It’s no secret that Hawaii is a paradise. A Hawaiian vacation tops the bucket list of people around the world but what’s a vacation in Hawaii without the beach? From large to small and even multicoloured, there are literally hundreds of beaches here which can make it difficult to decide which ones to visit. With that in mind, we’ve dedicated today’s post to highlighting some of the best beaches in Hawaii.
Lanikai Beach
Located in Oahu, Lanikai beach recently made TripAdvisors top ten list of the world’s best beaches! Loved by both locals and tourists, Lanikai is largely considered the best swimming beach in Hawaii thanks to its calm waters. This is attributed to the coral reef which also makes this a great spot for snorkelling in Hawaii. From silky soft sand, to picturesque turquoise waters, this beach has something for everyone.
Kaanapali Beach
The luxury traveler will find everything they’re looking for at Kaanapali beach in Maui. With plenty of shopping and dining options, this beach is also a launch point for various water activities. Beachgoers of all ages can choose from kayaking, sailing and paddle-boarding among others. There are a few resorts on this beach, however don’t let that stop you from visiting. State law mandates that all beaches in Hawaii be accessible to the public which means that no one enjoys ownership. Our beaches are for everyone’s enjoyment.
Hanalei Bay Beach
Hanalei Bay beach on Kauai’s north shore is a 2 mile long stretch of beautiful white sand. In true “Garden Island” style, Hanalei Bay beach is surrounded by flora, fauna, and a breathtaking waterfall making this beach a photographer’s dream!
Poipu Beach
Also located on the island of Kauai, the calm water at Poipu Beach makes this a perfect choice for families with small children. This white sand beach is 50 feet wide which leaves plenty of room to lay down your beach blanket, kick a ball around or build sand-castles with the little ones.
Papohaku Beach
Papohaku beach is located on Molokai’s west side. Offering visitors over three miles of golden sand, this beach is much more remote than some of Hawaii’s other beaches. You may find yourself to be one of only a handful of people on this beach which makes it a perfect spot for those of you looking for a nice quiet beach to relax with a good book, or private enough for a romantic afternoon.
Punaluu Beach
Located just outside Naalehu on the Big Island, this beach makes our list simply because of its unique black sand which is a must see for anyone on vacation in Hawaii. As lava flows in to the ocean, it cools in to volcanic glass which shatters as it enters the water. Black sand beaches are made up of eroded volcanic glass and are really quite spectacular to behold.
These are just a handful of Hawaii’s best beaches. Your Hawaiian vacation may take you to one or all of the above, or perhaps somewhere else entirely. One thing is for certain though, regardless of the beach you choose to visit, you won’t leave disappointed because all of Hawaii’s beaches are beautiful!
FAQs
The 17 best beaches in Hawaii
- Kailua Beach, Oʻahu. ...
- Waikiki Beach, Oʻahu. ...
- Hanauma Bay, Oʻahu. ...
- Sunset Beach, Oʻahu. ...
- Kawela Bay, Oʻahu. ...
- Makena Beach, Maui. ...
- Kāʻanapali Beach, Maui. ...
- Hamoa Beach, Maui.
As the most popular Hawaiian Island – to visit and to live – O'ahu is bustling! In Honolulu and Waikiki, you'll find skyscrapers and luxury hotels, traffic and nightlife, all of the hallmarks of a big city.
Which Hawaiian island is most beautiful? ›
Kauaʻi. Kauaʻi is the best island in terms of scenic hiking trails, the best overnight backpacking trips, scenic drives, and the best açaí bowl that you will find across all the islands!
Which side of Hawaii has better beaches? ›
The west side of the Big Island is hands down, the best. Here you will find dry sunny days, balmy tropical evenings, beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling, a developed coastline, quaint shopping areas and more. Popular areas of the west side are the Kohala Coast region, Waikaloa and Kailua-Kona.
What is the least crowded beach in Hawaii? ›
Waimanalo Beach
this laid-back windward beach is located near the eastern end of the island. The sand is very fine, and it has the same views as its famous neighbors Lanikai and Kailua Beach, without the traffic you have to deal with! It is almost never crowded and the beach is huuuge!
Where should I go for the first time in Hawaii? ›
Oahu is a perfect choice for your first time in Hawaii as it offers a blend of everything. First and foremost, Oahu boasts some of the most iconic and easily accessible Hawaiian attractions. Honolulu, the capital city, is located on Oahu, making it a hub for flights.
Is Maui or Honolulu better? ›
Hawaii is a stunning location with plenty of fun things to do, no matter which island you visit. If you're in the market for a beachy, relaxing vacation, you may want to head to Maui. Otherwise, consider Honolulu for its abundance of hotels, things to do and plentiful flight connections to other U.S. cities.
Which is better, Maui or Kauai? ›
While there are a few exceptions, the waters on Kauai are quite a bit rougher than the waters on Maui. So if snorkeling is high up on your Hawaii bucket list, Maui is the right island for you. Between the famous Molokini Crater, the Kanaio Coast, and Poolenelena Beach, the rocky beaches on Kauai don't really compare.
Which Hawaiian island is the most expensive to visit? ›
According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Maui is the most expensive island. As a result, you might find more affordable accommodations staying on Oahu, Big Island, or Kauai, for example.
What is the best side of the island to stay on in Hawaii? ›
In the resort areas on the west side of the island the evenings are typically in the mid 70s to low 80s. It is very rare for the temperature to ever drop below 70 on the coast. The most popular area to stay is the Kohala Coast. This area is home to the nicest resorts, the most beautiful weather and the best beaches.
If you want a vibrant nightlife or city vibe, Oahu's your spot. If you're looking for romance, go to Kauai. If you're planning a return visit, check out the Big Island. If you're planning your fifth visit, go to Molokai.
What part of Hawaii is most visited? ›
Oahu is the most popular first stop for most visitors, due in part to the higher number of nonstop flights into Honolulu from international and Mainland U.S. cities. It's home to the majority of Hawaii's population; thus, expect crowds and rush-hour traffic in urban areas.
Where do most people go when they visit Hawaii? ›
10 most popular places to visit in Hawaii
- Waikiki Beach. Oahu. ...
- Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park. Kauai. ...
- Haleakala National Park. Maui. ...
- Road to Hana. Maui. ...
- Take a Trip to Lana'i. Maui. ...
- Moloka'i's Kalaupapa National Historical Park. Moloka'i. ...
- Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Big Island. ...
- Kona Coffee Farms. Big Island.
1. Explore Pearl Harbour. The 1941 attack on Pearl Harbour led to the USA entering World War II. Today the harbour is still an active military base, but it's also Hawaii's most famous visitor attraction.
Where is the clearest water in Hawaii? ›
Lanikai Beach – Oahu
Crystal clear waters and water sports are mixed in these beautiful white sand beaches. Lanikai is one of the most spectacular beaches in Hawaii and just by being there you will understand why.
Which beach in Hawaii has golden sand? ›
Waikiki Beach, Oahu
Travelers have been flocking to this calm, golden, crescent-shaped stretch of sand on the island of Oahu since the early 1900s, when Hawaii first popped up on the tourist radar and visitors would arrive only by steamship. Today, it's a bit more crowded, but the scene is still fun.
Does Honolulu or Maui have better beaches? ›
While these beaches are significantly more crowded than what you'll find on Maui, Oahu's beaches are easier for young swimmers, if you're traveling with family. So that gives Oahu the slight edge for the Hawaiian island with the best beaches. Stick to the south shore of Oahu for the calmest beaches during the winter.
It’s no secret that Hawaii is a paradise. A Hawaiian vacation tops the bucket list of people around the world but what’s a vacation in Hawaii without the beach? From large to small and even multicoloured, there are literally hundreds of beaches here which can make it difficult to decide which ones to visit. With that in mind, we’ve dedicated today’s post to highlighting some of the best beaches in Hawaii.