12 Prettiest Beaches in Hawaii

https://content.nomadsoup.com/uploads/thumbnail_img_7080_f8999ebe19.jpg
Sviat Oleksiv
March 16, 2022

Hawaii, known worldwide for its tropical splendor, is a Pacific paradise that should not be missed. The sun-drenched Hawaiian archipelago consists of eight large islands surrounded by numerous atolls, bays, and inlets in the Pacific Ocean.

Hawaii offers everything, from snorkeling in the bays to climbing the Hawaiian islands and resting in magnificent locations. The beautiful state of Hawaii has a plethora of Instagrammable spots and pretty beaches.

Let's read about 12 Prettiest Beaches in Hawaii

1. Waikīkī Beach

This beach is one of the most popular in the world and one of the most incredible spots to visit in Oahu, Hawaii. Waikiki Beach is ideal for snorkeling, surfing, canoe paddling, boogie boarding, sandboarding, sand combing, or simply getting a tan and admiring the setting sun.

The Waikiki Historic Trail contains surfboard-shaped historic markers inspired by Waikiki's own Duke Kahanamoku, an Olympic gold medalist swimmer and ardent surfer.

The Waikiki Beach Walk is dotted with cafés and entertainment venues, while Kuhio and Kalakaua Avenues house most of the area's eateries and stores.

Diamond Head State Monument is located at the extremity of a crescent-shaped beach, providing a distinguishing profile on the coast. It was previously a critical vantage point for the island's coastal defense, and an arduous trek to the summit leads to the historical bunkers and artillery control station, as well as panoramic views.

2. Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay is known as the best snorkeling spot on Oahu. The coral reefs of Hanauma Bay provide a home for various colorful fish. This is a sheltered area with soft water that is perfect for even inexperienced snorkelers; snorkel equipment may be rented on-site.

The bay was designated a marine conservation area in 1967 and is home to various marine species, including green sea turtles. To assist conserve this fragile habitat, a reservation system allows for a restricted number of tourists each day. Remember to bring reef-safe sunscreen!

You may go to the bay by vehicle, bus, or shuttle and spend the day admiring the perfect underwater wonderland, which is surrounded by beautiful coral and millions of aquatic life. Hike one of the numerous paths or take a short tram ride to the crater rim for a spectacular view of the bay.

3. Kailua Beach

Kailua, a lively coastal town on Oahu's windward eastern coast, offers sandy beaches, warm tropical waters, and a seemingly infinite variety of activities.

Kailua Beach, located less than 30 minutes from Honolulu on Oahu's windward coast, has a reputation for being one of the nicest beaches in America. Kailua Beach Park provides tourists with a half-mile of fine white sand, warm tropical seas, and enough wind to keep things cool.

In the quiet, clear seas, you may go diving or snorkeling or try your hand at kayaking, surfing, wind-surfing, kite surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, or sailing.

4. Lanikai Beach

Lanikai Beach is one of the gorgeous beaches in the world. "Lani Kai" means "Heavenly Ocean" in Hawaiian. It's an apt name for such a lovely location.

Lanikai Beach is a sandy palm-fringed beach lapped by the turquoise tropical waves of the Pacific. This hidden pearl is located on Oahu's windward shore, about 30 minutes from Honolulu. If you get up extra early, you'll see a beautiful sunrise.

5. Napili Bay Beach

On Maui's northern coast, Napili Beach is located in a gorgeous tiny bay sheltered by two rocky outcrops. The water quality is outstanding, and you can easily swim out to the reef and spend hours exploring the underwater paradise, maybe swimming with green turtles.

The entire harbor is sheltered by a coral approximately 30 yards offshore, which offers some of Maui's most excellent snorkeling. It's a beautiful spot to relax and take the best photo ever. In winter, there are big waves, so surfers and bodyboarders can enjoy these activities

6. Makena Beach

Makena has some of Maui's most well-known beaches. Makena Beach, also known as Oneloa (Big Beach), is one of Maui's longest beaches (more than 3,000 feet of pure white sand).

Big Beach, which is divided into two different parts, "Big Beach" and "Little Beach," is approximately two-thirds of a mile long and has cerulean-hued seas excellent for body surfing and bodyboarding. The north end of Big Beach is bounded by Pu'u Ola'i, a massive dome-shaped cinder cone. Little Beach is located on the other side of this Pu'u Ola'i. Little Beach is one of the gorgeous beaches in the world.

If you look for the best place to see a sunset, there are few better than Makena Beach's velvety soft golden beaches. The sunsets at the crystal-clear seas here are often regarded as some of the most beautiful on the planet.

7. Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

Punaluu Beach is Hawaii's most well-known black sand beach. The black sand was formed as a consequence of lava hitting the ocean and rapidly cooling.

All sea turtles prefer breeding in warmer black sands, so you will undoubtedly see turtles throughout your stay.

There are beautiful rows of coconut palms on the Punaluu beach. Because the black sand may get quite hot in the sun, the shade beneath the palms is an excellent area to hang out.

From 8:30 a.m. to 17:00 p.m., lifeguards are on duty at the beach every day. Parking, a picnic area, bathroom facilities, and an outdoor shower are available at the beach.

8. Kehena Black Sand Beach

If you want to swim with dolphins but can't afford the price, you might want to explore Kehena Black Sand Beach. You may stand on the cliffs above and wait for the wild pod of dolphins that swims past the rocks.

Kehena Beach, located in the Puna section of the Big Island, is one of Hawaii's few unofficial "clothing optional" beaches. It is a long narrow black-sand beach known to locals as Dolphin Beach due to the regular occurrences of spinner dolphins in the vicinity.

Swimming is only feasible when the water is calm since the beach is exposed to the open ocean, and powerful rip currents and undertows can occur during heavy surf times.

9. Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area

Hapuna Beach is located on the island of Hawaii and is one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii, with half a mile of smooth sand and stunning turquoise seas.

Hapuna Beach, the largest of the island's white-sand beaches, has constantly been placed in worldwide Top Ten lists of the greatest beaches in the world. Hapuna also has regularly superb swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing, and snorkeling conditions. During the year, migratory whales may also be seen in the distance.

It's also a simple beach to get to: there's plenty of parking, as well as food sellers, picnic spots, bathrooms, and showers.

10. Tunnels Beach

Tunnels Beach is widely regarded as the premier site for snorkelers and divers during the summer months because of the crescent-shaped coral reef that lays close offshore. The reef keeps the beach safe for swimming during the summer, and a gentle slope provides plenty of opportunity for wading.

During peak hours, lifeguards are on duty, and there are lots of shaded spaces and picnic tables for taking a rest. There isn't a lot of parking, so arriving earlier is recommended to secure a spot along the road.

11. Ke'e Beach

Ke'e Beach is located on the island's northwest coast. It serves as the beginning of the Kalalau Trail, which runs down the coast through the Hono'Onapali Natural Reserve and then into the breathtaking Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park.

This is one of Kauai's premier snorkeling spots during the calmer summer months, and the protected reef is alive with tropical species. Kayaking trips in the lagoon are also available to tourists, providing great views of the surrounding environment.

One of Ke'e Beach's most distinctive features is its population of wild chickens, sometimes known as wild roosters. These vividly colored birds may be found on the beach every day, and while they make for beautiful photos, be cautious that they can also steal your food.

12. Polihale State Park

Polihale Beach, located on Kauai's western shore near Na Pali State Park, is the state's most extended, lasting over 17 miles. Unfortunately, only ten of these miles are available to the public, but there is still enough space to explore the dunes. Due to strong currents, this is not a swimming beach, and there are no lifeguards on duty, but visitors may enjoy the tranquillity of the wide-open space while wading and collecting shells.

Because it is only accessible by dirt roads, tourists will find this beach far less crowded than others. It is an excellent location for a long romantic walk on the beach, and the sunsets are spectacular.