There’s only so much time you can spend on your precious vacation, so it’s important to narrow down your options to only the best! The Hawaiian Islands have literally dozens of beaches to choose from and it’s in your best interest to see the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the Pacific Ocean.
Here are a couple of the best beaches on Oahu, Maui, The Big Island, Kauai and Lanai.
1. Lanikai Beach on Oahu
Ranked as the world’s No. 1 beach by Condé Nast in 1996, Lanikai Beach has some of the world’s finest sand and calmest waters. Recognized as one of the best beaches on Oahu by visitors and locals alike, Lanikai Beach is on the northeast side of the island and sufficiently far from the tourist throngs located in Waikiki.
Catching rays on Lanikai while the waves lap gently onto the shore is the perfect way to spend your time on the island.
2. Sunset Beach on Oahu
Forget crowded Waikiki Beach; drive to the North Shore to experience the spectacular sunsets of Sunset Beach. This beach encompasses a dozen different reef breaks, making it a snorkeling heaven.
Sunset Beach stretches two miles and is considered the longest stretch of rideable surf in the world. As such, this is also a venue for the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing during November and December. Other popular surfing competitions are held on this famous beach too, so check your local guide.
3. Hanalei Bay Beach Park on Kauai
Located on the north shore of Kauai, Hanalei Bay Beach Park is just west of Princeville in Hanalei Town. This bay is known for the Hanalei Pier, where you can fish and enjoy the incredible sea views.
This beach park is also a convenient place to spend a day as there are restrooms, a pavilion and lifeguards on duty.
4. Poipu Beach Park on Kauai
This beach park is one of Kauai’s most popular beaches, featuring crystal-clear water and the occasional Hawaiian monk seal appearance. There’s even a natural wading pool for young swimmers.
Poipu is a great family destination, as there are lifeguards on duty, picnic facilities, showers and pavilions available.
5. Ali’i Kahekili Nui Ahumanu Beach Park on Maui
The official name of this beach park is a mouthful, but locals also refer to it as Kahekili Beach, Airport Beach, or North Ka’anapali Beach. The beach stretches north from Black Rock to the new Westin Ka’anapali Resort Villas.
Kahekili is great for a family outing because of the large parking lot, bathroom and shower facilities, covered pavilion, BBQ grills and calm ocean waters. If you swim out to Black Rock, the snorkeling is excellent.
6. Big Beach and Little Beach at Makena on Maui
Big Beach is one of the longest and widest beaches in the islands. It’s also one of the most popular, with conveniences such as a large parking lot. Visitors love to body surf and boogie board here.
The swimming at Big Beach is good, but conditions can get rough. Swimmers should also be careful of the steep drop-off into the ocean.
Little Beach is located in front of a huge cinder cone and is Maui’s unofficial nude beach.
7. Kua Bay on The Big Island
Kua Bay is a gorgeous white sand beach located in Kona. This stretch of sand is one of the most beautiful on The Big Island. Visitors can access the comfort station, picnic tables and large parking areas.
There are no trees or shade on this beach, but the water is very calm, so swimming, body surfing and snorkeling are excellent activities. The bay’s waters are pristine and very clear, and the sand is ultra-white.
While the waters are usually calm, the surf can get very rough in the winter. Plan accordingly.
8. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach on The Big Island
If you’ve never seen a black sand beach before, the first time is always a treat. Punalu’u is the most famous black sand beach on the island, and it’s the perfect place to experience the incredible scenery, watch sea turtles, swim or snorkel.
Indeed, the black sand on this beach will take your breath away, and Punalu’u is the largest black sand beach you’ll see on The Big Island.
9. Hulopoe Beach Park on Lanai
Located in wonderful Hulopoe Bay, Hulopoe Beach Park is a sweeping stretch of pure white sand and was once named America’s Best Beach!
There is terrific snorkeling and plenty of tide pools for exploration, plus restrooms and picnic facilities. If you’re staying at the Four Seasons, this beach fronts the hotel, and it’s also accessible to the public.
10. Kaiolohia Beach on Lanai
Also known as Shipwreck Beach, Kaiolohia is known as a place where you can see a rusted WWII-era ship. Although swimming is highly discouraged, the shipwreck is an awesome sight to see!
Kaiolohia can be reached with an off-roading vehicle, about a half-hour north of Lanai City. Be prepared for quite an adventure!
If you need to find a beautiful, good-value hotel to crash in after a day on the waves, check out Marriott hotels. There are a number of them scattered around Hawaii. All have fantastic facilities, great service and a price you will love.
Check them out here:
===> https://www.hawaiiify.com/go/marriott
This list will help you design the ultimate beach vacation for swimming, snorkeling and relaxation, but I didn’t cover too much about surfing here. Read my article on the best beaches for surfing if you’re an adrenaline junkie!