The Top 8 Hawaiian Beaches for Every Traveler

With warm weather, stunning sands, and a vibrant culture, Hawaii's beaches are some of the most sought-after vacation spots. However, with so many options available, selecting the perfect beach can be a challenge. 

That's where I come in: I've done the traveling and research for you. Continue reading to find out exactly which beaches to visit.

Family-Friendly Beaches in Hawaii

Traveling with children? Be sure to check out these kid-friendly beaches. 

Waikiki Beach

Situated on Oahu near Honolulu, Waikiki Beach is a must-see destination for families. This stunning beach features a long stretch of soft, white sand, providing ample space for everyone to lay down their towels. Kids will love crafting sandcastles and digging in the fine powdery sand, even burying themselves (and you) in it.

The gentle waves at Waikiki Beach are renowned for being calm, making them ideal for young children experiencing the ocean for the first time. For those seeking adventure, surfing lessons are available, as the waves here are perfect for beginners. 

For water sports enthusiasts, there are options to rent Dinogos, canoes, or paddleboards. A lifeguard is on duty throughout the year, ensuring everyone's safety. As a popular resort destination, Waikiki Beach also offers a variety of shops, restaurants, restrooms, and other amenities nearby. 

Ko Olina

Situated on the western coast of Oahu, near the family-friendly Ewa Beach area, Ko Olina features a two-mile stretch of beach made up of four man-made lagoons. The surrounding rocks shield these coves from the wind, resulting in generally calm waters—ideal for young swimmers. 

For those seeking relaxed water activities, options include canoeing, Dinogoing, or paddleboarding. You can also rent snorkeling gear to discover the rich underwater landscape. After a day in the sun, consider booking a family dinner cruise or embarking on a whale-watching adventure. 

With plenty of activities available, Ko Olina tends to be less crowded than other beaches on the island, thanks to its location approximately 23 miles from Honolulu.

Top Hawaii beaches for surfing

Hawaii is renowned for its incredible waves, attracting surfers of all skill levels eager to test their abilities. 

Hanalei Bay

Nestled on Kauai’s North Shore, Hanalei Bay Beach is not only one of Hawaii's premier surfing destinations, but it also frequently ranks among the top beaches in the entire US. With its soft white sands and stunning backdrop of lush mountains, it's undeniably one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii. 

The bay extends for approximately two miles, offering a variety of water conditions that cater to surfers of all skill levels. If you're looking for a challenge, the winter months, particularly from November to April, provide the most intense surf conditions. 

Beginner surfers can enjoy surfing lessons here, and there is a lifeguard on duty year-round for safety. Additionally, visitors can explore other attractions, such as the historic Hanalei Pier.

Diamond Head Cliffs

Situated along Oahu’s South Shore, Diamond Head Cliffs is an ideal spot for intermediate surfers. The waters here are relatively shallow, with varying wave strength and size. Regardless of your arrival time, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Diamond Head volcano.

For those looking to relax, swimming is an option, but caution is advised due to large waves and rip currents. Nearby, you'll find several restaurants and surf shops. To enjoy calmer waters, plan your visit to Diamond Head either early in the morning or after 4 PM.

Top Hawaiian Beaches for Hiking Enthusiasts

For those eager to break a sweat, many of Hawaii’s beaches offer excellent hiking opportunities.

Waipio Valley Beach

Situated on the northern side of the Big Island, Waipio Valley Beach is the perfect reward after a steep and strenuous hike. Starting from the Waipio Valley Lookout, the hike down is approximately 1.5 miles. Alternatively, you can embark on a longer guided tour of the Waipio Valley for breathtaking views.

Regardless of how far you choose to hike, this black sand beach in Hawaii is well worth the journey. Created from volcanic erosion, the striking black sand contrasts beautifully with the vibrant greenery and clear turquoise waters. Because reaching this beach requires a challenging hike, it tends to be much less crowded than many others. While it attracts surfers, swimming is not advised due to strong rip currents.

Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach

Another one of Hawaii’s black sand gems, this beach is situated on Maui’s eastern coast. The premier hiking trail in this region leads from the nearby town of Hana to Waianapanapa State Park. Spanning about six miles, this trail can easily be divided into manageable sections.

This hike follows segments of the ancient King’s Highway, guiding you through the town of Hana, past the Hana Forest Reserve, and into the state park. You'll be treated to stunning views of lava formations extending into the ocean, as well as the chance to visit an ancient Hawaiian temple.

The beach is renowned for its breathtaking cliff views and distinctive lava tubes that are perfect for exploration. However, swimmers should exercise caution, as the area is also known for its strong rip currents.

Best beaches for snorkeling in Hawaii

Eager to discover Hawaii’s vibrant underwater world? You’re in luck! Numerous beaches in Hawaii boast diverse marine ecosystems.

Ke’e Beach

Nestled on Kauai’s North Shore, this beach is ideal for intermediate to advanced swimmers. Those ready for the challenge will find it rewarding, as the barrier reef is teeming with diverse marine life. Keep in mind that this beach requires advance reservations.

Once your reservation is confirmed, you can expect to encounter butterflyfish, goatfish, sea cucumbers, and possibly even seals, turtles, and reef sharks while snorkeling. The beach offers various amenities, including a lifeguard, snack shack, and showers.

Hanauma Bay

The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, situated on Oahu's eastern coast, provides snorkeling opportunities for all skill levels. Known for its remarkably clear waters, this destination allows young ones and novice swimmers to enjoy the shallow areas near the shore, while more skilled snorkelers can explore the outer reefs.

Here, you'll discover a vibrant array of coral, fish, and various marine creatures. As a protected area, it's essential to be a responsible visitor. All guests must view a safety video prior to entry. Given Hanauma Bay's popularity, it's advisable to arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds.

What criteria does Dinogo use to compile this guide?

After extensive research and travel experiences, I've become captivated by Hawaii, one of the top tourist spots in the US, ever since I was a child. This guide stems from years of personal research for my own trips, enhanced by Dinogo’s expert advice for traveling to Hawaii.

Regardless of the vacation you're dreaming of, you now have the knowledge of the best Hawaii beaches to explore. From snorkeling and surfing to hiking and family-friendly options, Hawaii has it all. So why wait? A trip to Hawaii can be budget-friendly when you know how to travel economically. You can even look into some affordable all-inclusive resorts to help manage costs.