Best Tropical Beaches in Hawaii & Florida

• Slaughterhouse Beach // Hawaii

  

  The charmingly named Slaughterhouse beach is located on the northwestern tip of Maui between DT Fleming Beach and Honolua Bay. Despite that rather unappealing name this is in fact one of the prettiest little beaches on the island.

  The name "Slaughterhouse beach" comes from the fact that there used to be a slaughterhouse above the beach. The Honolua Ranch slaughterhouse along with a tanning/storage shed that were located on the cliffs above. However this shut down decades ago and the buildings are long since gone.

  It would perhaps be better to call the beach by… read more »

• Red Sand Beach // Hawaii

  

  As the name suggests Red Sand beach is adorned with sand that is more than just a little red in hue. In fact the little cove is something of a festival of colors; the red sand, deep blue of the ocean, black of the rocks and green of the ironwood trees.

  The redness of the beach is provided by the iron rich lava-cinder cliffs behind which are constantly eroding.

  The Hawaiian name for the beach is a little more exciting - Kaihalulu which means "roaring sea". However, the beach itself is somewhat… read more »

• Keawakapu Beach // Hawaii

  

  Keawakapu Beach is situated on the west coast of Maui, south of Maalaea Bay. Over half a mile in length, the beach is made up of a rich orange sand which slips into shallow waters from banks of shrubs and palm trees. Its shallow entry into the waters of the Pacific Ocean make it a great choice for swimmers, bodyboarders and snorkelers, in addition to those looking to enjoy the sand.

  Although the area around Keawakapu Beach has been fully developed, the area's blend of condos, restaurants and hotels have been… read more »

• Kapalua Beach // Hawaii

  

  Kapalua Bay definitely lives up to its reputation as one of America's Best Beaches. The crystalline green-blue waters lap the golden sands which line this horseshoe shaped bay. With fairly calm sea and gently breaking waves Kapalua Bay is ideal for swimming, although there is no lifeguard on duty. You can also snorkel and scuba dive; you will see corals, tropical fish, and turtles under the water.

  This is a place to enjoy walking on the beach and relaxing in the sand. The sunset views are beautiful, so you… read more »

• DT Fleming Beach Park // Hawaii

  

  Set on the far northwest of Maui, D.T. Fleming Beach Park has a long sandy beach which is surrounded by trees, and is quieter than many of the island's other beaches. The white sand runs for 1,500 feet with a width of 150 feet between two lava healands. The surrounding trees are Ironwoods, and there are dunes leading up to them. There is a shallow sandbar in front of most of the beach, but beyond this is a steep drop off. There are lifeguards on duty daily, and you should… read more »

• Kamaole Beach Park II // Hawaii

  

  Kamaole Beach Park II is the mid-section of a trio of beautiful beaches in central Kihei. Kam 2, as it is often referred to, stretches for about 1/3rd mile along the edge of the relatively calm waves. There are rocky outcrops at either end that separates it from Kam I and Kam III at high tide. 

  The beach is popular with local families as it is not only beautiful, but also has a white sandy bottom making it good for swimming, paddleboarding and snorkelling. Of course, there's not much marine life… read more »

• Kamaole Beach Park III // Hawaii

  

  Kamaole Beach Park III is the southernmost of the trio of sandy beaches that make up Kamaole Beach in Kihei. It's the smallest of the three and has rocks at either end providing interest in contrast to the soft white sand.

  Like its neighbours, Kam III is beautiful with a backdrop of lush greenery and a large grassy park area which is tailor-made for picnics and ball games. It's a popular beach for swimming and snorkelling, particularly over the rocky outcrops separating it from Kam II.

  There are some regular shore breaks… read more »

• Bowman's Beach Park // Florida

  

  Several miles in length, Bowman's Beach sits on the Gulf of Mexico on the southern shores of Florida's Sanibel Island. Situated on one of the quieter parts of island, with just one main road heading north, Bowman's Beach is close to both JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge and the lagoon-like waters of Clam Bayou.

  Roughly ten minutes on foot from the nearest car park, the path leads through the grassy scrub to white sands which incorporate a fitness trail, children's playground, portable toilets and picnic tables alongside public barbeque grills.

  Open… read more »

• Anne's Beach // Florida

  

  Located at Lower Matecumbe Key, Anne's Beach can be found in the village of Islamorada. Named for a local environmentalist called Anne Eaton after her death in 1992, its stretch of white sand provides a secluded spot to sunbath or enjoy some time in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

  Surrounded by native planting, the immediate entrance into the water is both shallow and calm year-round, like similar beaches in the Florida Keys, with swimming difficult until you wade further out.

  Although secluded, Anne's Beach is close to two… read more »

• Kiahuna Beach // Hawaii

  

  Located on the sunny south shore of Kauai near Poipu, Kiahuna Beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sand with calm, clear waters, gentle waves, and stunning ocean views. This family-friendly beach sits in front of the Kiahuna Plantation Resort and offers excellent conditions for swimming, snorkelling, and beginner-friendly surfing.

  The shallow, sandy-bottomed waters make it an ideal spot for wading and boogie boarding, while nearby coral reefs provide opportunities to see tropical fish and sea turtles while snorkelling. The consistent, smaller waves also make it a great place for… read more »

• Hanakapi'ai Beach // Hawaii

  

  Hanakapi'ai Beach is a remote and strikingly beautiful spot along Kauai’s rugged Nā Pali Coast. Accessible only by hiking the first two miles of the famous Kalalau Trail, this golden-sand beach is framed by steep, jungle-covered cliffs to one side and the expanse of the Pacific Ocean to the other. The journey to the beach takes visitors through lush valleys, bamboo forests, and along dramatic coastal cliffs, making it one of the most rewarding hikes in Hawaii.

  Despite its beauty, Hanakapi‘ai Beach is regarded as one of the most… read more »

• Ha'ena Beach // Hawaii

  

  After suffering historic floods in 2018, the highway access to Ha'ena Beach on North Shore Kauai reopened with new restrictions of just 900 visitors per day. This is intended to preserve the pristine natural beauty of this fragile and popular beach. You need to reserve your spot online up to 14 days ahead, pay for parking (currently $5 in 2023) and for the round-trip shuttle (another $11 per person) if you don't intend to walk to the sands. 

  Don't be put off as this famous beach is well worth the effort.… read more »

• Lumaha'i Beach // Hawaii

  

  Lumaha‘i Beach is a beautiful and unspoiled stretch of golden sand on Kauai’s North Shore. Framed by lush green cliffs and backed by swaying trees this is the embodiment of a Kauai beach. The beach's claim to fame is it was used as a filming location for South Pacific, as this beach perfectly captures the wild, natural beauty of Hawaii. Its remote feel and dramatic scenery make it one of the most stunning beaches on the island.

  While the beach is ideal for sunbathing, photography, and picnicking, swimming here is… read more »

• Kalihiwai Beach // Hawaii

  

  Kalihiwai Beach is a North Shore beauty with a crescent-shaped sandy beach edged with ironwood trees. Even before you reach the beach it will entrance you with views from the scenic highway revealing idyllic green-clad cliffs and ocean vistas. The stunning setting and easy access to this drive-up beach make it a  popular spot for barefoot weddings.

  The western edge of the beach marks the mouth of the Kalihiwai River so you can paddle and swim in freshwater where the river flows out into the ocean. The onshore waves are generally… read more »

• Moloa'a Beach // Hawaii

  

  This remote beach is found on the northeast corner of Kaua‘i. A secluded, crescent-shaped beach, Moloa‘a has golden sand, clear blue water, and is framed by lush greenery. The shoreline is usually pretty quiet, making it a peaceful spot for those looking to escape busier beaches.

  The water at Moloa'a Beach can be calm in summer, but strong currents and waves are common, especially in winter. Swimming and snorkelling are possible when the ocean is calm, particularly near the reef-protected areas, but caution is advised.

  Moloa‘a Beach is known for its… read more »

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