Hawai'i Best Beaches

Hawai'i's Top Beaches

Best Beaches on each Island

Selecting the best beaches of Hawai'i can be a difficult task. The best beach in Hawai'i must be easily accessible, scenic, have good swimming conditions, and possess a host of other attributes that make it 'the best.' There are over 100 amazing beaches throughout the Hawaiian islands. So we've pored over the beaches throughout the Hawaiian islands and we've selected the Top 10 'Best' Hawai'i Beaches on the four major islands of Kaua'i, Maui, O'ahu, and the Big Island. We've ranked them from bottom to top, and each is worth a visit if you're stopping on that island.

The average Hawaiian beach is typically surrounded by lava formations and hosts a semi-coarse golden or russet colored sand. Sand color can change dramatically throughout the islands and can range from colors like red, green, black, white, pepper, and golden brown - the later being the most common. Typically the water is a green-blue color, especially near the shoreline. In many locations you can see right through the water to the ocean floor - the water can be quite transparent in certain areas allowing for great snorkeling conditions. While it's not as crystal clear as the waters of the Caribbean, it's still very tropical in nature and quite pretty. The water turns to a darker blue as you head into deeper waters. Hawaiian beaches are remarkably clean and maintenance keeps them in great conditions. There are no sea or land critters to bother you on the beaches here (like sand flees) - though you may encounter the occasional chicken or two on the beach in Kaua'i or even a goat or two on the Big Island in select locations. Personally we think chickens on the beach is quite humorous. In the morning the conditions are usually calmer than in the evening, as the tradewinds typically pick up later in the day creating choppier conditions with waves. Many beaches are protected by reefs, though some beaches are not and can have quite dangerous rip tides. All beaches in Hawai'i are public, and weekends are always more crowded than weekdays, so we typically advise visitors to hit the beach during week days when possible.

So let's now review the top 10 beaches of Hawai'i from bottom to top.