The Most Spectacular Beaches In Hawaii

The Most Spectacular Beaches in Hawaii

Are you ready to take your dream vacation? Consider Hawaii. It's the ultimate beach paradise. It has some of the best weather in the world, there are a variety of active adventures to embark on and their beaches offer incredible scenic views.

*Related: Hawaii's Most Over the Top Resorts

From The Big Island, to Maui, Oahu, Kauai and Lanai, there are various destinations in Hawaii offering stunning beaches. Check out some of the best colored sand beaches in the world, a couple of the world's best beaches for big wave surfing and some of the most spectacular black sand beaches on the planet.

Kauna ‘oa Beach, The Big Island

Also known as Mauna Kea beach, this beach is one of the most gorgeous white sand beaches in Hawaii. During the summer months, this is the perfect beach for sunbathing and watersports such as snorkeling. You can even rent snorkel gear and boogie boards from the beach concession. While during the winter months, the waves are very high with intense shore breaks and rip currents.

 

Black Sand Beach, Maui

 [Related: 10 Adventurous Thing to do in Maui, Hawaii] Located in Maui's Wainapanapa State Park is this incredible black sand beach. It is situated between black lava cliffs and surrounded by tropical flora. It was formed when lava hit the ocean and shattered. It's a very popular destination for tourists and offers incredible photo opportunities. Swimming and surfing are among the most popular activities at this beach.

Waikiki Beach, Oahu

Waikiki Beach is known as one of the most famous beaches in Hawaii. It's a two-mile stretch of gorgeous white sand with eight different sections. Go canoeing, surfing, swimming, kayaking, boogie boarding, or just relax on the beach and reap the benefits of the sun. Also enjoy the many hotels, beach bars, gift shops and restaurants nearby.

 

Kaimu Beach, Pāhoa

This is known to be a dangerous, yet unique beach. It's a black sand beach that was formed due to lava flow from the Kilauea volcano. This beach is a popular destination for photographers but not swimmers. The currents are too strong, so swimming is not an option.

Kaanapali Beach, Maui

Located in Northwest Maui is this beautiful beach with crystal clear water. It is a mile-long beach and is home to a variety of luxurious resorts. Many people travel to this beach for its incredible cliff diving ceremonies, which are held every night off of the beaches cliffs – Puu Kekaa or Black Rock.

Hapuna Beach St. Recreation Area

Hapuna Beach is one of the cleanest beaches in the U.S. It is known as one of Hawaii's finest beaches, and food good reason. The beautiful white sand makes for perfect sun bathing and the clear waters are perfect for any of your swimming and snorkeling adventures. There is also ample parking available and food venders for when you get hungry.

Honaunau Bay, The Big Island

This crescent-shaped beach is one of the best places in the Big Island for snorkeling; the water is almost always completely clear and often times you will see dolphins swimming close to the shore. The white sands and swaying palm trees, among its peaceful ambiance, will leave you breathless. The Travel Channel rated this beach 5/5 for swimming, sand and atmosphere.

Jaws- Pe’ahi, Maui

[Related: The World's Best Beaches for Big Wave Surfing] This is a must-see beach in Hawaii. It got its name from the terrifying shark thriller. Whether you are a big-wave surfer or just want to watch for fun, this beach is not to be missed. Big wave surfers use tow-in-methods in the water. They risk their lives to ride some of the biggest waves in the world. Jaws Peahi is also the location of the Red Bull Jaws contest, a surfing contest held for 21 of the best and most daring big wave surfers in the world.

Pipeline- North Shore, Oahu

This beach is home to huge waves that break in shallow water above the reefs, it is another famous destination for big wave surfing. Pipeline was the home of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing contest in 2015. Another beach in North Shore is Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach) – home to the green sea turtle.

Papakolea Beach, Naalehu

[Related: The Best Colored Sand Beaches in the World] Also known as Green Sand Beach, the colored sand was "created by a common silicate deposit of Big Island lava called olivine, which stays deposited on this beach because it is heavier than the other, lighter components of the lava," according to bigislandhikes.com. Hike along the shore, go swimming, surfing and fishing at this unique beach.

Hanalei Bay, Kauai

This two-mile long white sand beach will take your breath away. The scenery is absolutely incredible, with spectacular mountains; and there are tons of watersports to choose from. Go swimming, sailing, surfing, paddling, bodyboarding and fishing. According to Kaua'i Explorer, world champion surfers and athletes live in Hanalei; if you are lucky, you may get the chance to see some amazing wave riding.

Hulopoe Beach, Lanai

Located on the southern coast of Lanai is this luxurious beach. It is known as one of the best spots on the island for swimming and snorkeling. Make sure to visit Hulopoe Bay's large well protected tide pools; they are carved out of volcanic rock. The marine life is also extraordinary – view spinner dolphins and humpback whales. (gohawaii.com)

Wailea Beach, Maui

Wailea Beach is home to one of Hawaii's most over the top resorts – The Grand Wailea. So if you don't mind the resort vibe, this is the perfect beach for you. The ocean tends to be pretty calm, making for perfect snorkeling and body surfing opportunities. The beach is also equipped with bathrooms, showers and free public parking.

Po’ipu Beach, Kauai

[Related: The Most Beautiful Remote Beaches in the World] With a series of golden sand crescents and clear water, it's no wonder why this is one of the most popular beaches in the South Shore. Beach-goers enjoy swimming, snorkeling, boogie-boarding, surfing and relaxing in the natural ocean wading pool.

Red Sand Beach, Maui

[Related: The Top 6 Adventure Sports in Hawaii] Also known as Kaihalulu Beach, this red sand beach offers some of the most incredible scenery. It's a hidden cove with a rugged coastline and red lava cliffs. You have to hike to get there, but once you do, visitors say it's totally worth it.