Hawaii Beach Guide

Aloha!

And welcome to the Hawaii Beach Guide! Our intent is to be your resource for all your beach needs and interests whether it’s your first or tenth visit to Hawaii. We hope you find this guide useful, and we know that your trip to Hawaii will be an incredible experience.

The Hawaiian Islands (which includes roughly 137 islands in all) stretches nearly 1,500 miles in the central Pacific Ocean – about 2,000 miles from the mainland U.S. However, nearly all of these islands are uninhabited – only 7 have populations and just 6 are open for tourists. This guide focuses on the 4 main islands that most people visits: Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii (the “Big Island”).

There are many things to do and see while in Hawaii from breathtaking waterfalls, volcanoes, rainforests, lava fields, to coffee and pineapple plantations. But this guide will mainly focus on those beach attractions, with a few exceptions 🙂 On the main islands, there are about 100 different beaches to choose from – and the beaches come in every different types of shape, size, and even color. We can help you navigate and explore all of these before you even visit, so you can make the most of your time on vacation. That said – there are no wrong choices when it comes to the beaches in Hawaii- all are incredible!

Must Visit Beaches

Polihale State Park, Kauai

Located on the remote western shore of Kauai, Polihale isn't the most easily accessible beach (part of the journey includes a 5-mile drive along a rugged, unpaved road). But that's part of its beauty and since the beach is the longest in Hawaii, you'll certainly have as much privacy as you want.

Hanalei Bay, Kauai

This 2-mile crescent sandy beach is one of the famous beaches in the U.S. - not only because of its stunning beauty and beautiful, lush, green mountains that surround the bay. Hanalei and its immediate area have been the filming location for many famous movies. Hanalei Bay is also a stepping stone to Kauai's Na Pali Coast (accessible only by foot or boat).

Makena Beach, Maui

One of Maui's best beaches, Makena Beach is a spacious and scenic beach perfect for swimming, relaxing, and snorkeling. A volcanic outcropping actually separates the beach into parts: Big Beach and Little Beach. Because the beach is secluded and undeveloped (which contributes to its beauty), few amenities are available - so just go prepared.

Hapuna Beach, Big Island

Voted best beach in the U.S. for 2021 by the renowned Dr. Beach, Hapuna Beach is located on the western ("sunny") Kohala side of the Big Island. The white sands, warm, crystal blue water, and sunny days make this beach an absolute must-see destination for any visitor to the Big Island.

Waikiki Beach, Oahu

One of the most famous beaches in the world, Waikiki Beach is synonymous with surfing. It was here that the legendary Duke Kahanamoku made surfing a popular pastime by teaching the tourists that flocked to Waikiki in the early 20th century. Surrounded by high rise hotels and resorts, Waikiki is also home to many shopping opportunities, great dining, and nightlife.