You’ll find Hamoa Beach about a ten minutes drive from little Hana. The beautiful drive is easy to make, with lots of great scenery along the way. There isn’t a parking lot, so you’ll need to park on the side of the road and walk down the steps to the beach. Parking won’t a problem because the beach is never crowded.

This beach is not protected by any fringing reefs, so big surf is extremely dangerous. Strong currents are also present outside of the bay. The safest time to swim is during the summer and early fall. Closely monitor ocean conditions at all times and don’t be crazy - obey all those postings and warnings.

Hanalei Bay is a 3-mile long perfect crescent of sand surrounded by the world?s rainiest mountains. Over 500 inches of rain drench nearby Mt. Famous for its spectacular beauty, Hanalei Bay is a long half-moon of sandy beach carved into the base of a sheer cliff on one side and narrowing into a rocky point on the other. The beach is a great spot for walking or throwing a Frisbee around. Since Hanalei Bay is a popular destination for romance, it is a popular choice among those planning destination weddings. For that reason, many Hanalei Bay resorts and hotels offer wedding packages.

Sit back in your computer chair right now and dream of breakfast on your boat trip over to the small volcanic cone island of Molokini. This morning we have assorted fresh island fruit, muffins, hawaiian fruit juices, and bottled water. Kanaio Coast Tour has a fruit and beverage break between sightseeing and snorkeling. The backside of Molokini Crater - right off Kihei - is home to some of the best scuba diving in the world. Its only for experienced divers and drops down 100’s of feet with all kinds of sharks above and below you. Molokini is one of the most popular & exotic snorkel & diving sites in the entire world. It is a must see destination for any visitor interested in Maui’s underwater world. That’s you, no?

Winter’s gone. That’s significant in Hawaii, because winter brings the big waves and attracts the big surfers from all over the world. Further inside, the reef gets shallower and actually pokes itself above the waterline here and there; dealing properly with the finish of a ride is very important. This is even more the case on larger days, when the unwary surfer might come out of the tube, start paddling, and be faced with a full-on major closeout set - one of the North Shore’s scariest moments. History’s most dramatic heart-stopping surfing competition. This is Pipeline Masters the remarkable story of the groundbreaking surfing competition that has, since its inception in 1971, defined extreme. Held in the fearsome tubes of Hawaii’s Banzai Pipeline, the Masters stands alone as the sport’s most popular, prestigious competitive event. Slater has made the Pipeline Masters final 10 out of the 17 times he has entered the event winning in 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999 and 2008. His 2008 win comes nine years after he last clinched the Pipeline crown in ‘99.

I have been to Makena on day where 12 foot waves were breaking in 3 feet of water. When this happens, the lip explodes, throwing water spray 15 feet into the air. About 3 feet over the people standing near the break. Pretty awesome, but dangerous, too. Still, Makena Beach is a wonder to sit and take in on any given afternoon in Maui. It’s easy to find and generally not too full. Times have changed a tad, and I’d definitely suggest locking the car and keeping it near others. Find a good spot on Makena Beach and enjoy! It will take you the better part of an hour to walk the whole beach, and maybe that’s not a bad thing to do. The action is exciting almost anywhere. Makena Beach is a skimming favorite. And Boogie boarding! Try them both!

**2009 Legacy Of Aloha T-Shirt To Benefit Local Charities**

Want to support Hawaii’s local non-profit organizations and look cool at the same time? Then surf on over to Duke’s Waikiki to snatch-up their 2009 Legacy of Aloha t-shirt! A portion of the proceeds from each shirt will benefit local non-profit organizations, so you don’t even have to feel guilty about shopping. “We feel it is important to support our community organization, especially when times are tough, and so our Legacy of Aloha program will continue,” said Ross Anderson, senior general manager at Duke’s Waikiki. “Customers can feel good about wearing the Legacy of Aloha t-shirt, because they’re supporting causes that make a difference in our community and around the world.”

Waikiki is best known for its beaches but it is also host to award winning restaurants, world-class shopping, and top island entertainment. The surf at Waikiki is known to its long rolling break, making it ideal for long boarding, tandem surfing and beginners. The beach hosts many events a year, including surf competitions, outdoor performances , hula dancing and outrigger canoe races. Most locals insist that the best place to enjoy Waikiki is the Kapiolani Park edge of it which is where you’ll find Waikiki Grand Hotel. In reality, they will pick you up in a van from your Waikiki Beach hotel & drive you for an hour or two to an undisclosed and possibly unsafe surf location. Lose yourself in awe-inspiring views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, “the world’s most famous volcanic crater.”

Hookipa Beach is well known for world-class windsurfing competitions. While not everyone is an expert windsurfer there is a small coral reef that provides an excellent calm area for taking a relaxing few minutes on this unique beach. Hookipa beach is known as the premier windsurfing beach in the world, with many world class competitions. The swimming beaches of Kihei, Wailea and Makena are located on the South Shore, and will be approximately 30 to 45 minutes by car. A mecca for surfers of all ages since the 1930’s and the home of contemporary surfing, Hookipa Beach is among Maui’s most popular sites for events large and small. There is also a bay and a number of beaches that are favorites of surfers and windsurfers. Hookipa Beach Park was once a wide white sand beach but after the tsunami of 1946, there was nothing left but a thin strip of white sand behind a wide rocky shelf.

Swimming on Hanauma Bay is safe, as the water is protected by a large reef. Here you can observe marine life up close, including the humuhum- unukunukuapua‘a, the Hawaiian state fish. Hanauma Bay is the gem of the Pacific and Oahu`s favorite snorkeling site. Rent your snorkel gear at one of our locations and avoid the often long lines. Hanauma Bay is part of the Koolau mountain range that was formed on the east side of the island of Oahu. Subsequent to the end of the volcanic activity that formed the main range, the north-east side of the crater collapsed and fell into the sea, leaving the Pali cliff-line as evidence of this giant landslide.

Yes that’s right and if you want seclusion, Papohaku Beach is the spot. On the west end of Molokai, Papohaku Beach seldom has more than a few visitors on any given day and the beach is large enough to hold the entire population of Molokai without even getting crowded. Papohaku Beach is as close as you can get to the deserted tropical island of your dreams. Located on the west end of Molokai, which itself is between Oahu and Maui, Papohaku Beach also offers swimming, snorkeling, bodysurfing, body boarding, and surfing.

The calm, clear waters at Hulopoe Bay make it an excellent place for snorkeling and scuba diving. The waters here are part of a protected Marine Life Sanctuary and underwater park and they are brimming with sea life. Hanauma Bay is one of the best and most popular snorkeling and swimming areas in the world. However, excessive swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving have threatened the bay’s marine residents. Snorkeling is great at the south end of the beach where the fish are varied and there is a coral reef. Because of the protection provided by unique coral formations, Hulopo’e beach is the safest and best swimming spot in Lanai and offers great snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming and body boarding opportunities.

In times past, Hawaiian royalty chose this special place above others for relaxation and reflection. You, too, can discover its legendary charms. This popular gold-sand beach, fringed by a grove of palms and backed by royal fish ponds still full of mullet, is one of Hawaii’s most beautiful. It fronts the Marriott Waikoloa Beach Resort and is enjoyed by guests and locals alike (it’s busier in summer, but doesn’t ever get truly crowded). In times past, Hawaiian royalty chose this special place above others for relaxation and reflection. You, too, can discover its legendary charms. Leleiwi often attracts endangered sea turtles, making this one of Hawaii’s most popular snorkeling spots.

Hapuna Beach is the largest white sand beach on the island and is utterly gorgeous. The body surfing’s pretty decent (especially when the wind picks up) and when we went on weekday mornings it wasn’t crowded. Rated the “Number one beach in America” by Conde Nast Traveler, Hapuna Beach is a long stretch of pristine white sand and every guest room as a view of it. There is a little cove nearby where the waters are sheltered and clear. But according to this tally, Hapuna Beach is the site of the most spinal chord injuries (read — getting pounded into the sand head first) in the Aloha State. Sandy’s ranks right up there and so does Waikiki, which actually doesn’t surprise me that much.

At the Salt Pond Beach Park, the golden sands wrap around Kauai’s northwestern shore from Kekaha plantation town, just beyond Waimea, to where the ridgebacks of the Na Pali Coast begin. The state park includes ancient Hawaiian heiau (temple) and burial sites, a view of the “forbidden” island of Niihau, and the famed Barking Sands Beach, where footfalls sound like a barking dog. The main swimming pool is more like a water ride at a theme park-it has one of those “rivers” that snakes and twists under bridges and past trees and waterfalls. There are, of course, a few more pools, both fresh and sea water, and a long tiki torch-lit walking path that winds past all of them. Driving west on Highway 560, drive through Hanapepe and over the Hanapepe bridge. Turn left onto Lele Road (there’ll be a sign for Salt Pond at the turnoff), and then right at Lokokai Road.

The beauty of this beach is equaled by the pounding of the ocean along its shore. Access at the western end is directly off Kuhio Highway. This sandbar is actually an unusual phenomenon that occurs when ocean currents rush toward the beach from opposite directions and deposit their sand forming a tombolo. It is a 350 yard stroll along the ocean. It enjoys one of the most beautiful oceanfront settings found anywhere in all of Hawaii. Situated on a low bluff just 35 feet from the warm tropical waters of the blue Pacific Ocean, Poipu Shores offers those planning a vacation to Kauai some of the most spectacular close up ocean views found anywhere in Kauai. Watch the sun set into the ocean, and drift off to sleep each night with the sound of the waves at your doorstep.

Ke’e’s inviting lagoon is teaming with fish and perfect for snokeling. Beware, however of the Puka Ulua, an opening on he left side from the lagoon to the sea. The whole area is absolutely gorgeous — huge expanses of white sand, lava rocks, waterfalls, green tropical plants, lagoons. You can even wash up after your visit. There is ample parking under the shade trees adjacent to this little lagoonal beach, protected by a natural coral reef breakwater. Sheer mountain cliffs with intermittent waterfalls provide a dramatic backdrop for Kee Beach. The seas were calm, and inside the lagoon was like a swimming pool.

Hanalei bay is known for many things to many of us who love Kauai. It’s scenic beauty, its azure blue water, its small pier jetting out into the Pacific, fantastic sunsets. Sailing HANALEI BAY is extremely comfortable, whether smoothly floating along on a gentle ocean breeze, or when the ideal winds accelerate the yacht to performance speeds (clocked at 15.5 knots). At your pleasure, try your hand at the helm. Hanalei bay is a special place for our families and we hope that after your stay, you will feel the same. The entire Hanalei Bay is ringed with a white sand beach. The surrounding mountains embrace this bay and, in the early morning when the ocean is like glass, it mirrors the beauty of the cliffs.

Maui has over 33 miles of exquisite public beaches. Some of these beaches have jewel-toned sand, in such colors as red, gold, green, black and white. Ringed by 120 miles of coastline, Maui boasts over 30 miles of beaches. Many are easily accessible beach parks with lifeguards, picnic facilities and restrooms. For those who choose to hike there, it is often some of the best snorkeling in Maui. If you are really lucky you may even get to swim with dolphins. Kapalua is the prime luxury resort area of all Maui. Within the 1650-acre resort are some of Hawaii’s best golf (three championship courses including the Plantation Course, home to the Mercedes Open each January), white sand beaches, boutique shopping, restaurants, tennis, and recreation areas on the islands.

Just a few feet past the Maui Lu entrance, turn right on Wailana Place and follow to 26 at the end of the road on the right. Turn left and travel south for one mile then turn left on Wailana Place and follow to 26 at the end of the road on the right. This is a great little seaside park with a gorgeous view across Lahaina Roads to the islands of Lana’i and Moloka’i, and it’s also a popular destination for surfers when the waves are up. Unfortunately, much of the shoreline in this section has been “protected” or “stabilized” with seawalls and revetments . Park on shore side of the road onto an unpaved small parking area.

Wailea Beach is a large, wide, crescent, graced with lovely fine, golden sand. The beach is protected at both ends by large, black lava points, making the calm waters ideal for swimming. Wailea Beach is a perfect crescent shaped sandy swimming beach with snorkeling coves that frame the post-card perfect beach along the rocky points. The beach front paved pedestrian promenade that passes through Wailea Resort along the coastline serves as an ideal pathway for walking and jogging.

Winter season is the ideal time for the visitors who love surfing while summers are best for those who love scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming and windsurfing. Light winds becoming east 10 to 15 mph in the late evening and overnight. Chance of rain 20 percent. Hop aboard the Four Winds II, a 55-foot, glass-bottom catamaran, for one of the most dependable snorkel trips around. You’ll spend more time than the other charter boats do at Molokini and enjoy turtle-watching on the way home.

Kaanapali Beach is Maui’s most popular world-class resort area and well known for its fine dining, golf courses, tennis, shopping, sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, surfing, sailboarding, and scuba diving. It is located approximately 4 miles northwest of Lahaina, the former Hawaiian capital and whaling port and is nestled between the blue Pacific and majestic mountain slopes covered with sugar cane fields. Add to that lush green gardens and nightly luaus that will make you swoon, and you will have no choice but to agree; Kaanapali Beach is seashore royalty. Our one bedroom condo on Kaanapali Beach is spacious and oversized with up to 1000 sq feet of living space. Rent our comfortable, well decorated, spacious, and oversized condo and enjoy all this!!!

Japanese carrier attack planes - torpedo, high-level and dive bombers, supported by fighters, totaling 353 planes — attack in two waves from a distance of 230 miles, targeting ships of the U.S. On board West Virginia , her commanding officer, Captain Mervyn Bennion, directs his ship’s defense until struck down and mortally wounded by a fragment from a bomb that hits battleship Tennessee (BB-43) moored inboard. After two waves of attacks by 350 aircraft from six aircraft carriers, the hit-and-run fleet immediately fled northward. Most returned to Japan by December 22, 1941, although six ships were redeployed south to Midway Island on December 15.

Big storms up in Alaska send large open ocean swells 2000 miles across the Pacific Ocean where they eventually meet up the the coral reefs of the north shore. These waves reach great heights and surfers from around the world rise to the occasion to get the thrill only a surfer could know! Newly completed, this luxurious home sits on the North Shore at one of the worlds most famous beaches. The Blue Wave house has nearly 4000 sq ft, an unmatched view of the beach and sunsets from dining room, private loft/study, master bedroom, and mini-master. In the winter the waves are so high that the shore is lined with spectators watching the derring-do of the best surfers in the world. If you’re not a very accomplished swimmer and familiar with the ocean, stay out of the water.

The picturesque Lanikai Beach is ideal for practically every beach-type of activity there is. From snorkeling to windsurfing, from picnicking to kayaking, Lanikai Beach presents many opportunities to enjoy one of Oahu’s best beaches. With its breathtaking beauty, Lanikai Beach is a favorite backdrop for the world’s top commercial and modeling photos shoots. Snorkeling the reefs off Kailua and Lanikai Beach is a unique experience not to be missed. Lanikai Beach is exceptional for beginners due to the proximity of the live coral reef to the soft white sand and the shallow, calmer water. Lanikai Beach is a popular location for photo shoots, as it is, literally, picture perfect.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is the best place on the island to snorkel along with a myriad of tropical fish and other marine life. Along with major restoration to Hanauma Bay, which included a newly opened Marine Educational Center, other tactics have been put in place to further preserve the area for future enjoyment. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is open to the public from 6 a.m. Visitors are obligated to view a brief but highly educational film to instruct and help limit damage. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of the most popular natural attractions in the world. It is a natural crescent beach in the sunken caldera of extinct volcano.

The Island’s scenic beauty, which includes waterfalls, sea cliffs, arid canyons and scores of beautiful white sand beaches, has served as the backdrop for many cinematic films. Helicopter tours are popular, as the spectacular sea cliffs of the Na Pali coast and the crater of Mount Waialeale (one of the wettest spots on earth), are not accessible by road. This second path has many turnoffs to the sand when you descend to beach level. From the north (Hanalei and Princeville) go south on highway until you see mile marker 20. From then on, you can probably see what you’ve come for - the beach or more.

Hamoa Beach is on the west side of Maui near Hana, a less-developed part of this popular island. Hamoa Beach has sea cliffs and lush vegetation; the public beach shares some facilities with the Hotel Hana Maui.

For a beach vacation that never lets up - Hamoa Beach is where you need to be. Hamoa Beach is a must visit if you plan to visit East Maui.

As you approach the beach from the main road, you’ll walk past colorful plants and palm trees surrounding Hamoa Beach.

Bodyboarders and bodysurfers take to the waves at HA Baldwin Beach Park about a mile west of Pa’ia, at the 6-mile marker. The wide sandy beach drops off quickly and when the shore break is big unsuspecting swimmers can get slammed soundly.

A favorite with local families, HA Beach Park is not surprisingly one of the most popular. In addition, many local community events are held here. Ongoing recovery activities include: Vehicle barriers erected around public parking areas to control vehicle traffic access to beach, dune restoration, red fox control, and beach mouse population surveys.

Located 17 miles south of Kahului Airport, 27 miles southeast of Lahaina, on Wailea’s famous stretch of sand, next to the more extravagant Grand Wailea Resort, this is the livelier sister of the Four Seasons Resort at Hualalai. Michael Dell (Dell Computers) owns them both, and though they sit at opposite sides of the social scale, they both provide unerring service, world-class dining and gracious accommodations with extraordinary amenities that put them at the top of their class, that is to say, “world class.”

Upscale, contemporary, classy - but that doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun!

The western shore of Maui is known for its idyllic, year-round beach weather, and Fleming’s mile-long crescent, white sand beach offers a range of activities and stunning views of nearby Molokai Island. A favorite area for sunbathers, swimmers, and surfers alike, the beach is backed by a virtual forest of trees on the low sea cliff, providing welcome shade. Surrounded by 120 miles of coastline and over 30 miles of colorful beaches, you’d be hard-pressed not to find a beach in Maui that suits you. Locals and tourists alike flock to the beaches with white, black or red sand. Families also like the location- it’s on the west side of Maui and is backed by a forest of trees which provide abundant shade. And the view is just out of this world. If you take a book and a beach chair, look up occasionally; a humpback may be passing by.

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. When you come here, expect a few kids. This is the local hangout of the teens growing up here and it’s simply filled with good, clean fun.

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!

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!

Take a moment and soak in this photograph of Lanikai Beach. And if you’ve been to Hawaii before, you know it’s not really that hard to capture something similar in your lens and record it forever. These moments exist all over the Hawaiian islands just waiting for people like you and me to open our senses and take them in. And it happens day after day, decade after decade right here.

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

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.

This island was hit hard by hurricane Iniki and it seems to always be in the path of many hurricanes, but things always have a way of improving. Such is the island of Kauai.

When you arrive in Hawaii you are probably drawn to Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach, but Lanikai Beach on Oahu is in a class all its own. It has everything you’d expect in a beach, plus the beauty of the surrounding terrain. Most likely you’ve seen this beach before in publications or postcards and didn’t realize it was right here on the most popular of the Hawaiian Islands. Yes, you’ll find a lot happening at Waikiki, but if you want to see something that is not too publicized in all of those tourist booklets this is something you want to plan. In fact, if you can spend a whole day here, you’ll see this beach wake up and live through a day of surf, sun and sand. Speaking of sun - make sure you bring plenty of suntan lotion! You’ll want to spend some time getting your vitamin D!

I remember hearing an interview with David Gates of Bread who said that Kaanapali Beach was his favorite place in Hawaii. We had to go here and see what all the interest was. The pictures, as they say, don’t do justice, and you can come here a dozen times and see something new. Kaanapali is truly magical - from ancient Hawaii ways to the new found visitors and residents that have decided to make Hawaii their home. And who wouldn’t want to move here? The weather is almost perfect, and there is so much beach and in so many hues, it is amazing that more isn’t written about this area of Maui. The major resort hotels have been here a while and know how to help you experience and wonderful stay on this island. Ask them about any area you want to see or explore.