Hawaii Beaches
Popular Hawaiian Beaches Guide
Hawaii has some of the best beaches in the world, as well as some of the most diverse. Whether you're looking for a romantic stroll for two, a family-friendly day in the sun, a fascinating black (or even green) sand beach to explore, or the ideal snorkeling location, the Hawaiian Islands have the beaches for you. Choose your perfect slice of sand from these great Hawaii beaches.
Of course, snorkeling, swimming, and other water activities are always popular at some of Hawaii's top beaches. Keep in mind that conditions may vary from summer to winter, so know what to expect before you visit with our Hawaii beaches guide.
Illustrated Kai, Reef & Shells Field Guides
Use this ocean-centered visual guide as a companion when comparing Hawaiʻi beaches, snorkeling spots, and coastal activities. Tap to zoom or download a full-size copy.
HawaiiGuide's Best Beaches in Hawaiʻi
Our editorial ranking of the best beaches across all four islands — chosen by our team, not crowdsourced.
Ranked by John Derrick · covering Hawaiʻi since 2002
easy link: hawaiibeachguide.com
Lanikai Beach
Oʻahu
#1 Best Beach in Hawaiʻi
Highlights: Enjoy this treasure of a beach. Lanikai Beach is covered with fine white sand. Most rank this beach as one of the best in the world. Start your morning with a peaceful swim or enviable views of two offshore islands, known locally as “the Mokes.”
Must-do: Head here for great sailing and windsurfing. Also, the clear waters make it great for snorkeling. Trek to the nearby Lanikai Pillbox Trail for a stellar overview of the beach, the offshore islands, and the town of Kailua.
Sunbathing
Snorkeling
Kayaking
Paddling
Wind Surfing
Short Hikes
Kapalua Bay Beach
Maui
#2 Best Beach in Hawaiʻi
Crowned America's Best Beach by Dr. Beach, Kapalua Bay is the protected golden crescent most people picture when they imagine Maui. A lava point wraps each end, so the water stays calm and clear — ideal for an easy swim and the kind of snorkeling that turns first-timers into Maui devotees.
It's genuinely family-friendly, with a paved access path and restrooms at the beach trailhead, though note there's no lifeguard on duty. The small parking lot fills early, so come in the morning.
Hanalei Beach Park & Bay
Kauaʻi
#3 Best Beach in Hawaiʻi
This is by far the best beach on the island on an average day. It's family-friendly, and the sand is pristine. At 125 ft. wide and with over two miles of sand along the crescent-shaped bay, the surroundings are superb, with views of the verdant mountains rising in the background. Hanalei Bay Beach is bordered by the Hanalei River to the east the Waipa River to the west, and there are two extensive coral reefs at both ends of the bay.
Known as the best beach on the North Shore, Hanalei Bay features a little of everything for those seeking ocean fun and diversity. The right side of the bay features a reef that creates ideal surfing conditions for those looking to catch some waves. Dip into more gentle waves near the pier, making it a perfect location for those new to the ocean or rookie wave riders.
Sunbathing
Surfing
Body Boarding
Hapuna Beach State Park
Big Island
#4 Best Beach in Hawaiʻi
This is a top-rated beach for both locals and visitors. Conde Nast Traveler magazine has often ranked it as one of the top beaches in the US. It is hard to argue with this half-mile stretch of pristine golden sand and crystal blue water.
Several covered pavilions to enjoy an afternoon picnic and restrooms, albeit rather pitiful ones, are available. Occasionally, there is a lifeguard on duty despite the "no lifeguard on duty" sign.
Don't expect a lot of shade on this beach. Consequently, the golden sand heats to an unbearable temperature on a sunny day. The beach is broad and exposed, so unless you want steaming toes, wear sandals or water shoes. In the summer, the water remains generally calm, but the surf rises to dangerous levels in the winter. Make sure to monitor conditions carefully before entering. For snorkelers, the south end of the beach provides a variety of fish and coral.
Sunbathing
Kailua Beach Park
Oʻahu
#5 Best Beach in Hawaiʻi
Highlights: Enjoy this Windward Oahu beach with its long stretch of gorgeous, white sand beach with calm waters. Many consider it one of Oahu’s most beautiful beaches. While there, make sure to savor the views of several offshore islands.
Must-do: We recommend this beach for its lovely, fine sandy beach for strolling and general lounging due to lacking high surfs. Additionally, it boasts excellent swimming and kayaking opportunities. Further, please take advantage of its world-class windsurfing. Rent equipment and arrange lessons from several shops in Kailua.
Sunbathing
Kayaking
Wind Surfing
Kauna'oa 'Mauna Kea' Beach
Big Island
#6 Best Beach in Hawaiʻi
Located on the sunny West Coast, Mauna Kea Beach (also known as Kauna'oa Beach) received a top ranking on the Top US Beaches, a spot well deserved.
The soft white sand beach is one of the loveliest you’ll ever see, it’s relatively uncrowded, and on a clear day, you can spot the impressive Mauna Kea volcano. Best of all, it’s conveniently located directly in front of the luxurious Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, complete with perfectly-manicured grounds.
The calm azure waters sparkle by day and twinkle magically at sunset. The one real catch is access: public parking runs through the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel gate, which releases only a small number of public-access parking spots each day on a first-come basis — they’re usually gone by mid-morning, so arrive early or keep nearby Kua Bay as your backup.
Sunbathing
Snorkeling
Short Hikes
Po'ipu Beach
Kauaʻi
#7 Best Beach in Hawaiʻi
Poipu Beach—the star of Kauai’s south shore—splits into two bays, one for novice snorkelers and children and the other for swimmers, surfers, and advanced snorkelers. Head to the sandbar separating the two sections for our animal lovers to witness the endangered monk seal.
Poipu Beach is a crescent-shaped strip of white sand dotted with palm trees and backed by cliffs.
Poipu Beach ultimately makes this list due to its diversity and popularity.
Sunbathing
Snorkeling
Body Boarding
Manini'owali Beach at Kua Bay
Big Island
#8 Best Beach in Hawaiʻi
Kua Bay, also called Manini'owali Beach, sprawls across a lovely little pocket of sand. Once difficult to access, it now has a paved road through the lava, making it much easier to enjoy this Big Island gem.
Kua Bay beach has full facilities, including restrooms and showers, water, barbecues, and picnic tables. It is trendy on the weekends, not to mention parking can be a nightmare, so you might want to aim for the weekdays.
When the water is calm, swimming is great here - some of the best in Kona. However, if the waves are going, stay out because it can be perilous.
Sunbathing
Snorkeling
Short Hikes
Napili Bay Beach
Maui
#9 Best Beach in Hawaiʻi
Located in northwest Maui, between Kapalua and Honokowai, is Napili Bay and Beach, a beautiful, scenic, and famous beach along this stretch of coastline on Maui. The white sloping sand and turquoise waters of Napili Bay and Beach make it one of the most popular beaches on Maui and for a good reason.
You can access the beach and bay from the Honoapiilani Highway (Hwy 30). Typically, Napili Bay has crowded parking along the road, but the beach itself is less frequented by beachgoers than some other famous beaches on the Northwest coastline of Maui. Napili is regarded as a less crowded and quieter resort-front beach suitable for families. We recommend visiting early in the day for the best opportunities for suitable parking.
Sunbathing
Snorkeling
Shopping
Dining
Makua 'Tunnels' Beach
Kauaʻi
#10 Best Beach in Hawaiʻi
Tunnels beach offers some of the best snorkeling anywhere in Hawaii during the calm summer months. The backdrop is similar to Hanalei Beach's; the mountains rising behind the beach are gorgeous. Discover the glorious collection of marine life here.
Surfers also will enjoy the outermost portions of the reef, where waves are more prominent. Tunnels Beach has one major downside- parking. But you can usually find parking at Haena Beach Park and then walk (to the right) to access Tunnels Beach.
Sunbathing
Snorkeling
Hamoa Beach
Maui
#11 Best Beach in Hawaiʻi
Hamoa Beach is located a few miles outside of Hana town traveling south. The access road is located just south of a large cinder cone. There is a small white sign pointing to the beaches along this section of the road.
There are several beaches in the area, Hamoa being the safest and most beautiful. Turn down the access road and follow it around until you reach the shores about 1.5 miles down the road. A bus pulls off on the seaward side of the road. The beach is just below the overlook.
There is no parking next to the beach. Park on the road above, and then take the stairs down to the shore. Proceed down the walkway steps to the beach.
Sunbathing
Surfing
Snorkeling
Waimanalo Beach
Oʻahu
#12 Best Beach in Hawaiʻi
Highlights: We revere this stunning beach as one of the most family-friendly beaches on Oahu. The mild waves here make this beach ideal for swimming, body surfing, and boogie boarding, especially for beginners and children. Waimanalo offers several miles of white sand to walk. It can get crowded on the weekends but is worth visiting if you can fit it into your schedule.
Must-do: Besides the numerous water activities, join the locals in enjoying this spot for its fishing, barbecuing, and family picnics.
It can get crowded on the weekends but is worth a visit if you can squeeze it in.
Sunbathing
Body Boarding
Short Hikes
Hikes
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Oʻahu
#13 Best Beach in Hawaiʻi
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a gorgeous wineglass-shaped bay situated on the southeastern side of Oahu near Hawaii Kai, tucked into the sheltered side of Koko Head.
Merely a 30-minute drive from Honolulu (traffic permitting), this stunning bay feels like a world away from the bustle of the city, which cannot even be seen from the beach as the large bay is surrounded by the lush green, gently fluted hills of Koko Head.
The bay is secluded and tranquil in the early morning, but during the day becomes a very popular place for locals and visitors. Thousands of people flock to the bay each day to experience the excellent snorkeling in the area.
Makena 'Big' Beach
Maui
#14 Best Beach in Hawaiʻi
Also known as Oneloa Beach (its proper Hawaiian name) or Makena Beach*, Big Beach is probably one of the prettiest beaches on Maui and certainly south Maui. Its broad sweep of sand and open shoreline attract snorkelers, swimmers, and sunbathers.
One can access Makena Beach via marked entrances along Makena Alanui Road in South Maui. Big Beach is connected by a small path over the hill and lava to Little Beach, a favorite spot for sunbathers. This beach's gate closes during the evening.
Note that Mākena State Park charges nonresident entry and parking fees — a small but real friction on top of the long drive south. Check the posted state park payment details when you arrive.
Sunbathing
Short Hikes
Keawakapu Beach
Maui
#15 Best Beach in Hawaiʻi
A long, beautiful stretch of white sand between Kihei and Wailea, Keawakapu runs along a residential shoreline rather than a wall of resorts — which is exactly why it's usually calmer and less crowded than its famous neighbors.
The swimming is easy on normal days and the sunsets are superb. There's no lifeguard, so take care during large south swells. Free parking sits at both ends.
Two-Step (Hōnaunau)
Big Island
#16 Best Beach in Hawaiʻi
Two-Step isn't a sand beach at all — it's a flat lava ledge beside the boat ramp at Hōnaunau, named for the two natural rock steps that drop you straight into deep, gin-clear water. As a snorkel and dive site it's arguably the best on the island: a coral wall, reef fish in every direction, and resident green sea turtles, all a few fin-kicks from shore.
It sits right next to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, the dramatic place-of-refuge park, so the two pair into one of the Big Island's great half-days. Entry is over sharp lava (reef shoes help) and it only works on calm days — and please respect the adjacent Keoneʻele Cove, a turtle-rest sanctuary where swimming is prohibited.
Waimea Bay Beach Park
Oʻahu
#17 Best Beach in Hawaiʻi
The lovely North Shore surfing spot known as Waimea Bay Beach Park is the place to be.
Highlights: This beach serves as one of the world's most famous big-wave surf sites. During the winter, locals, big-time surfers, and daredevils head here for a chance at these tall waves. Don’t worry too much about crowds since this beach is relatively large.
Must-do: Looking for high-tides for surfing? During the winter, the bay can bring in massive surf that is best left to experienced big-wave surfers. During the summer, visitors can experience a peaceful and enjoyable day of swimming or stroll along the shorelines.
Sunbathing
Surfing
Body Boarding
Short Hikes
Ke'e Beach
Kauaʻi
#18 Best Beach in Hawaiʻi
Backed by majestic mountains and fringed with coconut palms, Ke'e Beach is the most spectacular beach on Kaua'i's North Shore. It is also one of the best places on the island for snorkeling. Revel the incredibly clear lagoon-like beach and see reef fish by the score.
Ride Highway 560 to arrive at the island's most famous North Shore beaches.
For more information on where to park, please take note of the new rules for the whole Haena State Park area (including Ke'e Beach access).
Sunbathing
Snorkeling
Kayaking
Hikes
Makalawena Beach
Big Island
#19 Best Beach in Hawaiʻi
Like anything worthwhile, Makalawena, or Mak, Beach makes you work a little bit to enjoy it. It takes about a 20-minute walk across the lava to the beach, but don't worry, the path is well worn through the a'a flow.
This secluded white sand beach is a crescent broken up by rocky lumps of lava. Palms and other trees rim the dunes near the northern end, where you are greeted with picnic tables and some wild chickens.
It's not likely that you will run into many people here, and thus you'll likely be able to enjoy the most scenic beach on the island in solitude.
Sunbathing
Short Hikes
Polihale Beach
Kauaʻi
#20 Best Beach in Hawaiʻi
Despite its remoteness, Polihale Beach is a must-see. It's a long, beautiful beach with a view of the NaPali cliffs. Polihale Beach is a long, secluded strip of sand. The final beach in the Napali Coast, it's guarded by the world’s tallest sea cliffs.
Driving here, you can't help but feel the excitement. The road is treacherous, and a military base occupies over seven miles of the beach, but the view of NaPali's ending cliffs makes it worth it. You might get less of a tropical island and more of a desert highway on your first trip to Polihale. On a bright sunny day, the flat stretch of Highway 50 between Highway 552 and Polihale Beach can resemble a scene that looks more suited to Arizona than Hawaii.
Short Hikes
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