Planning a beach vacation to Hawaii? The top travel destinations will ensure you have a memorable trip.
Although many of the beaches in Hawaii are located in front of island resorts, all hotels are required to allow beachfront access to the public. That means you don't have to spend a lot of money on a beachfront hotel to get access to the best beaches.
OAHU
Most visitors to Oahu will stay in the state's capital: Honolulu. Honolulu is an urban vacationer's paradise, but may not be suited to travelers looking for a secluded island getaway. Still, Honolulu is home to Waikiki Beach, perhaps the best-known beach in Hawaii. Located in downtown Honolulu, Waikiki is very much an urban beach. Skyscrapers and condo buildings tower over this 1-1/2 mile long stretch of sand. The white sand found here is not natural, though; it was imported from Molokai in the 1950's and must occasionally be replenished to maintain the beach's reputation. Waikiki beach is home to just about any water sport or beach activity you can think of: from snorkeling and kayaking to beach volleyball and parasailing.
Other areas of Oahu offer great beaches and fewer crowds. East Oahu, the easternmost portion of the island, is ideal for expert bodysurfers, but it is oftentimes too dangerous for amateurs. Sandy Beach and Makapuu beach are both good beaches for watching the local bodysurfers, but anyone looking for a leisurely swim should look elsewhere.
The windward coast of Oahu is more suited for the casual beachgoer. Kailua Beach is a 2-mile long stretch of golden sand popular with windsurfers. Its gentle waters are safe for swimmers, waders, and kayaks. Snorkeling is good at Hauula Beach Park, with a coral reef just offshore.
The leeward coast and north shore are where the surfers go to catch a perfect wave during the winter surf season. During the summer, there are many opportunities here for swimming, diving and fishing. But the water gets rougher in the winter, and the leisurely beaches become home to ambitious surfers. Makaha Beach, on the Waianae Coast, used to host Hawaii's surfing championship, and surf competitions are still held here. On the north shore, Sunset Beach, Ehukai Beach and Banzai Beach are all known for their great surf. These beaches tend to be less crowded during the summer months when surfing isn't as good.
MAUI
Maui is probably the best island for beachgoers in Hawaii. Sometimes called the "Valley Isle," Maui is made up of two volcanoes with a valley in between them. The sand here tends to be golden and coarse from the coral reefs offshore, but a few black-sand volcanic beaches can be found.
Lahaina is the busiest part of the island, on the western side. Formerly home to whalers and fisherman, Lahaina now houses resorts and souvenir stands. More upscale travelers will want to stay in Kapalua, a short drive north of Lahaina. On the western side of the island, Kaanapali Beach and Kapalua Beach are both popular for their gentle waters that are great for swimming, but not as good for bodyboarding or surfing.
The southern part of Maui is where the sun worshippers go to bake in the hot, dry rays of the Hawaiian sun. Travelers on a budget may want to check out Kihei, but those with more luxurious tastes will want to head to Wailea, a resort town with manicured golf courses and oceanfront condos. Kihei is home to three beaches: Kamaole I, II, and II. Wailea beach is a beautiful crescent-shaped beach, great for swimming, kayaking, and even whale-watching.
HAWAII (THE BIG ISLAND)
The Big Island of Hawaii is known more for its volcano and rainforests than for its beaches, but die-hard beach fans will not be disappointed. Hilo is a rainy fishing village, but Leleiwi Beach has shallow pools that are ideal for families and snorkelers looking for the sea turtles that frequent the area. A unique experience can be found on the southern tip of the big island at Green Sand Beach, appropriately named after the green sand, created by a mineral called olivine that is found in volcanic rock. This beach is difficult to get to and too dangerous to swim in, but it still attracts visitors because of its unique color.
More traditional beach experiences are available on the Kona Coast, on the Big Island's western side. The most popular beach in this area is Kahaluu Beach. Kahaluu Beach is a series of lagoons protected by offshore reefs, making it ideal for snorkeling. North of the Kona Coast is the Kohala Coast. Although it is known for its barren black-lava coast, Anaehoomalu Bay and Mauna Kea Beach are two gold-sand beaches worth a look. All types of water sports are available here; equipment rentals are available through the beachfront hotels in the area.
KAUAI
Is one of Hawaii's less popular islands, but not because it has nothing to offer. The beaches here are gorgeous golden-sand oases. The most crowded area on Kauai is the Coconut Coast on the eastern part of the island. Good surfing can be found on Wailua Beach nearby, and Anahola Beach is safe for swimming. Poipu, on the south coast, is home to numerous resorts and is known for its sunshine and watersports. Poipu Beach has something for just about anyone, with gentle waters for swimming, tide pools and a sand bar for exploring, and reefs for snorkeling. Also in this area, Mahaulepu Beach's red sand is great for beachcombing, but the rough water is not safe for swimming. The north shore area is rainy, but quiet: the perfect place for someone looking for a quiet beach paradise. Anini Beach and Hanalei beach are both known as safe places for swimmers, and their offshore reefs make them great places to snorkel or dive.
LANAI
To escape the mobs of tourists on Oahu and Maui, head to Lanai, a small island that used to function primarily as a pineapple plantation. The hotels here are limited, with just a few pricey resorts, but the opportunities for beachgoers are many. Because there is so little development, the waters here are the clearest in Hawaii. The currents are strong around Lanai, so swimmers and snorkelers are mainly centered in Hulopoe Bay on the south shore. Although the water isn't always safe for swimming, the island's 18-miles of coast are ideal for beachcombers, with tide pools, seashells, and whale watching.
MOLOKAI
Molokai is the least developed of the Hawaiian islands. Hotels are limited on Molokai, and the tourism focus tends towards outdoor recreation like hiking, biking, and horseback riding. A desert on one side and a rainforest on the other, Molokai does not have much in terms of beachfront activity. The beaches are mostly located on the western coast, although their waters are not generally safe for swimming.
