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The beaches in Hawaii are stunning, magical, many of them too gorgeous to be real. Many are easily accessible, some you have to hike to, and some are so remote that the footprints on the sand are your own.
Here is a review of some of the best beaches in Hawaii:
Hapuna Beach, nearby the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, on the Big Island’s spectacular Kohala Coast is a one-half mile long band of white sand.
It is by far the most popular on the island and is often rated as the most beautiful beach in U.S.
During summer, the ocean is calm and the beach can stretch 200 feet wide. The ivory sands slope gently into crystal clear waters with abundant fish and coral that make for great swimming and snorkeling.
Conditions are also excellent for body-surfing and boogie boarding. Walking trails extend on either side - however, be prepared for blazing hot sun and some rough footing.
A curve of white sand, it is protected by a small stone breakwater which creates a pool like area to swim and snorkel in.
Once named America’s best beach by the Travel Channel, it is well-liked even by the local marine life. Large green sea turtles also swim in these waters and from November through March, you will spot humpback whales.
If you are lucky, you will see the endangered Hawaiian Monk seals sunning on the shore. About 20 of the remaining 1,300 Hawaiian Monk Seals swim in the clear waters of Kauai.
Lanikai Beach is a trendy hang out for locals and tourist, on Oahu's windward coast. A mile of sugar powdery golden sand, it is the best swimming beach in Oahu.
Jade waters dash smoothly up the shore, then slide silently back... No wonder Hawaiians call it Lanikai, or "heavenly sea"!
The tender breeze offers a cool relief from the hot Hawaiian days. Calm, clear turquoise waters sheltered by a wide protective reef make for perfect swimming, snorkeling and bodysurfing.
Other popular activities are kayaking, windsurfing and sailing. If you are a bird watcher, the twin offshore Mokulua Islands, which are bird sanctuaries, will be welcomed destinations for you.
A pocket beach at the head of Hulopoe Bay, it is next to the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel.
This protected bay ringed with palm trees offers you the chance to explore the tide pool carved out of volcanic rock on one side of the bay. The shoreline is quite steep, which makes it excellent for swimming.
The rich variety of colorful fish and stunningly clear water make it the best snorkeling and diving beach in Hawaii. Hulopoe Bay is part of the marine life conservation district, so you will be asked to leave every stone and shell in its place;)
Makena Beach, also known as Oneloa Beach, is one of the most popular beaches in Hawaii. Well-protected from the trade winds as it lies between two black-lava outcroppings south of Wailea, this is the largest beach in Maui - hence the name "Big Beach".
Here you can sunbathe on the fine golden sands that stretch 1.5 mile in length and 100 feet wide. Swim, snorkel or canoe in the pristine waters, or have lunch on a picnic table while enjoying incredible views of Kahoolawe and Molokini islands.
While the beach itself and the beautiful scenery is fabulous, be careful swimming here, as waves can be unpredictable though.
With miles of soft-sand, it is also known as the "Three Mile Beach".
There is plenty of room to spread out and leave your troubles behind while you enjoy a gorgeous view of Oahu. Out of sight over the Kaiwi Channel is Waikiki, which actually took sand from Papohaku years ago to help build up its own shores.
Here you have excellent conditions for swimming, snorkeling, bodysurfing, boogie boarding and surfing - and not a whole lot of foot traffic. The island's biggest cultural festival - Molokai Ka Hula Piko - is held here annually in May, so if you are here then, make sure you don’t miss it!
As you enjoy these spectacular beaches in Hawaii, do not forget that the surf can be strong in some areas. As you visit a beach, take note of these ocean safety tips:
- Look for and comply with beach safety signs & symbols
- Swim only in life-guarded spots
- Avoid to swim alone and ALWAYS watch your kids
- Don't dive into unknown water or into shallow-breaking waves
- Rely on your swimming ability vs. a flotation device
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