The 18 Best Beaches in Hawaii

Hawaii’s beautiful beaches come in every size, shape, and color: wide, calm expanses that are perfect for families with young children; tiny, secluded coves where honeymooning couples can get away from the crowds; and surf spots where pros and amateurs tackle big waves on their boards. Best of all, you can access every single one of them, since all beaches in Hawaii are public.

Better still, you’re not limited to experiencing these beaches on just one island. You can visit Hawaii on a multi-island itinerary and spend each day of your sun-filled vacation hitting up a different shoreline. Whether you want to surf, see “Jurassic Park” filming locations, or snorkel with tropical fish, there’s a Hawaiian beach for you across the various islands.

So, how to pick from all these spectacular stretches of sand? Here’s a look at 18 of the best beaches in Hawaii where you can get a slice of paradise.

Waikiki Beach, Oahu

Of the best beaches on Oahu, Waikiki’s calm, crescent-shaped stretch of golden sand has attracted travelers since the early 20th century, when tourists to Hawaii would arrive by steamship. Oahu and Waikiki are certainly more crowded today, but the scene is still fun. After a dip, settle in with a mai tai at the iconic Royal Hawaiian hotel, a beautiful, pale pink Moorish-style building that opened in 1927. Kick back and watch vacationers swim while locals tackle the waves on surfboards, all with the dormant Diamond Head volcano as an impressive backdrop.

Ko Olina Beach, Oahu

Some Hawaiian beaches can have waves too large and rough for young kids. Not so this placid beach on the western side of Oahu. The water is clear and shallow enough for little ones to splash around, and just above the lagoon is Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. Another nearby property not to be missed is the five-star Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, where kids’ programming includes lei-making and “glamping” nights with s’mores and a movie. It’s no wonder Ko Olina is considered one of the best beaches in Hawaii for families.

Waimea Bay Beach Park, Oahu

Set along the dramatic, less-developed North Shore of Oahu, Waimea Bay is one of the island’s most famous big-wave surfing beaches. During the winter months, from November through February, the swells become awe-inspiring giants that draw the pro riders. Waimea, Sunset Beach, and ‘Ehukai Beach (aka the Banzai Pipeline) play host to some of Hawaii’s top surfing competitions, like the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Stay at the nearby Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay Resort, which runs surf lessons with Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience.

Hanalei Bay, Kauai

Hanalei Bay is a magnificent two-mile swath along Kauai’s northern shore backed by emerald mountains standing more than 4,000 feet high. During the winter, the waves come out to play and attract surfers, while in summer, the waters are more tranquil and suitable for swimming. Before heading for a dip, stop in town to admire the Waiʻoli Huiʻia Church, a handsome forest green church built in 1837 in American Gothic style.

Polihale State Park, Kauai

It takes some effort to get to this remote 17-mile stretch on Kauai’s windswept western shore; you’ll need a four-wheel-drive to navigate a bumpy road and sand dunes, but the trek is worth it. On this quiet stretch, you can see landmarks like the Na Pali cliffs, which technically begin on Polihale’s northern end, and Ni’ihau, Hawaii’s forbidden island. (If you want to visit Ni’ihau, your options are pricey helicopter or hunting tours). Note that Polihale has limited shade, so be sure to pack plenty of reef-safe sunscreen and water.

Po’ipu Beach Park, Kauai

This is the epicenter of Kauai’s perpetually sunny south shore, a beach area that’s composed of three beautiful crescents, all making up one of the best beaches in Hawaii for swimming. Po’ipu draws a lot of families because the calm waters are suitable for beginner swimmers, including kids, and there’s a lifeguard on duty every day. You can do pretty much any beach activity here — surfing, snorkeling, swimming or just splashing around near the sand. Top waterfront properties include Ko’a Kea Resort on Po’ipu Beach and the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa.

Kalapaki Beach, Kauai

A lovely bay along Kauai’s eastern coast, Kalapaki Beach offers fun for all ages and all types of visitors. Kids can go boogie boarding and canoeing, adults can try their hand at sailing or stand-up paddle boarding, and anyone can try to join in a game of beach volleyball — you’ll usually see a court set up in the sand. For an inexpensive and flavorful lunch, walk five minutes inland from the beach to The Musubi Truck Kalapaki, which slings musubi, katsu sandwiches, and poke. There are several resorts on the bay, including Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club.

Kalihiwai Beach, Kauai

Kalihiwai is an insider, mainly locals-only beach that sits just past Kapa’a on the way to Princeville. The waves at this tiny cove, which is set off by two beautiful cliffs, are spectacular for body surfing. As at many beaches, winter can see big swells with strong uncurrents. There is no lifeguard here, so if you’re swimming in winter, be sure to stay close to the shore. More tranquil is the shallow, freshwater lagoon here that kids and parents will appreciate. Pack a picnic and bring a cooler with plenty of water, as there are no concession stands (you can sit on benches or beneath the ironwood trees).

Hulopoe Beach, Lanai

Guests of the Four Seasons Resort Lanai have prime access to this stunning golden crescent, easily one of the best beaches in Hawaii, which is great for both swimming and snorkeling. You’ll often spy friendly spinner dolphins jumping and playing in the water, as well as humpback whales during the cooler winter months. On the eastern side of the beach, there are several large tide pools. Like all beaches in Hawaii, Hulopoe is public, so everyone can enjoy the crystal-clear waters, grills for barbecuing lunch, and picnic tables where you can eat.

Polihua Beach, Lanai

At this two-mile stretch along Lanai’s northeastern shore, just across the channel from Molokai, swimming is not advised due to strong currents. That said, it’s the perfect place to go for a little privacy and a long walk, and visitors often spot humpback whales come winter, and honu (green sea turtles) year-round.

Makena Beach, Maui

Makena, also called “Big Beach,” in Maui is a mile and a half long and stretches 100 feet wide. Tote along towels and sunscreen, park it on the sand, and enjoy impressive views of the tiny island of Molokini, a partially submerged volcanic crater. For lunch, follow the crowds to Jawz Fish Tacos, one of Maui’s most popular food trucks; it’s parked on the side of the road near Makena daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Chow down on fresh mahi-mahi, shrimp, or chicken tacos as you watch the waves.

Wailea Beach, Maui

Some of Maui’s most impressive resorts — the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, and the Grand Wailea — face Wailea. This is one of the best beaches in Hawaii for families, its gently lapping cobalt waters calm enough for kids to play in. Given the fancy digs in the area, you can usually expect to spot a celebrity or two; everyone from Kate Bosworth to Jennifer Aniston has been to Wailea.

Hamoa Beach, Maui

Steel yourself for the drive to this beautiful cove since you’ll be taking the twisty, curvy Road to Hana. The Hana Highway, which runs past cliffs and waterfalls, is one of the state’s most popular attractions, and it will lead you right to this beautiful beach. Fuel up in Paia before setting out (the breakfasts at Island Fresh Café, in a former train depot, are fit for a queen), and be sure to stop at Caroline’s at mile marker 50 for fresh fruits like coconut, papaya, and pineapple.

Kapalua Bay, Maui

Close to both the Montage Kapalua Bay and The Ritz-Carlton, Maui, resorts, Kapalua Bay is one of the best beaches in Hawaii for kayaking, boogie boarding, stand-up paddle boarding, and swimming. There are coral reefs, too, so bring your snorkel and mask and be prepared to spot turtles and parrotfish. You can also go for a jog along the 1.76-mile Kapalua Coastal Trail, which begins at Kapalua Bay and runs to D.T. Fleming Beach Park.

Hapuna Beach State Park, Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island (the Big Island) is home to several impressive white-sand beaches, and Hapuna Beach State Park, a half-mile stretch located on the Kona-Kohala Coast, is one of them. Do as the locals do and pack a picnic for your day out. Though there can be crashing waves in winter, the water is calmer during the rest of the year, and a lifeguard is on duty every day.

Kauna’oa (Mauna Kea) Beach, Hawaii Island

When eco-tourism pioneer Laurance Rockefeller first saw this sugar-soft beach back in 1960 while touring the island with Hawaii’s governor, he immediately knew it was something special. Rockefeller was there to scout locations for a potential hotel, and he found the perfect one, choosing Kauna’oa as the setting for his legendary resort, now the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. The beach is a pristine beauty with turquoise waters, gentle waves, and plenty of marine life, including turtles and the occasional manta ray.

Punalu’u Beach, Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island is home to eight climate zones, four active volcanoes, and countless impressive beaches, including Punalu’u, a heart-stopping black-sand beach close to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. If you’re staying along the Kona-Kohala Coast, you should make this a stopover on your way to or from the park. The novelty of seeing the black sand doesn’t wear off, and you’re likely to see sea turtles sunning themselves, too. Wearing water shoes is a good idea here because the shore can be a bit rocky.

Pāpōhaku Beach Park, Molokai

Molokai receives far fewer visitors than Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island, which means you’ll enjoy some of the best beaches in Hawaii without tons of other visitors. Located on Molokai’s western end, Pāpōhaku Beach Park — also known as Three Mile Beach — is one of the largest white-sand stretches in the state. On a clear day, you can even see Oahu across the channel.