13 Stunning Beaches to Explore in Hawai‘i

Forged by fire, Hawai‘i is an archipelago of eight islands created by volcanic activity in the heart of the Pacific Ocean. Over millions of years, these islands expanded as basaltic lava flowed into the sea, resulting in coastlines that range from breathtaking craggy ridges to impressive red-earth sea cliffs.

With palm trees, soft sandy shores, and crystal-clear waters, Hawai‘i is not only the birthplace of modern surfing but also a refuge for endangered marine life. Each of the five popular tourist islands—Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Lānaʻi, Maui, and the Big Island—boasts its own unique character and stunning landscapes. So, apply some reef-safe sunscreen, throw up a shaka, and say aloha to 13 of the most stunning beaches in Hawai‘i.

1. Kāʻanapali Beach

• Location: Kāʻanapali, Maui
• Why visit: White sandy shores, tranquil waters, and an abundance of water activities

Once a favored retreat for Maui royalty, Kāʻanapali Beach boasts powdery white sands that stretch into the ocean. Today, this three-mile-long beach along the sunny west coast of Maui is dotted with seven luxury resorts, boutique shops, and oceanfront dining options. The warm, gentle waters of Kāʻanapali make it perfect for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, jet-skiing, and kayaking.

Sun worshippers can relax on the sand while enjoying views of the distant islands of Lānaʻi and Moloka‘i. Be sure to linger until dusk, as at sunset, the Sheraton Maui honors the Hawaiian tradition of ka leina a ka ‘uhane (leap of the soul), featuring a young warrior in a loincloth who lights torches along the sacred Pu‘u Keka‘a (Black Rock) and dives off the cliff.

Getting to Kāʻanapali Beach

Kāʻanapali Beach is located a 28-mile drive west of Kahului Airport. There are small parking lots along the beach (look for the “Beach Access” signs), but the most convenient option is at Whalers Village, which offers two hours of free parking with any purchase at the mall or dining at one of its restaurants (regular rate is $4 per half hour).

Accommodation options

Opening its doors in 1963, the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa recently revamped its 508 beachfront rooms and suites in 2020, featuring modern yet inviting wooden furnishings, vibrant textiles, and nature-inspired artwork. The resort is surrounded by lush tropical landscapes and boasts a large lagoon pool with various swimming areas linked by lava-rock waterways.

2. Ho‘okipa Beach Park

• Location: Pa‘ia, Maui
• Why visit: To see sea turtles, surfers, and explore tide pools

A local gem in north Maui, Ho‘okipa Beach Park boasts some of the largest waves in the world. Serious surfers—including wind and kite surfers—flock here for the summer and winter swells, which can reach heights of 25 feet. The beach is also known for its protected area where honus (green sea turtles) seek a peaceful spot to nap. With a bit of luck, you might even see an endangered Hawaiian monk seal hauling itself ashore (just remember to keep your distance).

Due to strong currents and sharp coral reefs, snorkeling and swimming are not advisable. Instead, consider wading in the small tide pools or picking up some tropical fruit from a nearby stand to enjoy a picnic while watching the colorful kite surfers glide across the waves.

Getting to Ho‘okipa Beach Park

Located along the Hana Highway, Ho‘okipa Beach Park is 8.5 miles east of Kahului Airport. There is a parking lot above the beach with a lookout point and a lower lot that provides closer access to the shoreline.

Accommodation options

The Inn at Mama’s Fish House features an intimate selection of 12 Polynesian-themed cottages and suites, each equipped with a washer-dryer combo and a full kitchen boasting Wolf and Subzero appliances (the junior suite and garden studio also include a kitchenette). Staying here means you’re just a minute's walk away from Mama’s Fish House, one of the most popular dining spots in Maui.

3. Wailea Beach

• Location: Wailea, Maui
• Why visit: Paved beach path, tranquil waters, canoeing, and sunbathing

Wailea Beach, the breakout star of HBO’s White Lotus, may seem like an exclusive private oasis, but it’s actually a free public beach accessible to everyone. Enjoy a walk on the soft white sands and feel the ocean breeze, or take a leisurely stroll along the paved three-mile beach path that links several luxury resorts, from Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort to Fairmont Kea Lani.

The clear, calm waters are perfect for children to splash around in and are ideal for snorkeling, swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, boogie boarding, canoeing, and kayaking. Occasionally, you might spot a sea turtle swimming alongside kayakers, gently bobbing through the waves. There’s limited shade at Wailea Beach, so be sure to bring a beach umbrella to shield yourself from the sun.

Getting to Wailea Beach

Wailea Beach is located a 17-mile drive south of Kahului Airport. Free beach parking is available around Wailea Beach; just look for blue signs indicating “Beach Access.” Additionally, there is free parking at the Shops at Wailea until the end of 2023.

Accommodation options

For the ultimate White Lotus experience, book a stay at the luxurious 380-room Four Seasons Resort Maui, nestled within a tropical paradise featuring 15 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. Guests enjoy direct access to Wailea Beach, complete with chaise lounges and umbrellas, or they can relax in the hotel’s adults-only infinity pool—cocktails in hand—while soaking in views of the West Maui Mountains and Lānaʻi.

4. Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach

• Location: Nāʻālehu, Hawai‘i Island
• Why visit: Unique black basalt sand, wetlands, and green sea turtles

One of the most breathtaking beaches in Hawaiʻi, Punaluʻu features grainy charcoal-hued sand that meets icy cobalt-blue waters. As the youngest island in the Hawaiian chain, at under half-a-million years old, Hawai‘i Island is continually expanding due to lava from its active volcanoes. The striking black sand results from rapid cooling when hot lava interacts with the ocean. While the strong waves and rocky volcanic seabed may pose challenges for novice swimmers and snorkelers, the nearby tide pools are definitely worth a visit. (Be sure to wear water shoes with good grip, as the lava rocks can be slippery.)

Punaluʻu is an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts hoping to witness humpback whales breaching or see hawksbill (honu ea) and green sea (honu) turtles resting on the shore. The lush wetland next to the beach is also alive with native wildlife, including the endangered ‘alae ke‘oke‘o, or Hawaiian coot.

Getting to Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach

The beach is located approximately 60 miles south of Hilo International Airport, just off Highway 11, past the 55-mile marker. There is a parking lot available near the restrooms and pavilions, as well as a smaller lot closer to the beach.

Accommodation options

Transport yourself to a bygone era at the historic 33-room Volcano House, established in 1941 within the stunning Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The accommodations are simple and unadorned, lacking TVs, mini bars, or air conditioning, but they provide a unique opportunity to spend the night in a national park—a UNESCO World Heritage site—where you might witness the glow of lava from the nearby Kīlauea volcano. Situated 30 miles northeast of Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach at an elevation of 4,000 feet, don’t forget to pack a sweater.

5. Waikoloa Beach and ‘Anaeho‘omalu Bay Beach (A-Bay)

• Location: South Kohala, Hawai‘i Island
• Attractions: Ancient Hawaiian structures, salt-and-pepper sand, swimming, and breathtaking sunsets

Nestled along the south Kohala coast, ‘Anaeho‘omalu Bay is rich in history. The adjacent Waikoloa Beach and ‘Anaeho‘omalu Bay Beach sit in front of two ancient fishponds—Kuʻualiʻi and Kahapapa—that once served as sources of fish for Hawaiian royalty.

Just a short distance away, history enthusiasts can discover sacred heiau (temples) and countless petroglyphs dating back to the 15th to 18th centuries. The crescent-shaped ‘Anaeho‘omalu Bay Beach features a delightful mix of salt-and-pepper sand and shady coconut palms. Its calm waters create a perfect setting for swimming and snorkeling, where you might spot blue parrotfish, pufferfish, and Hawai‘i’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa (triggerfish).

Enjoy refreshing drinks at the beachfront Lava Lava Beach Club while taking in one of the most picturesque sunsets in Hawai‘i. You may even catch a glimpse of the elusive "green flash," the green light that appears just before the sun sinks into the ocean.

How to reach Waikoloa Beach

Waikoloa Beach is located about 19 miles north of Kona International Airport. The public beach lies in front of the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort, with free parking available at the end of Ku‘uali‘i Place, right next to the Lava Lava Beach Club.

Where to stay

The airy and sunlit Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort boasts 297 recently renovated guest rooms with views of beautifully landscaped gardens, the ocean, and three inviting pools. Guests can participate in daily beach yoga, cultural activities, and complimentary guided tours to explore the rich history of Hawai‘i and ‘Anaeho‘omalu Bay.

6. Hāpuna Beach

• Location: Waimea, Hawai‘i Island
• Come for: Tranquil waters, vast beach, and picnicking

Hāpuna Beach, the largest white sand beach on Hawai‘i Island, offers stunning aquamarine waters perfect for a day of swimming, snorkeling, and bodyboarding. Its half-mile stretch is ideal for family-friendly activities such as picnicking, building sandcastles, and whale watching.

Food trucks often gather outside the beach entrance, offering local treats like malasadas. Due to its popularity, Hāpuna Beach can get crowded during peak hours and on weekends, so it's wise to arrive early to claim your spot.

How to get to Hāpuna Beach

Hāpuna Beach is located approximately 25 miles north of Kona International Airport. The park operates from 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m., with a $5 entrance fee per person and $10 for parking. (Hawai‘i residents enjoy free entry and parking.)

Where to stay

Just steps away from Hāpuna Beach, the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort offers a modern atmosphere with 249 guest rooms and 17 suites, featuring cool blue decor and oatmeal-hued sectionals that echo the beauty of the ocean and beach visible through the white plantation shutter balcony doors.

On select mornings, guests can participate in the “E Ala E,” a traditional Hawaiian sunrise chant followed by a cleansing dip in the ocean. In the afternoons, relax in the expansive 6,800-square-foot family pool or the adults-only infinity pool, both with stunning views of the beach. For evening adventures, consider booking a manta ray tour at the sister property, Mauna Kea Resort, where you can swim with giant manta rays just steps from the beach. There’s also a dedicated manta ray viewing deck and complimentary shuttle service between the resorts.

7. Waikīkī Beach

• Location: Honolulu, O‘ahu
• Come for: People-watching, warm gentle waters, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding

Long before the Moana Surfrider opened as Waikīkī's first hotel in 1901, this sandy stretch was already a cherished retreat for the Hawaiian people and their monarchy. Over the century, numerous hotels and shops emerged along the beach, boosting its appeal.

Waikīkī is arguably the most famous beach in Hawai‘i, teeming with sunbathers, sandcastle creators, boogie boarders, and surfers of all kinds. The striking contrast of contemporary skyscrapers against the pristine white sands and the majestic Diamond Head volcanic tuff cone in the backdrop is breathtaking. Luxury shops, souvenir stands, and restaurants are just a stone's throw away on Kalākaua Avenue, and on Friday nights, fireworks from the Hilton Hawaiian Village light up the night sky.

How to get to Waikīkī Beach

Waikīkī Beach is situated less than 10 miles southeast of Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Various hotels along Kalākaua Avenue offer parking, which ranges from $30 to $50. Metered parking costs $1.50 per hour. Free parking is available at Ala Moana Beach Park, located about 1.3 miles from Waikīkī Beach.

Where to stay

Waikīkī boasts numerous beachfront hotels, but perhaps the most opulent is the 793-room Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Notable guests have included Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, and Agatha Christie.

This Hawaiian Gothic-style resort embodies classic elegance with its impressive white columns and a grand staircase adorned with black-and-white photographs chronicling its history. The Historic Banyan Wing exudes nostalgia, while the Tower and Diamond wings feature more contemporary and spacious accommodations. Some rooms even include rocking chairs, allowing guests to unwind on their lanais while enjoying views of the ocean and Diamond Head.

8. Waimanalo Beach

• Location: Honolulu, O‘ahu
• Come for: Swimming, snorkeling, leisurely beach walks

Waimanalo Beach boasts O‘ahu's longest stretch of white sand, extending three miles and providing a peaceful escape from the bustling Waikīkī. With the majestic Koʻolau Mountains as its backdrop and a shimmering turquoise ocean that seems to stretch endlessly, it’s the perfect spot for paddleball or tossing a football on the soft sand. The mornings offer calmer waters ideal for stand-up paddleboarding, while afternoons bring stronger winds and waves, perfect for bodyboarding.

How to get to Waimanalo Beach

Located on the windward coast of O‘ahu, Waimanalo Beach lies approximately 20 miles east of Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Ample free parking is available along Kalanianaole Highway.

Where to stay

While there are a few vacation rentals near Waimanalo Beach, the majority of lodging options can be found in Waikīkī. A great choice away from the city's hustle is the Kaimana Beach Hotel, a charming 122-room boutique hotel situated about 17 miles southwest of Waimanalo Beach. This vibrant hotel features playful decor, including blue-and-pink rattan chairs, surfboard wall art, and lively nature-themed wallpaper. Guests can also participate in surf lessons and hula classes.

9. Sunset Beach

• Location: Pupukea, O‘ahu
• Come for: Big-wave surfing and stunning sunsets

True to its name, Sunset Beach offers breathtaking sunsets that rival its famous swells. This North Shore location hosts some of the most prestigious surfing competitions in winter when professional surfers take on the formidable waves. In summer, the swells become more manageable, perfect for swimming and bodyboarding. With minimal shade along the two-mile stretch, don’t forget to bring an umbrella since rentals aren’t available. For a delightful picnic, grab a garlic shrimp plate and a freshly baked pie from nearby Ted’s Bakery.

How to get to Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is located roughly 30 miles north of Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. You’ll find a free parking lot at the beach park, along with some parking options along Kamehameha Highway.

Where to stay

Turtle Bay Resort is an iconic destination in O‘ahu, proudly standing as the sole luxury resort on the North Shore for nearly 50 years. After a renovation in July 2021, this sprawling 1,300-acre property now boasts 450 rooms, suites, and bungalows, all offering stunning views of the ocean or lush rooftop gardens. Guests can enjoy three heated pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and extensive hiking and biking trails, along with horseback riding opportunities.

10. Poʻipū Beach Park

• Location: Koloa, Kaua‘i
• Come for: Snorkeling, golden beaches, the sandbar, and monk seals

Kaua‘i, one of the oldest major islands in Hawai‘i, boasts over 50 miles of stunning beaches along its coastline. Poʻipū Beach Park, located on the island’s south shore, features two golden crescent bays that converge at a sandbar known as Nukumoi Point. A natural wading pool offers gentle waters for young children, while the nearby coral reef is perfect for snorkeling, teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and eels.

How to get to Poʻipū Beach Park
Poʻipū Beach Park is situated 15 miles southwest of Lihue Airport, with two free parking lots available across from the beach.

Where to stay

Just a mile west of Poʻipū Beach Park, Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection is a 25-acre tropical haven. The resort offers nearly 300 spacious studios and villas, each featuring a kitchenette or full kitchen, washers/dryers, and furnished lanais. Koloa's highlights include multiple pools—a family pool, a tranquility pool, and a spectacular 35,000-gallon lagoon pool equipped with waterslides, an infinity edge, and swim-through waterfalls and grottoes.

11. Lydgate Beach Park

• Location: Lihue, Kauaʻi
• Come for: Swimming, surfing, and Kamalani Playground

Featured in Elvis Presley’s 1961 film Blue Hawaii, the scenic Lydgate Beach is situated near the mouth of the Wailua River on Kauaʻi’s east coast. Notable for its two lagoons, which are shielded from the open sea by man-made lava rock walls, Lydgate Beach offers a shallow pond for children and an adult swimming area ideal for beginner snorkelers eager to see vibrant fish.

The park features a disc golf course along with a large wooden playground equipped with slides, swings, and tire walks. Just a few hundred feet north of the lagoons, visitors can discover the lava rock remnants of the historic 14th-century Hikinaakala Heiau, a sacred Hawaiian temple once used to honor the sun.

How to get to Lydgate Beach Park

Located five miles north of Lihue Airport off Kuhio Highway, the beach offers plenty of free parking, although spots tend to fill up quickly on weekends.

Where to stay

Every one of the 314 rooms and suites at the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort has been beautifully renovated in 2019, featuring wooden shutters that open to private balconies with ocean views. Guests can enjoy the pool, a landscaped walk/bike path, and the Halau Ho‘okipa, a beachfront open-air event venue where hotel guests can enjoy prime views of the lūʻau. Some rooms even come with a swing on the lanai. The resort fee ($40 per night) grants access to beach chairs, umbrellas, and bicycles for a scenic ride to Lydgate Beach Park, which is about two miles away.

12. Hāʻena Beach

• Location: Kapaʻa, Kaua‘i
• Come for: A dry cave, surfing, and snorkeling

Distinguished from Hāʻena State Park, Hāʻena Beach is a free county beach that does not require reservations or fees. Before heading to the beach, make sure to cross the road near the parking lot to visit the Maniniholo dry cave, a sea cave extending over 100 feet deep. According to legend, this cave was excavated by a mythical Menehune chief fisherman searching for the evil spirits that had stolen his fish.

A similarly enchanting scene awaits at Hāʻena Beach, featuring golden sands, sweeping waves, and mountains cloaked in greenery. In the winter months, the north shore experiences larger swells, attracting surfers to its shores. Conversely, during the calmer summer season, Hāʻena Beach becomes a favored spot for swimmers and snorkelers, though Tunnels Beach, just a half-mile walk to the east, is renowned as the premier snorkeling location in the region.

How to reach Hāʻena Beach

Hāʻena Beach is just a short drive west from the charming town of Hanalei. There are two parking lots available, each accommodating approximately 35 vehicles. The dry cave is conveniently located across the street from one of these lots.

Where to stay

The newly opened 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, which debuted in 2023, is a luxury resort that emphasizes sustainability and carbon neutrality. With 252 rooms and suites, it offers breathtaking views of the mountains, ocean, Hanalei Bay, and lush native gardens. The resort was built using locally sourced or reclaimed materials, and each room is equipped with reusable carafes and painted stones serving as ‘do not disturb’ signs.

The resort emphasizes wellness, offering access to on-site nutritionists, doctors, and various health professionals. Guests can engage in a variety of classes, including sunrise meditation, martial arts, and restorative yoga. This pet-friendly establishment even allows guests to invite a shelter dog from the Kaua‘i Humane Society for a sleepover and to explore the north shore together.

13. Hulopoʻe Beach

• Location: Lānaʻi
• Come for: Children’s tidepools, picnics, and snorkeling opportunities

Lānaʻi, the smallest inhabited island in the Aloha State, embodies the essence of old Hawai‘i before high-rise buildings transformed its sister islands. It offers a blend of nostalgia and the exclusivity of a private island, and its less populated beaches remain pristine.

On the southern coast at Hulopoʻe Bay, the crescent-shaped Hulopoʻe Beach features soft, powdery sand and crystal-clear waters, highlighted by the striking Puʻu Pehe—a dramatic red-rock sea stack rising 80 feet above the ocean. Ideal for snorkeling, the coral reefs along the beach’s east side are alive with colorful fish and marine life, including goatfish, yellow tang, and peacock groupers. (Be sure to bring your own snorkeling gear, as rentals are unavailable.)

How to reach Hulopoʻe Beach

Hulopoʻe Beach lies approximately 10 miles south of the small Lanai Airport. Most visitors, however, opt for a scenic 50-minute ferry ride (around $30 each way) from Lāhainā Harbor in Maui to Manele Harbor in Lānaʻi. From there, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the beach.

Where to stay

The luxurious Five Diamond Four Seasons Lanai offers a tranquil retreat with stunning views of Hulopoʻe Beach and Puʻu Pehe. With over 200 serene guest rooms nestled among lush botanical gardens or perched along the dramatic coastline, the resort features two pools, tennis courts, an archery and shooting range, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, and an on-site observatory perfect for stargazing.