to eat or drink.
Waikiki Beach is the perfect spot for a family beach day. With its gentle waves and abundance of amenities, it’s no wonder this beach is so popular.
Try to come early to get a spot on the sand since it can get quite crowded later in the day.
Kumimi Beach
While this popular beach can get quite crowded on the weekends, it is the perfect calm retreat on weekdays. You can easily park on the edge of the sandy banks and swim out to offshore coral reefs.
Kumimi Beach is located on the north shore of Oahu and is about a 45-minute drive from Honolulu. This beach is known for its gentle waves and crystal clear water, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It’s rocky and you should wear water shoes to avoid cuts.
There are also views of the Lanai and Maui islands, so you can lay back and take in the beauty of several Hawaii islands at once.
Sunset Beach
This beach is tranquil and a great family destination in the summer. But in winter months, large waves roll in, making this spot the mecca of big-wave surfing.
Sunset Beach is located on the North Shore of Oahu next to the Kamehameha highway and is about an hour from Honolulu.
If you want to experience a bit of history and take a hike to break up your sunbathing time, you can visit the Ehukai Pillboxes. These are concrete bunkers that were built during World War II to provide cover from the enemy.
Makua Beach
This secluded and vast coastal spot is great during the summer months for those who love to take a leisurely swim and relax on the sandy shores.
There is a giant cave located at Makua Beach that was used in the filming of Jurassic Park. It’s called Kaneana cave and is worth exploring before you take a dip in the cool clear waters.
The scenery isn’t lacking at this beachfront paradise. The shore provides views of towering mountains and vibrant green trees.
You may spot several wild creatures, including schools of colorful fish, monk seals, and green sea turtles in these living waters.
The best way to park at this beach is to use a lot at the Haena beach and take a ten to fifteen-minute walk over to Makua.
Diamond Head Beach Park
Diamond Head Beach Park is a great place to visit if you want to experience the best of what Hawaii has to offer. This beach has it all – beautiful white sand, clear blue water, and stunning views.
The Diamond Head Lighthouse is also located here, so it’s a great place to take pictures.
The beach is located on the Diamond Head crater, so there are plenty of hiking trails nearby if you want to explore.
The water isn’t the best to swim in, but if you’re an experienced surfer, this is a great place to catch some waves, since you won’t have to compete with the crowds.
The Best Beaches on Kauai
Hanalei Bay
Hanalei Bay is located on the north shore of Kauai, about 45 minutes from Lihue. This bay is famous for its crescent-shaped beach and lush mountainside backdrop. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
If you’re looking for a romantic spot to watch the sunset, Hanalei Bay is the perfect place for you. With its breathtaking views and tranquil atmosphere, it’s easy to see why this beach is so popular.
Bring a jacket or a light sweater with you because the north shore can get pretty windy, especially in the late afternoon and evening.
Poipu Beach
Poipu Beach is an inlet on the south shore that is great for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The waves can be pretty big here, but there are also areas that are quite shallow and shielded from the waves, making it perfect for young children.
This beach is also a great place for snorkeling as there are many reefs and fish to be seen. It’s actually comprised of two different beaches that are in two different bays, making it unique in comparison to other beaches on this list.
Poipu Beach is a great place to spend the day if you’re looking for a beach that has something for everyone since you can find both calm and rough water here.
The Best Beaches on the Big Island
Hapuna Beach
Hapuna Beach is located on the Big Island of Hawaii, about 30 minutes from Kailua-Kona. This beach is known for its soft clean beaches and clear greenish-blue waters. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. There are also two beautiful snorkeling sites on each end of this half-mile-long beach.
It’s literally an award-winning beach too – Hapuna Beach has been named one of the best beaches by Conde Nast Traveler.
If you’re looking for a place to relax and soak up the sun, Hapuna Beach is the perfect spot for you. With its soft sand and gentle waves, it’s easy to see why this beach is so popular. There is a parking lot and a minimal $5 charge for non-Hawaii residents and ample parking is available at this site.
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach is located on the southeastern tip of Hawaii, about 90 minutes from Hilo. This beach gets its unique color from the olivine crystals that are found in the volcanic cinder cone that sits next to it. When these crystals make contact with water, they shatter and turn into green sand that covers the beach.
This is definitely a beach that you won’t find anywhere else in the world and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for something unique.
The best way to get to this beach is by four-wheel drive since the road is quite rough. You can also walk about three miles from the nearest town, which has minimal inclines and is pretty easy to walk.
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach is a must-see for anyone visiting Hawaii. There are only four green sand beaches in the world and this is one of them. Be sure to add it to your list of things to see while you’re on the island.
The Best Beaches on Maui
Kaanapali Beach
Kaanapali Beach is located on the West side of the island of Maui, about 30 minutes from Lahaina. This beach is well-known for its three-mile stretch of white sand beaches and clear light blue waters. Just a short distance off of the shore is a prominent reef that can be snorkeled, providing hours of fun and exploration.
Sea turtles are abundant in this region and can often be seen basking on the shore or swimming in the waves.
Despite the fact that there are many vacation rentals and resorts along this strip, it isn’t too crowded or overly commercialized.
It’s also great for young children since the calm waters don’t get too deep and the water is clear, making it easy to spot them if they wander too far.
There are plenty of excursions that you can take that start at this beach including sailing tours, jet ski adventures, and catamaran cruises.
It’s also a great location for taking surfing lessons for those who are interested.
Makena Beach State Park
Makena Beach is located on the south shore of Maui, about 30 minutes from Kihei. The water can be quite rough here but the long stretches of white sand beaches and dramatic mountain views make it worth it. The strong currents make this popular beach a good location for windsurfing, bodyboarding, and bodysurfing. There are two lifeguards on duty at all times so you can feel safe as your family enjoys this gem of a beach.
The Secret Cove is a secluded little spot on the end of the beach that is definitely worth checking out. It’s great for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
If you’re looking for an adventurous beach day, Makena Beach is the perfect spot for you.
Kapalua Bay Beach
Kapalua Bay Beach is one of the best swimming beaches in Maui. The water is calm and crystal clear, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding. You can rent all of your gear from a small shop that is at the edge of the beach, so don’t worry about bringing your own.
This beach is also great for families since there are lifeguards on duty and plenty of sand to build sandcastles.
The Kapalua Coastal trail runs alongside the beach and makes it easy to access from the primary road.
Wailea Beach
This luxurious beach is located in southern Maui and is one of the most pristine, quiet, and beautiful beaches on the island.
The golden sand and clear water make it a perfect place to spend the day swimming, sunbathing, or simply taking a walk along the shore and exploring lava rocks. It’s about three times as large as the famous Waikiki beach, so there’s plenty of space for everyone to spread out and enjoy the day.
This beach is also great for stand-up paddleboarding, boogie boarding, and surfing. And if you get hungry, there are several restaurants located near the beach that have delicious food and drinks.
You can also shop at the many boutiques located in the area. So whether you’re looking to relax or play, Wailea Beach has something for you.
Red Sand Beach
Red Sand Beach is one of the most unique beaches in Hawaii. It gets its reddish color from the iron-rich cinder that washes ashore from nearby volcanic activity.
The beach is located at the base of a steep cliff, so it’s not easily accessible. To get to the beach, you have to take a short hike down a treacherous path. But the view is worth it and you can cool off with a swim in the refreshing ocean water.
Bring everything that you need to this beach since there are no facilities. This includes food, water, and sunscreen. You should also wear closed-toed shoes to protect your feet from the lava rocks.
The Best Beaches on Lanai
Polihua Beach
For those who adore secluded and unadulterated beaches, Polihua Beach on the northeastern tip of Lanai is certainly worth a visit. The beach is only accessible by four-wheel drive and is about an hour away from the nearest town, Lanai City. So you’ll definitely feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere once you arrive.
This beach is known for its dramatic mountain views and clear clean water. There are strong riptides here as well as a steep floor, so it’s not the best place for swimming, but it’s perfect for sunbathing and relaxing.
You’ll also want to keep in mind that there won’t be bathrooms or any kind of amenities here so come prepared with everything you’ll need for the day.
Polihua Beach is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you’re looking for a secluded beach where you can relax and enjoy nature, this is the place for you.
Hulopoe Bay
This beautiful white-sand beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. It’s located on the island of Lana’i and is protected by a marine reserve, making the water crystal clear and full of colorful fish.
Hulopoe Beach is also a great place to see turtles. These gentle creatures often come ashore to bask in the sun or rest in the sand.
There are plenty of barbecue girls, picnic tables, showers, and tables available, so consider bringing a full picnic and making a day of it.
You can also spend 20 minutes hiking on the nearby cliffs to check out Puu Pehe, a rock that juts out of the water and rises up to 80 feet tall. This is a great area for romantic, breathtaking sunsets and, at the right time of the year, you may spot spinner dolphins or humpback whales frolicking in the waves.
The Bottom Line
There is no shortage of Hawaiian beaches that provide swimmers, sunbathers, and nature lovers with the perfect place to relax and enjoy the incredible views.
Each beach has its unique features, whether it’s white sand, turquoise water, or stunning cliffs.
Make sure to visit as many of these beaches as possible during your stay in Hawaii to create memories that will last a lifetime. Taking a car is one of the best ways to get around and see all that Hawaii has to offer. Check and make sure parking is available and if there are any restrictions before you go.
And don’t forget to pack your sunscreen! Hawaii’s sun is intense and can burn your skin quickly, even if it’s cloudy.
