Beaches of Hawaii
Hawaii is world-renowned for its beautiful beaches. The islands have every type of beach imaginable: white, black, green and red sand beaches; romantic bays and beach parks for the family; popular shorelines for people-watching and off-the-beaten-track sands untouched by development. Discover Hawaii’s world-famous beaches below.
Kauai Beaches:
Poipu Beach, Poipu: Popular with visitors and Hawaiian monk seals, this South Shore beach was once named America's Best Beach.
Hanalei Beach Park, Hanalei: This picturesque North Shore beach is the perfect spot to share a romantic sunset.
Lydgate Beach Park, Wailua: This family-friendly beach park on the Coconut Coast is one of the best spots in Kauai for first time snorkellers.
Oahu Beaches:
Waikiki Beach, Waikiki : One of the most popular beaches in the world, this historic gathering place is also one of the best spots in Hawaii to take a surfing lesson.
Kailua Beach , Kailua: Great Windward Coast beach for families and for outdoor activities like kayaking and snorkelling.
Waimea Bay , North Shore : Widely known as the birthplace of big wave surfing, Waimea’s big winter waves subside in the summer, for perfect beach conditions.
Molokai Beaches:
Papohaku Beach Park : At nearly five kilometres long and one and a half kilometres wide, this is one of Hawaii’s largest white sand beaches.
One Alii Beach Park: This favourite of Hawaiian alii (royalty), just east of Kaunakakai is a great place for a day in the sun with friends and family.
Lanai Beaches:
Hulopoe Beach Park: Located in Hulopoe Bay and fronting the Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay, this sweeping white sand shoreline was once named America’s Best Beach.
Polihua Beach : Take a 4-wheel drive adventure to find three kilometres of pristine white sand on one of Lanai’s most secluded beaches.
Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach) : This off-the-beaten track beach features a World War II era ship that can still be seen off the coast today.
Maui Beaches:
Kaanapali Beach, Kaanapali: West Maui's "signature" beach offers nearly five kilometres of white sand and was named "America's Best Beach" in 2003.
Makena Beach State Park (Big Beach), Makena: With white sands extending nearly one kilometre long, this is one of the largest beaches in Maui.
Wailea Beach, Wailea : Named "America's Best Beach" in 1999, Wailea offers excellent swimming and has amenities including toilets and equipment rentals.
Hawaii's Big Island Beaches:
Kahaluu Beach Park, Kona : One of the best snorkelling spots on Hawaii’s Big Island, this is also a great place to take a surfing lesson.
Punaluu Beach Park, Kau : This remote beach is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii.
Spencer Beach Park, Kohala Coast : With picnic facilities, shady areas and a large sandy beach, this is one of the most popular family beaches on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Note: Heed all warning signs and be aware of changing conditions, strong currents and reefs. Use your own best judgment to determine whether a particular beach is appropriate for you and your ability level.
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