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!


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.

And now, let's visit the top three beaches of Hawaii - plus, all the runner-ups! 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 – water-sport lover’s paradise
• Notes – highly recommended, busy