By Megan Shute|Updated on June 02, 2023(Originally published May 28, 2023)
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
From the black sand beaches on the Big Island and Maui’s remarkable and remote red sand beach to pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters on Oahu and Kauai, The Hawaiian Islands are home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the country — and perhaps even the world. With approximately 750 miles of coastline, the Aloha State is home to countless incredible beaches, and these 22 stunning stretches of sand are some of the absolute best. Ready to add to your Hawaii beaches bucket list? Read on.
Located on Oahu’s windward coast is this phenomenal beach with three miles of sloping white sand, and the seemingly endless azure sea. Hundreds of ironwood trees provide much-needed relief from the sun, and the beach’s picnic tables and grilles make Waimanalo a destination for weekend barbecues.
This near-perfect semi-circle of white sand is located on Kauai’s north shore and is two miles long, 125 feet wide, and surrounded by majestic mountains. The bay is perfect for water sports of all kinds, and the stunning 300-foot long Hanalei Pier is perfect for fishing — or jumping off for a nice swim.
Boasting some of the best windsurfing waves along the Maui Coast, Ho’okipa is a mecca for water sports. Luckily, if you’re not so adventurous, there is plenty of sand to simply lay out and enjoy the views.
Thirty miles south of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the Big Island’s most famous black sand beach. Fringed with coconut palm trees, visitors may fight themselves basking in the sun alongside Hawaiian green sea turtles.
5. Hulopoe Beach Park, Lanai
Hulopo?e Beach Park, Manele Rd, Lanai City, HI 96763, USA
This picturesque beach, located on Lanai’s southern coast, is the most famous stretch of sand on this small island. This protected beach offers ideal swimming and snorkeling conditions, and, during low tide, the eastern side of the bay is home to several large volcanic rock tide pools full of sea life.
With gnarly waves in the winter months and calmer surf in the summer, Sunset Beach is located on Oahu’s north shore, and is aptly named — the sunsets from this popular beach are second to none.
While Lumahai beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on Kauai, it is also one of the most dangerous. The steep sand slope creates a strong undertow and powerful waves that break on the sand. The conditions at this picturesque beach are best enjoyed during the summer months.
Once the vacation retreat of choice for Hawaiian royalty, today Kaanapali is one of the island’s most popular expanses of white sands, surrounded by luxury hotels and resorts.
9. Kua Bay, Big Island
Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay), Kalaoa, HI 96740, USA
Manini’owali, or Kua Bay as it is often called by the locals, is a secluded and small white sand beach located near the Kona airport. The beach is a popular spot for bodysurfing, or just catching a signature Hawaiian sunset.
This Molokai beach is almost certainly the closest you will ever get to the deserted tropical island you’ve been dreaming of. Whether you want to get away from the world and relax, or catch some world-class waves, Papohaku seems to go on for miles.
Waikiki is the biggest tourist destination in Hawaii, and when coupled with the brilliant white sand beach and stellar surfing, you’ve got the best beach in America, according to the Huffington Post. While we don’t necessarily agree that Waikiki is the best, we do think you should check it out once in your lifetime.
Approximately 1,000 feet long and 50 feet wide, this popular beach on Kauai’s southern shore is known for the small boulder breakwater that creates a protected pool-like area perfect for small children. Outside this swimming area are ideal wave conditions for surfers and body boarders.
Also known as Big Beach, this gem is situated on the southwestern coast of Maui. Measuring in at nearly two-thirds of a mile, Makena Beach is one of the longest beaches on the island, and hardly ever feels crowded because it is so vast.
14. Papakolea Beach, Big Island
Papak?lea Green Sand Beach, Naalehu, HI 96772, USA
This green sand beach is located near Ka Lae, the southernmost point in the United States. While the secluded beach is tough to get to, it is well worth the journey — where else are you going to experience a green sand beach? Absolutely nowhere.
With powder-soft, white sand, magnificent turquoise, clear water, and swaying palm trees, Kailua Beach is a photographer’s paradise — if you can catch the beach during a low-traffic period, that is. You should also check out Kailua's neighbor, Lanikai Beach.
16. Polihale State Park, Kauai
Polihale State Park, Lower Saki Mana Rd, Waimea, HI 96796, USA
This remote, wild beach on Kauai’s western coast is located at the end of a long dirt road off Kuamuali’i Highway. The beach is the largest stretch of sand in Hawaii, and is often overlooked for more accessible beaches despite the fact that it is one of the most idyllic camping spots in all of Hawaii.
This stunning red sand beach on Maui’s eastern coast is one of only a few red sand beaches in the world. You’ll have to access the stunning beach via an overgrown cliff-side trail, and the water is rough, but the views are well worth the effort.
Located on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast, Hapuna beach is a half-mile crescent of stunning powder-soft sand and crystalline water. The beach is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling and bodysurfing.
Located on the northwestern coast of Lanai is Polihua, a magnificent stretch of sand only accessible via a four-wheel drive vehicle. This mesmerizing beach is quite expansive, though often overlooked for more popular beaches.
20. Makaha Beach, Oahu
M?kaha Beach Park, 84-369 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI 96792, USA
Located just south of Kaena Point on Oahu’s leeward coast is this beautiful stretch of white sand with excellent swimming, bodyboarding and surfing conditions. The west side of the island is often overlooked by tourists, but the hot, dry climate makes it the perfect beach to visit when it’s overcast on the Windward coast.
Located on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, Ke’e Beach is perhaps one of the most picturesque beaches on this list. It was also ranked as the sixth best beach in America by the Huffington Post.
With swaying palm trees, golden sand, and calm waters, Kapalua Bay is what immediately comes to mind when you imagine the quintessential Hawaiian beach. Situated between two lava points, the bay is known for its tranquil surf, perfect for young children and cautious swimmers.
Come explore some of Hawaii’s best beaches with us!
Now, obviously, this isn’t a comprehensive list, but I think we’re off to a pretty great start. Which Hawaii beaches would you add to this list? What are your favorite Hawaiian beaches? Share your favorites in the comments.
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More to Explore
Hawaiian Beaches
Megan Shute|October 12, 2020
How many beaches are there in Hawaii?
The Hawaiian Islands are home to 750 miles of stunning coastline — putting the island state behind Alaska, Florida, and California when it comes to coastline length. And while we're not sure of the exact number of beaches, Hawaii is home to hundreds of phenomenal beaches just waiting to be explored. On Oahu alone, you will find more than 125 beaches dotting the coastline. It would take a lifetime of exploring to visit every single beach in Hawaii, but it’s certainly one of our main life goals.
What are the most remote beaches in Hawaii?
While it’s easy to argue that the smaller Hawaiian Islands are home to the state’s most remote beaches, you’ll find secluded stretches of sand across the state — including beaches like Mokuleia, an end-of-the-road destination on the island of Oahu known for its prominent role on the television series Lost as well as beaches like Kalalau, which is a small stretch of sand nestled along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast that is only accessible via boat or an epic and dangerous 11-mile hiking trail. They may be secluded but they are some of the best beaches in Hawaii!
What are the most popular beaches in Hawaii?
The most popular stretches of sand in Hawaii often front the state’s best resort communities, including Waikiki on Oahu, Poipu on Kauai, and Ka’anapali on Maui. While these beaches are popular for their proximity to some of the most sought-after tourist destinations, they are also mighty gorgeous in their own way with fine, white sand, crystalline, turquoise waters, and palm trees swaying in the ocean breeze. These are some of the most popular but you may be wondering which Hawaii beaches are the best - and "What are the best beaches near me?" - all of the islands have amazing beaches, and part of what makes them fantastic is that you're never far from a beach in the Aloha State!
