Warm weather, pristine sands, and a unique culture all combine to make the beaches in Hawaii coveted vacation destinations. But with so many beaches in Hawaii, it can be difficult to choose which one(s) to visit.
That’s why I’m here: I’ve traveled extensively and researched for you. Read on to discover exactly where you should go.
Family-friendly beaches in Hawaii
Traveling with kids? Don’t miss these family-friendly beaches.
Waikiki Beach
Located on the island of Oahu near Honolulu, this Hawaii beach is a must-visit for families. Waikiki Beach boasts a long strip of soft white sand, so there’s plenty of room to spread your towels out. The kids will enjoy building sandcastles and burying themselves (and you) in the powder-soft sand.
The waters at Waikiki Beach are famously calm, meaning they’re perfect for young kids who might be taking their first dip in the ocean. More adventurous spirits will enjoy surfing lessons; the waves here are perfect for beginners.
Water sports lovers, meanwhile, can rent kayaks, canoes, or paddle boards. There’s also a lifeguard on duty year-round, so you can rest assured everyone will be safe. Waikiki Beach is a famous resort area, so there are also plenty of shops, restaurants, restrooms, and other facilities nearby.
Ko Olina
This beach is located on the western shore of Oahu, near Hawaii’s Ewa Beach neighborhood, which is famously family-friendly. Ko Olina is a two-mile stretch of beach consisting of four man-made lagoons. The rocks surrounding these coves protect the area from the wind, so the waters here are generally calm – perfect for young swimmers.
Those looking for some laidback water sports will enjoy canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. You can also rent snorkeling equipment and set out to explore the diverse underwater terrain. Once you dry off, book a dinner cruise for the whole family or set out on a whale-watching tour.
There’s no shortage of things to do here, and it’ll also be less crowded than other beaches on the island because of its distance from Honolulu (around 23 miles.)
Best Hawaii beaches for surfing
It’s no secret that Hawaii has some of the best waves in the US, so surfers of all experience levels flock here to challenge themselves.
Hanalei Bay
Located on Kauai’s North Shore, Hanalei Bay Beach isn’t just one of the top surfing spots in Hawaii, it consistently tops lists of the best beaches in the entire US. With pristine white sand and a backdrop of forested mountains, it’s also one of the most picturesque beaches in Hawaii.
The bay stretches for about two miles and a wide range of water conditions make it a great place for surfers of any experience level. The winter months are the most challenging, if you want to test yourself visit between November and April.
Beginner surfers can treat themselves to surfing lessons, and there’s a lifeguard on duty year-round. Of course, there are also plenty of other activities to do here, such as visiting the historic Hanalei Pier.
Diamond Head Cliffs
Located along Oahu’s South Shore, Diamond Head Cliffs is one of the best Hawaii beaches for intermediate surfers. The waters here are relatively shallow and the strength and size of the waves vary. No matter what time you show up, though, rest assured that you’ll be treated to unrivaled views of the Diamond Head volcano.
Those who want a break can simply swim, but beware of the large waves and rip currents. You’ll also find a few restaurants and surf shops nearby. For calmer waves, arrive at Diamond Head either early in the morning or after 4pm.
Best beaches in Hawaii for hiking
If you’re looking to work up a sweat you can find great hikes at many of Hawaii’s beaches.
Waipio Valley Beach
Nestled on the northern side of the Big Island, Waipio Valley Beach serves as your reward at the end of a steep and challenging hike. If you park at the Waipio Valley Lookout and walk down, the hike is about 1.5 miles. Or, take a longer guided tour of the Waipio Valley for amazing views.
No matter how long you decide to hike, this Hawaii black sand beach is worth the trek. Formed by eroded material from volcanic eruptions past, the black sand provides the perfect contrast to the lush greenery and turquoise waters. Since access to this black sand beach in Hawaii involves a fairly strenuous hike, it’s much less crowded than many of the others. Although it’s popular with surfers, swimming is not recommended due to strong rip currents.
Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach
Another of Hawaii’s black sand beaches, this one is located on the eastern shores of Maui. The best hike in this area stretches from the nearby town of Hana to Waianapanapa State Park. The trail is about six miles long, but it’s easy to break it into sections.
Following portions of the ancient King’s Highway, this hike will take you through the town of Hana, past Hana Forest Reserve, and through the state park. You’ll enjoy unmatched views of lava formations reaching into the ocean, and you’ll also pass an ancient Hawaiian temple.
The beach itself is famous for its steep cliff views and unique lava tubes that swimmers can explore. But swim with caution – it’s also famous for strong rip tides.
Best beaches for snorkeling in Hawaii
Want to explore Hawaii’s underwater terrain? You’re in in luck. There are plenty of beaches in Hawaii with diverse marine life.
Ke’e Beach
Situated on Kauai’s North Shore, this beach is best suited for intermediate and advanced swimmers. Those up for the challenge will find that it’s more than worth it, as the barrier reef here is home to many diverse marine life. Do note though that this beach requires reservations in advance.
Reservation secured, you’ll encounter butterflyfish, goatfish, sea cucumbers, and maybe even seals, turtles, and reef sharks as you snorkel. You’ll also find plenty of services at this beach, including a lifeguard, snack shack, and showers.
“When visiting Ke’e Beach, I always wear water shoes, and I try not to step on the reef. This beach requires reservations in advance.”
Hanauma Bay
The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is located on the eastern shores of Oahu, and it offers snorkeling experiences for all levels. This spot is known for its exceptionally clear visibility. Kids and less experienced swimmers will enjoy the shallow waters close to the shore, while those who are more experienced can venture to the outer reefs.
You’ll find plenty of colorful coral, fish, and other marine life here. As this is a protected area, it’s important to know how to be a respectful traveler. All visitors are required to watch a safety video before entering. Since Hanauma Bay is quite a popular spot, it’s best to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
No matter what type of vacation you’re looking for, you now know the best Hawaii beaches to check out. From snorkeling and surfing to hiking and kid-friendly spots, Hawaii truly has it all. So, what are you waiting for? A flight to Hawaii doesn’t have to be expensive when you know how to travel on a budget. You can even check out some affordable all-inclusive resorts to keep the costs down.
Looking for other beautiful beaches outside the US? Consider visiting some of the best beaches in Australia or check our guide for the top beaches in Spain.
