9 Beaches You Need to Visit in Hawaii
Hawaii’s beaches have a legitimate claim at being the most beautiful in the world. Across eight main islands, the 50th state boasts everything from isolated slivers of sand ideal for relaxing to mountain-surrounded bays ready to be explored.
But which beach is right for you? Start planning your Hawaiian vacation by learning what travel experts say are the state’s nine best coastal paradises.
Wailea Beach
Wailea Beach’s golden sand extends for a quarter of a mile along Maui’s southwestern coastline. Looking out on the cobalt-blue waters, see if you can spot the whales that are known to congregate here from April to October. Also worth admiring is the stunning Molokini Crater, which is visible from the shore.
Bordering Wailea Beach are a number of luxury resorts. It’s no surprise, then, that the beach is popular among the rich and famous. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a VIP to catch the open-to-the-public hula shows that are put on nightly at the Four Seasons’ lounge.
Punalu’u Beach
The striking black sand draws many a traveler to this Big Island beach, which extends along the southeast coast off the Māmalahoa Highway. Made from igneous rock basalt, it heats up in the sun.
Spend a day splayed out here, and you’ll understand why Punalu’u is considered one of Hawaii’s best sunbathing spots. As you take in some rays, say hi to the giant hawksbill and green sea turtles sunbathing next to you. Just be sure not to touch them, as doing so is against the law here.
Kapalua Bay
The clear, tranquil waters at this Maui beach contain abundant marine life, including even more giant seat turtles. For the best view of them, grab your snorkeling gear and head to the beach’s northern end, where the water is the clearest.
A water-sports destination, Kapalua Bay is also a great place for swimming, boogie boarding, kayaking, and paddle boarding. After a long day out on the water, grab a much-deserved dinner at Merriman’s, a high-end seafood restaurant located on the beach.
Halawa Beach Park
Travelers looking to escape the modern world should look no further than this remote destination. Located in a secluded part of Molokai, Halawa Beach Park feels redolent of another time, its unspoiled natural beauty contrasting sharply with the ultra-modernity of tourist-centric spots like Waikiki.
Take a walk on the golden sand at Kama'alaea Beach, one of the two coves that constitute the park. Then take a swim in the pristine waters. If you’re a strong swimmer, test yourself in the powerful surf of the second of the two coves, Kāwili Beach. According to legend, it’s here that 19th-century Hawaiian chiefs surfed.
Hanalei Bay
You won’t be able to miss the 4,000-foot emerald mountains that serve as the backdrop of this northern Kauai bay. Admire their impressive scale, then turn your eyes toward the shimmering turquoise waters that run along the beach’s 2-mile coastline.
Composed of multiple beach parks, Hanalei boasts calm waters in the summer, making it a great swimming spot. As the weather cools, the surf gets stronger, and the winter months attract surfers. Bring your own board, or rent one at any of the nearby rental shops.
Lanikai Beach
You won’t see any surfers at this serene Oahu shoreline. In fact, Lanikai’s waters are unusually calm for Hawaii.
Avail yourself of their relative stillness by kayaking out to the nearby Mokulua Islands, where there’s a seabird sanctuary. You can also swim, paddle board, and snorkel. Alternatively, lounge under a palm tree while gazing out on the sparking turquoise waters, sugar-white sand between your toes.
Hulopoe Bay
Marine life is aplenty at this crescent-shaped beach, located on the south coast of Lanai. Tide pools offer easy viewing of fish and others types of aquatic species. Dolphins jump out of the water here, as do humpback whales during the winter.
Abutting this golden-sand bay is the Four Seasons Resort Lanai. Book a reservation there for prime access to Hulopoe. If ocean swimming isn’t your thing, take a dip in one of the hotel’s pools, or spend the day in its spa.
Hamoa Beach
Reaching this dreamy beach means navigating the serpentine Road to Hana. The popular tourist route is undeniably scenic, but the cliff-side twists and turns are not for those with a weak stomach.
Regardless of what shape you’re in upon reaching Hamoa, you’ll find a tranquil crescent-shaped shoreline whose soft sand, verdant green foliage, and turquoise waters look postcard-ready. Hamoa is one of the few Maui beaches with public bathrooms, so feel free to spend the whole day.
Kauna’oa Bay
Known alternatively as Mauna Kea, Kauna’oa Bay offers views of the inactive Mauna Kea volcano. The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is also here, meaning guests of the five-star resort enjoy easy access to the quarter-mile stretch of sand.
Rent gear for your preferred water sport from the hotel, then head out on the picturesque turquoise waters. The waters are calm and shallow, making Kauna’oa Bay a great destination for families.