The 4 Best Beaches in Hawaii
Hawaii’s beaches are among the most beautiful in the world. The small state has well over a hundred beaches for you to choose from, and each one is a little different and special in its own way.
Perhaps you want to go waterskiing on aHawaiian beach, or maybe you just want a gorgeous white sand beach to walk on, with the deepest, most dazzling blue water to gaze at. Some would rather go to a beach without many other tourists, and still others would love to go diving and see some tropical fish. This guide will help you pinpoint that perfect, Hawaiian beach that you have always dreamed of visiting.
1. Hanalei Beach, Kauai: This beach is often featured in Hollywood films and is largely responsible for the idea of Hawaiian paradise. Because it is easily the most famous beach in Hawaii, it is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the island of Kauai. You will see breathtaking views of Hawaii’s famous blue waters, green mountains, and volcanic cliffs. The two-mile long beach is also lined by interesting shops and restaurants for the many visitors, so you can spend a day at the beach followed by a stroll through the busy nearby streets. If you don’t like crowds, there are plenty of other equally beautiful beaches for you to visit throughout Hawaii and Kauai.
2. Ke'e Beach, Kauai: Like Hanalei Beach, Ke’e Beach is also located on the lovely island of Kauai, but the two have very different settings. It is placed on the very northernmost tip of the accessible portion of the island, so it is relatively far from the center of Kauai. However, its remarkably lush vegetation, exotic fish, and colorful reefs make up for the distance. Additionally, since it is a lagoon with very clear water, it makes for great fishing and snorkeling. If your favorite part of going to the beach is seeing all of the striking wildlife, you certainly should not miss Ke’e Beach.
3. Ka’anapali Beach, Maui: Ka’anapali Beach is probably best defined as the Hanalei Beach of Maui — it has a large population, there is always something going on, and there are countless stores and destinations very close by. With endless available activities, including snorkeling, surf lessons, volleyball, soccer, parasailing, and swimming, your kids will enjoy this active beach as well.
4. Papohaku Beach, Molokai: If your ideal beach is not the typical touristy and crowded area, you may want to check out Papohaku Beach in Molokai. The over three-mile long beach is one of the longest in the entire state of Hawaii, yet it is also virtually always empty of people. If you go, you are practically guaranteed to be the only ones there, making it a private paradise. This also makes it one of the most serene and romantic beaches that Hawaii has to offer. Unfortunately, the waves can be strong at times, so swimming and wading is advised against. However, if you are looking for some solitude, a beautiful view, or a romantic date spot, you will want to visit Papohaku Beach. Even though it does not get much tourism, beach offers all of the amenities you need, including picnic tables, showers, restrooms, camping sites, and locker rooms.
The Hawaiian tourist’s experience is incomplete without dropping by one of the state’s famed beaches. However, some beaches can be very dangerous, especially if you bring children along. Before going to any beach, make sure you do some research and find out the suitability of the beach’s waves for swimming, wading, and water sports. Also, check the tide level and the wind speeds for the day. For most Hawaiian beaches, you will definitely want to go in the morning, before the wind speeds pick up and the crowds filter in. Going to a Hawaiian beach can be one of the most pleasurable experiences of your life, but only if you take the necessary precautions and keep yourself and your family safe.
Angie Picardo is a staff writer, financial analyst, and content manager atNerdWallet.com, a site dedicated to empowering consumers to save money and make smarter decisions about their personal finances, travel plans, or higher education.
