Hawaii is home to iconic beaches that attract thousands of visitors to its many shores each year. There are over 100 beaches to be discovered when one visits Hawaii, so it can be hard to make a selection when planning your next great Hawaiian vacation. All of them boast beautiful sands, stunning ocean landscapes, and the warmth that you expect when you visit the islands. But in this article, we’ll focus on introducing you to 10 of the most beautiful beaches that you can visit after your plane touches down in Hawaii.
10 Must-Visit Hawaiian Beaches to See for Yourself
Black Pot Beach
Located in: Kauai
Kauai is where you can find Hanalei Bay, a spot that boasts three different beaches. Black Pot Beach is easily the most popular beach in the bay, however, as it is located right at the mouth of the beautiful Hanalei River. Children and adults love visiting this beach to pier-jump into the crystal-clear waters, paddleboard, swim, surf and fish. You can even set up camp at Black Pot Beach, which provides you the perfect opportunity to see the sun rise and set over the waters surrounding Kauai, Hawaii’s Garden Island.
Kalapaki Beach
Located in: Kauai
If you’re looking for a beach location where you and your family can spend the entire afternoon, Kalapaki Beach on the island of Kauai should be on your travel itinerary. This scenic harbor is host to many opportunities for adventure, for adults and for children. Near Kalapaki Bay are a series of seaside restaurants, which is great for when you need to fuel your body for more boogieboarding, canoeing, kayaking, or playing volleyball in the sand!
Poipu Beach
Located in: Kauai
Known as “Sunny Poipu,” this beach consists of a stretch of warm, white sand. Offshore, visitors can find amazing reefs that should be explored by scuba diving or snorkeling. Boogieboarding and swimming are also incredibly popular pastimes for visitors who step foot on this beach. Poipu Beach also provides an incredible opportunity for beginners to get on a surfboard for the first time, as the currents are gentle enough to accommodate even first-time surfers.
Polihale State Park
Located in: Kauai
If you’re up for some four-wheeling adventure, you should set your sights on Kauai’s Polihale State Park. This remote beach consists of a 17-mile stretch of sand with views of some of the island’s most prominent natural features, like the Napali Cliffs. There is minimal shade in this ethereal spot of Kauai, but the winds that sweep through the area provide some relief from the hot Hawaiian sun.
Waikiki Beach
Located in: Oahu
For visitors taking a trip to Oahu, Hawaii’s number one surfing destination, Waikiki Beach is something that must be experienced. While the crescent-shaped beach is frequently bustling with tourists, it does provide some of the most beautiful beach scenery that you’ll rest your eyes on. Waikiki Beach is where you can find the historic Royal Hawaiian Hotel (established in 1927) and get a view of the world’s largest dormant volcano, Diamond Head.
Ko Olina Beach
Located in: Oahu
While you’re visiting Oahu, you should take the kids in your group to Ko Olina Beach on the west side of the island. The calm blue lagoon found here is the perfect place for little ones to splash and play while the adults kick back, relax and soak up the sun. Near the beach are two incredible, award-winning resorts: The Disney Resort and Spa called Aulani, and the Four Seasons Oahu. Talk about a perfect family destination!
Waimea Bay
Located in: Oahu
Are you or your loved ones fond of surfing? Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore is the perfect place to catch some surf or watch others do it! If you visit during the winter months, you’ll get to see some professional-level swells. During your visit to the North Shore, you should stop by the surf town of Haleiwa to immerse yourself in the area’s surf-centered culture.
Ho’okipa Beach
Located in: Maui
If your travels take you to Maui, you should throw down a beach blanket and spend some leisure time at Ho’okipa Beach. During the winter the waves can be pretty intense, but summer provides ample opportunities for casual swimming. If you’re lucky enough to visit at nightfall, you might even get a glimpse of the sea turtles that come onshore during the evening!
Makena Beach
Located in: Maui
Makena Beach is referred to as “The Big Beach” on the island of Maui, as the sands extend nearly a mile long and 100 feet in width. And when you throw down your beach towel and settle in the sand, you have everything that you need for a peaceful, relaxing afternoon at your fingertips. Soak up the sun and admire the beautiful scenery before hitting up the popular food trucks that park near Makena Beach. Locals and tourists alike love this spot because of the views and the incredible, authentic Hawaiian fare that’s served here.
Hulopoe Beach
Located in: Lanai
This treasured crescent of golden-colored sand is located directly beside the Four Seasons Manele Bay, but anyone can pay a visit to Hulopoe Beach whenever they’re in the area! Swimming is a popular activity here due to the gentle waters. During the winter you may get a chance to see humpback whales, and in the summer months spinner dolphins aren’t an uncommon sight. Hulopoe Beach is a fantastic find for lovers of nature, adventure and sight-seeing.
If you’re planning a Hawaiian vacation, there’s no doubt that you’re intent on spending some time on one (or more) of the iconic beaches that the islands are so well-known for. While you still have 90 more to choose from, consider this list of 10 note-worthy beaches as a great starting point for making your own plans. No matter where in Hawaii you go, it’s guaranteed that there’s a beach nearby!