The following list highlights some of the best beaches in Hawaii. So if you are in Hawaii, I recommend visiting the following:
The Best Beaches in Hawaii County
Hapuna Beach, Big Island
Address – Hapuna Beach, Big Island, Hawaii
Google Maps Link – 19°59’32.0″N 155°49’32.6″W
Hapuna Beach is located on the northeastern coast of Big Island, part of the Hawaii archipelago. It stands just south of Kaunaoa Beach, offering a quieter atmosphere with soft sands and warm waters. The water is crystal clear, perfect for snorkeling, with fish, sea turtles and stingrays swimming near the shore. Hapuna Beach is also popular for having great waves for surfing and bodyboarding. There is usually a shaved ice cream truck in the area, and a small cafe near the parking lot. However, you can bring your own food and enjoy a picnic on the green areas.
Kaunaoa Beach, Big Island
Address – Kaunaoa Beach, Big Island, Hawaii
Google Maps Link – 20°00’16.2″N 155°49’29.2″W
Kaunaoa Beach is located on the northeastern coast of Big Island, part of the Hawaii archipelago. Also known as Mauna Kea Beach, this small beach with soft white sand and turquoise waters is perfect to spend a relaxing day. On the clear waters you can spot lots of fish of different sizes and colors, making this beach a top snorkeling spot. There is a restaurant at the beach, and another one next to the parking lot. The beach tends to get busy during weekends, but it never feels too crowded; however, arrive early to secure a parking spot.
Beach 69, Waimea
Address – Beach 69, Old Puako Rd, Waimea,HI 96743, Hawaii
Google Maps Link – 19°58’50.3″N 155°49’44.8″W
Beach 69 is located in Waimea, on the western coast of Hawaii (Big Island). Picturesque and remote, this white sandy beach is lined by verdant trees, offering natural shade and stunning coastal views. The water is clear with a stunning turquoise color and the perfect temperature for a relaxing swim, offering great snorkeling near the rocky areas; however, it gets deep rather quickly, and the currents can be too strong for kids to swim. Keep in mind that there is an entrance fee, and the beach tends to be busy during weekend afternoons.
ʻAnaehoʻomalu Beach, Waikoloa
Address – HʻAnaehoʻomalu Beach, 69-275 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, Hawaii
Google Maps Link – 19°54’55.1″N 155°53’13.8″W
Anaehoʻomalu Beach is located in Waikoloa, a village on the western coast of Hawaii (Big Island). Extensive and picturesque, this sandy beach is a great spot to visit with family or friends, with activities for everyone to enjoy. The water is clear and calm, perfect for snorkeling and swimming; the sand is soft and comfortable for sunbathing, and there are two fishing ponds and hiking trails nearby. There are resorts and restaurants around the area, and shaded areas for picnics. This is a popular beach and a favorite among locals, and it tends to be busy on weekends, especially during the afternoon.
Kahalu’u Beach, Kahaluu-Keauhou
Address – Kahalu’u Beach Park, Kahaluu-Keauhou, HI 96740, Hawaii
Google Maps Link – 19°34’45.3″N 155°58’00.8″W
Kahalu’u Beach is located in Kahaluu-Keauhou, on the western coast of Hawaii (Big Island). This small beach is both sandy and rocky, backdropped by palm trees, and offering a nice spot for a family outing. The water has a darker shade of blue, with calm waves and coral reefs, safe for swimming and perfect for snorkeling; there are lifeguards on duty, and you can rent snorkeling equipment. There are no restaurants or bars at the beach, but you can find picnic tables; don’t forget to bring your own food! It is usually busy here, and it gets easily crowded during weekends.
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach, Naalehu
Address – Papakōlea Green Sand Beach, Naalehu, HI 96772, Hawaii
Google Maps Link – 18°56’10.5″N 155°38’46.5″W
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach is located in Naalehu, on the southeastern coast of Hawaii (Big Island). Secluded and remote, this unique beach offers green-ish sand and volcanic rock, giving off stunning and dramatic views. At the parking lot, you will find friendly locals offering to drive you to the beach for a small fee, or you can hike all the way down to get the best views. The water is usually calm and safe for swimming, but on windy days, the waves are strong and great for surfing and bodyboarding. There are no facilities, restaurants or accommodation at the beach, so make sure you bring your own food and everything you might need.
Ho‘okena Beach, Captain Cook
Address – Ho‘okena Beach Park, 86-4322 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook, HI 96704, Hawaii
Google Maps Link – 19°22’46.2″N 155°53’50.4″W
Ho‘okena Beach is located in Captain Cook, on the western coast of Hawaii (Big Island). With gray sand surrounded by verdant hills and palm trees, this small beach is a lovely spot for a nice family outing, with stunning sunset views and warm weather. The water is clear with small waves, great for snorkeling and swimming; be careful when swimming near the pier, since there are sharp rocks and strong currents. There are no restaurants or bars at the beach, but you can bring your own food and have a picnic on the tables available. It is usually uncrowded here; however, the beach is small and tends to feel busy during late mornings and afternoons.
Kaimū Beach Park, Pāhoa
Address – Kaimū Beach Park, Pāhoa, HI 96778, Hawaii
Google Maps Link – 19°21’21.2″N 154°58’08.0″W
Kaimū Beach Park is located in Kalapana, a town on the eastern coast of Hawaii (Big Island). Also known as Kaimu Black Sand Beach, this remote stretch of dark volcanic sand is a quiet and peaceful spot, perfect for nature lovers to relax and disconnect. There are a few stores, a cafe and a bar at the parking lot; from there, you need to walk along a red sand trail to reach the beach, but you won’t find any facilities at the coast. Kaimū Beach Park is a place to unwind and take long walks, admiring the dramatic views and listening to the strong waves crashing against sharp rocks.
Shipman Beach, Pāhoa, Keaau
Address – Shipman Beach / Haena Beach, Keaau, HI 96749, Hawaii
Google Maps Link – 19°37’24.5″N 154°57’36.6″W
Shipman Beach is located in Keaau, on the eastern coast of Hawaii (Big Island). This isolated black sandy beach is a natural and unspoiled spot with stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. The water is shallow and clear, with rock pools for children to swim, and the area is popular for offering great chances to spot sea turtles. To get to this beach, you need to take a walk from the parking lot; even though the hike is fairly easy, there are some slippery spots where you need to be careful. There are no facilities at the beach, so make sure you bring your own food and everything you might need. This lovely beach is mostly frequented by locals, and it never gets crowded or busy.
Onekahakaha Beach Park, Hilo
Address – Onekahakaha Beach Park, 74 Onekahakaha Rd, Hilo, HI 96720, Hawaii
Google Maps Link – 19°44’18.6″N 155°02’21.5″W
Onekahakaha Beach Park is located in Hilo, a town on the eastern coast of Hawaii (Big Island). This picturesque and family-friendly beach offers a calm atmosphere and stunning views, perfect to spend a relaxing day under the sun. The water is clear and shallow, with lots of rock pools for kids to swim; besides, there’s a children’s playground, as well as picnic tables and barbecue sites around the area. Onekahakaha Beach is both sandy and rocky, so make sure to bring swimming shoes. This is a quiet beach, popular among local families, and it never gets crowded or busy.
Laupāhoehoe Beach Park, Laupahoehoe
Address – Laupāhoehoe Beach Park, HI-19, Laupahoehoe, HI 96764, Hawaii
Google Maps Link – 19°59’36.5″N 155°14’23.9″W
Laupāhoehoe Beach Park is located in Laupahoehoe, on the northern coast of Hawaii (Big Island). With beautiful views and a quiet atmosphere, this lovely beach park is the perfect place to hang out with friends or family. The coast is rocky and not suitable for swimming, but the area offers many different viewpoints and spots for unique photography. There are picnic tables and barbecue areas around the park, and the showers and bathrooms are clean and well-maintained. It never gets crowded here, and the atmosphere is always serene and relaxing.
The Best Beaches in Honolulu County
Waikiki Beach, Oahu
Address – Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Google Maps Link – 21°16’35.9″N 157°49’43.9″W
Waikiki Beach is located on the southeastern coast of Oahu, part of the Hawaii archipelago. Its soft white sand and bright blue waters make Waikiki Beach one of the favorite beaches in Hawaii. The warm waters are perfect for swimming, and there are areas where the waves are great for surfing or paddle boarding. Tourists and locals alike visit the wonderful Waikiki just to sunbathe and relax. There are some places to dine and resorts along the beach. Waikiki is a popular beach, and tends to get crowded during weekends; however, it is still a great place to relax if you arrive early in the morning.
Waimea Bay Beach, Oahu
Address – Waimea Bay Beach Park, 61-31 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI
Google Maps Link – 21°38’25.5″N 158°03’47.3″W
Waimea Bay Beach is located on the northern coast of Oahu, part of the Hawaii archipelago. This small sandy beach, backdropped with verdant hills and offering bright blue waters, is a perfect spot for nature lovers. During winter, you can admire the strong waves hitting the shore and relax with the sound; during summer, the waves are calmer but perfect for surfing. Waimea Bay Beach gives you the chance. To the right side of the beach, the water is calmer and great for snorkeling, with a rock you can climb to dive into the sea. Bring your own food and enjoy a picnic on the tables set up along the beach. Keep in mind that the beach is popular and tends to get crowded during weekends.
Hanauma Bay Beach Park, Oahu
Address – Hanauma Bay, 7455 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825
Google Maps Link – 21°16’17.6″N 157°41’47.9″W
Hanauma Bay Beach Park is located on the southeastern coast of Oahu, part of the Hawaii archipelago. This popular sandy beach is backdropped and surrounded with verdant hills, offering crystal clear waters. A huge coral reef covers most of the seabed, making this beach a favorite snorkeling spot, where you can see different kinds of colorful fish and turtles. You can rent all the equipment you need at the beach, and get all the instructions you need if this is your first time snorkeling. The water is calm and shallow, safe for everyone to swim; for this reason, many families tend to visit. There is a cafe near the parking lot.
Lanikai Beach, Oahu
Address – Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Google Maps Link – 21°23’35.0″N 157°42’55.2″W
Lanikai Beach is located on the southeastern coast of Oahu, part of the Hawaii archipelago. A popular sandy beach, with clear turquoise waters and breathtaking views wherever you look. The crystal clear water is filled with colorful fish, and snorkeling around the coral reef is a must. Since the beach faces the east, admiring the sunset when the beach is still empty is an incredibly relaxing experience. Even though the beach is extensive, it tends to get crowded during weekends; visit during the week to avoid the crowd and the noise. There are no restaurants near the beach; make sure to bring your own food.
The Best Beaches in Kauai County
Waioli Beach Park, Kauai
Address – Waioli Beach Park, Hawaii 96714
Google Maps Link – 22°12’12.3″N 159°30’12.5″W
Waioli Beach Park is located on the northern coast of Kauai, part of the Hawaii archipelago. This golden sand beach offers scenic mountain views, with clear waters and a relaxing atmosphere. On the blue waters, you can spot fish just by swimming; but snorkeling gives you a different and stunning experience. The waves are strong enough for surfing, perfect for beginners to get their first lessons. Nearest restaurants are along the highway, some 500 meters from the beach; you can bring your own food to enjoy a picnic on the grass, with stunning views. The beach is extensive and hardly feels busy or crowded.
Poipu Beach, Kauai
Address – Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
Google Maps Link – 21°52’24.2″N 159°27’15.4″W
Poipu Beach is located on the southern coast of Kauai, part of the Hawaii archipelago. This popular picturesque beach offers stunning views all year long, with both soft sand and grassy areas. Around sunset, you get to admire the most amazing view, as monk seals go back into the ocean and turtles make their way to the shore. Snorkeling on the clear waters gets you up close to these and other amazing sea creatures. The water is shallow and calm, and with a playground in the area, Poipu Beach is a favorite spot among families. There are some restaurants nearby and a beach bar, as well as a surf shop where you can get the supplies you need. Keep in mind that it tends to get crowded on weekends and during sunset.
Kalapaki Beach, Kauai
Address – Kalapaki Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
Google Maps Link – 21°57’37.9″N 159°21’00.7″W
Kalapaki Beach is located on the southeastern coast of Kauai, part of the Hawaii archipelago. This secluded, golden sand beach offers a quiet atmosphere and turquoise waters. The waves are not strong, but still great for surfing beginners; you can rent surfboards and get your first lessons at the beach. Along the beach, you can find volleyball nets set up. Kalapaki Beach is dog-friendly, anda great place for relaxing walks. There are some restaurants and bars to the right end of the beach, as well as a shopping mall. It never gets crowded or busy, and you can always enjoy the peace and quiet.
Hanakapiai Beach, Kauai
Address – Hanakapiai Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
Google Maps Link – 22°12’32.0″N 159°35’53.0″W
Hanakapiai Beach is located on the northern coast of Kauai, part of the Hawaii archipelago. This small, secluded beach stands among rock formations, a hidden gem for nature lovers. The waves are too strong to swim, but the sound of the water crashing against rock and the beautiful scenic view are unforgettable. To arrive at Hanakapiai Beach you need to follow the Kalalau Trail, a rugged hiking trail starting from Ke’e Beach. From Hanakapiai Beach, you can walk along the river to the Hanakapiai Falls, a fascinating end for an equally fascinating hike. There are no facilities or places to dine at the beach; bring everything you might need.
Hanalei Beach, Kauai
Address – Hanalei Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
Google Maps Link – 22°12’12.2″N 159°30’13.0″W
Hanalei Beach is located on the northern coast of Kauai, part of the Hawaii archipelago. This crescent-shaped beach offers soft sands and shallow waters, with a quiet atmosphere. The waves are calm on most parts of the beach, and with lifeguards on duty, it is safe for everyone to swim. However, there are also areas with great waves for surfing and bodyboarding. There are restaurants and shops along the highway. It can get busy during weekends, but the beach is extensive enough that it never feels crowded.
The Best Beaches in Maui County
Kaanapali Beach, Maui
Address – Kaanapali Beach, Maui, Hawaii
Google Maps Link – 20°55’29.4″N 156°41’42.4″W
Kaanapali Beach is located on the western coast of Maui, part of the Hawaii archipelago. A picturesque beach, with soft sand and bright blue waters backdropped with verdant palm trees. The water is filled with marine turtles, and snorkeling to admire them is a must; you can rent equipment from local vendors. If you are lucky, you might be able to spot whales far from the shore; Kaanapali is definitely a place for nature lovers! There are resorts, restaurants and a shopping mall along the beach, and even a golf course nearby. The beach gets deep rather quickly and there is no lifeguard on duty; be careful, especially with small kids. It is a popular beach and can get busy on weekends, but it never feels overly crowded.
Hookipa Beach, Maui
Address – Hookipa Beach, Maui, Hawaii
Google Maps Link – 20°56’02.6″N 156°21’23.2″W
Hookipa Beach is located on the northern coast of Maui, part of the Hawaii archipelago. A small, secluded beach, with soft white sand and a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a short getaway. The waves on Hookipa Beach are strong, making it a favorite surfing spot; however, there are rock pools where kids can safely swim. During the afternoon, lots of sea turtles come out of the water to rest under the sun, a spectacle worth admiring. You can head to the right end of the beach to see them, but remember to keep your distance. There are no stores or restaurants in the area; bring your own food and supplies to enjoy a picnic in the sand.
Wailea Beach, Maui
Address – Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii
Google Maps Link – 20°40’58.0″N 156°26’35.1″W
Wailea Beach is located on the southern coast of Maui, part of the Hawaii archipelago. With its soft sand and calm turquoise waters, this picturesque beach backdropped by palm trees is nothing short of paradisiacal. If you are lucky, you can spot whales in the distance, giving you an unforgettable sighting. You can swim in the warm waters or sunbathe and relax. There are places to dine and resorts near the beach, with great services and pools with amazing views towards the sea. The beach is popular and can get crowded most days during the afternoon; visit during low season to avoid the crowd.
Kapalua Bay, Maui
Address – Kapalua Bay, Maui, Hawaii
Google Maps Link – 20°59’57.5″N 156°39’58.9″W
Kapalua Bay is located on the northeastern coast of Maui, part of the Hawaii archipelago. A secluded sandy beach with clear waters and stunning views, ready to give you an unforgettable experience.The clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, with fish, sea turtles and octopuses all over the bay; during the afternoon, turtles tend to get out of the water to rest on the sand. It tends to get crowded around these hours, especially on weekends, when people arrive to see the turtles. There is a restaurant to the left end of the beach where you can admire amazing views over the sand and sea.
Baldwin Beach, Maui
Address – Baldwin Beach, Maui, Hawaii
Google Maps Link – 20°54’49.5″N 156°23’38.6″W
Baldwin Beach is located on the northern coast of Maui, part of the Hawaii archipelago. This isolated, picturesque beach offers soft sands backdropped with verdant trees, and a relaxing atmosphere.The waves can be strong, especially during winter, making Baldwin Beach a favorite surfing spot. Sea turtles tend to rest on the sand, and on days when the sea is calm, you can snorkel and admire them. The closest restaurant is located on the beach next to Baldwin Beach, around 1 kilometer away; you can bring your own food and enjoy a picnic on the sand. Baldwin Beach never gets busy or crowded, being the perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature.