The 7 BEST Beaches in Hawaii (2021)

Hawaii might just be the closest thing on earth to paradise, with seemingly no end to its natural beauty. Famous for its relaxed island lifestyle and rainforest treks that pass volcanoes, waterfalls and forests, Hawaii is an adventurers playground. Not to mention the awesome arts and culture scene which is not to be missed. However, there’s one thing that stands out above all else – The spectacular beaches in Hawaii. They come in all shapes and sizes, and are easily recognisable from their classic turquoise waves lapping against a powdery white shore.

But that’s not the only type of beach on offer here: The volcanoes mean there are also black sand beaches in Hawaii, and you can trade digging your toes into the powdery white sand for awesome surfing and stand up paddleboarding.

The only problem with Hawaii is that it can be pretty expensive. But we’ll ensure that you don’t fall into the traps of spending too much money. Our expert travel writers have taken a look at the best places to stay and things to do while you’re enjoying Hawaii’s best beaches.

We want you to have the best time possible in America’s 50th state. So, whether you want to enjoy water sports, find your very own secluded spot, or just soak up the island lifestyle, let’s get you ready to say Aloha to Hawaii!

The good news about Hawaii is that it’s a great destination throughout the year. The weather is always warm, but there are some things that you should keep in mind. During winter, the tradewinds pick up; this means there are more showers. It also produces bigger swell – especially on the north of each island. While this isn’t good news for sunbathers and swimmers, it should have surfers’ ears pricking up!

April, May, September, and October are the best times to visit, especially if you’re backpacking Hawaii. You’ll benefit from wonderful weather, without having to put up with the exorbitant accommodation prices and massive crowds that descend on the islands in the summer months.

When it comes to booking your vacation in Hawaii, try to book your accommodation at least two to three months in advance. The most popular hotels, Airbnbs, and hostels can get booked up quite quickly, and you don’t want a bad accommodation experience to ruin your trip.

Other notable times to visit are February and March – a good time for whale watching and even skiing. Yep, that’s right – skiing! You can do it, but you’ll need a 4×4 and equipment. But hey, how many people can say they’ve skied in Hawaii?

• Who It’s For: If you want the full Hawaii tourist experience, Waikiki Beach has seafront hotels and surfing – as well as the typical azure waters.
• Don’t Miss: One of the most famous surf spots in the world, both beginners and experts can tackle Waikiki’s waves.

Probably the most popular destination in the state capital (Honolulu) and the entirety of Hawaii, Waikiki Beach is known throughout the world. The beach isn’t as idyllic as it was when it first started attracting tourists; there are now malls, restaurants, and epic nightlife just off this two-mile strip of sand. However, it’s a great place to begin your trip and it makes for one of the best places to stay in Hawaii as there’s something for every type of traveller, including the awesome beach!

• Who It’s For: Want to enjoy swimming and snorkelling in a safe and clean environment? Look no further.
• Don’t Miss: The endangered Hawaiian monk seals. They’re the rarest seals in the US, but sometimes they stop by Poipu Beach in Hawaii!

With its very own natural swimming pool just off the Poipu Beach shoreline, you can relax knowing that you won’t be swept away as you swim and snorkel in these gorgeous turquoise waters. It’s a great place to come with the family, thanks to the safety; there are lifeguards seven days a week. While it’s perfect for swimming, there are also sections of the beach where you can jump on your surfboard. There’s no arguing that this is one of the best beaches in Hawaii! And there are some fantastic villas near Poipu Beach that offer a luxurious stay for families.

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• Who It’s For: If you appreciate natural beauty, don’t miss Hapuna Beach. Whether it’s the beach itself or the wildlife, you’re sure to be bowled over.
• Don’t Miss: The tours. You have to make one excursion – whether it’s to get close to whales, rays, or dolphins.

Now, this is a hard one. How on earth are you supposed to choose the most beautiful beach in a place like Hawaii?! Well, we’ve given it a go, and we think Hapuna Beach edges it. Just. This stretch of white sand is popular with locals and tourists who come to paddle in the turquoise waters off the longest beach in Hawaii. If you feel like you’ve seen this before, it’s either from the TV or a postcard. Write your own from under one of the swaying palms! Either way, Hapuna Beach is a must-visit destination to include in your Hawaii itinerary.

• Who It’s For: If you want crystal clear waters to snorkel and scuba in, let us present Tunnels Beach to you.
• Don’t Miss: The triggerfish. Endemic to the area, this is just one of many brightly-coloured fish in one of Kauai’s best scuba and snorkelling spots.

It’s not the easiest to get to, and parking is limited, but once you rock up on Tunnels Beach in Hawaii, those worries will be banished from your mind. You might even feel like you’ve seen this place before; that’s because it featured in the famous 50’s musical South Pacific! Nowadays, it’s better known for snorkelling and scuba diving. However, no-one would blame you if you didn’t go into the water – you might just be mesmerised by the views of the lush green hills.

• Who It’s For: Want to go off-the-beaten-track? This is the place for a long, long walk.
• Don’t Miss: The peace and quiet makes it one of the top beaches in Hawaii. The whole point of coming here is to disconnect!

Lanai is one of the smallest and quietest of the Hawaiian islands, with just 3,000 residents. Polihua Beach, on the north shore, runs for two miles. It’s an ideal spot if you don’t want to be disturbed by other tourists. To be honest, you probably won’t find any locals here either! Mind your step for turtles who nest here throughout the year. In winter, be sure to look out for humpback whales!

• Who It’s For: If you’re looking to catch waves in Hawaii, this beach has to be on your itinerary.
• Don’t Miss: Waimea Falls. These waterfalls have a swimming spot where you’ll be surrounded by greenery!

Another impossible choice – but we’ve made it! Waimea Bay Beach Park on Oahu sits on the island’s north shore and is one of the best places to visit in Hawaii. There’s less development here than Honolulu and Waikiki, but when it comes to surfing, there’s nowhere better. Some of the state (and the world)’s top surfing competitions take place here – something you certainly won’t want to miss.

• Who It’s For: Anyone who likes an unusual feature on their beaches will not want to miss this unique black sand beach.
• Don’t Miss: Watching the sea turtles sunning themselves on the rocks. Just don’t get too close!

Last but not least on our list of the best beaches in Hawaii is Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. Even in an area famed for volcanic activity, black sand beaches are quite a rarity in Hawaii. While it’s great for watching turtles, you might want to do it from the land. The water is excellent for surfing, but the rocky bottom doesn’t accommodate swimmers well. We can’t believe we’re saying this, but if you get sick of white sand beaches and turquoise waters (unlikely), at least you have a backup option. If not, stick Punalu’u on your itinerary anyway!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Hawaii

Shoutout from Will – The OG Broke Backpacker: Have fun on your backpacking adventure, but please do think about getting insurance – take it from someone who has racked up tens of thousands of bucks on an insurance claim before: you may well need it.

I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable.

If there’s one insurance company I trust, it’s World Nomads. To find out why I use World Nomads, check out my World Nomads Insurance review.

Getting an estimate from World Nomads is simple – just click the button or image below, fill out the necessary info, and you’re on your way!

1. Security Belt with Hidden Pocket: I never hit the road without my security belt. This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off. This is hands down the best way to hide your cash.

 2. Travel Water Bottle: Always travel with a water bottle – it’ll save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl geopress is a true behemoth amongst water bottles acting as a purifier AND temperature regulator – so you can enjoy a cold red bull, or a hot coffee, no matter where you are.

3. Microfibre Towel: It’s always worth packing a proper towel. Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

4. Headtorch: Every backpacker should have a head torch! A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. Currently, I’m using the Petzl Actik Core rechargeable headlamp – an awesome piece of kit! Because it’s USB chargeable I never have to buy earth polluting batteries.

5.Hammock: Taking a tent backpacking is not always practical but hammocks are lightweight, cheap, strong, sexy (chicks dig hammocks) and allow you to pitch up for the night pretty much anywhere. Right now, I’m rocking an Active Roots parachute hammock – it’s light, colourful and tough.

6. Toiletry Bag: I always travel with a hanging toiletry bag as it’s a super efficient way to organise your bathroom stuff. Well worth having, whether you are hanging it from a tree whilst camping, or a hook in a wall, it helps to have quick access to all your stuff.

Final Thoughts on the Best Beaches in Hawaii

Now that you’ve seen seven of Hawaii’s epic beaches, you’ll hopefully have a better idea of which one is most suitable for you. Do you want to swim in the calm and turquoise waters of Poipu Beach? Perhaps you’d prefer to be amazed by the natural wonder of Punaluu’s black sand beach. Or, you might just want to throw yourself into the waves and enjoy SUPing and surfing at Waimea Beach! Our list of the best beaches in Hawaii has something for everyone!

Whatever you want, you’ll be able to enjoy it during a Hawaii beach break. Hawaii is often the trip of a lifetime, so be sure to leave time to see the state’s top attractions away from the beach, too. Take a road trip on the Hana Road, hike in Volcanoes National Park, or perhaps take a helicopter tour over the islands.

However you choose to spend your vacation in Hawaii, we hope you’ve found our guide helpful in choosing the beach for you… at least, which one you’ll visit first! We hope you have an incredible vacation!

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