Founder of HawaiiGuide & certified travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Nothing compares to Hawaii's breathtaking scenery! Her beaches are by far some of the most scenic and picture-perfect destinations on the globe. These beaches are perfect for anybody who wishes to sunbathe, surf, swim, or just strut your stuff.
So which one should you visit first? Choosing which Hawaiian island has the best beaches is a challenging challenge. These secret gems and local classics provide the anticipated elegance of a Hawaiian getaway mixed with the relaxation needed in a holiday, from green-sand shorelines to snorkeling paradises.
Have you ever wondered about the best beaches in the world? Well, four of them are in Hawaii. We have everything you need to know here.
Four of the Best World's Beaches are in Hawaii
Hawaii provides some of the world's most spectacular beaches. From rugged coves with a small patch of sand to large coastlines with huge waves. However, they can also be some of the riskiest.
Conditions shift quickly. There are rip tides and undertows, and many picturesque swimming locations aren't lifeguarded. On the other hand, you can visit the most dangerous beaches with care and common sense. Always consult your beach safety guide.
That said, according to a recent survey published by Travel & Leisure Magazine, Hawaii has four of the world's greatest beaches. Many of our tourists are obviously not surprised, but we've mentioned which beaches received honorable mentions below. We've even illustrated several conspicuous omissions under the awards.
Polihale Beach a Secluded Beach
The white sand beach and dunes run for seventeen miles, including countless beachcombing and hunting for shells. Located at the end of the NA PaliCoast and the Mana Plains is the beautiful Polihale Beach.
With 100-foot dunes, desert cactus, and stunning sunsets over the Forbidden Island of Niihau, this is a magnificent stretch of wilderness.
The start of the Napali Coast is marked by this beach, which is the last on the West side. If you plan on spending some time at Polihale Beach, bring an umbrella and plenty of water since it is hot and sunny and the shade is far from the water's edge.
Polihale Beach has some amenities, but camping is only permitted with a permit. It is a notoriously risky beach for swimming, due to strong currents and the lack of lifeguards. This is a fantastic beach for shell hunting, long beach walks, and enjoying beautiful sunsets.
FREE 2025 DOWNLOADS
Hawaii Intro Visitor Guide
+ Our Summary Guidesheets!
Includes the top must-see & do attractions, best times to visit, a monthly weather & visitor summary, and our tips on how to save when booking your car rental, tours, and activities. Plus, grab our free Hawaii Summary Guidesheets.
Wailea Beach
On Maui, Wailea Beach was named the best beach in the world for holiday activities. Wailea Beach, if you don't mind a crowded resort vibe, it's a truly exceptional beach.
The beach is broad, the sand is fine, and the water is welcoming. In the winter, views of Kaho'olawe, Molokini, and Lana'i, as well as whale sightings, are popular.
The canoe goddess, 'the water of Lea' is Wailea in Hawaiian. Before resort construction, this beach was known as Kahamanini, and the term Wailea only extended to the rocky point at the beach's southern end.
Snorkeling along the rock faces that mark both ends of the beach is excellent when the sea is calm. In the normally well-formed, small waves and gentle slope, boogie boarding and body surfing are also enjoyable.
The four seasons and Grand Wailea's resorts are set at either end of the beach like two bookends. So, to get your spot, make sure you arrive at the crack of dawn as the beach gets crowded with people and beach paraphernalia.
There is well-kept public access, including a paved pathway running along the beach. Toilets and showers, and ample public parking are provided.
Hapuna Beach
Hapuna beach was classified as one of the best family beaches on the big island of Hawaii. Hapuna also has good diving and snorkeling, bodyboarding, and sunbathing facilities. Early in the year, migrating whales can still be seen from a distance.
It is also easy to visit the beach. There is ample parking, along with restaurants, picnic areas, toilets, and showers.
However, that being said, Hapuna Beach is the longest stretch of beach, at approximately 200 feet broad and one-half mile long, and also the most dangerous, particularly in the winter. High surf crashes on the beach, and heavy rip currents are triggered.
Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach
There is a black sand beach in Waianapanapa State Park, which is simply rare on Maui Island or elsewhere. It's nestled in a private bay, and the cool and enigmatic pitch-black granules glisten in the sunlight. There is just an air about this beach that draws people to it.
Created a long time ago by the pounding surf on a bubbling lava flow of Haleakala. It took millions of years or more to grind down and form the black beach sand.
But it's not only a black sand beach, but also a historically important Hawaiian area. Their Queen, who was heartbroken, once took refuge in a sea cavern here. It's considered a sacred place to most Hawaiians.
Maybe it's because the coastline offers a striking backdrop of enigmatic tunnels, unpredictable blowholes, and scenic arches. You cannot overlook this lifetime experience!
Aloha It's a Beach Life!
Apart from an unbelievable Mai-tai, fresh seafood, and laid-back surf music, one of the many reasons we enjoy Hawaii is that it possibly has the most stunning beaches on the planet.
Why do we think that? For starters, beaches come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. They also provide large, quiet areas that are ideal for families and small children that want to dip their toes into the Pacific waters.
Honeymooning couples can get away from crowds and provide incredible settings for photo opportunities so that you can keep that memory always!
Visit our page to plan, book, and visit Hawaii, Aloha!
