Best Beaches of Hawaii

Really, there isn't a place that we know of quite like this handful of sun-drenched beauties, sitting pretty in the middle of the Pacific Ocean - it the Hawaiian Islands. You've seen them in the movies, and in the fancy brochures down at the travel agency or online - and guess what? They do exist! Welcome to Hawaii!

You'll find those "blue lagoons", the plush rainforests, spectacular gardens, wonderful waterfalls and rivers running through breathtaking canyons, backdropped by soaring volcanoes.

And because there is so much to do here, you'll join the many who come back year after year to the Aloha state of Hawaii. But be warned - the touristy schlock exists even here in paradise. Stay away from any "free" excursions or sailing trips. You'll be sorry you wasted so much time.

If you think surfboards and outriggers at Waikiki when you think of Hawaiian beaches, you’re in for a surprise as we list the three best on the magnificent island chain. Interestingly, that beach of the ages may be picturesque, but it didn’t make the top three. Which did? We'll get to that in just a sec. One nice note is that you don't need a passport to travel here if you're an American.

First – a travel note that will keep you happy during your time spent in the land of leis and grass skirts. Hawaiian beaches are busiest during the US winter months, specifically between December to February. This is High Season (read – high hotel prices, airfares, crowds).

And while we’re mentioning seasons, note that June through October are the hottest months with temperatures getting near 90 F, and the humidity in the 70% range.

December through March are the wettest months. Expect a shower, especially if you are visiting our beach pick on the “Garden Island” of Kauai.

And now, let's visit the top three beaches of Hawaii - plus, all the runner-ups! Next! >>

Mokuleia Beach Park, North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii

It's one of the better surfing spots of Hawaiian beaches, Mokuleia Beach will be full of locals any time the surf is up. Watch for repeat vacationers, driving from Honolulu. Why? Six miles of sand, 150 feet wide from Kaiaka Bay to Camp Erdman.

Plus there's a twelve acre park smack dab in the center of the strip with restrooms and showers, camping sites and plenty of parking. You need to get a permit to camp in Hawaii - but what a way to spend time in paradise. We've done it, and we loved it!

You'll notice not much going on here because this is one of the last places to be developed along the North Shore. If you head west from the park, you'll find peace and quite from the surfing crowds - those wanting to watch and not necessarily want to enjoy the beach.

Think big surf - Waimea - we talk about it here on best surfing beaches of the world, but don't go away thinking that's all there is. Some reef about 100 yards out actually protects the shallows from those pounding waves - allowing you and yours to swim and snorkel - even when "surf's up!"

Here's the tip - at this beach in Hawaii there's a large area off the west end of Mokuleia Airfield. Bring the snorkel, but bring a bag as well. This area is prime for shelling. You'll find dozens of great shells worth keeping. You're neighbor will be shelling, too. It's a nice place for beachcombing.

High surf occurs during the USA Winter months through Spring. And there are no lifeguards along the beach so use your head.

Beach Index: Mokuleia Beach

• Sand - many call it white, but it's actually tan. Made of a volcanic material and coral reef mix. Nice and powdery. Clean.
• Facilities - in the center of the beach.
• Shade - many adult trees line the beach yet there are areas of full sun. Use sun screen.
• Sports - this is kite boarding and surfers heaven. Snorkeling and swimming, shelling.
• Notes - recommended beach.

Now, if you visited this beach, we'd like to hear from you. Click here to write your review!

Back to the Hawaiian Beach Index.

Hawaii Beach Videos

Because you can't get enough, we've compiled these Hawaii Beach videos for you to see the splendor of Hawaiian paradise before you make your trip - or, after you've arrived home and want to reminisce.

Aerial view of the Grand Hyatt, Poipu, Kauai


Aerial view of Ko Olina Beaches and resort, Oahu


Aerial view of Pearl Harbor, Oahu


Aerial view of Haunama Bay, Oahu


Aerial view of Waikiki, Honolulu

Poipu Beach Park - Kauai, Hawaii

When you travel to Hawaii, because it is an island chain, you do yourself an injustice if you visit only Oahu (Honolulu). Because of the commercialism (which you're trying to leave a little behind), you will be charmed by Oahu its many locations and activities, but you won't know Hawaii unless you book a hotel on two other islands - we recommend Maui and Kauai.

Poipu Beach is on the island of Kauai.

Kauai is the least developed of the four major Hawaiian Islands. You've seen the dramatic landscape in King Kong, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Jurassic Park.

And who could forget Fantasy Island? The opening waterfall scene was shot at Wailua Falls.

When you visit Kauai, think Grand Canyon - it's that big and breathtaking.

Now on to the beach.

Poipu is really a series of three white crescents, which hug some of the most awesome turquoise water on Kauai's south coast. To give you an idea of how big it is, it starts at the Sheraton Kauai Resort and goes to the Poipu Beach Park.

Excellent for swimming, snorkeling and yes, even surfing - you can find waves in a couple of different places along the beach. Families find it great since the smaller kids can wade in the middle of the crescents, while the bigger kids can check out the surf near the rocks.

At Poipu Beach Park there's a lifeguard on duty. The park offers showers, restrooms, picnic tables and shade. Stay the whole day if you like!

And if you don't like the activities, you'll be enamored by the palm fronds swaying in the wind while you lay out or catch up on your latest novel as you hear the gentle surf come to shore as its done for thousands of years.

Poipu Beach Park - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - gold, medium powder, some rock
• Facilities - showers, restrooms, picnic tables, bring food and snacks
• Shade - palm trees
• Sports - a few rental facilities close by
• Notes - swim, snorkel, surf - something for everyone

Which beach do Hawaiians vote as best? Next >>

Lanikai Beach – Oahu, Hawaii

Which beach do locals vote as best? Hands down it would have to be Lanikai off Mokulua Drive on Oahu. The beach is over a mile long and, yes, bring the camera, this is the most spectacular beach for photographs on the island.

Postcard perfect, the water is amazingly crystal clear. Couple that with the swaying coconut palms and you have the makings of a photo op you won’t soon forget.

Okay, so why is Lanikai Beach so very cool?

It’s sheltered by a wide, protective offshore reef, the kind you see in those pictures of Fiji. So the shoreline is a natural swimmers paradise. You will find kayaking and outrigger canoeing (gotta try it!), sailing and surfing all within view of this gem in the Pacific.

Or, do like the locals and just come down here for a relaxing day at the beach - tan, read, enjoy the break. This is a gem and much recommended.

And did we mention windsurfing?

Because of the reef, wind- surfing conditions are almost always perfect. You can try your skill by renting a board or taking lessons from the local shops, or grab that camera again for some memories to take back to the mainland.

Lanikai Beach certainly is “heavenly sea” – translated from Hawaiian.

Lanikai Beach - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand – white/gold, medium grain, soft
• Facilities – full service
• Shade – palms and other adult trees
• Sports – local rentals
• Notes – clean, usually surf-free, beautiful small islands close by

Now - which beachs tops off the Number One spot in Hawaii? Next >>

Kaanapali Beach – Maui, Hawaii

Because of its prime location, Kaanapali Beach is lined with upscale resort hotels, but don’t let that keep you from going. Those guys built there for a reason. Kaanapali Beach is the most breathtaking beach in the island chain.

This three mile spectacle goes by different names – so write these down before you head out. Keke’a Beach, Canoe Beach, Dig Me Beach, Kahekili Beach, Black Rock Beach and Hanakaoo Beach. It’s like traveling through a big city and the street changes names depending on what neighborhood you’re in. A large lava rock (the Black Rock) divides the beach.

Whatever your whim in beaches, you’ll find it here. The snorkeling and scuba diving are absolutely the best on Maui. Swimming and sunbathing are ideal. Boat tours, fishing, kayaking, sailing, and my favorite – people watching, are just a few of the many activities.

So what you give up in isolation you make up FUN!

And if you’re the one in your party who can’t spend an entire day at the beach, dozens of shops and wonderful restaurants are within walking distance.

Here, a group of scuba divers start out near the famous Black Rock. The water is so clear, divers often describe it as floating in air.

The variety and color of fish is second to none. The waters of the Pacific Ocean have the most awesome specimens. It's no wonder they call it the best beach of the Hawaiian Islands – Maui’s Kaanapali Beach.

Kaanapali Beach - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand – gold, medium to coarse, clean
• Facilities – full service
• Shade – trees, umbrella rentals
• Sports – watersport lover’s paradise
• Notes – highly recommended, busy