The Best Beaches in Hawaii, From Someone Who’s Explored the 4 Major Islands

A beach I return to again and again, Big Beach, often referred to as simply Makena Beach, is one of Maui’s largest, offering a 1.5-mile stretch of pristine golden sands. Located along the island’s southwestern coast about a 10-minute drive from the Wailea resorts, the shore is wonderfully free of development. Under the blazing sun, the color of the water is a brilliant Easter Egg blue, and in the distance, you can often see the spouts of humpback whales passing through during the winter months.

I think I’ve been lucky as I’ve never run into big crowds here but if it gets busy, a short distance south will bring you to blissful Secret Cove. It’s just as breathtaking but there are rarely many others here. Plus, if you can get here early it’s ideal for watching a glorious sunrise.

North of the bustling Kaanapali resort area, you’ll find quieter stretches of golden sand, including the laid-back Honokowai Beach Park. From here, you can relax while gazing out at the island of Lanai and, during whale season, keep an eye out for spouts on the horizon. It’s one of the best beaches for families with young kids, with a playground and swings just steps from the sand. Most days, the barrier reef creates a calm, shallow pool—perfect for little ones to splash around safely.

Honokalani Black Sand Beach isn’t the easiest place to reach (you’ll need to drive the famous Road to Hana to get there) but that’s part of the adventure. Often named one of the most stunning road trips in the world, the journey ends at Waiʻanapanapa State Park, where this striking beach awaits. Its midnight black sand was formed by volcanic basalt from nearby Haleakalā, and when contrasted with the bright azure water and lush greenery, it’s a truly breathtaking sight. You’ll also find sea caves and lava tubes to explore, and when the tide is low, it’s even possible to walk through one of the caves from the shore out to the ocean.

Because Honokalani draws so many visitors, reservations are required and must be made up to 30 days in advance—no same-day bookings are allowed. I highly recommend staying at least one night in Hana. The Road to Hana is narrow and winding, with over 600 curves, and even without stops, the drive takes around two hours and 45 minutes. But you’ll want to stop often to take in the views, so it’s best to give yourself at least four hours to get there and truly enjoy the ride.

Nestled along Kauai’s spectacular North Shore, just a short drive from Princeville Resort, Moloaʻa Beach is a serene stretch perfect for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty—so long as you don’t mind skipping the typical beach facilities. If it looks familiar, it might be because the very first episode of the classic TV series Gilligan’s Island was filmed here in 1963.

This half-mile crescent of golden sand edges aquamarine water and is fringed by a lush canopy of trees, with the Moloaʻa Forest Reserve in the distance. Moloaʻa is worth the visit for its scenery alone. At low tide, shallow sandy pools appear, making it a great spot for families with kids to splash around. Keep an eye out for Hawaiian monk seals, but be sure to give them plenty of space if you see one. And if you’re here around dusk, this beach offers a stunning spot to catch a colorful sunset.

Located on the west side of Kauai, Polihale is a hidden gem reached via a long, bumpy unpaved road, but most standard vehicles can handle it just fine. The rough access helps keep the crowds away, rewarding those who make the trek with a wild and breathtaking stretch of beach that offers sweeping views of the Na Pali Coast and its dramatic sea cliffs.

Swimming is possible in the summer when the water is calm, but strong currents mean caution is always needed. Generally, Polihale is better suited for picnicking, sunbathing on its soft white sands, exploring the dunes, beachcombing and soaking in the sunsets. Spinner dolphins sometimes dance through the surf, and in the winter months, it’s a great spot for spotting humpback whales offshore.

Just north of Kapaʻa, off Highway 56, Kealia Beach offers an expansive stretch of golden sand along Kauai’s east side. Though wild and unspoiled, the beach is easily accessible and surprisingly well-equipped, with lifeguards, picnic tables, restrooms and outdoor showers. It’s perfect for long beach walks, and in the calm summer months, you might be able to swim, snorkel, or bodyboard—especially near the north end, where remnants of Kealia’s old plantation days still linger.

In winter, ocean swells draw surfers to its sand-bar break and the beach also becomes a prime spot for whale watching, with humpbacks often breaching close to shore.

Hanalei Bay may be the most famous beach on Kauai, drawing photographers from around the world to capture its stunning beauty. Located along the North Shore, it stretches for more than two miles with soft, pale golden sand and a dramatic backdrop of emerald mountains, including the iconic peak of Makana Mountain, part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular here, and coral reefs on both sides of the crescent-shaped bay offer great snorkeling opportunities. In winter, the waves on the right side of the bay become ideal for surfing. The historic Hanalei Pier, dating back to the early 1900s, is a beloved local landmark and a perfect spot for picnicking, fishing, or simply taking in panoramic views of the mountains and bay.

One of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii, Punaluʻu sits along the Big Island’s southeastern coast. Its shimmering jet-black shore is striking, but the real highlight for wildlife lovers is the chance to spot green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles up close. These gentle creatures often haul themselves onto the sand to bask in the sun, occasionally retreating to the shallow waters to snack on the abundant red seaweed.

Swimming can be tricky here, as the water is often rough, but when conditions are calm, you’ll find easier access at the northeastern end where there are fewer lava rocks, or from the boat ramp near the ruins of an old pier. There’s also a freshwater tidepool nearby that’s perfect for wading.

The limited public parking at Mauna Kea Beach—officially Kaunaʻoa Beach—helps keep the crowds at bay, but you’ll need to arrive early in the morning to grab a spot. If the lot is full, you can try parking at nearby Hapuna Beach and accessing Mauna Kea via a roughly one-mile rocky trail. Either way, it’s well worth the effort. The soft sand is perfect for peaceful strolls or building sandcastles, and the water is ideal for swimming and snorkeling when calm, especially near the rocks on the left side where colorful tropical fish gather. When the surf picks up, it’s also an excellent spot for boogie boarding.

One of the most remote (and most beautiful) beaches in Hawaii can be found in the Waipiʻo Valley on the Big Island’s northern shore. The view from the overlook is dazzling, but if you want to walk along its striking black sands, you’ll need to join a guided tour, as the road is currently closed to non-residents. It’s worth the effort to experience the valley’s raw natural beauty up close, including Kaluahine Falls at the eastern end, which flows dramatically after heavy rain.

This isn’t a beach for swimming—powerful waves and strong currents make the waters dangerous—and there are no facilities, so come prepared. Still, the untouched scenery and sense of solitude make it one of Hawaii’s most unforgettable spots.

Set below towering cliffs where Oahu’s North Shore and Windward coasts meet at the end of the Koʻolau Mountains, Kaʻaʻawa Beach is one of the island’s most breathtaking hidden gems. It’s located right off Kamehameha Highway, yet it remains surprisingly uncrowded. While the water is often rough, making it less than ideal for swimming, it’s a favorite spot for photography, picnicking and fishing. On calm days, you can find a few shallow areas that are perfect for splashing around and soaking up the scenery.

While Waikiki isn’t the place to escape the crowds, it’s world-famous for a reason and consistently ranked among the best beaches on the planet. This iconic stretch is actually made up of eight different beaches spanning two miles, each offering something a little different. The area fronting the Royal Hawaiian Hotel (often called Royal Hawaiian Beach or Waikiki Beach Center) is the heart of the action, where you can take surfing lessons or hop aboard an outrigger canoe or catamaran cruise.

Other highlights include Duke Kahanamoku Beach, located on Waikiki’s western edge, which is ideal for families thanks to its calm, swimmable waters. Kūhiō Beach, within easy walking distance of most Waikiki hotels, is also family-friendly and popular for swimming, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding and surfing. It’s also home to free hula and torch-lighting shows on Tuesday and Saturday evenings—offering a dose of local culture just steps from the sand.