The 15 Best Beaches in Hawaii

Hawaii is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on Earth — golden sands, turquoise waters, swaying palms, and year-round sunshine. Whether you’re dreaming of surfing on Oahu, snorkeling in Maui, or relaxing on Kauai’s hidden coves, this guide highlights the best beaches in Hawaii across all the main islands.

From family-friendly shores to secluded escapes, here’s where to find true Hawaiian paradise.

 Why Hawaii’s Beaches Are World-Famous

Hawaii’s beaches are like nowhere else — volcanic islands surrounded by coral reefs and lagoons, where tropical fish swim just offshore and sunsets paint the sky in gold and pink.

What makes Hawaii beaches unique:

• Diverse sand colors — white, black, green, and even red

• Year-round warm water averaging 75°F–82°F

• Marine life encounters — sea turtles, dolphins, and humpback whales

• Public access — every beach in Hawaii is open to the public

 1. Waikiki Beach – Oahu

Best for: Surfing, nightlife, family fun

Waikiki Beach is Hawaii’s most famous shoreline — a perfect balance of tropical beauty and city convenience. Once reserved for Hawaiian royalty, this 2-mile stretch today offers gentle surf, luxury resorts, and endless entertainment.

Top things to do:

• Learn to surf with Waikiki Beachboys

• Visit Diamond Head for panoramic views

• Enjoy beachfront dining and sunset cocktails

Insider tip: Early mornings are best for photos and swimming before crowds arrive.

 2. Lanikai Beach – Oahu

Best for: Photography, swimming, and romance

Regularly ranked among the world’s most beautiful beaches, Lanikai Beach (meaning “heavenly sea”) is a postcard come to life. Its powdery white sand and calm, turquoise water are ideal for swimming and kayaking to the nearby Mokulua Islands.

Highlights:

• Perfect for sunrise photography

• Family-friendly, with minimal waves

• Bring your own shade — limited facilities

 3. Kailua Beach Park – Oahu

Best for: Kayaking and families

Located near Lanikai, Kailua Beach offers a larger and more active beach experience, with lifeguards, restrooms, and picnic areas. It’s a favorite for windsurfing and paddleboarding, while still maintaining calm, swimmable conditions.

Don’t miss: Rent a kayak and paddle to Flat Island or the Mokulua islets.

 4. Hanauma Bay – Oahu

Best for: Snorkeling and marine life

Once a volcanic crater, Hanauma Bay is now a protected marine sanctuary filled with colorful coral reefs and tropical fish. It’s one of Hawaii’s top snorkeling spots — beginner-friendly and breathtaking.

Tips:

• Closed Tuesdays to allow reef recovery

• Entry fee: $25 (includes educational briefing)

• Bring a GoPro for underwater shots!

 5. Waimea Bay – Oahu (North Shore)

Best for: Surfing legends & winter waves

Waimea Bay is world-famous for its towering winter surf, where waves can exceed 30 feet during competitions. In summer, however, it transforms into a tranquil swimming and snorkeling paradise.

Must-see:

• Watch professional surfers in winter (Nov–Feb)

• Cliff jump (safely) from “Da Big Rock” in summer

• Visit nearby Waimea Valley waterfalls

 6. Kaanapali Beach – Maui

Best for: Resorts, snorkeling, and sunsets

Stretching 3 miles along Maui’s west coast, Kaanapali is Maui’s signature resort beach, known for its golden sand, excellent swimming, and the nightly cliff diving ceremony at Black Rock (Puu Kekaa).

Things to do:

• Snorkel with sea turtles near Black Rock

• Shop and dine at Whalers Village

• Watch sunsets from your beachfront lanai

 7. Wailea Beach – Maui

Best for: Luxury resorts and calm waters

Fronting some of Maui’s most upscale resorts, Wailea Beach combines soft sand, gentle waves, and five-star service. It’s perfect for families and honeymooners seeking comfort and beauty.

Highlights:

• Great swimming year-round

• Beach umbrellas and rentals available

• Stay nearby at the Four Seasons or Grand Wailea

 8. Makena Beach (Big Beach) – Maui

Best for: Wide open sand and adventure

Known locally as “Big Beach,” Makena offers one of Maui’s largest, most dramatic coastlines. It’s less developed and loved by locals for its raw natural beauty.

Pro tip: Waves can be powerful — best for confident swimmers.

Nearby: “Little Beach” (just over the hill) is a clothing-optional section with sunset drum circles.

 9. Poipu Beach – Kauai

Best for: Families, snorkeling, and sea turtles

Located on Kauai’s sunny south shore, Poipu Beach is often named America’s Best Beach for its versatility. Divided by a small sandbar, one side offers calm lagoons for kids, the other great snorkeling with Hawaiian monk seals and turtles.

Things to do:

• Spot turtles and monk seals in the afternoon

• Snorkel among coral reefs

• Enjoy dinner at Beach House Restaurant

 10. Hanalei Bay – Kauai

Best for: Surfing, scenery, and serenity

Hanalei Bay is the crown jewel of Kauai — a 2-mile crescent of golden sand framed by emerald mountains and waterfalls. It’s a year-round favorite for surfers, families, and photographers.

Highlights:

• Walk the historic Hanalei Pier

• Surf or paddle in gentle waves (summer)

• Visit nearby Hanalei Town for local shops and cafés

 11. Hapuna Beach – Big Island

Best for: Swimming and bodyboarding

Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area features half a mile of pure white sand and crystal-clear water. It’s one of Hawaii Island’s largest and most popular beaches — great for sunbathing, snorkeling, or picnicking.

Facilities: Lifeguards, showers, restrooms, and food concessions available.

 12. Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach – Big Island

Best for: Unique scenery and sea turtles

A must-see on the Big Island, Punaluʻu features jet-black volcanic sand created by lava meeting the ocean. Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) often rest onshore, making it a photographer’s dream.

Tips:

• Do not touch or approach turtles

• Bring water shoes — the sand can get hot

• No lifeguards; swimming only when calm

 13. Hamoa Beach – Hana, Maui

Best for: Seclusion and tropical scenery

Tucked along the legendary Road to Hana, Hamoa Beach is framed by lush cliffs and palm trees. Its grayish-golden sand and rolling surf create a tranquil setting often cited as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Best time to visit: Early morning before tour traffic increases.

 14. Kapalua Bay – Maui

Best for: Snorkeling and families

Kapalua Bay’s horseshoe-shaped cove offers calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling with tropical fish. It’s consistently ranked among Maui’s top family beaches.

Amenities: Restrooms, parking, gear rentals, and showers available.

 15. Polihale State Park – Kauai

Best for: Adventure and solitude

Polihale is a remote, 17-mile stretch of sand at the end of a dirt road — where the Na Pali cliffs meet the sea. It’s wild, beautiful, and nearly empty.

Important:

• 4WD recommended

• Bring all supplies (no services)

• Perfect for sunset picnics and stargazing

 Map: The Best Beaches by Island

 Travel Tips for Visiting Hawaii’s Beaches

• Best time to visit: April–October (drier, sunnier weather)

• Water safety: Watch for rip currents and check surf reports.

• Respect marine life: Keep 10 feet away from sea turtles and seals.

• Sun protection: Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral reefs.

• Local etiquette: “Leave no trace” — take all trash and respect nature.

 Hawaii Weather Snapshot

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the number one beach in Hawaii?
Lanikai Beach on Oahu is often ranked the best overall for beauty, swimming, and scenery.

Which Hawaiian island has the best beaches?
Maui and Oahu have the most accessible and diverse beaches, while Kauai and Big Island offer the most natural and secluded ones.

Are all beaches in Hawaii public?
Yes, every beach in Hawaii is public by law — even those fronting luxury resorts.

Can you swim year-round in Hawaii?
Yes, water temperatures remain comfortable (75–82°F) all year.

What are the best beaches for snorkeling?
Hanauma Bay (Oahu), Kapalua Bay (Maui), and Poipu Beach (Kauai) are top choices.