Hawaii's Best Beaches

This selection of Hawaiian coastal sites features diverse geological formations, from the volcanic black basalt sands of Punalu’u to the limestone-filtered white sands of Lanikai. The list includes Maui’s Ho'okipa Park, a global center for windsurfing due to its consistent trade winds, and Kauai’s Kalalau Beach, reachable only via the Na Pali Coast’s 11-mile wilderness trail. These destinations represent varied marine environments, including protected coves on Oahu’s North Shore and the deep-sand, crescent-shaped beaches of South Maui.

Lanikai Beach

Lanikai Beach or Kaʻōhao Beach is located in Kaʻōhao, a community in the town of Kailua and on the windward coast of Oahu, Hawaii.

Turtle Bay

Located on Oahu's North Shore, this area is a natural habitat for Hawaiian green sea turtles. The coastline consists of a protected sandy cove and rocky points that facilitate snorkeling and surfing.

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

Punaluʻu Beach is a beach between Pāhala and Nāʻālehu on the Big Island of the U.S. state of Hawaii.

Makena Landing

This sandy beach is great for families with children, fishermen and kayakers. Water is calm and shallow.

Wailea Beach

A wide, crescent-shaped sandy beach on Maui's south shore. It features clear water with a sandy bottom and is connected to other coastal areas via the Wailea Beach Path.

Keawakapu Beach North

If you love powdery sands and azure seas, then this majestic beach is the right choice for you. Beach-combing is so much fun here.

Hookipa Park Beach

A prominent windsurfing and kitesurfing site on Maui’s north shore. The beach is characterized by strong trade winds, significant winter swells, and a protected area where green sea turtles frequently haul out onto the sand.