There’s one factor each customer to Hawaii needs to do – hit the seashore. And it is sensible since Hawaii’s seashores are among the many finest on the planet. From powdery-white sands to otherworldly volcanic landscapes, from secluded coves to world-class surf breaks, the islands boast a wide range of beachy escapes excellent for each traveler. All are open to the general public under the high-tide line; there aren’t any non-public seashores in Hawaii.
Listed here are our picks of the state’s finest seashores, ordered by island.
1. Kailua Seashore, Oʻahu
On Oʻahu’s windswept windward aspect, Kailua Seashore is a seashore lover’s paradise, with gentle sands that stretch 2.5 miles lengthy with the majestic Koʻolau Mountains because the backdrop. Its aquamarine waters are a wonderful playground – you’ll see folks browsing, paddling canoes, swimming, kiteboarding, bodysurfing and kayaking right here. And there’s a lot house, you’ll be able to simply discover a spot to your self.
On the east finish of the seashore, there’s a giant car parking zone, with restrooms and picnic pavilions. It’s additionally one of many few seashores on Oʻahu that’s canine pleasant, so that you’ll probably see four-legged mates working and taking part in within the sand. From the car parking zone, it’s a brief stroll to close by Lanikai Seashore; this attractive seashore is smaller and sometimes extra crowded than Kailua Seashore, as folks flock right here to catch the dawn over the dual Mokulua Islands.
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Planning tip: The car parking zone can refill rapidly, and discovering a spot close to a seashore entry level may be tough. Contemplate renting a motorbike from the Bike Store in Kailua City. (There’s no city-run bike-sharing on this aspect of the island.) The store has a spread of cruisers, mountain bikes and street bikes for hire, full with helmets and bike locks. Electra cruises – the most well-liked bike – begin at $18 for as much as 4 hours. You’ll be able to ebook on-line and choose it up on the store.
2. Waikiki Seashore, Oʻahu
Waikiki is the quintessential Hawaiian seashore – glowing waters, golden sand and a lot to do at and round it. No surprise Hawaiian aliʻi (royalty) lived and performed right here! The legendary surfer and Olympian Duke Kahanamoku rode the waves in Waikiki, and you’ll discover ways to surf right here from a modern-day seashore boy or woman. Experience rolling waves in an outrigger canoe or hop on a catamaran for a sundown sail.
There are a number of separate named seashores in Waikiki, from the picturesque Kaimana Seashore by the 200-acre Kapiʻolani Park to the glistening sands of Duke Kahanamoku Seashore, which boasts a kid-friendly lagoon in entrance of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Seashore Resort. Sip a mai tai at a beachside bar or soak up afternoon tea on the historic Moana Surfrider. The whole lot – motels, eating places, boutiques, comfort shops, espresso outlets, a zoo and aquarium – is inside strolling distance.
Planning tip: The Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Seashore Resort places on a fireworks present each Friday evening. The resort has been doing this since 1988 (with a two-year break in the course of the pandemic). Deliver a picnic dinner and discover a spot on the seashore to look at the skies gentle up. The present begins at 7:45pm in the course of the winter and 8pm in the summertime.
3. Hanauma Bay, Oʻahu
Among the finest locations to snorkel on Oʻahu is Hanauma Bay, a protected nature protect shaped inside an outdated volcanic crater on the southeast coast of the island. It’s virtually an open-air aquarium, bustling with marine life. About 400 species of fish inhabit this bay — butterflyfish, tangs, surgeonfish, parrotfish, Moorish idols, wrasse — as do Hawaiian inexperienced sea turtles and the occasional monk seal. You’ll be able to hire snorkel gear on the seashore concession or convey your individual. There are lifeguards, restrooms and a free tram that takes you from the car parking zone to the seashore.
Planning suggestions: On-line reservations are required to go to Hanauma Bay. Areas can promote out in a short time, so be on-line at 7am Hawai‘i Customary Time two days upfront of your supposed go to when tickets are launched. It prices $25 per individual for non-Hawaii residents aged 13 years and older. Parking is one other $3 per automobile and operates on a primary come first serve foundation. The bay is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Detour: Hanauma Bay is positioned close to the residential city of Hawaiʻi Kai, the place you’ll be able to choose up snorkel gear and different seashore provides. A favourite cease is Kokonuts Shave Ice & Snacks within the close by Koko Marina Middle, the place you’ll be able to calm down with a rainbow shave ice or acai bowl. Even President Barack Obama, who’s from Hawaii, has been noticed right here.
4. Kawela Bay, Oʻahu
Locals and visitors on the Turtle Bay Resort (just lately remodeled right into a Ritz Carlton) on Oʻahu’s North Shore have recognized about this secluded bay for many years. The Belief for Public Land has protected 630 acres of this pristine coastal space to make sure it stays undeveloped and open to the general public. The five-star resort does supply restricted public parking and seashore entry, although you may also park alongside Kamehameha Freeway a couple of mile south of the resort and stroll by means of a gap within the fence. The hidden bay is commonly uncrowded – even empty! – and the waters are calm and nice for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. It’s possible you’ll even see a Hawaiian inexperienced sea turtle or an endangered monk seal. There are some sandy mountain climbing trails alongside the seashore.
Planning tip: See the bay from horseback. Turtle Bay Resort affords unique non-public and group path rides alongside oceanfront trails that anybody can ebook. The trip is about 45 minutes lengthy.
5. Sundown Seashore, Oʻahu
Oʻahu’s fabled North Shore boasts 7 miles of a few of the world’s finest surf breaks, luring professional surfers to trip and spectators to witness winter’s monster waves. Sundown Seashore – or Paumalū, its unique Hawaiian title – is among the largest stretches of sandy seashore on this shoreline, broad and spacious for all-day lounging. Through the winter the ocean turns treacherous, with waves exceeding 30ft tall and situations not appropriate for swimming, however summer time brings calm waters nice for snorkeling (at all times verify with lifeguards earlier than venturing out, as ocean situations can change unexpectedly). Sunsets listed below are fairly epic, too.
Detour: Lower than a mile away is the trailhead to the ʻEhukai Pillbox Hike, a 2-mile roundtrip trek to the highest of the northern aspect of the Koʻolau Mountains overlooking Sundown Seashore. The views from the WWII bunkers are breathtaking; you’ll be able to see almost your entire North Shore shoreline.
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6. Makena Seashore, Maui
Generally known as Huge Seashore (or Oneloa in Hawaiian) – and for good purpose – Makena Seashore on Maui spans two-thirds of a mile lengthy and is 100ft broad in areas. Which means there’s loads of house to put out on this scenic wildland seashore and benefit from the solar and consider of the offshore islet Molokini. Shore break right here can get large, so use warning when venturing into the ocean. The massive waves make it a preferred spot for bodyboarding and bodysurfing. There’s an entry payment to the state-run Mākena State Park: $5 per individual for non-Hawaii residents.
Detour: To the north of the seashore, comply with a path over a rocky outcrop to Puʻu Ōlaʻi, or Little Seashore. It’s far much less crowded and well-liked amongst nudists.
7. Kāʻanapali Seashore, Maui
Kāʻanapali Seashore sprawls for 3 miles on Maui’s sunny western shoreline – and it’s action-packed. Its turquoise ocean invitations swimmers, surfers and snorkelers to frolic in its crystal-clear waters. Within the winter months, you’ll be able to watch migrating North Pacific humpback whales offshore. There’s a path that meanders alongside the seashore, connecting resorts, eating places and outlets. Get pleasure from a cocktail at a beachside restaurant or watch the torch-lit cliff diving ceremony at Puʻu Kekaʻa, or Black Rock, which honors King Kahekili, the final chief of Maui. (Don’t soar off the rock your self!)
Planning tip: The beloved Kāʻanapali Seashore Resort has an oceanfront restaurant known as Huihui. The menu weaves conventional substances with modern flavors – with an unmatched view, particularly at sundown. There’s additionally stay music at evening.
8. Hamoa Seashore, Maui
Time stands nonetheless in Hana, a captivating rural neighborhood in East Maui that sits on the finish of the winding 52-mile Hana Freeway. The daunting drive – it could actually take hours – means the seashores right here are sometimes secluded. Hamoa Seashore is a type of idyllic spots, small however inviting and backed by a thick grove of hala (pandanus) timber. It affords a much-needed respite after that lengthy drive.
Planning tip: Pause on the roadside stands dotted alongside the Highway to Hana – which is what Hana Freeway is understood — to select up small loaves of home made banana bread, typically made utilizing the apple bananas that develop on this moist space.
9. Hulopoʻe Seashore, Lanaʻi
Fronting the luxe 4 Seasons Resort Lanaʻi is Hulopo’e Seashore, a pristine bay teeming with marine life and among the finest spots on the island for snorkeling. Regardless of its shut proximity to the lodge, this seashore feels secluded and undisturbed. Lounge on the white sands and have lunch on one of many picnic tables close by, or use one of many barbecue grills. Children will love the massive tide swimming pools positioned on the jap aspect of the bay; they’re well-protected and calm sufficient for exploring. Generally you’ll be able to see spinner dolphins taking part in within the bay.
Detour: Stroll the brief path to Puʻu Pehe, aka Sweetheart Rock. Legend tells the story of a brokenhearted warrior who jumped from this 80ft summit, overcome with grief after his spouse’s dying. Sunsets listed below are very romantic.
10. Papohaku Seashore, Molokaʻi
One of many longest white-sand seashores in Hawaii is discovered on Molokaʻi. Papohaku Seashore, on the island’s western finish, runs an uninterrupted 3 miles lengthy. And since Molokaʻi receives the fewest guests of any of different islands, you’ll probably have this seashore – or a minimum of elements of it – all to your self. Within the winter months, the ocean right here may be treacherous for swimming, however the seashore is ideal for lengthy walks or languid picnics. On a transparent day you’ll be able to see Oʻahu throughout the Kaiwi Channel.
Native tip: There aren’t any site visitors sign lights on Molokaʻi, and solely about 7000 folks stay on the island. And along with boasting one of many longest strands of seashore within the state, Molokaʻi may declare the tallest sea cliffs on the planet, ranging between 3600 and 3900ft above sea stage.
11. Poʻipu Seashore, Kauaʻi
Poʻipu Seashore is all about enjoyable within the solar. This golden, crescent-shaped seashore on Kauaʻi’s south shore is nice for browsing, snorkeling, swimming and simply splashing round. It’s near resorts and eating places, too. Children will love the shallow tide swimming pools and close by grassy space with a enjoyable play construction. You would possibly see a Hawaiian inexperienced sea turtle swimming by or an endangered Hawaiian monk seal basking on the sand.
Planning tip: This seashore is a superb spot for sunsets. Get pleasure from a cocktail – attempt the Monkeypod Mai Tai with native rum and housemade macadamia nut orgeat or the No Kai Oi with native vodka and a honey-lilikoʻi purée – on the oceanfront the Seashore Home and delight within the spectacular view.
12. Hanalei Bay, Kauaʻi
Hanalei Bay is the stuff of Hawaiian trip goals. This expansive bay is backed by 4000ft emerald mountains – typically dotted with waterfalls – and stretches for two miles alongside Kaua’i north shore. Through the winter months, large waves roll into this picturesque bay; summer time brings extra tranquil waters appropriate for swimming. The white-sand seashore opens up like arms reaching for a hug. Regardless of the place you might be on this seashore you’ll have unimaginable views of ocean, mountains and plush valleys. No surprise it’s been the backdrop of Hollywood movies like South Pacific (1958) and The Descendants (2011).
Close by Hanalei Pier was inbuilt 1892 and a preferred spot for fishing, swimming and leaping. The picket pier was lengthened in 1912 to 340ft and, in 1921, improved with a concrete deck. It was added to the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations in Hawaii in 1979.
13. ʻAnini Seashore, Kauaʻi
Tucked away in a residential neighborhood on the north shore of Kauaʻi, ʻAnini Seashore is a superb different to the busier seashores on the south shore. The seashore is protected by a protracted fringing reef that forestalls giant waves, even within the winter, from reaching shore, making this an awesome selection for households. Because it’s off the primary freeway, it doesn’t get as many guests as different, extra accessible seashores. You’ll be able to camp right here, too.
14. Hapuna Seashore, Hawaiʻi the Huge Island
One of many Huge Island’s most expansive – and well-liked – seashores is Hapuna Seashore alongside the island’s Kohala Coast. Its aquamarine waters and white sand is a stark distinction to the lava landscapes and jagged shorelines distinctive to this island. The seashore is nice for swimming, bodyboarding and sunbathing, and there’s sufficient room to discover a quiet spot to lounge or learn a ebook. The Hapuna Seashore State Recreation Space has an entry payment of $5 per individual and a $10 parking payment for non-Hawaii residents.
Planning tip: There are a handful of farmers markets within the close by neighborhoods. On Wednesdays the Waimea Midweek Farmers Market boasts dozens of distributors promoting sizzling meals, contemporary greens, jams, honey, espresso and different nice native merchandise. On Saturdays, the Kamuela Farmers Market options native produce and flowers, soaps, baked items and hand-crafted jewellery. There’s stay music, too.
15. Papakōlea Seashore, Hawaiʻi the Huge Island
One of the distinctive seashores in Hawaii is Papakōlea Seashore, one among solely 4 inexperienced sand seashores on the planet and the one one within the US. The seashore is positioned in a bay circled by Puʻu Mahana, a tuff ring that partially collapsed. The inexperienced sand is definitely olivine, a silicate materials and a standard element of lava. Whereas yow will discover olivine in all places within the Islands – Lēʻahi (or Diamond Head) and Hanauma Bay, each on Oʻahu, are examples – nowhere else does it create a seashore. It’s a two-hour drive from Kailua-Kona to the parking space, then a 2.5-mile trek to the precise seashore. Don’t go away valuables in your automobile.
Planning tip: There are unofficial shuttles to the seashore – some cost $20 per individual – and it’s possible you’ll really feel pressured to take one. It’s as much as you. It’s free to stroll to the seashore.
16. Punaluʻu Seashore, Hawaiʻi the Huge Island
There’s nothing extra placing than Hawaii‘s black-sand seashores, shaped by the volcanic exercise that created the Hawaiian Islands. Punaluʻu Seashore, on the southeastern Kaʻū coast of Hawaiʻi Island, is among the most well-known of those seashores. The encircling coconut timber and brilliant inexperienced naupaka shrubs are placing towards the shimmering, jet-black sands. Robust rip currents make this a harmful place to swim, so take pleasure in it out of your seashore mat. Hawaiian inexperienced sea turtles and hawksbill turtles wish to bask on the seashore right here, too.
17. Kaunaʻoa Seashore, Hawaiʻi the Huge Island
Conservationist and businessman Laurance Rockefeller “found” this seashore again in 1960 whereas scouting for areas for a possible lodge. He constructed the Mauna Kea Seashore Resort on this spot — solely due to this attractive seashore. Now known as Mauna Kea Seashore, the crescent-shaped Kaunaʻoa Bay boasts nice snorkeling (on the north finish) with a great deal of marine life, together with Hawaiian inexperienced sea turtles. You don’t should be a visitor on the lodge to take pleasure in it, both; like all seashores in Hawaii, Kaunaʻoa is open to the general public and there are 40 parking stalls put aside for non-guests.
Prime suggestions for visiting the seashore in Hawaii
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Put on sunscreen and use reef-safe ones – different sunscreens could cause coral bleaching and kill the reef.
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Placed on solar safety like a hat and sun shades
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Pack a reusable water bottle and snacks that gained’t soften within the sizzling solar.
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It’s unlawful to smoke or drink alcohol at any seashore in Hawaii (and at state parks, too).
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All the time lock your automobile and conceal your valuables.
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Don’t go away trash – or something – behind.
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When doubtful, don’t exit. Circumstances at sea can change rapidly and unexpectedly. Test with lifeguards (if there are any) and have a look at ocean and climate forecasts.
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Respect wildlife. It’s a felony underneath state regulation to the touch, harass, hurt or kill any endangered or threatened species, together with Hawaiian monk seals and Hawaiian inexperienced sea turtles, with penalities of as much as 5 years in jail and a $50,000 high quality.
