10 Best Beaches in Hawaii
There are many reasons to love Hawaii, but one of them is certainly the beaches. So welcome to these magical islands: enchanting landscapes, the spirit of Aloha, a culinary tradition to savor and many, many different coastlines where you can leave your towel and immerse yourself in the turquoise waters you've heard about your whole life.
Come here to enjoy a mai tai, the fresh fish brought in by fishermen who have been doing their job for generations, but also the surf culture, which has now become a way of life for many frequent visitors. Bathed in the bountiful waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Hawaiian Islands are a small paradise isolated from the rest of the world, where walking on the sand hand in hand with your partner is a dream come true.
You'll be amazed to know that some of the world's most beautiful waterfalls rise on these magnificent little islands. Immersed in the lush vegetation of the rainforest, they embellish a landscape already full of surprises and photo opportunities. Hiking enthusiasts will also enjoy the extraordinary beauty of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the world's most active volcano - Kilauea - and some of the world's largest inactive volcanoes.
If you're a water sports enthusiast, Hawaii is exactly the place you've been looking for. Surrounded by an endless ocean, it's the perfect place for fishing, surfing, snorkeling and diving. Ride the waves of the ocean while surrounded by people who, like you, share an incredible passion for the secrets of the waters.
To help you fully understand the beauty of Hawaii, we've compiled a wonderful list of all the most fabulous beaches on these amazing islands. So, all you have to do is pack a swimsuit, plenty of sunscreen and choose the itinerary you've always dreamed of for your Costa cruise to Hawaii. Are you ready to set sail?
Waikiki Beach (Oahu)
Those who want to go to Hawaii know that at Waikiki Beach, you will find everything you want. You're here on the south coast of Honolulu, Oahu, home to the namesake neighborhood, which was once considered the favorite recreation spot of Hawaiian royalty. Its name means "sparkling waters," and its fame dates back to the early 1900s. Specifically in 1091, when the first hotel (the Moana Surfrider) was founded here. Today, Waikiki has become the center of gravity for global island tourism. And when you get tired of going from beach to beach, you can always retreat to Kalakaua Avenue, one of the most popular streets for shopping, entertainment and top-notch restaurants.
The beaches of Waikiki are all postcard perfect, and you can't find a better word to describe them. With Mount Leahi as a backdrop to this spectacular stretch of coastline, the calm, crystal clear waters are perfect for taking your first surfing or canoeing lessons. If you're on the beaches of Waikiki, head to the Duke Kahanamoku statue, which has become an iconic symbol for the island's surfers. Surfing is serious here: over the years it has become a way of life in search of the best wave.
The beach, over 2 miles long, features white sand and calm blue waters, an irresistible dedication to the Pacific Ocean that bathes Honolulu. Come here with your family or partner and you'll find everything you need to relax on a towel in the soft sand. Diving is great fun, and we recommend you do it. But always watch out for surfers, especially the less experienced ones. Every little wave can be the harbinger of a big surfboard, and it's always a little harder to avoid collisions in the water!
Hanauma Bay (Oahu)
In 1967, Hanauma Bay was turned into a nature reserve for the conservation of underwater life. Its name means "curved bay", and it was once home to a volcanic crater that no longer exists. Today, Hanauma is an underwater park where thousands of tourists come every year to snorkel, surrounded by the rich local flora and fauna. Swimmers can dive into the water and see over 400 species of Hawaiian fish, such as the humuhumunukunukuapua'a fish (it takes practice to pronounce it correctly!) and sea turtles. During full moon periods, the bay may be populated by jellyfish: a good idea is to avoid diving during these periods! Among the fishes you might see are butterfly fishes, cardinal fishes, damselfish, surgeonfish, Moorish idol, porcupine fishes and many others.
Access to Hanauma is limited and requires a short course that will have to be done on the spot: the residents and the guardians of the dive park are indeed very adamant about the importance of the rules to be followed in this beautiful corner of paradise. The rules serve to ensure the maximum safety of people while diving and, above all, the preservation of a priceless wildlife heritage. Upon arrival, you can rent snorkeling equipment.
The white sandy beach of coral origin is soft and enchanting, and the waters are calm enough to allow even the less experienced to swim. You only need to go a little further from the shore to reach the corals. Dive into the crevices and watch the fish in their natural habitat, completely indifferent to your presence. The area is closed on Tuesdays.
Lanikai Beach (Oahu)
Lanikai Beach is located on the spectacular island of Oahu and is described by trade journals and visiting tourists as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and even in the world. Surrounded by miles of pristine blue ocean, it's hard to look at Lanikai Beach without wanting to throw on a bathing suit, roll out a towel and jump headlong into the waves. Bountiful palm trees shelter this beautiful beach where you can't wait to leave your stuff and sit in one of the postcard landscapes you've always dreamed of visiting in your life. The water is about 24-26°C and is perfect for long swims in the sun.
Lani Kai means "ocean paradise", and the name is not a coincidence: come and take an unforgettable dip in the Pacific Ocean. Unfortunately, much of the white sand here has been eroded by the sea: if you're looking for a more organized place to spend a day at sea, you can head to Kailua Beach Park.
In any case, don't forget to bring sunscreen, a packed lunch and your camera. The view is so beautiful that it would seem a shame to go out for a bite to eat. Access to the beach is a bit difficult to find, but by following the signs, you can cross a small alley between two private houses to reach this piece of paradise.
The beach can get very crowded, especially on weekends. You may also find yourself in the background of some professional photographers, many of whom come here with their models to take unforgettable pictures. What makes the landscape of Lanikai unique are the two islands that appear along the skyline: Na Mokulua. Many kayakers leave Lanikai for the island to the north, while the island to the south is a no-go area as a protected bird area.
Kailua Beach (Oahu)
Among the most beautiful and distinctive beaches in Hawaii is Kailua Beach Park, one of the largest and most beautiful parks on Oahu. In addition to a spectacular beach that juts headlong into the crystal clear waters, Kailua offers a beautiful park with picnic tables, beach volleyball courts, barbecue areas, showers, restrooms, shady trees, lifeguards and plenty of water sports opportunities. You can surf, kayak, kitesurf and paddle surf. But if you're a beachgoer, you'll always find something to do: the sun is wonderful and the calm water invites you to dive in.
Come here also with your children and relax among the many offers of the park without having to worry about the organization, the place to eat or the swimming facilities: here in Kailua you will find everything you need!
Once a year, fireworks are held here: locals and tourists gather in the park to admire the beauty of the fireworks. Kailua is also home to an important canoe club, Hawaii's most important sport. With their design very similar to that of Polynesia, watching the canoes chase each other across the surface of the water is a sight to behold at least once in your life.
Kailua is a strip of coastline that extends more than 3 kilometers north of the beach of the same name, and was once considered a settlement. But since 1940, it has been given the title of "beach park". Every year during the Christmas vacations, the Obama family comes here to relax and have fun.
Waimea Bay (Oahu)
There's so much to do in Waimea Bay that we're sure once you step foot on it, you'll never want to leave. Welcome to the North Shore of Oahu, on one of Hawaii's most famous and beloved beaches. If you arrived here drawn by the big waves that are said to dominate the area, then you've come to the right place. Waimea is the arrival point for all the pilgrim surfers who come to the island in search of the big wave to conquer. On days when the wind is right, Waimea Bay is filled with surfers and water sports enthusiasts who head out for the challenge of a lifetime. In winter, Waimea is not about swimming, it's about surfing. With waves up to 12 meters high, you can watch surfers explore their limits in unforgettable, adrenaline-filled experiences.
The first thing to do when you get here is to look for the big rock that dominates the center of Waimea. It is a rock, half of which is submerged in the ocean water. You just have to climb it to reach the top and, of course, jump headlong into the water on the other side. Usually the water is deep enough to guarantee a dive, but it's always best to check first to avoid nasty surprises!
When the water is calm and surfers are watching the waves from the shore, Waimea is the perfect place for diving. You can rent equipment to explore the rock tunnels we mentioned earlier. The somewhat scary cave is usually home to a few species of fish, and you only have to push a little further to reach the light on the other side. If caves are not for you, the water here is still clear and transparent enough to offer you an unmatched snorkeling experience. The large rocks at the bottom are home to myriads of fish. This is one of the best places to see fantastic specimens of the Hawaiian turtle.
Waimea also has a number of cliffs to climb and dive into the depths of the sea. The highest area rises up to 6 meters and offers spectacular diving opportunities for truly unforgettable shots.
But what is a beach without its food trucks? Waimea has also become very famous for its small places where you can enjoy traditional Hawaiian food and snacks. Enjoy pad thai, garlic shrimp or ice cream right on the sand.
Makena Beach (Maui)
Breathtaking landscapes, blue sea and a golden beach where you can't wait to roll out your towel. Welcome to Makena Beach on the island of Maui. Locals call it the "big beach" and, in fact, it's the largest in the area. Come here to enjoy a spit of land between the dense vegetation behind it and the Pacific Ocean, which is eager to welcome you for a swim.
The place is perfect for a day of relaxation and sunbathing, or a day of swimming, picnicking and lots of fun. Makena is located south of Wailea and offers a much less crowded beach than the more famous Kaanapali and Lahaina. Nestled between two spectacular volcanic outcrops, Makena's water is protected from ocean currents and offers shelter to all less experienced swimmers. The water is crystal clear and transparent, but the seabed tends to be mostly devoid of ocean life: if you want to snorkel, you might want to opt for other locations.
The presence of lifeguards makes swimming safe even for children. The area is vast and you only need to walk a little to find a stretch of coastline on your own. Be careful walking barefoot near the trees: some of them have thorns that fall to the ground and can hurt your feet.
Ka'anapali Beach (Maui)
With over 3 kilometers of pristine coastline plunging headlong into the ocean, Ka'anapali is one of the most popular beaches. At one time, it was also the most popular beach for Americans. Today, the situation is a bit different, with other beaches attracting the attention of tourists, but Ka'anapali is and remains a landmark for high-end travelers and all tourists looking for luxury and comfort during their beach days.
Ka'anapali was the first vacation resort in the world. From there, the concept of "resort" spread to the rest of the world. Also nearby is Whalers Village, a charming shopping village where you can shop when the sun is too strong or between dives. If you can, come here early in the morning to get the best seats. The palm trees offer protection from the sun and shelter from the wind. The water is crystal clear and supervised by lifeguards, who display red flags if the waves are too high and a swimming ban is necessary.
Mauna Kea Beach (Big Island)
Also known as Kauna'oa Beach, Mauna Kea is the beach across the street from the hotel of the same name, offering tourists a tongue of white sand that is considered one of the most beautiful in Hawaii. It's safe to say that Mauna Kea is one of the few family-friendly beaches in Hawaii, perfect for its convenient access to equipped swimming facilities, wide beach and calm, crystal clear waters. Only in winter do the waves tend to rise, and it's best to be careful of the strong ocean currents that can hit the area.
If you are a diver, we recommend diving in the southern part of the coast, where the rocks offer shelter to some interesting species. If you can also stay in the evening, you should know that after a certain hour, the lights of the hotel attract plankton, which in turn carry manta rays. You can then observe them in their natural habitat while they feed!
The area is equipped with restaurants where you can enjoy ocean delicacies and excellent drinks, but be careful. Prices tend to be a bit high.
Makalawena Beach (Big Island)
The hardest to reach - and perhaps the most beautiful - beach in Hawaii is called Makalawena. Although not accessible by road, Makalawena is worth every moment of the walk to get there. A very white beach, a clear and welcoming ocean and few people, a truly irresistible feature to be found in Hawaii.
When the waters are calm, swimming is a real pleasure. You'll feel like you have the island all to yourself, and you won't be too far from the truth! The land behind Makalawena is private and not accessible. When you dive here, watch out for rocks under the water - making it a great place for snorkelers.
Makalawena is an area almost exclusively frequented by locals, but lately it is becoming more and more popular with tourists who find out about it from specialized magazines. When you come here, respect the rules of the place and don't forget to pick up the garbage. If you see a sea turtle, do not touch it and stay at least 6 meters away from it so as not to disturb it.
It's in places like this that you'll need to get your Aloha spirit out: the word doesn't just indicate a simple greeting, it's rooted in the peace, love and compassion that every human being should show for their fellow man and the beauty of the local nature.
Anini Beach (Kauai)
Although no lifeguards are stationed in the area, the beautiful beach of Anini is considered one of the safest in Hawaii, especially in summer. With a huge coral reef, the area is protected from strong ocean currents and offers a beautiful piece of paradise where the crystal clear waters invite you to dive without hiding the dangers and pitfalls.
Come here to leave your towel in the white sand and enjoy long walks, snorkeling, picnics or, with the right wind, a good windsurfing. Anini is also famous for being a popular camping spot. The plants offer shade and refreshment to tourists.
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