Considered one of the best beaches not only in the state of Hawaii but also the entire United States, Hulopoe Bay Beach consists of a beautiful arc of richly coloured sand. This drifts towards sparkling Pacific waters, while being backed onto by areas of native flora containing few manmade structures.
During the summer months, Hulopo'e's shallows are a prime swimming spot, although the seabed quickly drops off. Snorkelling is also possible thanks to the clarity of the water of this protected marine reserve. Parrotfish, goatfish, and several species of tang all… read more »
Dry Tortugas National Park sits in the Gulf of Mexico close to Florida's Key West and consists of seven islands surrounded by coral reefs. The main beaches are considered to be those on Garden Key, which is also home to Fort Jefferson, a nineteenth-century defensive position.
Loggerhead Key is best known for its visits by the turtles of the same name, while Loggerhead Reef is one of the region's best dive spots since it is the location of a shipwreck dating back to the time of the fort. Bush Key is… read more »
Perhaps the most famous of Hawaii's black sand beaches, Punalu'u is located on the southeast coast of the Big Island. Along with the spectacle of jet black sand contrasting the verdant greens of the palm trees behind, the beach here is also known for its turtles.
Both the rare hawksbill and Hawaiian green turtles (Honu) frequent Punalu'u's black sands. Another endangered species that is often spotted here is the Hawaiian monk seal.
Whilst it might be tempting to try and get as close to these special animals as possible you should respect… read more »
Set on Oahu's North Shore, home to some of the most legendary surf spots on the planet, is this popular little beach. Unlike neighbouring beaches, Shark's Cove is not about the surf - this is one for the snorkelers. In fact it was rated as one of the best shore dives in the world by Scuba Diving Magazine back in 2005.
Sharks Cove is part of Pupukea Beach Park. It has small patch of sand backed by the obligatory swaying palm trees, but it is what is out front that… read more »
Mokule'ia is a lovely stretch of white sand located towards the western end of Oahu's North Shore. Being a fair way down the coast from Haleiwa means the beach here is generally pretty quiet. Set about halfway between the town and Ka'ena Point (Oahu's most westerly point) this is your last chance of beach with any amenities.
There always something to do at Mokule'ia whatever the conditions. In the summer months, when the sea is generally calm, it is a great place to snorkel. There is a large area of flat… read more »
Located near the western corner of Oahu's North Shore, not far from Haleiwa, is this lovely little pristine stretch of sand. Despite not being that far from anywhere Polo beach has a wonderfully secluded feel to it with its backdrop of ironwood trees. Often as not the beach here will be empty but don't be surprised to see horses being ridden on the beach - after all it is named for the Polo Club next door.
The water here is an enticing turquoise color and Polo beach is generally more… read more »
The beach at Harry Harris Park on Key Largo is one of the best family beaches in all of the Florida Keys. OK, so the beach is man-made with sand imported from the mainland, but who cares. Backed by swaying palms and parkland and with calm, clear water out front Harry Harris beach doesn't get many complaints.
One of the main attractions of Harry Harris Park beach is the large enclosed pool right in front of the western part of the beach. Encompassing the entire section of beach this tidal… read more »
Located on the northwest coast of the Big Island is the ever popular Waialea Bay. Although it isn't difficult to reach the beach from nearby Puako it still retains a rather secluded feel. There really isn't much in the way of development here with just a few houses hidden away beyond the kiawe trees that line the beach.
Waialea beach 69 sits in a little bay which is made to feel all the more cosy by a couple of rocky outcrops and several trees effectively dividing the beach up into more… read more »
Like many of the Big Island's best beaches, Makalawena is situated on the west-facing Kona coast. Hear you will find everything you would want and expect from a Hawaiian beach; powdery white sand, clear blue water and a fringing of lush green foliage.
Like neighboring Manini'owali and Mahaiula beaches, Makalawena is part of the Kekaha Kai State Park. However, Makalawena beach has no direct access from the road with the nearest parking about a mile away Whilst this means you're looking a something of a hike to get down the the beach, it also means… read more »
Manini'owali Beach in Kua Bay is the most northerly of a trio of beautiful beaches set in Kekaha Kai State Park. Whilst it would be nearly impossible to say which of these three beaches is the best it is certainly the case that Manini'owali Beach is the most easily accessed. Of course this also means it is the most popular, however the beach here still retains something of a secluded feel and rarely feels crowded.
The beach itself is fairly modest in size. Bookmarked by rocky lava outcrops Manini'owali consists of… read more »
Samuel M Spencer Beach Park (to give it its full name) is possibly the best family beach on the Big Island. Located on the northwest coast of the island, just south of Kawaihae Harbor, this white sand beach offers calm waters, plenty of natural shade and a pretty good range of amenities.
Also known as Ohai'ula beach, the sand here slopes gently into the ocean. Along with a large offshore reef providing protection from the waves this is generally a safe place for swimming and snorkeling. A lifeguard service ensures everybody is… read more »
