The Hawaii Beach Guide

Oahu

The world's most famous beach. Gentle waves, warm water, and Diamond Head views make this the perfect starting point for first-timers. Two miles of golden sand lined with hotels, shops, and surf rental stands — it's busy for a reason.

Oahu

Powdery white sand, calm turquoise water, and the twin Mokulua Islands as a backdrop. Consistently rated one of America's best beaches. No facilities and limited parking keep it from feeling overcrowded.

North Shore, Oahu

Winter swells bring 30-foot waves that draw the world's best surfers for the Vans Triple Crown. Come summer, the same beach goes flat and swimmable — a completely different experience six months apart.

Oahu

Wide golden sand stretching 2.5 miles with steady trade winds that make it Hawaii's best spot for kiteboarding and windsurfing. Less crowded than Waikiki, more facilities than Lanikai, and the water is just as clear.

Maui

A mile-long golden beach with daily cliff diving at Black Rock (Pu'u Keka'a) every sunset. Excellent snorkeling along the rocky point where sea turtles cruise the reef. The beach walk connects to Whaler's Village shops and restaurants.

Maui

A massive undeveloped beach with powerful shorebreak that bodyboarders love. No resorts, no vendors, no crowds — just a wide sweep of golden sand backed by lava fields. The ocean here is rougher than resort beaches, so swim with caution.

Maui

Volcanic red cinder beach tucked inside a hidden cove near Hana. The deep red sand against turquoise water is dramatic and otherworldly. The trail in is steep and eroded — wear proper shoes and check conditions before going.

Maui

James Michener called it "the best beach in the Pacific." A secluded gray-sand crescent surrounded by sea cliffs and lush jungle near Hana. The surf can be strong, but the setting is worth the drive down the winding coast road.

Big Island

Hawaii's largest white sand beach. Wide, long, and consistently sunny on the Kohala Coast. Calm summer waters are perfect for swimming and bodyboarding. Winter brings bigger surf but the beach is still stunning year-round.

Big Island

Jet-black volcanic sand where endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) bask in the sun. One of the most photographed beaches in Hawaii. Don't touch the turtles — state law requires staying 10 feet away.

Big Island

One of only four green sand beaches on Earth. Olivine crystals from a 49,000-year-old volcanic cinder cone give the sand its otherworldly green color. The hike across exposed lava fields is hot and windy — bring water and sun protection.

Kauai

Kauai's sunniest beach on the south shore with a protected swimming area perfect for kids. Hawaiian monk seals regularly haul out on the sand. A natural breakwater creates a calm lagoon on one side and gentle waves for bodyboarding on the other.

Kauai

World-class reef snorkeling with a backdrop of jagged green mountains. The reef creates underwater tunnels and caverns full of tropical fish, sea turtles, and the occasional reef shark. Summer is best — winter surf makes the water dangerous.

Kauai

Seventeen miles of remote, wild beach backed by the towering Na Pali cliffs. The longest and widest beach in Hawaii, and one of the most isolated — you'll need a rough dirt road to get there. Sunset views are unmatched anywhere in the state.

Molokai

Three miles of empty white sand on Molokai's west shore — one of Hawaii's longest beaches. You'll likely have it entirely to yourself. No vendors, no lifeguards, no crowds. Just sand, sea, and the silhouette of Oahu across the channel.