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Hawaii is a tropical paradise located in the central Pacific Ocean, famous for its beaches in Hawaii. Hawaii has everything, whether you’re searching for a peaceful, isolated place to relax or a lively, busy beach experience. Activities available to visitors include beachcombing, surfing, snorkelling, and sunbathing. It’s no surprise that Hawaii is still a popular beach vacation spot, given its distinctive islands, each with something special. There is the ideal length of sand just waiting for you to discover, from well-known beaches to undiscovered treasures.
Top 10 Beaches In Hawaii
Let’s explore the top 10 beaches in Hawaii, USA which offer the perfect escape amidst nature for relaxation and adventure.
1. Waikiki Beach
Photo: AussieActive / Unsplash
One of Hawaii’s most well-known beaches, Waikiki Beach, is situated in Honolulu on the island of Oahu and is renowned for its lively atmosphere and striking skyline. This two-mile beach, which is well-known worldwide, has golden beaches, soft waves, and stunning views of Diamond Head. Waikiki has something for everyone, whether you’re taking a surf class, swimming lazily, or just walking along the coast. The beach is handy for those seeking a vibrant, well-equipped beach experience since it is dotted with many stores, eateries, and lodging options.
Top Experiences: Surfing, swimming, shopping, and dining
Location: Honolulu, Oahu
How To Reach: Easily accessible by bus, taxi, or walk from many Waikiki hotels
2. Hanauma Bay
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
Hanauma Bay, located on the southeastern side of Oahu, is a protected marine embayment and one of the best Hawaii beaches for diving. Its crystal-clear waters are home to bright coral reefs and diverse marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and rays. The calm, shallow waters make it an ideal spot for newbies and expert snorkelers. The bay is a wildlife area, so tourists must pay a small entry fee to help fund protection efforts.
Top Experiences: Snorkel, sunbathe, and explore nature trails
Location: Honolulu, Oahu
How To Reach: Accessible by car or shuttle from Honolulu, with limited parking
3. Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach is known for its soft, white sand and clear, blue waves, it is a great spot for swimming, paddling, or simply enjoying the quiet surroundings. The beach is especially famous for its beautiful views of the Mokulua Islands, which sit just offshore. Lanikai is also known for its stunning sunrises, offering a peaceful way to start your day. Although it can be busy during the afternoon, the peaceful setting makes it one of Hawaii’s most relaxing and beautiful beaches.
Top Experiences: Kayak to Mokulua Islands, swim, and take sunrise photos
Location: Kailua, Oahu
How To Reach: Accessible by car, limited parking near the beach
4. Kailua Beach
Photo: Michael Olsen / Unsplash
Kailua Beach is a beautiful and vast stretch of sand found on Oahu’s east coast. Known for its calm, crystal-clear seas, Kailua is great for various water sports, including sailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. The beach is often less busy than other Oahu sites like Waikiki, giving a peaceful, family-friendly environment. The sea here is calm and ideal for swimming, while the nearby area offers climbing paths and beautiful views. Kaiyou represents a relaxed, natural vibe, perfect for those seeking a peaceful, secluded Hawaiian beach.
Top Experiences: Windsurfing, paddleboarding, hiking, and swimming
Location: Kailua, Oahu
How To Reach: Accessible by car, ample parking near the beach
5. Poipu Beach
Photo: Polihale / Wikimedia Commons
Poipu Beach is one of Hawaii’s best beaches for families—at the southern shore. Children and beginning swimmers will love the beach quiet, shallow waves. With so much marine life evident in its pristine waters, it is an excellent place for snorkelling. Poipu Beach is renowned for its sporadic sightings of Hawaiian monk seals and is a family-friendly attraction. It is also one of the few locations in Hawaii where sea turtles may be seen. The beach is ideal for leisure and exploration since it has nearby picnic spaces, restrooms, and eateries.
Top Experiences: Snorkel, swim, spot wildlife, and have a beach picnic
Location: Poipu, Kauai
How To Reach: Accessible by car from Lihue, with plenty of parking nearby
6. Makena Beach (Big Beach)
Photo: dronepicr / Wikimedia Commons
Makena Beach, or Big Beach, is located on the southern coast. It is one of Hawaii’s largest and most beautiful beaches, with a mile-long stretch of golden sand and clear blue waters. The beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach volleyball, with fewer crowds than other beaches. However, the waves here can be quite strong, so paying attention to the surf conditions is important. The beach is enveloped by lush, unspoiled nature, offering an ideal setting to relax and immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings.
Top Experiences: Sunbathe, swim, and picnic
Location: Makena, Maui
How To Reach: Accessible by car via Makena Road, with parking available
7. Napili Bay
Napili Bay is a stunning crescent-shaped beach located on the west coast of Maui, known for its calm, clear waters and golden sands. It’s a perfect spot for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing, making it ideal for families and visitors seeking a relaxing day at the beach. The bay is surrounded by lush greenery and offers beautiful views, creating a serene atmosphere. With its gentle waves and peaceful surroundings, Napili Bay is a hidden paradise for those looking to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Maui in a quieter, more laid-back setting.
Top Experiences: Snorkel, swim, or relax on the beach
Location: Napili, Maui
How To Reach: Accessible by car from Lahaina
8. Sunset Beach
Photo: Joe Cook / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
On Oahu’s North Shore, Sunset Beach is a well-known location renowned for its enormous winter surf. Surfers from around the globe come to this beach to watch or participate in exhilarating large wave contests. The beach’s summer months provide calmer seas, which make it an excellent place for swimming and sunbathing, even if the waves are perfect for surfers. Sunset Beach, as the name implies, is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, which make it a fantastic spot to wind down at the end of the day.
Top Experiences: Surf, watch the sunset, or swim in the summer
Location: North Shore, Oahu
How To Reach: Accessible by car from Haleiwa
9. Kekaha Beach
Photo: dronepicr / Wikimedia Commons
Kekaha Beach, located on Kauai’s western coast, is often considered one of the most secluded beaches. Known for its long stretch of golden sand and picturesque sunsets, it offers a peaceful retreat. The beach is ideal for walking, beachcombing, or simply relaxing under the sun. While the waters here can be rough, it’s great for experienced swimmers and those who enjoy a more rugged beach experience. Despite the choppy seas, the beach has beautiful vistas and a calm ambience, and not the best for swimming.
Top Experiences: Relax, walk, or enjoy the sunset
Location: Kekaha, Kauai
How To Reach: Accessible by car from Waimea
10. Ala Moana Beach Park
Photo: Daniel Ramirez / Wikimedia Commons
Ala Moana Beach Park, one of Hawaii’s greatest beaches for residents and families, is situated just west of Waikiki. The beach is ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and picnics because of its broad, sandy shoreline and calm waves. The park has a large grassy area perfect for sports or a relaxed day spent with loved ones. After a day of sun and fun, guests can easily reach stores and restaurants because of the beach’s proximity to the Ala Moana Shopping Centre.
Top Experiences: Swim, picnic, play sports, and shop nearby
Location: Honolulu, Oahu
How To Reach: Easily accessible by car or public transport from Waikiki
Beaches in Hawaii offer diverse experiences, from vibrant surfing spots to serene, secluded locations. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly beaches, adventure-filled waters, or peaceful retreats, Hawaii has it all. Explore the best beaches for sun, sand, and surf. With stunning views and clear waters, it’s the perfect destination for your next getaway. Plan a trip with TripXL today for an unforgettable beach vacation!
Cover Photo: Karsten Winegeart / Unsplash
