The Best Hawaii Beaches

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Page 2 out of 5

  • 16. Big Beach // Maui

    Big Beach
    dronepicr

    As the name suggests, Big Beach is in fact the largest beach on the south coast of Maui. There is nearly a mile of golden sand along this section of Makena Beach State Park which unlike neighboring beaches is largely undeveloped.

    Backed by lush tropical forest this Big beach feels a lot more remote than it actually is; in fact it is right next door to the resort of read more »

  • 17. Ko Olina // Oahu

    Ko Olina
    © Michelle Maria
    Great for:
    • Family
    • Snorkeling
    • Swimming

    Ko Olina is a gorgeous 2 miles stretch of coastline with a series of sandy coves and several natural and manmade lagoons. The name "Ko Olina" means "fulfillment of joy" and was originally a fishing camp for native Hawaiian rulers.

    Just a short distance from Honolulu and the North Shore, Ko Olina is a popular and beautiful beach to visit on the drier western side of Oahu. Non-resident guests are… read more »

  • 18. Laniakea Beach // Oahu

    Laniakea Beach
    Daniel Ramirez
    Great for:
    • Surfing

    Laniakea Beach, Oahu is commonly known as Turtle Beach, and when you visit it and see the sand scattered with rocks and turtles you'll understand why!

    The long narrow beach is popular so you need to arrive early to secure a coveted parking place. You then have to walk across the busy highway to reach this natural beauty spot.

    The golden sandy beach is lapped with white-foam surfing waves as… read more »

  • 19. Hapuna Beach // Big Island

    Hapuna Beach
    Polihale
    Great for:
    • Family
    • Snorkeling
    • Swimming
    • Surfing

    Situated on the Kohala Coast, Hapuna Beach is one of the Big Island's largest white sand beaches. A great choice for families with children, Hapuna is a reliable pick because of its range of attractions. These including sunbathing and sand castle building as well as swimming, snorkelling and bodyboarding thanks to a near-continuous shore break.

    Roughly 800 metres long and relatively broad, especially during the summer when the sand builds further,… read more »

  • 20. Hulopo'e Bay Beach // Lanai

    Hulopo'e Bay Beach
    © Matt Anderson
    Great for:
    • Family
    • Snorkeling
    • Swimming

    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… read more »

  • 21. Punalu'u Beach // Big Island

    Punalu'u Beach
    Famartin

    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… read more »

  • 22. Three Tables // Oahu

    Three Tables
    Alison and Fil
    Great for:
    • Snorkeling
    • Swimming

    Set on Oahu's North Shore, this pretty little beach is surrounded by some of the best known surf spots on the planet. In fact the famously huge waves of Waimea Bay break only around 100 yards away from Three Tables. But that's not why people come here.

    Three Tables beach is perhaps best known as a snorkeling spot and for good reason. The name of the beach comes from… read more »

  • 23. Manini'owali Beach // Big Island

    Manini'owali Beach
    Great for:
    • Family
    • Snorkeling
    • Swimming

    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… read more »

  • 24. Spencer Beach Park // Big Island

    Spencer Beach Park
    Terry Ott
    Great for:
    • Family
    • Snorkeling
    • Fishing
    • Swimming

    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… read more »

  • 25. Waimānalo Beach // Oahu

    Waimānalo Beach

    Waimānalo Beach, on the windward side of the island of Oahu has several claims to fame; firstly it is were Magnum, P.I. resided in the 80's TV series. Second, and perhaps more importantly it is the longest stretch of sandy shore on Oahu at well over 5 miles (9km). This expanse of unbroken white sand is sandwiched between the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean and the welcome shade of… read more »

  • 26. Waikīkī Beach // Oahu

    Waikīkī Beach
    © skeeze
    Great for:
    • Family
    • Swimming
    • Surfing

    The calm blue waters and two miles of pristine white sands attract millions of visitors to Waikiki Beach each year. Tourists flock to the shores for the mellow ocean and year-round, nice temperatures.

    Waikiki Beach offers something for everyone. Swimming, surfing, dining, shopping, and live events are just a few of the highlights. 

    On one side of the shore, you have the beautiful ocean while the other side is overlooked by high-rises… read more »

  • 27. Napili Beach // Maui

    Napili Beach
    CJ Anderson
    Great for:
    • Family
    • Swimming

    The white sloping sands of Napili Bay Beach are often lined with beach blankets and umbrellas, providing tourists the ideal area for tanning and relaxation. It is also one of the top swimming destinations in Maui as the waters are often calm and the perfect temperature for diving right in.

    As you look across the ocean, you may spot the area where the outer reefs protect the shore from the Pacific… read more »

  • 28. Secret Beach // Kauai

    Secret Beach
    dronepicr

    The western end of Kauapea Beach is known as Secret Beach or just "Secrets" by locals. At high tide these two neighbouring sandy coves are separated by a rocky outcrop.

    Secret Beach is a frequent feature on lists of Hawaii's best beaches, and its golden sands, secluded location and scenic outlook to Moku’ae’ae Island make it a real gem.

    Backed by steep cliffs covered in lush vegetation, the only… read more »

  • 29. Kauapea Beach // Kauai

    Kauapea Beach
    dronepicr

    Hugging the northern shoreline of Kauai between Kalihiwai Beach and Kilauea Point, Kauapea Beach merges as one with Secret Beach at low tide. The golden sands are quite large by Kauai standards, stretching for half a mile or so with black lava rocks dotted here and there sheltered by tree and vegetation covered cliffs.

    The beach is accessed down a steep unmarked trail, maintaining its seclusion and, of course,… read more »

  • 30. Shipwreck Beach // Kauai

    Shipwreck Beach
    Robert Linsdell
    Great for:
    • Surfing

    Known for its scenic trails and lookout points, Shipwreck Beach is a favorite of nature lovers and surfers. The beautiful, clear waters and striking features of the landscape are a feast for the eyes while the powerful swells are favored by adventurous surfers and boogie boarders.

    Shipwreck Beach received its name from an old wooden boat that sat near the shore for many decades. The boat slowly deteriorated until it was… read more »