The beaches in Hawaii are world-famous for many reasons. The shores around Hawaii are home to some of the best surfing, snorkeling, and swimming our blue globe has to offer. It’s no wonder that tourists around the world flock to Hawaii for its beautiful beaches and colorful underwater seascapes all year round. Here are our top ten picks for the best Beaches in Hawaii to visit on your next trip.
1) Ka’anapali Beach – Maui
Ka’anapali Beach is a glorious 3-mile stretch of soft golden sand that’s perfect for swimming for the whole family but be prepared for crowds when it’s nice out.
2) Ho’okipa Beach – Maui
Windsurfing, kitesurfing, and surfing are all popular activities on this beach. Plus, it’s an accessible location for surfers chasing Hawaii’s big waves in the winter. However, during summer, it’s the perfect place for a refreshing dip. If you don’t like rocks, you can head east to avoid them. Ho’okipa Beach is also a breeding ground for sea turtles, which crowd the beach at sunset to lay their eggs.
3) Kapalua Bay – Maui
A crescent-shaped bay with calm blue waters and small waves gently lapping the shore. If you have young kids, it will be easier to keep an eye on them. Two accessible reefs flank the beach, so don’t forget your snorkel and goggles.
4) Baldwin Beach – Maui
Bodyboarders and regular swimmers can find some decent wave action on Baldwin Beach, but little ones can head off to Baby Beach, a lagoon with much calmer waters.
5) Kekaha Beach – Kaua’i
Kekaha Beach has the longest stretch of white sand on Kaua’i. The resort is on the eastern end, so if you head west, you’ll find the beach is a lot quieter. Large waves and rough surf mean that this location is best for experienced swimmers and surfers, but the sunsets are fantastic.
6) Hamoa Beach – Maui
Peter Stevens | Flickr
Black lava rock sand mixed with white sand make this beach a salt-and-pepper beach. It’s close to Hana and is edged in parts by lush jungle and sea cliffs. The waters can get rough because there are no outlying reefs to temper the ocean swells, so make sure to read all the postings and warnings.
7) Wai’anapanapa State Park – Maui
Eric Chan | Flickr
If you love exploring, then this is the beach for you. The location features black sand, a lava tube, a lush green jungle, hiking trails, black lava cliffs, and a blowhole. Caution is required as the waters can get quite rough.
8) Lydgate Beach Park – Kauai
There’s something for everyone at Lydgate Beach Park. Tropical fish add a dash of color to two protected lagoon areas perfect with calm waters ideal for snorkeling. An adjacent park promises a lot of fun for the kids with bike trails, a playground, and a grassy spot that is popular with kite flyers.
9) Sunset Beach Park – Oahu
In the winter, this beach on Oahu’s North Shore is where surfers head to catch some of Hawaii’s biggest waves. Come summertime, and the beach transforms into the perfect family vacation spot with snorkeling in the reef and waves, which are an ideal size for bodyboarders.
Are the Top Hawaii Surf Camps Located Near the Best Beaches in Hawaii?
Yes, the top Hawaii surf camps are indeed located near the best beaches in Hawaii. With world-renowned breaks like Pipeline, Waikiki, and Sunset Beach just a stone’s throw away, participants can experience the thrill of riding the waves in some of the most beautiful and dynamic surf spots in the world.
10) Coconut Island – Big Island
Access to this little island from the downtown area is by a footbridge. The location is dotted with several tiny beaches, a cool grassy area for a picnic, and a tower for kids to leap off into the water. This picturesque location is a fantastic area for families to watch while their kids safely splash and play in the shallow waters. This list could go on and on. The beaches in Hawaii are some of the best in the world. We covered five more beaches in-depth on our podcast. What is your favorite beach in Hawaii? Let us know in the comments below.
Bryan Murphy is the owner of Hawaii’s Best Travel and is a recognized authority on responsible travel to Hawaii. Combining years of on-ground experience with insights from the top-rated podcast, Hawaii’s Best, he connects with a broad online community, offering a richer, more responsible way to experience Hawaii.
