Founder & certified Hawaii travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
The mere mention of "Hawaiian beaches" evokes a certain emotion. It probably starts with a sigh and then memories of warmth, hypnotic seas, and incredible culture, and finishes with an urgent need to return as soon as possible.
And that’s just for those who have been to Hawaii previously. For those who have not, it all awaits you.
Choosing the best Hawaiian beaches is hard since they’re all so great. An iconic or hidden secret, Hawaii beaches offer it all. Top it off with stunning hinterlands and oceans that do not shy away from enticing you to stay forever, and you have the best vacation spot in the pacific.
Hawaii beaches are the go-to for fun in the sun.
Plan your stay with some of the most popular beaches.
Kapalua Bay Beach
If tranquil is your thing, you’ll love this beach. This oasis has been named the best beach in America in previous years, and there’s no denying its draw.
With its sheltered white-sand appeal, this is a place where families and kids can go as the waters remain mostly calm. Stroll along the pathway that stretches along the north coastline for 1.7 miles. A great day out, perfect for those wanting less noise or too many crowds.
Visitors often see the much-loved sea turtles that live and play in these oceans.
Come see for yourself.
Which Island: Maui.
Where: Kapalua Bay Resort, HI 96761, USA.
Things to Do Here: Snorkelling is number one: jogging, stand-up paddleboarding, and swimming.
Amenities: Grassy areas with shade, walkways, restrooms, and ample parking.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
This stunning wineglass-shaped bay will have you returning every time you visit Oahu.
Excellent for snorkeling, visitors and locals hold this place within their hearts for many reasons. With over 400 species of fish alone, this is a sea life lover’s wonderland.
If you don’t snorkel, this place will make you want to learn. There are several shallow areas perfect for beginners.
This bay is open to the public from Wednesdays through Sundays, but there is an entry fee.
Take 30 minutes out of your morning and drive to this beautiful beach. It’s worth it.
Which Island: Oahu.
Where: 100 Hanauma Bay Rd, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA.
Things to Do Here: Snorkelling, taking in the beauty of this area, and swimming.
Amenities: Parking is limited – get here early. Gift shop and shower facilities.
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Waikiki Beach
What can be said that hasn’t already been spoken of? The most iconic beach nearest to beautiful Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, is the one in all the photos and selfies you will likely see when looking at images of Hawaii.
With its proximity to most hotels in the city, this beach remains a constant for travelers looking for the ultimate place for beach days. Many have learned to surf here, with schools offering tourists the chance to taste that ocean freedom from a different perspective.
Popular? Yes. Crowded? Of course.
Resistance is futile.
Which Island: Oahu.
Where: Honolulu, HI 96815, USA.
Things to Do Here: Swimming, surfing, sunbathing, bodyboarding, people watching, eating, drinking, and being merry.
Amenities: Parking (although walking is better), restrooms, changing facilities, restaurants, and bars nearby.
Lanikai Beach
Tranquil, calm waters; a blue color like you’ve never seen will let you know you’ve arrived at Lanikai Beach.
Family-friendly and a great one for smaller kids not used to bustling crowds or large waves. Should you choose to stay on this side of Oahu, a day out to this area is necessary. However, it will not stop in just one day.
Accessible by several pathways, this beach has been described as mesmerizing. This is what Hawaiian postcards are made of.
Isn’t it time you found out for yourself?
Which Island: Windward East side of Oahu.
Where: Get to Kailua, then Route 672 to Lanikai.
Things to Do Here: Swimming, strolling, paddling, and enjoying the peacefulness of the water.
Amenities: Walk 20 minutes to Kailua Beach Park for parking, restrooms, showers, etc.
Kailua Beach Park
A stunning coastline awaits when you venture to Kailua Beach. This is a popular area with locals and visitors; you will see why once there.
This beach and the park are one for water babies and all those who enjoy partaking in various water sports. In fact, with the volleyball courts here, everyone who loves getting outside for the day will be drawn to this welcoming area.
The beach is soft and fine with water, which will make you want to find a hotel in the area. One day is never enough in many Hawaiian locations, but this place is special.
The surrounding ironwood trees seem to act as protectors but are not opposed to being a place for kids to explore.
Which Island: East Oahu.
Where: 526 Kawailoa Rd, Kailua, HI 96734, USA.
Things to Do Here: Kayaking, windsurfing, outrigger canoeing, walking, and taking in the expansive water views.
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, shelter, parking lots, and lifeguard stands.
Hanalei Beach
This beach has been shouted out as one of the best surfing beaches in Hawaii. It is also known as being in the top three most photographed beaches.
For swimmers liking a bit more of a calmer place to be, the summer months are probably the best times. Although you can swim here anytime, you can never tell with mother nature. The winter months pack a punch much to the local and visitor surfing aficionados.
There’s a lot to do here, with the amenities to bring people from all over and the picturesque scenery to make them want to live here.
At almost two miles in length from beginning to end, Hanalei is a beautiful place to be.
Bring your camera.
Which Island: North Shore, Kauai.
Where: Highway 56 (Kuhio Highway).
Things to Do Here: Take in those views, fishing, swimming, surfing, snorkeling, diving, and kayaking.
Amenities: Parking, restrooms, grassy areas, showers, picnic tables, and lifeguards.
Waimanalo Beach
Known as the place to go for bodyboarding fans, Waimanalo Beach waves aren’t too large and tend to break close to the shore. This beach has perfect conditions for lovers of this activity.
Around three miles long, visitors will enjoy uninterrupted beautiful sandy beaches. Once again, the well-known ironwood trees dot the surrounding areas and offer a place to rest or explore.
Come during the week and you will think this beach is exclusively yours. Weekends prove a little livelier, with fine days attracting many families and beachgoers.
This is a famous beach that was in episodes of both Baywatch and Magnum PI.
Which Island: Oahu.
Where: Take the scenic H-1 Hwy route south past the Makapu'u Lighthouse and into Waimanalo.
Things to Do Here: Bodyboarding, swimming, and walking.
Amenities: Lifeguards, shaded areas, picnic tables, restrooms, and showers.
Whether your stay is a few days or a two-week-long sojourn in the Pacific, tick off a few beaches while you’re here.
Soak up the sun, and come to a fun-filled memory of Hawaii beach life at its best.
