Best Beach in Hawaii: 22 Picture-Perfect Shores You Can’t Miss

Sunburns fade, but the memories made on the best beaches in Hawaii tend to stick, especially when you’re standing barefoot in powdery white sand with a shaved ice in hand, wondering if real life can ever compete with this view.

Packing for paradise always sounds simple until the reality hits. How do you even choose which stretch of sand to bless with your SPF 50 and overpriced resort flip-flops?

Locals swear by one cove, travel guides name another, and suddenly finding the best beach in Hawaii feels like swiping on a dating app—too many perfect options, not enough time.

This guide narrows it down to the real deal: 22 beaches that actually deserve the hype, whether you’re chasing waves, sea turtles, or just a quiet place to overthink your life choices under a palm tree.

Grab your towel, because every beach on this list will have you mentally drafting your “I’m never coming home” post before you even hit the water!

Where to Dive In: The Best Beaches for Swimming in Hawaii

Kahanamoku Beach (Oahu)

Set at the edge of Waikiki, Kahanamoku Beach is proof that not all Hawaii beaches are created equal. This beautiful beach has calm waters thanks to a protective jetty, making it ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or just people-watching from a floaty. 

Grab a spot near the Hilton Lagoon for sunset. Trust us, it’s pure magic when the sky turns pink over the city skyline. Plus, you’re steps from the action, so a mai tai refill is never far away.

Keawakapu Beach (Maui)

A favorite among locals, this long stretch of sand is the definition of a tranquil Hawaiian beach. The water at Keawakapu Beach stays calm and clear most of the year, so it’s a great pick for morning swims or family-friendly dips. 

With luxury condos on one side and sea turtles on the other, it’s that perfect balance of “Instagram-worthy” and “still feels local.” Sunrise walks here make even jet lag feel like a blessing.

Mauna Kea Beach (Big Island)

Anchored by the elegant Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, this Big Island favorite looks like it was designed for a travel brochure: smooth sand, turquoise water, and palm trees swaying on cue. 

The gentle slope into the sea makes Mauna Kea Beach ideal for both new swimmers and lazy floaters who forgot what stress feels like. 

Bring your snorkel gear; the rocky ends of the cove hide vibrant reef life and the occasional sea turtle cameo. It’s as peaceful as paradise gets, until you realize adventure is just offshore. 

Speaking of, the nearby Big Island Whale Watching Tour from Kawaihae is a natural extension of your beach day.

Trade your towel for a boat seat and spot humpbacks leaping against the horizon. Trust us, it’s a front-row seat to nature’s ultimate splash zone.

Lanikai Beach (Oahu)

The kind of beach that ruins all other beaches, Lanikai Beach looks like someone Photoshopped it into existence. The powdery sand and electric-blue water feel almost fake until you’re knee-deep in the shallows, staring at the Mokulua Islands in disbelief. 

It’s small, residential, and lacks big facilities, but that’s part of the charm. Arrive early for parking and bring snacks; once you’re here, leaving is not an option your heart will agree to.

Ala Moana Beach Park (Oahu)

Locals know Ala Moana Beach Park as Honolulu’s go-to swimming spot. It’s calm, accessible, and blissfully protected by an outer reef. 

It’s also where joggers, families, and off-duty surfers all coexist in a state of collective chill. Lifeguards keep watch, shady trees offer relief, and the water’s just right for a long, lazy float between errands or sunsets. 

Feeling restless after your dip? Hop over to the Magic Island Beach Segway Tour, which glides right alongside the park’s scenic coastline. It’s a surprisingly fun way to explore the city’s oceanfront without ever losing sight of that crystal-blue view.

Under the Surface: Hawaii’s Top Snorkeling Spots

Honaunau Bay (Big Island)

Named after the natural lava rock “steps” that lead right into the ocean, this spot makes snorkeling as easy as it gets. The shallow water near the entry point is crystal clear, so even beginners can see coral, fish, and the occasional spinner dolphin passing by. 

Honaunau Bay is less crowded than the island’s big-name beaches, giving you room to float in peace. Just watch your footing; those lava rocks are real, and they definitely don’t care about your pedicure.

Hanauma Bay (Oahu)

Protected, calm, and teeming with marine life, Hanauma Bay is Hawaii’s most famous snorkeling haven for good reason. Early birds score the best parking spaces, but the effort pays off with crystal-clear water and schools of tropical fish that practically pose for your GoPro. 

This beach is located inside a nature preserve, so everything from sunscreen use to feeding the fish is carefully regulated—and that’s exactly why it’s stayed so pristine.

Bring your own gear or rent it on-site, and prepare to feel like you’ve dropped into a live-action aquarium.

Tunnels Beach (Kauai)

With its backdrop of lush cliffs and arching palm trees, Tunnels Beach feels like the postcard version of a snorkeler’s dream. The inner reef offers calm waters perfect for beginners, while advanced swimmers can venture farther to explore the dramatic coral formations. 

Marine life is abundant, so expect colorful fish, sea turtles, and maybe even a monk seal cameo. Arrive early, as parking is limited and the word “Tunnels” has already made its way onto just about every must-do Kauai itinerary.

Kealakekua Bay (Big Island)

Home to the historic Captain Cook Monument and shimmering turquoise water, Kealakekua Bay is a Big Island icon. 

Snorkelers flock here for the chance to spot Hawaiian green sea turtles, colorful coral gardens, and curious fish that seem to have no personal space. Visibility is top-notch, making it one of Hawaii’s most unforgettable underwater experiences. 

After exploring the reef, keep the adventure going with the Historical Kona Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay, which sails right into these same waters at sunset. Between the ocean views and storytelling onboard, it’s the perfect way to trade your snorkel mask for a cocktail without losing sight of paradise.

Kaanapali Beach (Maui)

Fronting Maui’s resort-lined coast, Kaanapali Beach offers some of the island’s best snorkeling right off the sand, no boat required!

Black Rock, at the beach’s north end, shelters schools of tropical fish and vibrant coral that rival any paid excursion. The conditions are ideal for beginners, and you might even catch a cliff diver making a dramatic leap at sunset. 

Want to take the experience to the next level? Join the Snorkel Tour to Lanai Half Day, which departs from this very shoreline and crosses the channel to Lanai’s untouched reefs. It’s a double dose of Maui magic—half beach day, half ocean adventure, 100% worth it.

Catch the Wave: Beaches Made for Surfing and Big Swells 

Waimea Bay Beach Park (Oahu)

Located on Oahu’s legendary North Shore, Waimea Bay is where surfing folklore was born—and where waves grow taller than your travel budget in winter. 

During calmer months, Waimea Bay Oahu transforms into a tranquil swimming spot framed by soft white sand beach and clear blue water. It’s one of those rare places that feels both wild and welcoming, depending on the season and your courage. 

After watching the pros defy gravity, hop on the Majestic Circle Island tour, which loops through Waimea and the island’s most iconic sights. It’s the perfect way to see how Oahu’s beauty extends far beyond the breakers without ever having to wax a surfboard.

Hamoa Beach (Maui)

The Road to Hana might be the journey, but Hamoa is the reward waiting at the end!

Surrounded by steep cliffs and lush greenery, this crescent of soft gray sand (technically not a full black sand beach, but close enough to count) draws both bodyboarders and daydreamers alike. 

Waves here can be strong, so it’s best for confident swimmers or those content to admire the view from a towel. Add it to your Hawaii bucket list, because once you’ve dipped your toes in Hamoa’s surf, you’ll understand why locals call it one of Maui’s true treasures.

Makena Beach (Maui)

Makena, also known as Big Beach, lives up to its name in every sense—big waves, big sand stretch, big personality. The shore break here is no joke, so keep an eye out before running headfirst into the surf. 

That said, watching seasoned boogie boarders tackle the rollers is a sport in itself. Get here early to snag a parking spot, since the lot fills faster than your sunscreen bottle empties. It’s pure Maui energy: thrilling, sunny, and just a little bit wild.

Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach (Big Island)

Formed by cooled lava and framed by palm trees, Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is as dramatic as beaches get. 

The sand is jet black, the water shimmers deep blue, and the contrast is so striking it feels like stepping into a movie scene. Sea turtles love to bask here, reminding everyone who really owns the place. 

To round out the experience, join the Big Island Circle Tour, which makes a stop at Punaluʻu and ties in nearby volcanoes, waterfalls, and coffee farms. It’s an all-in-one adventure that proves the Big Island doesn’t do “average”—it does unforgettable.

Sun, Sand, and Snack Breaks: Family-Friendly Beaches Worth the Hype

Kailua Beach Park (Oahu)

Tucked along Oahu’s windward coast, Kailua Beach Park delivers everything you’d hope for from a Hawaiian island escape—soft white sand, turquoise water, and enough palm trees to keep everyone’s camera busy.

It’s the kind of place where families can swim, paddleboard, or just float until lunch suddenly turns into dinner. 

Gentle waves make it ideal for kids, and the nearby town of Kailua has plenty of spots for post-beach treats. Bring sunscreen, a cooler, and an appetite for both sunshine and malasadas.

Poipu Beach Park (Kauai)

If Kauai had a main character, it would be Poipu—one of the best beaches in Hawaii for families who want a little bit of everything. 

The natural reef creates calm swimming lagoons, while lifeguards, picnic tables, and restrooms make it an easy all-day affair. Kids can spot sea turtles and monk seals basking onshore, while parents enjoy a well-earned moment of peace under the shade. 

Want to balance the chill with a little thrill? Sign up for the Half-Day Na Pali Raft and Snorkel Adventure, which departs not far from Poipu and explores Kauai’s wildest coastlines. It’s the perfect upgrade for families who love their beach days with a splash of adrenaline.

Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area (Big Island)

Hapuna is where families on the Big Island go when they want space to spread out, swim safely, and enjoy the island’s most postcard-perfect scenery.

No worries, as lifeguards are always on duty, the sand is powdery soft, and amenities (from restrooms to shaded pavilions) keep things easy. 

In winter, moderate big waves roll in, thrilling older kids while younger ones splash happily in the shallows. Ask anyone to list the best beaches in the Hawaiian islands, and this one almost always makes the cut.

Off the Grid and On the Sand: Hawaii’s Most Secluded Shores

Polihale State Park Beach (Kauai)

Getting to Polihale requires a bit of determination, but few spots reward the effort like this remote beach Kauai treasure. Stretching for miles along the island’s western edge, it’s a place where golden dunes meet the endless Pacific and silence feels like a luxury. 

Swimmers should stick close to shore since the surf can be rough, but sunset seekers will find pure magic here. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins offshore and other marine life that remind you just how far from ordinary you’ve wandered.

Makalawena Beach (Big Island)

A short hike over lava rock leads to what many locals call the best beach in Hawaii, and honestly, they’re not wrong. Powdery white sand, turquoise lagoons, and zero crowds make Makalawena Beach feel like your own private island. 

With no facilities or roads, it’s a true escape for those who prefer coolers over cabanas and peace over playlists. Bring sturdy shoes, plenty of water, and the willpower to actually leave once you’ve found this hidden gem.

Waimanalo Beach (Oahu)

Calm, wide, and lined with ironwood trees, Waimanalo offers everything people love about a beach in Hawaii, minus the crowds. 

The sand feels softer, the vibe slower, and the backdrop of the Koʻolau Mountains gives it an almost movie-set quality. It’s perfect for quiet swims, family picnics, or simply zoning out to the sound of gentle surf. 

To balance that serenity with a little sightseeing, join the Island and You tour, which stops near Waimanalo and showcases Oahu’s best eats, lookouts, and local gems. It’s the ideal mix of beach bliss and island flavor, exactly how a Hawaiian day should feel.

Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach (Maui)

Located on the rugged coastline near Hana, Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach is a jaw-dropping contrast of deep black sand, turquoise waves, and lush green cliffs.

It’s not just a photo op—there are lava tubes to explore, sea caves to peek into, and blowholes that make every visit a little unpredictable. The vibe here is untamed, the kind of beauty that makes you whisper instead of shout. 

Keep the adventure going with the Road to Hana Waterfalls Tour with Lunch, which passes through this exact stretch of coastline. Between the waterfalls, winding roads, and this unforgettable stop, you’ll quickly see why the journey to Hana is as iconic as the destination itself.

Ready to Find Your Slice of Hawaiian Paradise?

From calm coves to wild surf breaks, the best beaches in Hawaii prove there’s no wrong way to sink your toes into paradise. Each island offers its own personality, from family-friendly lagoons to remote, cinematic stretches of sand.

Now that you’ve seen what makes each shore unique, it’s time to start planning how to experience them for yourself.

The easiest way? Bundle your adventures with vacation packages through Tripster, where you can snag exclusive deals on Hawaii attractions, shows, and hotels (even Waikiki ones) without the usual planning stress.

Whether your version of the best beach in Hawaii involves snorkeling with turtles, sipping mai tais, hunting down good food, or just chasing sunsets, Tripster helps you turn those daydreams into real itineraries.

Grab that beach bag and get ready. The islands are calling, and this time, you’re answering in flip-flops!

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