The Most Jaw-Droppingly Beautiful Beaches You Can Visit in Hawaii

Very trivial can match the majestic beauty of Hawaii , and her beaches are – byfar– some of the most beautiful and postcard - thoroughgoing spots in the worldly concern , the idealistic place for beachgoers from around the world to sun , breakers , swimming , or be see . It ’s worth note that thanks toairline price warsandsweet travelling deals , flying from the mainland seem to be arrive cheaper , making these natural wonder even more accessible than ever . But the beaches on this list are not just your typical holiday spots . Get ready to squish your toes in a rainbow tapestry of colored sand , watch surfboarder take on the largest wave they can , groove with drumfish circles , and dash naked into the breakers .

Below you ’ll find our picking for the best beach spot receive on the Hawaiian Islands , but first , here are a few peak to keep in nous when you shoot the breeze .

If in doubt , do n’t go out : Many beach do not have lifesaver , and unsafe split tide and large wave can quickly ruin your twenty-four hour period . Visitors and locals alike drown every year . Always swim with a buddy .

Hanalei Pier Sunrise

Hanalei Pier Sunrise|Kelsey Neukum/Shutterstock

The beach is not a token : Do n’t take any sand or rocks home with you . It is " kapu " – Hawaiian for forbidden . The volcanic goddess Pele does n’t wish her property stolen .

Help keep it sporty : If you want to do more than just waiting area on a vacation , consider join a beach cleaning group to help remove the ton of refuse that wash up on our beaches . Picking up just a few items can make a huge difference in preserving Hawaii ’s fragile ecosystem . Onward .

Waikiki Beach

OahuThe Times Square of the Pacific OceanNo visit to Hawaii would be consummate without soaking up the Lord’s Day at Waikiki Beach . household to international resorts , hotel , and restaurant , Waikiki – Oahu ’s bustling tourist district – is world - famed for undecomposed reason . With the iconic Diamond Head Mountain looming in the distance , it ’s packed with beautiful beachgoers sunning on the golden sands chiseled surfers shove over the glassy wave . Leathery beach son teach pale holidaymaker how to flow ten , and retirees gather around ukulele player thrum sad Sung dynasty of times gone by . Across the beach on Kalakawa Ave , shops offer everything from cheap scale jewelry to top - shelf sushi or pricey handbags . It ’s pack with leafleteers , folks in poorly - fitting ciao shirts , andfour - superstar eatery , and at night , crowds collect around food motortruck on Kuhio Ave while street musicians and other performers jockey for space .

Know before you go : Whether it ’s sun , surfriding , paddleboarding , snorkeling , swimming , eating , or amusement , you name it , and Waikiki has it , including hebdomadary Friday - night pyrotechnic over theHilton Hawaiian Villageon Waikiki ’s west side . On the Orient side , Kapiolani Park ’s grassy plain stitch give solacement to those needing a break from the hustle . mark that Waikiki can be a life-threatening spot anytime of the day or Nox , so lock your valuables in your hotel safe when you strike the beach , and keep your marbles about you after dark .

Papakolea Beach (Green Sand Beach)

Hawaii IslandEmerald green guts await at the southernmost point of HawaiiGreen sand ? No way ! But indeed it is on-key , and you may find green gumption on the Big Island ’s outside Papakolea Beach , at the island ’s southernmost point . The colourful Papakolea Beach got its chromaticity from olivine crystals found in the eroding volcanic cinder cone rocks . Beachgoers have to shimmy down the side of the clinker cone cell on a worn lead to the beach . The relatively outrageous beach appears dark dark-brown at first , but once you pluck up a fistful , the olivine crystals will glint with an unmistakably gullible glint . The green cliffs around the beach also offer a nice walkabout at this volcanic masterpiece .

Know before you go : Only strong bather can manage the waves here , and there are no lifeguards , so if you ’re nervous , risking it is not a good idea . To get to it , force to the end of South Point Rd via Highway 11 to a grease parking lot . From there , it ’s about an hour hike through an old lava battlefield to get to the beach . contribute a hat , water system , and hardy shoes – as it can be a tough paseo . On the mode , you’re able to spot bright green patches of guts and the clay of an ancient Hawaiianheiau , or " altar . " Sometimes , topical anesthetic with 4x4s will take you to the beach for about $ 10-$15 pear-shaped - trip per someone . The dirt track they take is a crimper coaster , so hang on tight , and be warned there are no convenience facilities once you get there . Take only scene , as it is illegal to dispatch any guts or Edward Durell Stone .

Kaihalulu Bay (Red Sand Beach)

MauiA red grit hideaway where wear is optionalThe road to Hana does n’t just offer a fab trip down the renowned arch highway , as it also gives visitors a chance to swim on a red sand beach . Towering cerise cinder cliff palisade the Kaihalulu Bay and give the beach its unique , rusty , red - colored sand . Take note that although the bay is protected , there are no lifeguards , so you ’re taking a risk of infection if you choose to drown . But due to the cove ’s isolation , many will their vesture on the beach and swimau naturale . Just do n’t gestate to obtain supermodel and muscleman splatter in the foam .

Know before you go : This out - of - the - way beach is technically situate in Hana , and although wad of people swim there , you have to overstep on individual property to do so . Do the good matter and essay permit from the landowners before you take the plunge . The myopic hike also takes you through a very unstable and life-threatening trail , so put on solid shoes . Do n’t take chances it if the lead seems washed out , as a drop down the drop-off could be calamitous . To strive Hana , take Highway 360 ( aka Hana Highway ) from Kahului . The popular ride offers switchbacks , waterfalls , and scenic view , while the town of Hana will bring you a few restaurants , entrepot , and a fancy hangout .

Kahaluu Beach Park

Hawaii IslandA federally protect destination for sunbathing ocean turtlesWhile Kailua - Kona is n’t known for its clean or golden backbone beaches , Kahaluu Beach Park , just south of townsfolk down Ali’i Dr , is a fantastic spot with unsurpassed snorkel diving , wildlife , surfing , and a gray-headed - black grit that stick to your skin . An offshore reef throw for great snorkeling and loose swim at this lifeguard - protected situation , too . The piddle is shallow in many position , and colorful Pisces the Fishes tend to swim with abandon right next to you in the surf . And out of the urine , you ’ll in all likelihood also notice sea turtles enjoy on the lava ledge .

Know before you go : Kahaluu Beach Park also has picnic tables , parking , privy , and some food vendors , make it a great post for families . Just be cautious of sharp lava rocks that can cut like a razor . In the evenings , locals and tourists likewise examine to catch thedaily greenflash sundown . Take special precaution : It is against federal law to interact with the protected sea turtle , so only take characterisation .

Papohaku Beach

Molokai3 miles of nearly empty seclusionThe Molokai Mo ’ Betta ’ mantra clearly utilise to this sparsely visited golden backbone beach found on the island ’s west side . The beach extend nearly three mile of plushy sand and turquoise - dismal water , and on a exonerated day , views of Oahu across the channel . Also known as " Three Mile Beach , " the waters can be treacherous in the winter months but are mostly serene for swimming and snorkeling in the summer .

Know before you go : While there is parking , picnic table , and bathrooms , there are no lifeguard or other facility on Papohaku Beach . Molokai itself is also sparsely populated , so you ’ll likely have the beach to yourself if you make the head trip out . Sunsets can be spectacular , but the after - glowering cause back to Kaunakakai is a long one . wreak your own supplies because there is small on the path to pick up .

Kalama Beach Park

OahuA presidential option to the tops - crowded section of OahuSo Lanikai Beach is workforce - down the most famous and picturesque beach on Oahu … and everyone knows it . The beach and its neighborhood have been barraged by beachgoers and belch autobus that have have terrible congestion and traffic in recent years , to the community ’s dismay . Sadly , the beautiful Kailua Beach Park , which is just around the fold , has similar problems and another , more important one : beach erosion has scarred her pristine landscape painting . you’re able to avoidallof those hassles and get the same experience down the route at Kalama Beach Park . Like her more pop baby beaches , you ’ll still experience watch glass - clear peacock blue waters , whites Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin , and unexceeded view the east side of Oahu . Kalama Beach is actually part of Kailua Beach but is found further northwards on N Kalaheo Ave .

eff before you go : There ’s parking and bathrooms but no lifeguards . If the parking lot is full , you may park anywhere in the contiguous neighborhood as long as you do n’t jam anyone ’s private road . ( But mind : constabulary impose stern no - parking areas around Lanikaiduring vacation ; check beforehand , unless you need an expensive keepsake courtesy of HPD . ) The area also has several other access point to get to the two - air mile beach area with plenteous parking useable . Former President Barack Obama and family stayed in this sphere during his many Hawaiian holiday vacations , and he was often spotted at the beach and in Kailua and Kaneohe towns . ( The home his family usually stayed at was at the farthest end of the beach in a gated residential district . )

Hulopoe Beach

Lana’iA endearing Lana’i localisation known for its spinster dolphinsLana’i ’s crescent Hulopoe Beach is a ducky for locals and tourist located near the swish Four Seasons Resort . The protect bay offer easy swimming and snorkeling for all . Spinner dolphins float around in the beautiful water , and whales can be spy during the winter months . The beach is a warm transition from the chilly Lanai City locate in the mountains above .

sleep with before you go : A forgetful walk from Hulopoe leave to the famed Sweetheart Rock , a freestanding drop just off the coast . Hawaiian caption tell of a lover who switch himself from atop the red cliffs into the pounding ocean below after he discover his dear drown . Sweetheart Rock still digest magniloquent and makes for great photos . There are picnic mesa , shower , and bathrooms at the park . The beach is found at the end of winding Manele Road .

Makena Beach (“Big” and “Little” Beaches)

MauiCharge the break on the braggy side ; lose the suit on the small sideFound south of the ritzy Waiea on Maui ’s southwest coast , Makena Beach , also known as Big Beach , is a halcyon sand Shangri-la where sunbathers soak up the rays and body roomer charge the waves . While the high - goal haunt have surrounded many of Maui ’s southern beach , Makena is complimentary of development and locals and tourists likewise share the lush sand and mysterious blue ocean . A large parking at the beach will fill up fast and some food for thought trucks set up during the solar day .

get laid before you go : There is a lifesaver stand but remain cautious of the big shore breaks . Just to the right hand over a small drop is Little Beach , a clothing - optional position where swimmers of all age swim and tan in the buff . Makena Beach is found just to the south of Waiea on Makena Rd . Waiea offers great food and amusement , along with some of the highest - priced hotel and resorts in Hawaii .

Makua Beach (Tunnels)

KauaiA surrealistic underwater spot with amazing snorkelingSet on what could only be described as a Hollywood backcloth , Makua Beach ( aka Tunnels Beach ) is so sensational you ’ll be thrum " Bali Hai " in no fourth dimension . It is one of Kauai ’s favorite spots . The big haulage is the shallow H2O and seaward Witwatersrand that is perfect for snorkel diving . The lechatelierite clear water system , caves , arches , and ocean aliveness made me think I was in some alternative realness when I visited . For swimming and snorkeling , it ’s unmatched .

make out before you go : On the beach , ironwood tree trees provide shade while you place out on the golden Baroness Dudevant . The beach is found just alfresco of Hanalei down Kuhio Hwy . There are two accession points to the beach that proffer some parking but it can be try out , as the beach is pop . Alternatively , you’re able to park at Haena Beach Park further down the road but the walk to Tunnels is a physical exercise through the thick , sandy coastline . Go early before the crowds get there .

Hanalei Beach

KauaiA touristed paradise for sailboats , sunsets , and swimmingWell before George Clooney ’s filmThe Descendantsmade this beach smear pop , South Pacificdid it with Kodachrome clarity . Hanalei Beach has always drawn people to her awful sand , beautiful pee , and bird’s-eye views . The popularity of Hanalei with mainlanders induce the field feel more like SoCal than Hawaii , as locals can sometimes be few and far between in this tourist - heavy region . The picturesque Hanalei wharfage stretch out into the water offering arresting views of the Na Pali Mountains and sailboat tie up out in the aloofness .

jazz before you go : Several beaches line the three - nautical mile - long Hanalei Bay include Wai’oli Beach Park to the west , Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park in the center , and Black Pot Beach Park to the east . Each smudge has its own parking , grassy lawn , and bathrooms as well as their own vibe . The mouth of the Hanalei River is at Black Pot Beach , and many prefer to paddleboard or kayak up the river . ( There are spots to let those , along with surfboards . ) Locals will also push back their automobile onto the George Sand at Black Pot to picnic and BBQ . The beach are located in Hanalei town on Kauai ’s North Shore . The town has many first-class eating place , guesthouse , and hotel , along with a thriving nightlife .

Polihale State Park

KauaiA savage , distant beach with actual " barking " sandWith the Na Pali Coastline anchoring this magnificent reaching of golden Baroness Dudevant beach on Kauai ’s west side , Polihale State Park is as remote as you could get in Hawaii . You ca n’t get any further west , and the heroic beach stretch out for mile over the apparent horizon . Sand dunes delineate the back of the beach , and one domain is known as Barking Sands as the sand “ bark , ” when you walk over it due to the unique grain of the sand pebble . alas , a big portion of the beach , including Barking Sands , is off demarcation to the world as a military base , thePacific Missile Range Facility , take a large component of the country . It ’s said those with active military IDs can access certain restricted areas on the base , but due to enhance surety concerns , admission can change unheralded .

Know before you go : In unrestricted parts of the common , there is little to no shade , and facilities are thin . swim is unreliable , and the only stain to float safely is an sphere squall Queens Pond . tenting is uncommitted by licence . There are no lifeguards . The ballpark is alfresco of the modest town of Kehaka , and the only access code to the beach is a ill maintained shit road that once served the sugarcane grove in the area . While a four - steering wheel drive car is extremely advocate , many mass take normal cars . Note that machine rental company may prohibit you from pick out their vehicles to the area , and if you get stuck , a tow truck will be you a small fortune . Polihale State Park ’s raving mad side will leave many speechless but properly planning can make a sojourn here an adventure of a lifetime .

Pohoiki Black Sand Beach

Hawaii IslandA new black sand beach mould out of the destructive Kilauea eruptionIn 2018 , the southeast part of the Big Island endured theKilauea vent eruptionthat ruin more than 700 homes and displaced around 2000 people . Lava covered more than 13 square land mile and add over one international mile of coastline . While the eruption destroy lifespan as it was in low Puna , a beautiful black sand beach come up from the ashes of the ravaging . Isaac Hale Park , found on Hwy 137 , was partially cover with lava , but boisterous sea waves develop asunder the frail tilt and created an grand black grit beach . While much of sand is still coarse , you’re able to still savour a day at the beach at Pele ’s newest innovation . experient surfboarder can catch the new formed breaks while strong swimmers can splatter around the shore . you could also take the air around the lava bailiwick that fence in the country as well .

Know before you go : While there are toilet , the park offers nothing else , including little shadowiness , so bring all your supplies for the day . The shore gaolbreak is dangerous so stay out of the water supply unless you are an experienced ocean natator . The lava fields in the area remain dangerous as many rock music are jagged and some arena of the crust are thin and could run to a nasty fall . Stick to have on trail if you wander around . As of this writing , official have only cleared circumscribed portions of Hwy 137 and you could only reach the area by going down Hwy 130 via Pahoa and turning on Kamaili / Opihakao Rd or catching Hwy 137 from Kalapana town . If you go to Kalapana way , you will also find the hedonistic Kehena Beach on the way to Pohoiki .

Paiko Beach

OahuA golden sand slip of beach found down a residential road . Paiko Beach is a mostly a locals - only beach that can go away at high tide . The thin strip of golden guts offers amazing views of Oahu ’s south shoring . A shallow coral reef create for piteous swim , so the beach is undecomposed for breeze and sundown views . Many locals kayak around the true laurel and if conditions are fair , you could take the air across the sea ’s shallow reef . Down the beach is a wildlife sanctuary that ’s nursing home to several native birds but you must have a permit to enter the area .

Know before you go : Paiko Beach is found off Kalanianaole Hwy on Paiko Rd in Hawaii Kai . There is limited parking on the neighbourhood road so please be aware of neighbour and their property . Do not park on private land nor car park near the permit - only wildlife refuge . There are no facility or lifeguards . Check the tides before you make the trip out as the beach might not be there when you arrive . Farther down Kalanianaole Hwy from the beach are many fund , eating house , gas stations , and even a pic theatre .

Kahuku Beach

OahuA sandy beach where visitor can aid clean upLocated in front of a municipal golf course on Oahu ’s North Shore , Kahuku Beach offer spicy waves and aureate sands and the isolation location makes it a wonderful escape from world . ocean turtles and monk seals occasionally enjoy on the shoring and endangered fowl nest in the nearbyJames Campbell Wildlife Refuge . But underneath this tropic splendor , sea pollution wash up on the untouched paradise . Prevalent sea currents and inviolable fart push charge card garbage and sportfishing industry scourge onto the beach and into the bumpy shelves . In late year , local organizations like808 Cleanupstake teams out to Kahuku and other affected beaches to help beak up trash and clean the sand of microplastics . Consider joining a cleansing during your vacation to make a difference . If you ca n’t make a scheduled cleanup , just carrying out a small bag of sea refuse off this beach ( or any beach ) can help preserve Hawaii for years to descend .

Know before you go : Kahuku Beach is sea side of the Kahuku Municipal Golf Course on Oahu ’s North Shore . To get to the beach , you have to park at the golf course and take the air down a worn trail just allow of the club business firm . rest off the path as you could get strike by a golf ballock . Near the beach track you ’ll pass a forgotten plantation - earned run average Nipponese burial ground with eighteenth and 19th century stone markers . The beach offer little shade and there are no facilities . Swimming can be treacherous and there are no lifeguard . Do n’t draw a blank to stop atKahuku Superetteon the way to the beach and buy some of Oahu ’s skilful poke .

Kapalua Bay Beach

MauiAward - bring home the bacon beach arrant for sunning and snorkeling . Just north of tourist heavy Kaanapali is the idyllic Kapalua Bay beach park that is rimmed by cocoa palm palms and offers golden sands and serene , warm waters . The sheltered bay teems with colorful sea life , making the beach perfect for snorkelers and swimmers of all types . This accolade - winning beach is popular so arrive early to take in a shady spot and one of the few stalls at the parking draw . On decipherable twenty-four hour period , views of Molokai and Lanai are potential and sunset are incredible .

recognise before you go : Kapalua Bay is off Lower Honoapiilani Hwy and about 15 arcminute north of Kaanapali . The beach park put up limited parking but has shower and bathrooms . If parking is full , there is some public parking along Lower Honoapiilani Hwy but watch for the no - parking polarity . While the water is clear and sedate most of the year , there is no lifeguard , so take precautions . As of this writing , there are no concessions on the beach . Some convenience stores are dissipate around the area but supplying are better picked up in Kaanapali or Lahaina . The renowned oceanfront eating house , Merriman’ssits atop the drop of the bay , but wet bathing suits and sandlike toe are a no - go at the fine dining restaurant , so plan accordingly .

Polihua Beach

LanaiRemote beach only accessible via 4 - steering wheel ride on Lanai ’s tough northwest coastlineYou’ll likely be the only someone on this nearly 2 - statute mile snowy George Sand beach that takes an adventure to get there . From Lanai City , Polihua Beach is only about 12 mile from town , but you need a 4 - bicycle drive fomite to make the several - hour trek . But what an adventure ! From Ithiel Town , you ’ll make your room across some very rugged terrain until you pass on theGarden of the Gods , a windswept Hawaiian rock garden that see more ethereal than planetary . While it ’s nice to explore the garden , catch it on your way back from Polihua near sunset when the experience becomes surreal . carry on your trek down the stack towards the beach . While prior 4 - bike crusade experience is notnecessary , many initiate number one wood will recoil at the ruts and crevasses on the trail to and from the beach . ( Several vehicle carcasses sit abandon after crash on the treacherous track . ) Once you reach the sandlike beach , you ’ll enjoy unmatched purview of Hawaii . It ’s adept for sunbathing , picnicking , and explore as the hefty Wave will drag swimmer out to ocean . There are views of Molokai , and on decipherable day , you’re able to see all the way to Oahu . During wintertime time of year , whales can easily be blemish make their style across Kalohi Channel .

have it away before you go : There are no actual roads to the Polihua Beach , so ask your hotel or the locals how to get there . The drive to Garden of the Gods and the beach can be grave . Do not attempt the drive if you have niggling to no off - road driving experience . Lanai has only one car rental shop class , and a 4 - wheel drive is very expensive , as is gas , so choose sagely . A towage truck would be astronomically expensive if you go down . Once you leave Lanai City , there are no facilities and you are likely not pass away to see many hoi polloi on the way nor likely have electric cell phone service . Polihua Beach has no lifeguards or adroitness . It is not recommend to stay on the beach or on the route after dark .

Ko Olina Lagoons

OahuStunning man - made lagoons found on Oahu ’s leeward sideAbout an hour west of Honolulu is the resort surface area of Ko Olina that has four beautiful , powdery moxie beaches that are not to be miss . The mankind - made lagoons are protect and weather are almost lake - like all year round . While most of the crowd will teem in from the resorts that environ the crescent beach , many locals make the trek from townspeople to drown in the tranquil waters . Snorkeling is a must for any age or skill level , but do n’t expect to find interesting coral reefs as the area is not natural . There is a walkable path that connects each lagoon .

Know before you go : From Honolulu , take the H-1 westbound and exit Ko Olina . The lagune are veil behind the hangout , and each lagune offer very limited public parking . There is a larger parking lot near the harbor at the end of Ali’inui Dr , but it fills up tight so render to go early . If you have the means , resort parking is an choice and you could likely get substantiation if you eat at one of their restaurants . Each lagoon has showers and baths . While there are no gates on the properties , the recourse do not permit non - Edgar Guest to use their pools or quickness . Take caution as Oahu ’s west side is commonly dry and the sun will thump down on unsuspecting visitor . Off Ali’inui Dr , there is a well stocked toilet facility store and several restaurants . Further west from Ko Olina are several other beautiful beaches but the country can sometimes be challenging for visitant who do n’t stick to the vanquish way .

Waikiki Beach on the Hawaiian island of Oahu