Here are some of the most famous beaches of Hawaii – many people come to visit Hawaii only to explore the most beautiful beaches in the world. However, there are so many beaches on these islands and you might ask yourself, where should I really go?
On our private tours on Oahu we show you some of the most famous beaches on Oahu. We take you up to the North Shore of Oahu where, during surf season, some of the most popular surf contests of the world take place. Sunset Beach is one of these famous surf spots. We will also show you some hidden gems and secret beaches on Oahu. Check out our Custom Oahu Island Tours!
Famous Beaches on Oahu
Hanauma Bay
This iconic beach is located on the southeast coast of Oahu and is one of the best places for snorkeling. There, you can see any kind of fish like the butterflyfish, parrotfish or the moorish fish. Hanauma Bay is a nature reserve, therefore you need to pay an admission fee of $7.50 (children up to 12 years are free of charge). Each visitor also has to watch a 15-minute video explaining the beach rules of Hanauma Bay. The bay is closed to tourists every Tuesdays in order to allow the fish a day of feeding without interruption by swimmers.
Sunset Beach
This beach is a great place for surfing, especially during the winter months. Surfers from all over the world come to Sunset Beach because of its gigantic 15 to 30 foot high waves. Sunset Beach made it into out YouTube Playlist “The Best Beaches of Hawaii”.
I would recommend this beach only for experienced surfers. However, during the summertime the waves go flat and then this beach is an amazing place for snorkeling.
Sunset beach is also famous for its giant waves during winter. Some of the most popular surf competitions in Hawaii are held here. If you want to see the famous surf spots on Oahu, come on tour with Daniels Hawaii. On our circle island tours we pass by some of the most amazing surf spots on Oahu. Lean back and enjoy a wonderful tour around the island. Taste local food, learn about hawaiian history and experience ALOHA on our tours.
Waikiki Beaches
The beaches of Waikiki are located in Honolulu in the southern part of Oahu which is also a great location for shopping and dining. Kalakaua Avenue is next to the beach and offers you all you need, whether you are looking for beachy fun or high-end chic. The water is great for swimming and perfect for people who just want to start surfing. The beaches of Waikiki are by far the most famous beaches of Hawaii.
Waikiki’s nine beaches from east to west
1) Outrigger Canoe Club Beach, also known as Colony Surf Beach, located in front of the Colony Surf condo
2) Kaimana Beach, also known as Sans Souci Beach, located in front of the Sans Souci condo and New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel.
3) Queens Beach, located immediately west of Kapahulu Groin
4) Kapiolani Beach, located on Kapahulu across from the Zoo
5) Kuhio Beach, located by the Duke Kahanamoku Statue
6) Royal Moana Beach, also known as Royal Hawaiian Beach, located by the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and Moana Surfrider Hotel. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel is also called the “Pink Lady”, due to it’s pink color. The Moana Surfrider Hotel was the first Hotel built in Hawaii. It was built in 1901. Walk through Waikiki and you won’t miss it.
7) Gray’s Beach, also known as Halekulani Beach, located by the Halekulani Hotel
8) Fort Derussy Beach, located in front of Fort Derussy Beach Park
9) Kahanamoku Beach, located in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village. See more of the Hilton Hawaiian Village in this short video.
Famous Beaches On Maui
Honolua Bay
As part of a marine reserve, Honolua Bay has crystal-clear water during the summer and is a great place for diving and snorkeling. However, the beach becomes a mecca for surfers during the winter season due to huge waves. The bay has only a small beach for sunbathing, people are either in or under the water at Honolua Bay. If you want to explore the underwater world of Maui, go on one of the snorkel trips.
Kaanapali Beach
If you think of pristine water and a sandy, golden beach, then you probably have Kaanapali beach on your mind. This approximately 4 and a half miles long beach has numerous resorts and because of its length, you usually think that only a few people are at the beach. The best spots for snorkeling and scuba diving are close to the Sheraton Hotel, a place known as “Black Rock” where you can find all kinds of exotic fish. Maui for sure has some of the most famous beaches in Hawaii.
DT FlemingBeach
This beach also makes you feel like there are not too many people around you and it is suitable for all kind of water sports like snorkeling, swimming, bodyboarding, etc. However, sometimes the water for snorkeling can be a little bit too hazy. During the wintertime the waves can be very rough and if as a beginner, you should be careful in the water at this time.
Wailea Beach
Just off the beautiful resorts of Wailea Four Seasons Resort and Grand Wailea Resort, you will find Wailea Beach which is great for swimming especially for families with kids. The waves are not very high, as the beach is protected on both sides by lava rocks. Snorkeling and bodyboarding are very popular here. This beach is also a favorite spot for whale watching.
Hana Beach Park
This is one of Hawaii’s legendary black sand beaches created by cooled lava. This beach has not a lot of sand, but there is plenty of grass to sit down. The water is calm and great for swimming, windsurfing, fishing, etc. The Outrigger Canoe Club uses this beach for surf lessons. The little town of Hana is one of the most famous little towns in Hawaii. Therefore Hana beach is of course one of the most famous beaches of Hawaii.
If you are interested in visiting the beautiful little town of Hana, come on tour with Daniels Hawaii. Enjoy a luxury vehicle and a private tour to Hana. The private tour to Hana takes about 7-8 hours. See beautiful waterfalls, black sand beaches, green sand beaches and breathe the clean air of the hawaiian rainforest.
Famous Beaches on Kauai
Hanalei Bay
This crescent-shaped bay has an unbelievable landscape. During summertime, this bay is very calm and you feel like you are at a lake. Hanalei Bay is one of the most relaxed sandy beaches on the island and perfect for tanning and swimming. However during winter, there are high waves here, perfect for surfers but impossible for swimming.
Anini Beach
On the north shore of Kauai, you will find the three miles long Anini Beach. This well protected beach is one of the safest places to swim and its deep blue water also enhances its scenic beauty. A reef near the coast is responsible for the blue water. An approximately 60 feet deep abyss near the reefs is great for diving, snorkeling, windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Tunnels Beach
If you are looking for the best dive spot on Kauai, you will find it on Tunnels beach. Many marine creatures, lava formations and caves are waiting to be discovered by you. Surrounded by green mountains, this place is one of the most famous beaches in Hawaii.
Hanakapiai Beach
To get to Hanakapiai Beach, you have to hike the Kalalau hiking trail for about two miles. Lying in the sun, you can enjoy a fantastic view. However, the water is too dangerous for swimming because of its strong current and there are no lifeguards. A lot of beautiful beaches on Kauai are not easy accessible. More than 80% of the land on Kauai is unexplored. No human has ever set foot on parts of the island. But YOU can explore and see these hidden parts of the island. Fly in a luxury helicopter over the amazing island of Kauai. The island is also called the garden island. It has almost 10,000 waterfalls and lots of beautiful rainforest. The helicopter flight on Kauai is something you will never forget!
Black Pot Beach
At his beach, you can have a nice picnic since the Black Pot Beach Park has a large lawn with many shady places. You can also see the waterfalls in the mountains while taking a nice walk along the beautiful promenade. You can rent surfboards there as well.
Famous Beaches on the Big Island
Hapuna Beach
This beach is about 65 yards wide but it is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You are surrounded by deep blue waters and a golden sandy beach, perfect for swimming. You can also relax on its beautiful lawns. This beach was awarded as Best Beach in the United States by travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler. So of course it is part of the most famous beaches in Hawaii.
Spencer Beach Park
Another safe beach for swimming is Spencer Beach and perfect for families with children. This place is also a very popular beach park for camping and numerous, shady lawns.
Kaunaoa Beach
Right on the coast of Kohala, you will find this white, sandy beach. A perfect place for snorkeling and surfing. The water is very clear. A unique attraction can be observed here at night because a light attracts large manta rays near the beach.
Kikaua Point Beach
You find lava rocks and palm trees along the beach, which also has a lawn to lay down. Kaki Point is especially great for families, as the beach is sheltered and the water is calm enough for the children to swim safely. Turquoise water invites every guest to plunge into the ocean and the fantastic view of volcano Mauna Kea is certainly not a disadvantage.
Maniniowali Beach
You will find a crescent-shaped beach with crystal-clear waters at Kua Bay. Swimming and bodyboarding are very popular here, but sometimes the waves can get very high. Be careful then. There is a great location for snorkeling with lots of coral riffs across the beach.
Famous Beaches on Molokai
Dixie Maru Cove
This beach is a small bay with a white sandy beach. The water is great for swimming, as the bay is protected from high waves by a coral reef. Snorkeling and swimming are best during summer time. However, in winter the water is often a little more agitated. Molokai is a small island about 40 miles away from Oahu. There are not a lot of hotels on the island and therefore not a lot of tourists either. This makes the island and its beaches pristine. Molokai does not have some of the most famous beaches in Hawaii, but surely some of the most beautiful beaches.
Halawa Beach Park
This beach has two different beaches for swimming – Kawili and Kamalaea beach. Kamalaea is the quieter one with a semi-circular, white sandy beach that falls right into the ocean. Kawili beach has some rocks and is less sheltered. Picnicking, swimming and sunbathing are allowed at this beach park.
Hale O Lono Beach
If you go south of Molokai, you will find Hale O Lono beach. This beach is very popular for anglers. The beach is not very big and has a rocky seabed. I would not recommend this location for swimming or snorkeling but it is a unique place for watching humpback whales during the winter time. Every winter there are thousands of humpback whales in Hawaii. You can try to see them from shore or you go on one of the whale watching cruises in Hawaii.
Kakahaia Beach Park
This 42-hectare beach is a popular spot for a picnic or for bird watching. Here, you will also find a rocky seabed. Therefore, this beach is not a good place for swimming and snorkeling.
Kaupoa Beach
On the west coast of Molokai you will find Kaupoa beach. Picture perfect! Palm trees anyway and the deep blue water invites you for a refreshing swim. Snorkeling is very popular here. If you are lucky you might even see some turtles in the water or on the beach.
Famous Beach on Lanai
Shipwreck Beach
I would not recommend this beach for swimming because of its strong current and waves. Many guests come here to look for clam shells and other treasures. Here, you can also see the island Molokai in the distance. This eight and a half mile long beach is a great spot for walking and fishing.
