The Hawaiian islands, born of fire and steam, epitomize the violence and beauty of nature.
The only state in the U.S. made entirely of islands, Hawaii‘s paradisal spots are home to some of the world’s most magical beaches.
So it is only fitting that all of the Aloha state’s sands are free and open to the public.
There are 137 volcanic outcroppings in the state, but most think of the state’s eight major islands.
Hawai’i is king.
But there are also tourist favs of Kauai, Maui, and Oahu.
More deserted locations include Kahoolawe, Molokai, and the forbidden island of Niihau.
Hawaii’s beaches highlight the diversity of a tropical paradise.
And they appeal to families, adventurers, and those traveling en solitario.
Their exquisite shorelines come in every shape and size.
And the color of the sand is as varied as the myriad of exotic flowers.
Black volcanic sand and turquoise lagoons complement red, white, and even green sandy stretches.
10 Best Beaches in Hawaii
1. Po‘ipū Beach, Koloa, Kaua‘i
Po’ipū Beach is a beloved location on Kaua’i’s south shores.
It is known for its crescent-shaped playground and buttery soft sands.
Considered the epicenter of Kauai’s endlessly sunny south shore, this tri-crescent manage blends to form one of the best beaches in Hawaii.
Po’ipu draws families with adventurous children because the waters are calm and shallow.
Perfect for novice swimmers. Most days, beachgoers will find surfers and snorkelers sharing the gentle waves with sea turtles.
The area is also popular for tidal pools rich with marine life.
Po’ipū Beach also has a daily lifeguard.
A great safety perk! Generally, the sands are easy to access.
The area is immediately adjacent to Po’ipū Road.
The beach parking lots are open to the public.
And restaurants of several of the island’s beachiest resorts are steps from the waterline, encouraging a sunset dinner.
2. Kā‘anapali Beach, Maui
Not every ‘perfect’ beach has to be a well-kept secret known only to the pueo and monk seals.
Kā‘anapali Beach on Maui’s northwestern shore is part of a cluster of resorts.
It is also quintessentially Hawaiʻian.
Easy to access and perfect for a sunrise run or late-night stroll.
It offers three miles of blistering white sand caressed by azure waters.
This shoreline is Instagram and NatGeo-worthy.
Kā‘anapali Beach is a water enthusiast’s playground.
It boasts some of Maui’s best snorkeling and shore diving.
Its submerged reefs provide a stunning multi-colored home to playful honu, Hawaiian green sea turtles.
While the state’s fish – humuhumunukunukuāpua’a, fill the area.
When the temperature cools, herds of humpback whales can be spotted just offshore.
The sandy strip is also known for its unique ceremonial recreation, lele kawa.
Each day at sunset, a diver plunges off of Puʻu Kekaʻa or Black Rock.
3. Waikīkī Beach, O’ahu
Oahu’s Waikiki Beach is a dynamic oceanfront playpen.
Its wide vanilla sands nest between Fort DeRussy Beach and the celebrated Waikiki Aquarium.
Calm crystalline waters converge on a distinctly crescent-shaped cove.
This Honolulu south shore crown jewel was once the favored destination of Hawai’ian royalty and Hollywood elites.
Almost a century later, Waikiki Beach’s gentle surf remains a hotspot of water-infused activity.
Visitors grab longboarding lessons and refreshing dips.
And a few steps from the waterline, island retreats house beachside beer joints serving surf-to-table delicacies.
In the distance, O’ahu’s iconic volcano, the 762-foot Diamond Head, keeps a watchful eye.
4. Kalihiwai Beach, Kauai
The clandestine Kalihiwai Beach is a small sandy cove framed by volcanic cliffs.
To add to the mystery, the golden oasis is surrounded by both the Helalea Forest Preserve and the Hanalei National Wildlife Reserve.
Known as an insider beach, it sits on the north-central coast of Kauai.
A bit of a drive along Highway 56, even for locals, the sands are just past Kapa’a near Princeville and the Hawaiian Holy site of Queen’s Bath.
Kalihiwai’s draw is the restrained waves, ideal for body surfing and boogie boarding.
The area also boasts a child-friendly freshwater lagoon.
There are no vendors or shoreline beach bars.
So don’t forget the food and beachy accessories.
5. Hanalei Bay, Kaua‘i
Kaua’i’s Hanalei Beach is a visual smorgasbord of rocky cliffs, emerald mountains, and dense vegetation.
It lines the shore of a distinct semi-circular blue water bay along Kauai’s northern shore.
The unmistakable 340-foot concrete Kaua’i Pier sits to one side.
Hanalei’s two-mile beachy swath actually encompasses several interconnected sandy spots.
Because of these multiple segments, it is highly popular for water-infused fun.
A surfing mecca during winter, the calmer summer currents encourage the swimming and diving set.
Hanalei Beach is also good for enjoying the relaxing water and warm sun.
6. Polihua Beach, Lanai
Lanai is a small protected island south of Maui.
Across from the Molokai channel, Polihua Beach, is a two-mile beachy stretch along Poluhinu Point and Lanai’s northwestern tip.
The sands are vanilla bean and gold lined with black volcanic rocks.
For hikers, the area marks the terminus of the Polihua Trail that snakes through the Kanepuu Preserve.
Locals know it as the perfect place for solitude or a peaceful promenade.
The area is also a favorite winter spot for migrating humpback whales and green sea turtles.
Unfortunately, due to the strong year-round currents, this zen-like place is not recommended for swimming or diving.
7. Makena Beach, Maui
Unsurprisingly, Makena Beach is a large part of Makena State Park.
It stretches almost a mile.
And the patch of soft golden sands is an impressive 100 feet wide.
Makena is perfect for a fun-filled day, with relaxing lapis waves and Molokini crater views.
But Big Beach is not for the resort swimmer, snorkeler, or surfer.
Strong currents feed these shores. And there are no lifeguards or safety equipment available.
So, if you are looking for shallow swimming and play, head north to Oneuli Beach.
Near the Thirds, the third and southernmost entrance to the park is the volleyball courts.
There are no restaurants anywhere in Makena Park.
So don’t forget the cooler.
Roadside food trucks also frequent the area.
They provide a quick shrimp-filled taco snack or fruit smoothie refresh.
And the best part?
The public parking is free for the entire park.
8. Hāpuna Beach, Hawai‘i Island
Yearning for an isolated beach far from all things noisy?
Luckily there are still a few secret places in paradise.
Hāpuna Beach is quintessentially Hawai’ian. Hāpuna Beach’s half-mile is an arresting vision of white sand, lava landscapes, and craggy shorelines.
Its translucent waters are ideal for casual swimming and snorkeling.
The area is also near the Great Bowl and the Waimea Trail.
9. Waimea Bay Beach Park, Oahu
Waimea Bay exemplifies Oahu’s big-wave beaches.
It sits along the North Shore’s Kamehameha Highway.
Ganglion-like Sunset Beach and Ehukai Beach’s Ethe Banzai Pipeline extend north of Waimea.
Each winter, the world’s best chase the greenroom while grommets watch in awe.
This honored area of white sands and angry waters hosts a plethora of Hawai’i’s premier longboarding competitions.
Easy to get to and with plentiful parking, Waimea Bay Beach Park is a stone’s throw from vibrant housing, bars, and a few sandy speakeasies.
10. Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Fiery volcanos formed the 50th state.
So, it’s only logical to think that somewhere, some Hawai’ian beach is made of coal-black sands.
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, on the southeastern tip of the island, fits the bill.
And it is an Indo-Pacific favorite.
Coconut palms mark the sand’s boundaries.
And Honu, Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles rule the beach.
It is common to find a few of these graceful neighbors sunning on the rocks.
They keep to themselves if left alone.
But if you are thinking of a souvenir, the sand is protected.
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach waters are turbulent and not recommended for casual swimmers.
But there are picnics and necessary facilities for a few hours of sandy respite.
Hawaii Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Hawaii Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hawai'i?
The 50th U.S. state, the volcanic islands of Hawai’i, sits in the central Pacific Ocean.
A brisk 2,475 miles westerly swim from the California coast.
Is Hawai'i an island or a state?
Both.
The 50th state also lends its name to the biggest island.
Hawai’i is totally comprised of islands – roughly 137.
And completely surrounded by water.
Only eight islands of the fiery archipelago are inhabited.
The largest cities are on Hawai’i, Maui, and Lanai.
But small villages pepper the reserves and forests of Oahu, Molokai, Kahoolawe, Kaua’i, and Ni’ihau.
What is the Hawai'ian national fish?
The state fish is the Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, a Reef Triggerfish.
Locals usually shorten the name to humuhumu.
This ten-inch-long fish is also known as the rectangular or wedgetail triggerfish.
Its distinctive coloring can be spotted along reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific.
It is highly toxic and not very good eating.
What languages do Hawai'ians speak?
Over 130 languages are spoken in this paradisiacal state.
The island language varies because of the distance between islands and the numerous cultures that landed there.
Most Native Hawai’ians are multilingual, often speaking both English and their native island tongue.
At home or with friends, Hawai’ians often speak Pidgin – a curious mix of several languages.
Hawaii’s beaches are truly a diverse and magical destination, offering something for everyone to enjoy.