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.
You’ll find those “blue lagoons”, the plush rain forests, spectacular gardens, wonderful waterfalls and rivers running through breathtaking canyons, back dropped by soaring volcanoes. Or make your way to Maui and visit the famous Black Sand beach!
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.
Another travel note for visitors to the Aloha state of Hawaii – since hotel prices spike dramatically during the High Season many visitors opt to buy timeshare as a way to beat seasonal variations and inflation. There are many great resorts throughout the islands, but we’d recommended buying on the more affordable resale market if you decide to go the timeshare route.
And now, let’s visit the top three beaches of Hawaii - plus, all the runner-ups! Next! >>
Check out these related beaches:
Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
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 ...
Kaanapali Beach – Maui, Hawaii
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 ...
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 ...
