Beaches in Hawaii

   

                            Hawaii

US State

Hawaii, a U.S. state, is an isolated volcanic archipelago in the Central Pacific. Its islands are renowned for their rugged landscapes of cliffs, waterfalls, tropical foliage and beaches with gold, red, black and even green sands. Of the 6 main islands, Oahu has Hawaii’s only big city, Honolulu, home to crescent Waikiki Beach and the Pearl Harbor memorials.

Capital: Honolulu

Statehood granted: August 21, 1959

Largest metro: Oahu

State flower: Yellow hibiscus

State bird: Nene

Beaches in Hawaii

Explore The Beaches Of Hawaii
Often visitors to Hawaii come strictly for the beautiful beaches. But with such a large number of beaches spread over several islands you may not know where to start. Here’s a guide to the various beaches in each of the main islands.
Oahu Beaches
Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay Hawaii

This beach is located on Oahu’s southeast coast. It’s one of the most popular spots for snorkeling. You’ll see everything from moorish idols to butterfly fish to parrotfish. As it’s a Nature Preserve you’ll pay an entrance fee and will see an education video about Hanauma Bay.

sunset beach oahu hawaii

Sunset Beach
This is the spot for surfing. In the winter months is when Sunset Beach really comes alive because large waves call out to surfers from all over the world. Waves can get as high as 25 feet so surfing here is definitely for experienced surfers. Otherwise calmer waters in the summer are best for snorkeling which is also popular at this site.

oahu hawaii vacation waikiki beach

Waikiki Beaches
The southern shore of Oahu is where you’ll find various Waikiki beaches. These beaches stretch for miles amongst commercial spots for shopping and eating. The waters are great for swimming and beginner surfing lessons. Beaches include Kapiolani Beach Park, Fort DeRussy, San Souci Beach, Kahanamoku Beach and Lagoon and Kuhio Beach Park. There are lots of Hotels in Waikiki so the beaches here get a little bit crowded.



Maui Beaches

Honolua Bay Beach Maui Hawaii

Honolua Bay 
Part of a marine life preserve, Honolulu Bay has crystal clear waters in the summer great for scuba diving and snorkeling. During the winter months it turns into a surfing attraction when the waves really start rolling in. There’s not much of a sand stretch on this beach. There’s a small sand beach for sunbathing, etc but the real activity is in the water.


Kaanapali Beach 

Kaanapali Beach Maui Hawaii

Imagine pristine water and gold-colored sands and you’re probably imaging Kaanapali Beach. This 4 mile beach is the beach front to many island resorts. It never feels too crowded as the beach is so large. Snorkeling and scuba diving is best around the large rock in the water in front of the Sheraton hotel known as “Black Rock.” Exotic fish come out in droves around Black Rock.


DT Fleming Beach

Fleming Beach Kapalua Maui

This quiet beach is large enough where it never feels crowded and is great for all the regular water activities such as snorkeling, swimming, bodyboarding, etc. Although occasionally the water is a little cloudy for snorkeling. Waves can get pretty crazy here in the winter so it’s best not to go in the water at this time if you’re a beginner.

Wailea Beach Maui Hawaii

Wailea Beach
Fronting the beautiful Wailea Four Seasons Resort and the Grand Wailea Resort, Wailea Beach is great for family fun and swimming. Waves don’t get too out of control here as the water is protected on either side by lava rock points. Snorkeling and bodyboarding is popular here. This is also one of the spots for whale watching.

hana beach maui hawaii black sand beach

Hana Beach Park
This is one of Hawaii’s famed black sand beaches created by cooled off lava. The sand beach isn’t that big but there is an additional grass lawn for visitors to enjoy. Calm waters make this a good site for swimming, windsurfing, fishing, etc. Outrigger canoe clubs like to use this spot for practice.



Kauai Beaches

hanalei bay beach kauai hawaii

Hanalei Bay
This large crescent-shaped bay has a scenery that can’t be beat. In the summer the water here is peaceful, almost like that of a lake. This makes it one of the more relaxing beaches on the island. You can lay out on the white sand beaches for a nice tan or jump in the water for a leisurely swim. The winter is another story as the water produces big waves perfect for surfers but not swimmers.

anini beach kauai hawaii

Anini Beach
On the north shore of Kauai you’ll find the 3 mile stretch of Anini Beach. This well-protected beach is one of the safest places to swim and the blue water makes it one of the most aesthetic spots as well. A reef runs along the coastline creating the blue water. There’s a 60-foot drop near the reef which is great for scuba diving. And of course with water like this snorkeling is popular as well as windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Tunnels Beach Kauai Hawaii

Tunnels Beach
If you’re looking for the best snorkeling spot on Kauai then look no further than Tunnels Beach. Beneath the surface is a wonderland waiting to be explored with an abundant amount of marine life, lava formations and caves. Surrounded by green mountains this spot stands as one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii.

Hanakapiai Beach Kauai Hawaii

Hanakapiai Beach
To get to Hanakapiai Beach you’re going to have to hike. It’s on the two mile point on the Kalalau Trail. The most you’re going to be able to do here is sunbathe and enjoy the beautiful view. The waters at this beach are too dangerous to swim in with regular powerful rip currents. No lifeguards are on duty as well.

Black Pot Beach Kauai Hawaii

Black Pot Beach
A great picnic area Black Pot Beach Park has a big grass lawn with many shaded areas to get a break from the sun. Waterfalls in the mountains accent the background and the long pier is very peaceful to walk out to the end of. You can rent stand-up paddle boards and surfboards at the shoreline.


Big Island Beaches

Hapuna Beach Big Island Hawaii

Hapuna Beach
This 200 feet wide beach isn’t the biggest beach but it’s one of the most beautiful. With it’s vividly blue water, golden sand and grass areas it is one of the most relaxing beaches. It has been rated as the number one beach in the US by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. The pleasantly calm waters make this beach great for swimming.

Spencer Beach Park Big Island Hawaii

Spencer Beach Park
Another safe beach for swimming is Spencer Beach. It’s perfect for the family as kids can safely swim in these protected waters to their heart’s content. This is also one of the popular parks for camping as there are plenty of shaded lawn areas. To book a flight to Big Island, you can either fly with a small hawaiian airline company or hawaiis biggest airline.

Kaunaoa Beach Big Island Hawaii

Kaunaoa Beach
Just along the Kohala Coast this white sand beach is lined by clear waters that are great for snorkeling. Rocks on the left side allow for the clearest area for snorkeling. Other popular activities include bodyboarding and bodysurfing. One unique attraction at this beach goes on at night. A light is put out to attract plankton which in turn brings big manta rays.

Kikaua Point Beach Big Island Hawaii

Kikaua Point Beach
Lava rocks and palm trees line this beach which is also backed by a grass lawn. Kaki Point is particularly family-friendly because of a protected inlet that features shallow waters for kids. The calm turquoise waters will invite anyone to jump in. The awe-inspiring views of Mauna Kea volcano doesn’t hurt either.

Maniniowali Beach Big Island Hawaii

Maniniowali Beach
In Kua Bay you’ll find this crescent-shaped beach that slopes down to the crystal clear water. Swimming and bodyboarding are popular here but occasional rough waters should be avoided. At the far side of the beach you’ll find the best spot for snorkeling where there is coral.


Molokai Beaches

Dixie Maru Cove Molokai Hawaii

Dixie Maru Cove
At the edge of a small bay you’ll find Dixie Maru Cove. It’s a tiny beach covered in white sand but the waters prove perfect for swimming especially during the summer as a fringing coral reef protects it from the open ocean. Snorkeling and swimming are great during the summer months. The winter tends to produce choppier waters.

Halawa Beach Park Molokai Hawaii

Halawa Beach Park
Halawa Beach Park is really made up of two different swimming beaches. They are Kawili and Kamalaea. Kamalaea is the more pleasant of the two with a curving beach covered in white sand that slopes into the ocean. Kawili is a bit rockier and more exposed. Picnics, swimming, sunbathing are all welcome at this beach park.

Hale O Lono Beach Molokai Hawaii

Hale O Lono Beach
If you head south in Molokai you’ll find Hale O Lono Beach which is a very popular beach for fishermen. The beach is not very big but is long and narrow with a rocky seafloor. As a result it’s not the greatest for swimming or snorkeling. One thing to watch out for if you happen to be there in the winter is the sight of humpback whales breaching.

Kakahaia Beach Park Molokai Hawaii

Kakahaia Beach Park
This 42 acre beach is huge and a popular site for setting up a picnic or birdwatching. Like the previous beach mentioned, this beach has a rocky seafloor which doesn’t make it too great for swimming or snorkeling.

Kaupoa Beach Molokai Hawaii

Kaupoa Beach
Molokai’s west coast sports Kaupoa Beach which just screams Hawaii. Palm trees sway in the gentle breeze while calm blue waters beckon for you to take a refreshing swim. Snorkeling is also popular at Kaupoa Beach. Mokulele Airlines has flights to Molokai.



Lanai

Shipwreck Beach Lanai Hawaii

Shipwreck Beach
This beach is unsuitable for swimming because of strong currents and rough waters but we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention it. Many come here to comb the sand for shells and treasures that wash up from the water. Molokai can be see rising up from afar. The 8 mile stretch of beach is great for walking and exploring and even fishing. To get to the island of Lanai you can fly with one of the local hawaiian airlines.

Tags: Hawaiian