The Best Beaches & Beach Hotels in Hawaii

See Also

• Where to Reside on the Big Island
• Places to lay your head on the island of Kauai
• Locations to Lodge on Maui
• Locations to Linger on Oahu

Lodging Options in Santorini

The 26 Best Beaches in Hawaii

Kaanapali Beach • Maui

This scenic three-mile stretch of pristine white sand is ideal for swimming and enjoying the ocean. The north end near Black Rock is best for snorkeling. It is a busy and lively beach with good bars and restaurants lining the shore.

Recommended Hotels: Westin Maui Resort and Spa (luxury) – Aston at The Whaler (luxury) – Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa (moderate)

Hanalei Bay • Kauai

Situated on the shoreline is an exceptionally scenic beach that is crescent-shaped and surrounded by verdant highlands. Consisting of three beaches along this stretch of coastline, Black Pot Beach is regarded as the finest option due its location at the mouth of the Hanalei River alongside a substantial pier that young people enjoy launching from. This beach offers swimming, surfing, angling and use of stand-up paddleboards amid a setting that allows camping with an official permit.

Suggested Accommodations: Hanalei Bay Resort (moderate price point) • Hanalei Dolphin Cottages (moderate price point) • Hanalei Inn (budget-friendly)

Wailea Beach • Maui

Wailea Beach has everything: soft sand, gentle waves, and clear water, perfect for nearly all water activities. This is a busy beach with many resorts, trendy restaurants, and high-end shopping nearby. The Mana Kai Maui is a great mid-range pick as it’s an easy walk along Kihei Beach to the Wailea resort area).

Suggested luxury hotels: The Grand Wailea – a luxurious resort on Maui. Andaz Maui – another high-end hotel option. Mana Kai Maui – a moderate-priced beachside hotel.

Keawakapu Beach • Maui

Kihei features an array of excellent beaches for bathing (Kamaole Beach Parks I, II, and III) but the best sand and waters in this relaxed town is the last one (as going southward): Keawakapu Beach. Two quality lodgings are on opposite ends of the beach: Mana Kai Maui on the northern conclusion and Andaz Maui on the southern conclusion (and the starting point of Wailea). You can stroll from one end to the other end without having to walk on a path or sidewalk. This is the best beach for first-time guests to Maui).

Suggested Hotels: Andaz Maui (premium) • Mana Kai Maui (moderate-priced)

Waikiki Beach • Oahu

Renowned as the birthplace of modern surfing, Waikiki Beach was artificially engineered for versatility. It proves ideal for swimming, stand-up paddling, kayaking, and spectators; some sections are isolated from the surf, perfectly accommodating young children and novice swimmers.

Suggested Accommodations: Halekulani (luxury) . Moana Surfrider (luxury) . Outrigger Waikiki Beach (luxury) . Waikiki Shore Beachfront (moderate)

Kapalua Bay • Maui

A crescent-shaped beach renowned for gentle waves and azure waters attractive to families. Flanked by protective reefs, it offers swimming and snorkeling amid natural beauty. While water clarity varies in the center, the northern section provides the best underwater views for intrepid snorkelers.

Recommended lodging: Montage Kapalua Bay (deluxe) • Ritz Carlton (deluxe) • Napili Kai Beach Resort (moderate)

Poipu Beach • Kauai

The stretch of white sand called “Sunny Poipu” on the Hawaiian island of Kauai has a unique crescent shape. Gentle ocean surf and distinctive reef systems provide ideal conditions for activities like swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, boogie boarding, and beginning surfing. Families in particular find it appealing, giving the beach a busy yet welcoming atmosphere throughout tourist season.

Experiencing a guided hike through snow-covered terrain is a memorable way to take in the natural scenery of Tromsø. One particular opportunity is a snowshoe trek through the alpine realm that provides snowshoes and poles, as well as brief instructions for walking on snow. Participants will also have a chance to interact with sled dogs.

Napili Bay • Maui

On Maui`s western coast lies a sandy shore that offers quality swimming and snorkeling opportunities in a comparatively secluded setting between the crowded shores of Kaanapali and Kapalua Bay. Space to enjoy the ocean is usually plentiful, making it perfect for aquatic recreation in warmer months and surfing of progressive skill levels when winter swells arrive.

Suggested Hotel Options: Montage Kapalua Bay (luxury category) • Ritz Carlton (luxury category) • Napili Kai Beach Resort (moderate category) • Napili Sunset Beach Front Resort (moderate category)

Ho’okipa Beach • Maui

Renowned for enjoying ocean activities like surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing along its shores. During winter months, the waves may be considerable, while summers provide pleasant conditions for swimming. Entering from the eastern end can help visitors avoid potentially hazardous rocks. Furthermore, the location often sees green sea turtles emerging en masse to rest as daylight wanes.

Suggested Accommodations: The Inn at Mama’s Fish House (luxury establishment) • Pa’ia Inn (moderate option) • Mangolani Inn (moderate option)

Waimea Bay • Oahu

Renowned for its massive waves, Waimea Bay annually plays host to international surf competitions. However, during the summer months the surf diminishes almost entirely, transforming the beach into an ideal spot for swimming. In the warm season, it is the most popular beach among families on Oahu`s North Shore.

Recommended Hotels: A luxury resort hotel (luxury)

Kauna’oa Beach(aka Mauna Kea Beach) • Big Island

Glittering, light blue waters and fine silky sand render this Kailua-Kona`s most beautiful coastline. Surf is generally tranquil, with two undersea rock formations. A marvelous spot for exploring marine life above and below the surface, swimming, and sunbathing.

Recommended accommodation options: The luxury Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is located in Hawaii, USA.

Carlsmith Beach • Big Island

Providing a unique environment for water activities and wildlife watching, the beach`s striking landscape comprises a system of lagoons replenished by cool springs. Though the shore consists of rock, soft sand populates the bottom, allowing enjoyment of swimming and snorkeling among sea turtles.

Baldwin Beach • Maui

Ideal for swimming and bodyboarding, this long stretch of beach along the calm lagoon called Baby Beach is excellent for young children. Spanning over a mile, it can become quite busy on weekends but offers walking or biking access from downtown Paia.

Recommended Hotels: Paia Inn (moderate)

Hapuna Beach • Big Island

Hālawa Beach`s pristine white sands stretch magnificently, making it the Big Island`s largest coastal expanse. Its moderate flat terrain appeals to families, while opportunities to snorkel, swim and board attract nature enthusiasts. Sheltering trees provide respite and a nearby lava tube adds intrigue to the surroundings.

Recommended Hotels: Westin Hapuna Beach Resort (moderate cost)

Kekaha Beach • Kauai

Situated on the western edge of Kauai, Kekaha Beach marks the starting point of the island`s most extensive sandy shoreline. Due to its distance from major resorts, this location tends to be relatively calm with fewer visitors compared to other beaches, attracting more local beachgoers. The waters can sometimes be rough with sizable surf, making it an excellent spot for experienced surfers and swimmers to enjoy the beach, scenic sunsets, and views of the offshore island of Ni`ihau. The hotel ” Number 10” was indicated as a choice located in Glasgow. Its phone number is +44 141 424 0160

Richardson Beach • Big Island

Heavenly black sand beach near Hilo, where the ocean is fed by freshwater springs. With its tidepools, calm waves, and tropical fish, this is an excellent spot for snorkeling with family.

Banzai Pipeline • Oahu

The legendary Banzai Pipeline, located on Ehukai Beach, is one of the world`s most famous, challenging, and dangerous surf spots. International surfing competitions are held there every winter season. During the summer months, extra deposits of sand cause the beach`s size to increase and the waves to flatten out, allowing for pleasant swimming.

Recommended Hotels: A luxury resort hotel (luxury)

Hamoa Beach • Maui

Surrounded by verdant rainforest and sea cliffs, Hamoa Beach nestles a mix of white and black sands pleasing families. Ideal for surfing, snorkeling, diving amid agreeable currents inside the bay while outer swells rise impressively especially in winter, the scenic locale attracts water activity.

Suggested Accommodations: Hana Maui Resort (budget friendly)

Wai’anapanapa State Park • Maui

This scenic black sand shoreline near Hana delivers high value. Site visitors find a lava tube, natural blowhole phenomenon, lush verdant jungle, and black volcanic cliffs with walking paths. Conditions in the water are regularly rough, so caution is advised.

Suggested Accommodations: Hana Maui Resort (budget friendly)

Lydgate Beach Park • Kauai

This beach has protected waters that are perfect for novice snorkelers hoping to observe tropical marine life. In addition to the gentle coastal waters, the adjoining recreational area features non-motorized trails and an extensive playground structure offering amusement for young visitors. Greenspace at the location is regularly inhabited by spectators engaging in aerial sports.

Recommended Hotels: Hilton Garden Inn (moderate) • Fern Grotto Inn (moderate)

Kahaluu Beach Park • Big Island

Nestled along Kailua-Kona`s coast lies a peaceful inlet teeming with natural wonders. Early morning provide the best opportunity to observe multitudes of tropical fish gliding between vibrant corals while sea turtles float alongside the colorful underwater scenery. The bay presents a scenic sanctuary removed from nearby crowds.

Suggested Accommodations: Holualoa Inn (luxury) • Kanaloa at Kona by Outrigger (moderate) • Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel (moderate)

Sunset Beach Park • Oahu

One of the seminal surf breaks on Oahu`s North Shore, Pipeline is part of the Triple Crown of Surfing annual competition along with Waimea Bay and Banzai Pipeline. During the summer months, this beach transforms into a family-friendly locale with vibrant tropical marine life visible in the fringing reef. It offers pleasant activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and bodyboarding.

Recommended Hotels: A luxury resort hotel (luxury)

Coconut Island (aka Moku Ola) • Big Island

This small island located in Hilo Bay is a popular attraction for local families, as it is connected to downtown via a pedestrian bridge. It offers excellent swimming opportunities as well as a tower from which young residents enjoy diving into the water. Additional features include several small beaches and a grassy area suitable for packing meals. This site holds cultural significance as an ancient place of sanctuary, where those fleeing pursuit after breaching laws could arrive and find pardon for their offenses by outrunning their pursuers.

Recommended Accommodations: Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel (moderate) • Grand Naniloa Hotel, Doubletree by Hilton (moderate)

Kalapaki Beach • Kauai

Located proximal to downtown Lihue and its array of family-friendly dining establishments sits a secluded white sand cove. Gentle currents and shallow waters render the beach ideal for swimming, stand-up paddle boarding and sailing. Surrounded by natural beauty, it offers visitors relaxation in a picturesque setting close to conveniences.

Recommended Hotels: Kauai Marriott Resort (moderate)

Anaeho’omalu Bay Beach(aka A-Bay) • Big Island

This shoreline provides beginner-friendly entry points to marine environments containing tidal pools and vegetation. Nearby historical fish-farming sites further smooth wave activity and render favorable conditions for both inspecting underwater scenery and collecting seafood. The seclusion surpasses that of a beach to the north while sustaining smaller crowds.

Recommended Hotels: Hilton Waikoloa Village (moderate-priced) • Waikoloa Beach Marriott (moderate-priced)

Kamakohonu Beach(aka King Kam Beach, aka Kids Beach) • Big Island

Situated downtown in Kailua-Kona, this tranquil beach has near-flat waters, making it perfectly suitable for young children partaking in swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, and kayaking. It also houses Ahu`ena Heiau, the personal temple of King Kamehameha I where he spent the last seven years of his life.

Suggested Accommodations: Holualoa Inn (luxurious) – Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel (moderate) – Royal Kona Resort (moderate)

Bonus Beach – Off the Beaten Path: Waiohuli Beach • Maui

Perhaps one of Maui`s most discreet hidden gems, Waiohuli Beach in Kihei is virtually unknown to visitors and seldom frequented even by locals, though the occasional angler may be spotted there. The calm shallow waters make it excellent for strolling, wading, and young children to splash around in safely. It provides a wonderful place to relax and behold the spectacular sunsets on the horizon. Though absent from most maps, it can be easily located; simply follow South Kihei Road until it intersects West Lipoa Street near St Theresa Church, then head west where the road ultimately ends at the beach.

What’s the best Hawaii beach for me?

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• What are Hawaii’s best kid-friendly beaches?
  Hawaii offers many beaches that are enjoyable for children, though Poipu Beach and Hapuna Beach stand out for their consistently pleasant weather conditions, calm waters, and availability of amenities. Poipu Beach has a lifeguard on duty seven days a week, and its central cove has a lagoon area with especially gentle waves perfect for little ones. Hapuna Beach has shallow entry waters and nearly always small waves, excellent for beginners. Other great family beaches include Hanalei Bay, Baldwin Beach, Kaanapali Beach, and Coconut Island.
• What are Hawaii’s top party beaches?
  Undoubtedly, the best beach in Hawaii for partying is Waikiki Beach. Nighttime lights keep the beach illuminated, there is a free fireworks show every Friday evening, and last call is not until 4:00 a.m. Nearly everywhere else across the state winds down around 9:00 o`clock, if not earlier. For daytime partying, Little Beach on Maui is the best option. It is overrun by nudists on most days (which is completely against the law!), and on Sundays at sunset there is usually a drum circle taking place with fire dancers, `magic brownies,` and people drinking from brown paper bags.

Item:

• What are Hawaii’s most tranquil, serene beaches?
  Most commonly, a tranquil shoreline indicates one that’s off the major routes. However, for an easily accessible yet really peaceful beach, Waiohuli Beach in South Kihei cannot be outdone. Low waters with a lack of snorkeling retains most visitors away, but for individuals simply wanting to hear the waves or enjoy a sunset, this presents a wonderful choice. The black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park is also fairly tranquil, encircled by absolutely stunning landscapes. Another fantastic spot is Secret Beach in Kauai; stop by here early in the morning for great chances of swimming with a pod of wild spinner dolphins.
• What are some of Hawaii’s finest beaches for snorkeling activities?
  Much of Hawaii is surrounded by reefs, allowing many wonderful snorkeling locations around the islands. The Big Island possesses some of the healthiest reefs and clearest waters of all, with great spots for beginners. Kahaluu Beach Park offers calm waters and an abundance of wildlife. Black Rock, at the north end of Kaanapali Beach in Maui, provides another excellent spot, though currents can run stronger here. Molokini Crater, Kapalua Bay, and the Poipu Beach region also prime areas for snorkeling.
• What are Hawaii’s best beaches for surfing?
  The choice of the best beaches for surfing genuinely relies upon the stage of ability of the surfer. Waikiki Beach is where cutting edge surfing took off, and it`s as yet one of the most ideal spots for novices. Kahaluu Beach is a charming alternative for the individuals staying on the Big Island, while Poipu Beach is incredible for beginners in Maui. Oahu`s North Shore beaches, including Waimea Bay, Banzai Pipeline, and Sunset Beach, alongside Kaua`i`s Hanalei Bay are altogether perfect spots for beginners amid the midyear, yet when winter comes, they`re ideal abandoned to the experts.
• What are Hawaii’s best beaches for swimming?
  Wonderful swimming beaches can be discovered all through Hawaii. Some of the greatest are in Maui, and involve Kapalua Beach, Baldwin Beach, and Napili Beach. Hapuna Beach is the finest on the Large Island; Poipu Beach and Hanalei Bay are top on Kauai; and Waikiki is best year-round in Oahu.
• What are Hawaii’s best beaches for animal lovers?
  There is an incredible diversity of marine life found in Hawaii`s waters, and the best places to see them vary depending on the specific animal you hope to spot. Ho`okipa Beach in Maui at sunset may provide the most reliable beach for observing sea turtles. Manta rays tend to be spotted more often at Keauhou Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii, though boat excursions offshore allow for improved viewing. Kaanapali Beach in Maui could offer the best opportunity to watch humpback whales. The beaches around Haleiwa on the island are preferred locations for swimming with sharks. Monk seals frequently haul out on Poipu Beach or the tiny, hard to access beaches along the rugged Na Pali Coast in Kauai. Dolphins can be found throughout but early mornings at Secret Beach in Kauai provide a good chance to see them.
• Which of Hawaii’s beaches are best for collecting seashells?
  Shells in Hawaii are rarely found on the beach; usually, people spot them while kayaking, snorkeling, or diving. Be sure to get a guidebook for identifying shells, and be advised that cone shells often house stinging snails. Respect nature, and take only broken or abandoned shells. With these things in mind, the waters off Hanalei Bay in Kauai and Hapuna Beach on the Big Island are the best spots for finding shells.
• Which of Hawaii’s beaches are best for locating sea glass?
  Glass Beach in Kaua’i, as hinted by its name, is a great spot to search for sea glass. But with a name similar to that, it has attracted a lot of glass hunters over the years, so its supplies are diminishing. Honoli’i Beach Park on the Big Island tends to have plenty of glass; travelers will want to wear sturdy footwear for the walk. On Oahu, Sandy Beach may be the best option.