25 Best Beaches in Hawaii You Need To Visit
If you’re looking for the best beaches in Hawaii, you’ve come to the right place!
We’ve compiled a list of the top 25 beaches in Hawaii—so whether you’re looking for secluded beaches, family-friendly beaches, or black sand beaches, we’ve got you covered.
With clear water and soft white or black sand, it’s easy to see why these beaches are so famous. Take a swim, surf, or relax—whatever you do, you’re sure to have a great time on any of these amazing beaches!
Best Beaches in Hawaii
1. Kaanapali Beach
Location: Maui
Lifeguard: Yes
Facilities/Amenities: Restrooms, parking (limited), shopping
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping
Kaanapali Beach is a world-famous 1-mile beach located on Maui’s west coast. With its wide expanse of white sand and clear blue water, it’s easy to see why this beach is a top choice for locals and tourists.
Kaanapali was once a retreat for the royalty of Maui. This says a lot about the beauty of this beach.
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy—from swimming to relaxing on the beach and access to some great shopping and dining options nearby.
Kaanapali Beach is located on a strip of some of Maui’s popular resorts and hotels and is one of Hawaii’s most popular tourist destinations.
Like all beaches in Hawaii, Kaanapali is open to the public and has limited public parking. Be sure to look out for the public parking signs.
We’ve been here a couple of times and were able to park for free both times, but we did have to wait for some people to leave the last time we visited.
Kaanapali Beach is also home to the famous “Black Rock, ” a popular spot for cliff jumping.
If you are looking for a perfect beach with almost everything you could ever need in one setting, Kaanapali Beach is your place!
2. Lanikai Beach
Location: Oahu
Lifeguard: No
Facilities/Amenities: None, limited parking in residential area on weekdays only
Activities: Swimming, kayaking, snorkeling
Lanikai Beach is a world-famous beach located in Kailua on the windward coast of Oahu.
This fantastic beach has been consistently voted as one of the best beaches in the world, and it’s easy to see why.
With its clear turquoise water, soft white sand, and gentle waves, Lanikai Beach is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Hawaii.
The beach is also great for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling. And if you want to explore the area, there are plenty of hiking trails nearby, such as the famous Lanikai Pillbox Hike.
If you love kayaking, Lanikai Beach is one of the best places in Oahu to kayak. You can kayak to the Mokulua Islands, a pair of small islands located about a 30-45 minute kayak from Lanikai Beach.
Lanikai Beach is a must-see for anyone visiting Hawaii and one of our favorite beaches on the island.
See Also: 71 Awesome Things to Do on Oahu With Your Family
3. Kailua Beach Park
Location: Oahu
Lifeguard: Yes
Facilities/Amenities: Parking, restrooms, showers, playground, and picnic tables
Activities: Swimming, kayaking, windsurfing, and kitesurfing
Located on Oahu’s windward coast, Kailua Beach is a beautiful white sand beach with clear turquoise water.
The beach is about 2 miles long and is an excellent place for swimming, kayaking, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. Kailua Beach is also a good launching place to kayak to the Mokulua Islands and is a straight shot to get there.
The beach is also close to the town of Kailua, which has some great restaurants and shops.
If you are looking for a beautiful white sand beach to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Hawaii, Kailua Beach is the place for you.
See Also: Hawaii in September
4. Hapuna Beach
Location: Big Island
Lifeguard: Yes
Facilities/Amenities: Paid parking, restrooms, showers, and picnic tables
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing
Hapuna Beach, located on the Big Islands Kohala Coast, is a beautiful white sand beach with clear blue water.
The beach is about half a mile long and is an excellent place for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is also close to the town of Waimea, which has some great restaurants and shops.
Hapuna Beach is also known to be one of the best family-friendly beaches due to its continuous shore break, making it an excellent place for kids to swim.
One of the best things about Hapuna Beach is that it’s located on the sunny side of the island and it receives less rain (18.94 inches) than other parts of the island, making it a great beach to visit year-round.
Please note that swimming and snorkeling here are best when the waves are calm. Avoid swimming here if the surf is high. The current can be very strong and dangerous when the waves are big.
If you are visiting in the winter months, you might get lucky and spot a whale while you are here.
5. Poipu Beach
Location: Kauai
Lifeguard: Yes
Facilities/Amenities: Parking, restrooms, showers, shade structure, and picnic tables
Activities: Swimming, fishing, snorkeling, bodyboarding, diving, and surfing
Located on Kauai’s south shore, Poipu Beach is a beautiful golden-white sand beach with turquoise water.
The beach is protected by a barrier reef, making it a popular place for swimming.
If you love wildlife, you will love this beach as monk seals and green sea turtles frequent it.
We had one of the most magical experiences on this beach. We were relaxing and waiting for the sun to set when a monk seal exited the ocean and made its way right up in front of us! We had to move back a little to give it some space, but the experience was one we will never forget.
The sunsets here are spectacular and are surely worth sticking around for. This is by far one of the best places on the island to watch the sunset.
If you are lucky, you might get to watch the sunset with some monk seals too!
6. Wai’anapanapa State Park (Honokalani Beach)
Location: Maui
Lifeguard: Yes
Facilities/Amenities: Camping, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and cabins
Activities: Swimming (only when the tide is low) and hiking
Located on the east side of Maui, Wai’anapanapa State Park is a beautiful black sand beach and one of Maui’s most popular beaches.
This beach was once a significant location for Hawaiians, and it is deemed a sacred place.
If you are looking to visit a black sand beach in Hawaii, this is one of the best, but keep in mind that reservations are required.
Wai’anapanapa means “glistening waters” in Hawaiian, and the name is absolutely fitting. On a sunny day, you can clearly see the water illuminated by the light perfectly against the gorgeous black sand.
One of the best things about this beach is that it’s close to Hana, a small town with great restaurants and shops.
Wai’anapanapa State Park is also one of the best and most popular stops on the famous road to Hana.
Outside of the beach, there are other activities you can do while there too. There are hiking trails, lava caves, stone arches, blowholes, and a temple to explore. This beach and park are worth a visit if you are in Maui.
Please note that swimming here can be dangerousWai’anapanapa—especially during the winter months—due to the high surf and undertow. Only swim in the summer months when the tide is low.
7. Wailea Beach
Location: Maui
Lifeguard: No
Facilities/Amenities: Parking, restrooms, showers, and picnic tables
Activities: Swimming, bodysurfing, bodyboarding, and snorkeling
Located on Maui’s southwest shore, Wailea Beach is one of the island’s most beautiful and popular beaches.
It is located in the popular resort area of Wailea, so be prepared to share the beach with many of the resort guests.
If you don’t mind big crowds and are looking for a gorgeous soft white sand beach with perfect turquoise water, Wailea is your place.
The beach has excellent swimming and snorkeling conditions when the waves are calm. You can find some of the best snorkeling towards both ends of the beach around the rocky areas.
The beach is also a great place to watch the sunset.
8. Mauna Kea Beach (Kauna’oa Beach)
Location: The Big Island
Lifeguard: No
Facilities/Amenities: Parking, shady areas, restrooms, and showers
Activities: Swimming, bodyboarding, snorkeling, diving, and surfing
Mauna Kea Beach is located on the North Kohala coast on the Big Island and is one of the top things to do on the island of Hawaii.
The white sand beach and clear blue water make it popular for swimming when the waves are calm in the summer months.
The waves here can get pretty big, so be careful if you visit in the winter months (November-April).
You can also find some of the best snorkeling here on the southern side of the beach when the waves are calm and the visibility is good.
Mauna Kea Beach is also a popular place to spot manta rays (if you are lucky), so if this is a bucket list item of yours, make sure to visit.
After the sun sets, the Mauna Kea Beach hotel turns on floodlights which attract the plankton and manta rays.
9. Napili Bay
Location: Maui
Lifeguard: No
Facilities/Amenities: Parking, restrooms, showers, and picnic tables
Activities: Swimming, bodysurfing, bodyboarding, sunbathing, and fishing
Napili Bay is located on the west side of Maui and is one of the island’s most beautiful and less crowded beaches.
The beach attracts families and those looking for a relaxing day at the beach.
You can find some good snorkeling here during the summer months when the waves are calm.
The waves here can get pretty big, so be careful if you visit in the winter months.
10. Hanalei Bay
Location: Kauai
Lifeguard: No
Facilities/Amenities: Parking, restrooms, shady areas, showers, and picnic tables
Activities: Swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, diving, and fishing
Hanalei Bay is located on the north shore of Kauai and is a must-visit if you are on the island. This white sand beach and clear blue water make it a popular place to visit.
If you’re looking for the perfect Instagram shot, you will be happy to know that this is one of the most photographed beaches in the world—and it’s easy to see why.
The lush green mountains in the background make for a beautiful backdrop. The sunsets here are also pretty spectacular, so be sure to catch one if you can!
This is one of our favorite beaches in Hawaii as there is so much to do here. You will find something to do at Hanalei Bay, no matter your interests.
11. Sunset Beach
Location: Oahu
Lifeguard: Yes
Facilities/Amenities: Parking, restrooms, showers, and limited shady areas
Activities: Swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and fishing
Sunset Beach is located on Oahu’s North Shore and is yet another popular beach in Hawaii. The beach’s name comes from the fact that it’s a great place to…well…watch the sunset!
Aside from the gorgeous sunsets, Sunset Beach is a popular spot for surfing and surfing competitions during the winter months. You will find some of the best surfers in the world flocking here to catch some of the world’s best swells.
While not swimmable to the average person in the winter months, Sunset Beach is the perfect place to swim in the summer months when the water is much calmer.
Note: Be sure to stop by the Sunrise Shack across the street for some of the best acai bowls and smoothies on the island. This photogenic shack has become an Instagram sensation, but the food is fantastic too.
12. Waikiki Beach
Location: Oahu
Lifeguard: Yes
Facilities/Amenities: Restrooms and showers
Activities: Swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, bodysurfing
If you have been on planet Earth long enough, you have probably heard of the famous Waikiki Beach.
Waikiki Beach is located in the heart of Waikiki and is the most popular beach on the island of Oahu. It’s also very popular worldwide.
One of the best things about Waikiki Beach is that it’s very walkable and easy to access since it’s located right in the heart of the Honolulu/Waikiki area.
This is where most of the hotels/resorts and accommodations are located, making it very convenient for tourists.
If you love to people-watch, this is an excellent place to do so and take in the sights and sounds of Waikiki.
Waikiki is an excellent beach for swimming and surfing, as the waves here are pretty consistent. If you want to learn how to surf, Waikiki Beach is where to do it.
This is a great beach to visit if you’re looking for a busy and lively atmosphere.
13. Tunnels Beach (Makua)
Location: Kauai
Lifeguard: Yes
Facilities/Amenities: Picnic tables
Activities: Swimming, diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and snorkeling
Tunnels Beach is located on Kauai’s North Shore and is one of the most picturesque beaches on the island.
The lush green scenery of the gorgeous mountains in the background makes it a popular spot for photos.
Kauai is known as the “Garden Isle,” and Tunnels Beach definitely lives up to this name.
This beach is named Tunnels Beach because of the large lava tubes that run through the beach. These tubes make for great snorkeling as they are home to some amazing marine life.
If you’re looking to explore and see some beautiful marine life, Tunnels Beach is the place to go.
Also, don’t forget to watch the sunset here; it’s spectacular!
14. Makalawena Beach
Location: Big Island
Lifeguard: No
Facilities/Amenities: None
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing
Makalawena Beach is located on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island and is one of the most secluded beaches in Hawaii. This beach is known for its clear turquoise waters and perfect soft white sand.
Because of its remote location, Makalawena Beach is not very crowded and is perfect if you are looking for some peace.
It takes about 25-35 minutes to hike from the parking lot to get down to the beach, but it’s worth it.
Be sure to wear proper closed-toe hiking shoes as you will be hiking over lava rocks to get to the beach.
Wear reef-safe sunscreen or a rashguard as the hike is pretty open and the sun can get scorching hot.
A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended if you want to visit this beach.
This is, by far, one of our favorite beaches on the island of Hawaii due to its seclusion and perfect white sand.
15. Hanauma Bay
Location: Oahu
Lifeguard: Yes
Facilities/Amenities: Snorkeling, restrooms, showers, a snack bar, and gift shop
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling
Hanauma Bay is located on the windward side of Oahu and is known for its world-famous snorkeling.
This beach is a protected marine life conservation area, so you will see amazing coral and fish up close. Hanauma Bay is one of the best snorkeling spots on Oahu, so check it out if you are on the island.
The best time of the year to snorkel here is during the summer months, but snorkeling is possible in the winter as well. Visibility is better in the summer when the water is calmer.
Be sure to visit the gift shop and pick up a few souvenirs before leaving.
If you are not a fan of snorkeling, you can always just relax on the beach and take in the beauty surrounding you.
Make sure to make your reservations 48 hours before your scheduled visit.
16. Maha’ulepu Beaches
Location: Kauai
Lifeguard: No
Facilities/Amenities: None
Activities: Fishing, windsurfing, and snorkeling
Maha’ulepu Beaches are located on the southeast coast of Kauai and are some of the most secluded beaches on the island.
Maha’ulepu consists of three secluded, reddish-golden sand beaches known as Gillin’s Beach, Ha’ula Beach, and Kawailoa Bay.
Ha’ula Beach is the most secluded out of the three since it takes more effort to get there.
This beach is known for its stunning cliff-lined coast and clear waters.
Because of its remote location, Maha’ulepu, in general, is not very crowded and is perfect if you are looking for some quiet.
You just need to hike for about 10-15 minutes on a dirt road.
While snorkeling here is fair, please take extra precautions as the trade winds can produce some intense gusts.
17. Waimea Bay
Location: Oahu
Lifeguard: Yes
Facilities/Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, parking
Activities: Swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, cliff jumping (summer only)
Waimea Bay is located on the north shore of Oahu and is known for its giant waves and world-famous cliff jump.
Waimea Bay becomes a popular spot for swimming and cliff jumping during the summer months. The water is much calmer in the summer months, so it’s the perfect time to take a swim.
Cliff jumping at Waimea Bay’s rock is only allowed in the summer when the surf is low, so plan accordingly if this is a top priority.
RELATED ARTICLE: The 10 Best Cliff Jumping Spots in Oahu
In the winter, Waimea Bay becomes a famous spot for surfing and is home to some of the biggest waves in the world. The waves here can get up to 30 feet high, so be careful if you are not an experienced surfer.
18. Waimanalo Beach Park
Location: Oahu
Lifeguard: Yes
Facilities/Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, fishing, camping, grassy area, and parking
Activities: Swimming, picnicking, camping, bodysurfing, and bodyboarding
Waimanalo Beach Park is located on the east side of Oahu and features one of the lesser-crowded beaches on the island. This beach is known for its wide expanse, white sand, and perfect blue waters.
Be sure to bring a picnic lunch with you as there are plenty of shady areas to sit and enjoy your meal.
Also, be aware of the Portuguese man o’ war jellyfish. There are signs warning you of their presence. Scout the beach area first before entering the water.
The Portuguese man o’ war is very easy to spot. If they are on the beach, they are probably in the water as well.
If you are looking for a place to camp, Waimanalo Beach Park offers camping facilities. This is a great place to spend some time with the family and enjoy all that nature has to offer.
19. Polihale Beach
Location: Kauai
Lifeguard: No
Facilities/Amenities: Parking, restrooms, showers, picnic areas, grills, pavillions
Activities: Bodyboarding, surfing, shore fishing, boating, swimming, camping
Polihale Beach on the western side of Kauai is one of the longest beaches in the world. This beach stretches for 15 miles and is one of the most picturesque beaches on the island.
Here you will be rewarded with gorgeous views of Lehua Island and Ni’ihau Island.
This is a great place to go if you are looking for peace and quiet, as it is not usually very crowded. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended to get here.
Swimming is only recommended on the southern end of the beach by Queen’s Pond. The northern end is known for its strong undertow and high surf.
Queen’s Pond is protected from the open ocean by an offshore reef, making the water calmer and safe for swimming.
Dolphins are often seen swimming in the waters near Polihale Beach. Be sure to keep an eye out for them!
See Also: Queens Bath Kauai
20. Lydgate Beach Park
Location: Kauai
Lifeguard: Yes
Facilities/Amenities: Restrooms, showers, pavilions (for rent), playgrounds, bicycle paths, boardwalks, volleyball courts, and picnic tables
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, biking, and picnicking
Lydgate Beach Park on the east side of Kauai is one of the most family-friendly beaches on the island.
The main attraction here is the double-sectioned pool towards the northern end, protected by the man-made rock barrier. This makes the water perfect for swimming and is a great place to take the kids.
Make sure to find the right area to swim in as other parts of the beach are not safe for swimming, especially during the winter months.
Lydgate Park is home to Kamalani Playground, which is an excellent place for the kids to play. If you have kids and are looking for a day of fun, Lydgate Beach Park is the place to go.
21. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
Location: Big Island
Lifeguard: Yes
Facilities/Amenities: Picnic area, parking, restroom, shower, shop
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, picnicking, camping, shaded areas, and fishing
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is located on the southern side of the Big Island and is known for its gorgeous black sand and abundance of green sea turtles.
This is a great place to go if you’re looking for the perfect black sand beach in Hawaii with the possibility of seeing wildlife.
The best place to swim is on the northeastern side of the beach near the small boat ramp.
Be mindful when swimming here as there are strong currents and the ocean can be unpredictable.
This is a great place to go if you want to see turtles up close. There is a large population of green sea turtles that call Punalu’u Beach home, so keep an eye out for them.
The beach is also great for picnicking and camping (permit required).
Remember to bring your snorkeling shoes as the rocks near the shore can be sharp and the black sand gets extra hot.
22. Anaeho’omalu Bay
Location: Big Island
Lifeguard: No
Facilities/Amenities: Restrooms, showers, beach gear rentals, and parking
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, picnicking, kayaking, and boating
Anaeho’omalu Bay is located on the southwestern side of the Big Island and is one of the most scenic beaches on the island.
This sheltered bay is perfect for swimming, especially for young children as the water is calm and shallow.
If you are looking for one of the best sunsets on the Big Island of Hawaii, head to Anaeho’omalu Bay. The sunsets here are stunning and probably one of the best sunsets we have ever seen on the island.
Anaeho’omalu Bay is a great place to spend the day with family and friends, as there are plenty of things to do for everyone.
Make sure to bring your sunscreen because there is no shade at this beach. This is a great place to spend a day in paradise.
23. Baldwin Beach Park
Location: Maui
Lifeguard: Yes
Facilities/Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, grassy area, BBQ grills, pavillion
Activities: Swimming, bodysurfing, bodyboarding, surfing
Baldwin Beach Park is located on Maui’s North Shore and is a great place to go if you are looking for a beautiful white sand beach.
This wide and long beach stretches for over 3/4 of a mile and is one of the most visited beaches on the island.
The waves at Baldwin Beach Park can get pretty big, so be careful, especially during the winter months.
If your goal is to swim, we recommend visiting Baby Beach towards the western end of the beach or Baldwin Cove to the east. The two beaches are protected by a barrier, making the waters calm and perfect for swimming.
Baldwin Beach Park is a great place to spend the day with family and friends. There are plenty of things to do for everyone.
24. Kapalua Bay
Location: Maui
Lifeguard: No
Facilities/Amenities: Restrooms, showers, equipment rental, and parking
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, guided scuba diving, and paddleboarding
Kapalua Bay is located on the northwestern side of Maui and is known for its clear blue waters and beautiful white sand beach.
This beach is also one of the best snorkeling places on the island of Maui.
The bay is rich in coral and marine life, so bring your snorkeling gear.
You will find the best snorkeling on the right side of the beach, but the best place to enter the water is on the left side when facing the ocean.
If you are not a fan of snorkeling, no worries—the beach is a popular spot for sunbathing and relaxing. It’s picture-perfect and one of the best places to spend a day in Maui.
25. Manini’owali Beach (Kua Bay)
Location: The Big Island
Lifeguard: Yes
Facilities/Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, parking at Kekaha Kai State Park
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking
Manini’owali Beach is located on the Kona side of the Big Island and is known for its clear blue waters and beautiful white sand beach.
The beach is also one of the best places on the island to snorkel in the summer months. The waves can get pretty big in the winter months, so be careful.
The bay is rich in coral and marine life, so remember to bring your snorkeling gear. You might see some amazing wildlife here if you are lucky, including green sea turtles and dolphins.
There is minimal shade here, so bring your reef-safe sunscreen and a hat. A beach umbrella and some chairs would be a great idea too.
Kua Bay is a great place to watch the sun go down during sunset. This is one of the best sunsets on the Big Island, so check it out while you are there.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the number one beach in Hawaii?
This is a hard question to answer because there are many options to choose from. Each island has its own set of beautiful beaches for visitors to explore. Our personal favorite is Lanikai Beach in Oahu.
2. Which island in Hawaii has the prettiest beaches?
Again, this is a difficult question because all of the Hawaiian Islands are home to some amazing beaches. It also depends on what you like in a beach. For instance, if you prefer black sand beaches, the Big Island is your answer.
Maui and Oahu would be our top picks if we had to choose the overall best beaches. The beaches on Maui and Oahu are some of the best beaches we have ever seen.
3. Does Hawaii have black sand beaches?
Yes, the Big Island and Maui are home to amazing black sand beaches. Punalu’u Beach (Big Island) and Waianapanapa State Park (Maui) are some of our favorites.
The Wrap Up: Best Beaches in Hawaii
There you have it; our top 25 picks for the best beaches in Hawaii!
Whether you are looking for a place to swim, snorkel, kayak, surf, watch surfing competitions or watch the sunrise or sunset, Hawaii has it all.
Remember to bring your sunscreen, stay hydrated, be safe, check the surf report, and have fun!
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