17 beaches in Hawaii you will love to visit!

ALOHA!

One of the must-do things during your Hawaii vacation no matter which Hawaiian island you will visit is to see a beautiful beach!

Of course you can go to the beach on all of the major Hawaiian islands of Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai.

So whether you are going to Hawaii by cruise ship or staying a few days on land, you can spend time at the beach on any of the islands.

There are beaches that can be safe for swimming or fun for snorkeling, and there are beaches that you might have a better chance of seeing wildlife like sea turtles or Hawaiian monk seals.

Or maybe you just want to go see one of the beaches for its beautiful views! There are famous Hawaii beaches with black sand and even red sand that you can see.

Below I will give you the short list of the best beaches you must consider visiting on a first trip to Hawaii!

Yes, 17 is a short list considering how many beaches are in Hawaii… 😅

 

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First, the quick tips!

You can find beautiful beaches on all the islands.

But one of the best places to see amazing beaches with the turquoise color water of your dreams is on Oahu, and specifically the windward coast of Oahu.

Similarly amazing color water can be found on the Kona coast of the Big Island at Kekaha Kai State Park.

You can also see unique color beaches in Hawaii, like a black sand beach (Big Island and Maui) and a red sand beach (Maui).

Black sand beaches are the best on the Big Island because that’s the Hawaiian island with the most recent lava flow.

You can rent a car to see a black sand beach on your own, or you can also do a volcanoes and black sand beach combo tour. You can do a combo tour from Kona or a combo tour from Hilo.

There are snorkeling beaches that you can go to on your own on all the islands. There are also popular snorkeling tours like the Molokini Crater tour and the Kealakekua Bay tour.

All the islands also have at least one beach that is known for sea turtles on the beach. There are also snorkeling tours that give you a chance to go swimming with turtles, like the Turtle Canyons tour or the Turtle Town tour.

 

If you want to go beach hopping, it’s best to rent a car. Otherwise, there are beaches that you can get to on your own or by taking an uber.

 

The biggest beachfront hotel in Hawaii is the iconic Hilton Hawaiian Village, as seen on TV. (Hawaii Five-0 – If you’re a fan, you can go on a Hawaii Five-0 tour when you’re in Hawaii!)

Some of the most luxurious highly rated resorts in Hawaii are the Mauna Lani and Four Seasons Hualalai.

 

 

I’ve seen tons of beaches in Hawaii (I’m pretty sure over 50!), and here’s what you need to know about what’s popular!

 

 

1. Waimanalo Beach (Oahu | Honolulu)

One of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii is Waimanalo Beach, and it’s worth making a stop here on a drive around the island.

If you won’t have a car, you can also get there by bus from Waikiki, although it will require a bus transfer. (map)

There’s a lot of room on Waimanalo Beach, so it feels a lot less crowded the tourist hub of Waikiki.

This side of the island (windward/east coast) in general will give you a vastly different experience than Waikiki or downtown Honolulu!

 

 

See more about the best things to do in Honolulu on a budget.

 

 

2. Hookipa Beach (Maui | Kahului)

The must-see Hawaii beach if you want a good chance to see turtles on Maui is Hookipa Beach!

This is just past the town of Paia, and if you’re doing the Road to Hana, you’ll want to make this one of your first stops. It’s located towards the beginning of the Road to Hana.

If you don’t mind walking 20 minutes along a possibly busy road (aka from the nearest bus stop), then you can go to Hookipa Beach without a car. (map)

When I went to Hookipa Beach, I saw tons of turtles. Then on the completely opposite side of the beach, I saw Hawaiian monk seals too!

 

👆 Turtle beach tips at Hookipa Beach. What to know about seeing turtles on the beach in Hawaii!

 

 

 

3. Punaluu black sand beach (Big Island | Hilo)

The must-see Hawaii beach if you want a good chance to see turtles on the Big Island is Punaluu black sand beach!

You’ll need a car to get to Punaluu black sand beach. It’s a 1.5 hour drive to get there from Hilo.

It can be reasonable to go to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Punaluu black sand beach in one day if you want to make both of them your priorities.

It’s also common for combo tours to go to the turtle beach alongside other top Big Island attractions.

There are black sand beach combo tours from Kona, and you can also do black sand beach combo tours as a Hilo excursion.

When I went to the Punaluu black sand beach, I saw turtles laying in the beach, and I also saw a turtle swimming away!

 

 

 

4. Hanalei Bay (Kauai | Nawiliwili)

For a picture-perfect beach with a beautiful backdrop of mountains in Hawaii, you will want to go to Hanalei Bay in Kauai.

You can go to the Black Pot Beach Park, Puu Poa Beach, and/or the Hanalei Pier.

You can experience the natural beauty of Hawaii through a kayaking + snorkeling combo tour at Hanalei Bay.

 

 

5. Kailua Beach (Oahu | Honolulu)

The windward coast of Oahu (aka the east side of the island) is where you can find some of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii.

You can make it a beach hopping kind of day!

If you have a car, make a stop at Kailua Beach (a proper beach park with beach facilities), Lanikai Beach (iconic Mokulua islands but no facilities), and Waimanalo Beach!

The Mokulua Islands are the famous twin islands that you may have seen in pictures.

A classic way to experience these islands is to kayaking tour from Kailua Beach to see them!

If you don’t have a car, you can still go to all 3, but since it will take time to get to them you might just want to choose 1… or if you choose Kailua or Lanikai, it can be reasonable to go to both!

It’s about a 15 minute walk between Kailua Beach and Lanikai Beach, and along the way, you will see beautiful views looking down on Kailua Bay!

While you are in the area, you may also want to do the iconic Lanikai pillbox hike.

 

 

 

For lots more ideas, see my post about 50 things to do in Oahu on a budget!

 

 

6. Laniakea Beach (Oahu | Honolulu)

The must-see Hawaii beach if you want a good chance to see turtles on Oahu is Laniakea Beach!

 

 

This is on the North Shore. While it is possible to get to the North Shore from Waikiki and/or downtown Honolulu, it will take some time. Time like possibly 3 hours one way, with bus transfer. (map)

So it would be more ideal to rent a car and do a circle island tour to make a stop at Laniakea Beach to see turtles.

Otherwise, many circle island tours make a stop at another beach that’s known for turtles (Puaʻena Point Beach Park).

 

 

7. Poipu Beach (Kauai | Nawiliwili)

The must-see Hawaii beach if you want a good chance to see turtles on Kauai is Poipu Beach! You also have a chance to see Hawaiian monk seals.

You can also make it a South Poipu snorkeling tour for a chance to go swimming with sea turtles.

 

 

8. Waianapanapa State Park black sand beach (Maui | Kahului)

The famous black sand beach you need to see on Maui is at Waianapanapa State Park.

You’ll need a car so you can drive the Road to Hana to get to the state park. You need to buy a Waianapanapa State Park ticket before you go.

Once you’re at Waianapanapa State Park, there’s an easy walking path to the overlook, and then you can walk down to the beach.

Do not miss the little lava tube cave that’s off to the right of beach! (I actually did miss it the first time I went!)

You can also start the Waianapanapa Coastal Trail from the black sand beach for a hike across lava fields with views of the ocean the entire way. I highly recommend you at least start a little bit of this trail! You can make it as short as a 30 minute hike (still worth it!) or you can hike as far as the trail goes.

 

 

For an epic outdoor experience in Hawaii, you can also stay at Hawaii state park cabins.

There are some cabins that are pretty close to the ocean. I stayed in a cabin that was just steps away from a coastal trail.

I’ve also been tent camping at Waianapanapa State Park. It was awesome to go down to the black sand beach in the morning before Road to Hana day trippers arrived.

You’ll book the campground and cabin at the Hawaii state park camping reservation website. I believe there’s a 2 night requirement for the cabins.

 

 

9. Kaihalulu Beach (Maui | Kahului)

The best red sand beach to see in Hawaii is Kaihalulu Beach.

This is also in Hana and you need to do a short hike to get to it.

Although, you will want to read through the reviews before you decide to go to the red sand beach. When I went, I did not think it was as bad as some of the most negative reviews indicated, but your experience may vary. It’s a Hawaii experience. Take care!

 

 

 

10. Pohoiki Beach (Big Island | Hilo)

For another black sand beach to see in Hawaii, there is Pohoiki Beach at Isaac Hale Park on the Big Island.

You will need a car to go to Pohoiki Beach. It’s about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Hilo. (map)

 

 

You can make it a Puna coast kind of trip. While you’re at it, also be sure to stop by New Kaimu black sand beach.

This isn’t a beach you can walk across, but you will walk across old lava fields flows on your way to the coast to see a black sand beach. It is a total Big Island type experience!

 

 

11. Kekaha Kai State Park (Big Island | Kona)

For the most beautiful beaches on the Big Island, you must consider Kekaha Kai State Park on the Kona coast!

There are 3 picture perfect beaches here, and which one is best for you will depend on how much energy you want to put into getting there!

You do need a car to go here. It’s near the airport, so it can make for a good first stop right after you pick up your car rental or last stop before you return it. (As standard car rental suggestion, keep your things out of sight in the car.)

Kua Bay is the easiest beach to get to. You can drive straight there. This is the most convenient beach, and it has proper beach facilities.

Mahaiula Beach is the next easiest beach to get to. You can drive here too, but the road leading to the beach is a little rough.

 

👆 If you see a sign for Hawaiian monk seals, it’s probably an indication that they are frequent visitors to the beach! This was at Mahaiula Beach, although I did not see any while I was there. I did see a turtle while swimming here though!

 

 

The closest access to Makalawena Beach is by first going to Mahaiula Beach. Then, there’s a 15 minute walk through lava fields on a sandy trail to get to Makalawena Beach.

You can also get to Makalawena Beach by driving a rough road in a 4×4 jeep… if you are brave. The start of the road to the beach is off of the main road. I think the spot called Makalawena trailhead on google maps is where you’d start. (map)

If you are ready for a LONG walk, then you can also walk from Kua Bay to Makalawena Beach. (I did this, but I emphasize that it is a SUPER LONG walk. Like, I think in total I walked 10-15 miles that day. Kua Bay to Puu Kuili to Makalawena Beach to Mahaiula Beach, and then the main road back to Kua Bay.)

 

 

12. Kapalua Bay (Maui | Kahului)

Kapalua Bay is a bit far if you’re not staying in West Maui, so it’s better done if you have a car.

But, you can get there by bus if you have the time.

You can start or end the Kapalua Coastal Trail from Kapalua Bay.

I took a bus to near the Dragon’s Teeth Access Trail (map) and then basically walked the Kapalua Coastal Trail to Kapalua Bay (and beyond).

Kapalua Bay is also known as a snorkeling spot on Maui with a chance to see turtles.

 

👆 Turtle beach tips at Kapalua Bay. If you see a sign with tips for Hawaiian green sea turtles, it’s a good indication that they are frequent visitors to the waters here!

 

Maui has lots of snorkeling spots in West Maui and South Maui.

There are snorkeling beaches that you can go to on your own (like Kapalua Bay!), and there are also some popular snorkeling tours like Molokini Crater tours.

 

 

13. Kamakahonu Beach (Big Island | Kona)

Your beach of convenience when arriving by cruise ship to Kona is Kamakahonu Beach. (map)

It’s a safe swimming area, and you have a chance to have a fun snorkeling experience.

Kamakahonu Beach is right next to the Kona pier, which is where you’ll step foot onto the Big Island from the tender boat.

You’ll see the Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark from the beach.

 

 

It’s the beach that is right in front of the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel.

If you’re staying overnight in Kona, this hotel has the Island Breeze Luau.

 

 

14. Richardson Ocean Park (Big Island | Hilo)

If you’re looking for a fun beach experience when arriving by cruise ship to Hilo without going too far, then I think that’s Richardson Ocean Park. (map)

You have a good chance of seeing turtles here, and it’s known for being a good snorkeling spot too.

It’s 3 miles from the Hilo cruise port, so it’s not necessarily walking distance for most people, but it’s close enough that you can get there by uber.

 

 

If you do want to walk to a swimming spot from the cruise ship, take a look at google maps going in the same direction, and there are a bunch of small “beach parks” along the way. Zoom in to each of the beach parks and take a look at the reviews!

You might have a chance to see turtles at the smaller beach parks too. Although this isn’t the typical “beach” experience, it would be a fun Hilo experience.

For example, take a look at Keaukaha Beach Park which is a 20 minute walk from the cruise ship. (reviews)

 

 

15. Ulua Beach (Maui | Kahului)

For a fun snorkeling experience without a car when arriving by cruise ship to Maui, I think Ulua Beach is worth considering.

I was riding the bus in Kihei when the bus driver actually suggested Ulua Beach as a top snorkeling spot too.

It is a bit of a time commitment (close to 1.5 hours one way), but you can walk 20 minutes to a bus stop and then it will be a direct bus to Ulua Beach. There is no bus transfer required, and the bus stop is just a few minutes from Ulua Beach. (map)

If you prefer to save time, it’s a 30 minute uber ride.

 

👆 Honu = turtle in the Hawaiian language. These are turtle beach tips at Ulua. So it’s a good indication that they are frequent visitors to the waters here!

 

 

Ulua Beach can also be the start of a scenic coastal walk along the Wailea Beach Walk, which is a paved oceanfront path.

The walking path goes by several oceanfront hotels, including the Wailea Beach Resort Marriott, the Four Seasons Resort Maui, and the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui.

If you’re staying overnight on Maui, the Wailea Beach Resort also hosts the Te Au Moana Luau, which you can get tickets for even if you’re not staying there.

 

 

16. Kalapaki Beach (Kauai | Nawiliwili)

When arriving in Kauai by cruise ship, your beach of convenience is Kalapaki Beach. (map)

This is the beach that’s near the Royal Sonesta resort.

I’ve walked to this beach on a cruise ship visit, and I actually also walked to this beach when I had a layover at the Kauai airport.

From the cruise port it actually is within walking distance (maybe like a 15 minute walk), but from the airport it’s like a 2 mile walk.

When I walked along the seawall from the beach, I saw a turtle swimming in the water! I saw some people snorkeling not far from where I saw the turtle and I was hoping that they saw a turtle while they were swimming!

Although according to the reviews, people have said it’s generally not good for snorkeling. One person did say that they say turtles while snorkeling, though.

 

 

 

17. Kuhio Beach (Oahu | Honolulu)

Kuhio Beach is one of the many beaches in Waikiki, the top tourist hub in Hawaii.

It’s easy enough to get from downtown Honolulu and the cruise port to Waikiki. There’s a bus stop right at Kuhio Beach.

See how to get from Honolulu cruise port to Waikiki.

Although all beaches in Waikiki are generally safe for swimming, what makes Kuhio Beach even better is that there’s a seawall that can prevent the rougher waters to get through near the beach. (But, it is still the ocean so take care!)

Kuhio Beach also has the Waikiki Wall (views!), Duke Kahanamoku Statue (iconic spot in Waikiki!), and a free sunset hula show (Hawaiian culture!).

It’s one of the Waikiki beaches that doesn’t have a beachfront hotel. Although it’s not directly on the beach, the Alohilani Resort is quite literally just across the street from Kuhio Beach.

You can also buy your last minute beach essentials across the street from Kuhio Beach, along with some easy grab-and-go food, and then head to the beach!

 

 

You’ll also want to consider Queens Beach next to Kuhio Beach. Queens Beach is one of the best snorkeling spots in Waikiki, and you can go snorkeling on your own.

If you want the best chance to swim with turtles in Waikiki, you’ll want to go to Turtle Canyons through a tour.

 

 

More Hawaii travel ideas:

• Things to do in Hawaii
• Best Hawaii waterfalls you need to see!
• Best Hawaii hikes you need to do!
• Best Hawaii food you need to eat!
• Things to do in Honolulu without a car
• Oahu on a budget (50 cheap travel ideas)
• Best snorkeling in Waikiki (Honolulu)
• Things to do near Hilton Hawaiian Village (biggest hotel in Waikiki)
• How to get from Honolulu cruise port to Waikiki

 

Happy seeing beaches in Hawaii!