Three Best Beaches

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!

Best Beaches in Hawaii - Lanikai Beach, 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.

Poipu Beach, kids beach, Poipu Kauai, Hawaii

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! >>

Labels: hawaii, hawaiian beaches, honolulu, ko olina, maui, oahu, poipu, poipu beach, waikiki

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.

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.

Waterfall used in Jurassic Park movie - Kauai, Hawaii

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.

Tanning on famous Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

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.

Perfect kids beach - Poipu Beach Park, Kauai, Hawaii

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.