The Top 10 Hawaii Beaches are the perfect mixture of sun and fun for travelers and families looking for the best resort experience. Beach resorts should be a memorable experience, and the best memories are when everyone is enjoying themselves. Families are looking for the best combination of surf, sand and sea while surfers are looking for waves as much as divers are looking for reefs. The best beaches have all these activities in one place, guaranteeing everyone’s fun.
If you’re looking for services like restrooms, telephones and picnic areas, the following beaches are perfect. Many of them have great surfing in certain seasons and snorkeling in others. There are also grassy shady areas, to provide shade from the sun’s heat. Most beaches will be able to assist visitors with water equipment rentals such as snorkels and boogie boards. Following is the list of Hawaii’s top beaches for families, couples and adventurers alike.
1. Lanikai Beach
2. The North Shore
3. Punalu’u Beach
4. Hookipa Beach
5. Lahaina Beach
6. Poipu Beach
7. Kauna ‘oa Beach
8. Kaanapali Beach
9. Honaunau Bay
10. Waikiki Beach
1. Lanikai is situated in Kailua, on the island of Oahu. Located off Kailua Road, this beach is extraordinarily beautiful with turquoise waves and bright sand. Off Lanikai’s shores, there are two bird sanctuaries, Mokumanu and Mokulua. This beach is the audience to gorgeous sunrises each morning, perfect for beginning your day in the waves.
2. The North Shore is the umbrella term for three extraordinary areas on Oahu’s northern shores. Waimea Bay plays two roles throughout the year, as the calm summer seas open the stage for ferocious winter waves excellent for surfing. There is also the Pipeline which is a surfer magnet, and where onlookers can watch experts harness the powers of the waves. Lastly, there is Sunset Beach which, as its name suggests, is the prime location for awe-inspiring sunsets. Although the North Shore is primarily catered to surfers, visitors can golf, go on various fishing adventures, take part in shark tours or whale watch.
3.Punalu’u Beach is located off Highway 11 on the Big Island’s southern shore. With tall coconut trees and black sand beaches, this place is extraordinarily memorable. Punalu’u means “diving spring” as native Hawaiians once retrieved water here using gourds. With this in mind, it is no surprise a freshwater wading pool is available at this beach park. This location is best known for the endangered green sea turtles here, and snorkeling off the shore is the best way to see these protected species at play in their natural habitat.
4. Hookipa, located off Hana Highway in North Maui, is best known for it’s world-class windsurfing competitions. Not everyone is an expert at windsurfing, but are invited to watch. The barbeque picnic areas have a great view of Hookipa’s rocky and sandy shore. The beach has showers, kiosks and payphones, perfect for hosting the Aloha Classic, Red Bull surfing competition and the Maui Sports Foundation events.
5. Lahaina Beach is on West Maui and the town is full of ancient history with a long tradition of whaling. Many people are familiar with the wedding ceremonies and famous Luau dances. The Luau dance is the traditional Hawaiian dance that celebrates the unique island culture with the hula dance, flower lei ceremonies and roasted pig dining make any evening a memorable experience.
6. Poipu Beach on Kauai’s southern shore is well known for its calm water. Photographers flock here to capture the tranquil beauty of this beach’s waters. With many shallow areas and lifeguards, this beach is safe for families with children looking to swim together. There are also picnic areas available for those looking to enjoy a meal in the sun.
7. Kauna’oa Beach is a large sandy located on Hawaii’s Big Island. With so much space, there are many activities that you can enjoy, such as building sand castles, playing volleyball, swimming and snorkeling. You won’t ever worry about the waves as there is a rock reef protecting the shore. Golfers may enjoy the greens at the nearby Mauna Kea Golf Course.
8. Ka’anapali Beach is one of Maui’s best beaches partly because many resorts are located on its shore. The concrete path that frames the shore is perfect for sunrise strolls and sunset saunters. This beach is great for visitors as there are lifeguards, restrooms and showers available here. While this place is home to great surf, those who prefer calm waters can venture to Black Rock for fantastic snorkeling. Adults with children will be thrilled at the many children’s programs available through many of the resorts.
9. Honaunau Bay is located on the Big Island. This particular beach is called the City of refuge as ancient tradition designated this area as a haven for warriors and law-breakers. Many fish call this bay refuge as well, hiding around the coral reefs situated near smooth lava rock. Scuba divers flock here because of the vibrant marine life, and with dolphins that sometimes play in the clear waters, it’s easy to get excited.
10. The iconic Waikiki Beach is located On Oahu’s southern shore. The beach of beaches is surrounded by many hotels and Kapiolani Park. While crowded, this beach is popular because of its quick access to many beach amenities. These include lifeguards, sand and reef areas, phones, showers, restrooms, and phones. Outrigger canoes can be rented if you’re looking to glide over the waves, and surf lessons are available.

