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10 Must-Visit Hawaiian Beaches on Your Next Vacation

A beautiful sunset against the NaPali Coast in Kauai.

The Hawaiian islands are usually synonymous with vacation destinations and beaches.  The idea to visit Hawaii and recharge from life in the form of relaxation for an amazing vacation is something we all are familiar to us all.

Hawaii has many things to offer visitors, such as culture, ecological diversity, geologic scenery, and amazing people, but the image of Hawaiian beaches triggers the desire to visit.

Hawaii provides a wide range of beaches for one to explore.  There are white sand beaches, black sand beaches, rocky shoreline beaches, secluded beaches, and resort-like beaches.  Each beach type offers something for everyone.

This is one of the beauties of Hawaiian beaches, the wide variety of beach types to custom fit your needs.

Planning any vacation takes research to maximize your time away from home.

When confronted with the variety of options to consider in Hawaii, such as which island(s) to visit, which region within the island suits your desires, and making sure to know just enough information to make necessary decisions, this post will help narrow your selection.

Whether it’s for planning or daydreaming, here is a list of Hawaii beaches to make sure you visit next.

1. Anaeho’omalu Beach, The Big Island

A view of Anaeho'omalu beach during a sunset at Big Island.

White sand swimming beaches, village ponds, centuries-old rock etchings, and a resort hotel all make up part of Anaeho’omalu Beach.  If this beach is just the start of your journey, surrounding beaches are worth visiting as well.  Even with these options, Aneho’omalu is worth your time and a strong candidate for sunset walks.

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2. Green Sand Beach, The Big Island

A look at Green Sand Beach with sea cliffs at Big Island.

Green Sand Beach is one of The Big Island’s unique beaches.  As white sand beach dominates our vision for most beaches, although this beach, appropriately named, has green sand.  The visual overview of this beach alone is worth the trip.  Access to the beach is not as easy as some beaches so having a quiet day on this beach is likely.  What a way to spend a day.

3. Hapuna Beach, The Big Island

A scenery of Hapuna Beach State Park at Big Island.

In contrast to Green Sand Beach, Hapuna Beach represents a beautiful white sand beach. Hapuna Beach has it all, opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and hiking trails to other beaches. This could be a classic “one-stop beach” for a couple of days.  Another bonus is the region Hapuna is in, has a drier climate.

4. Anini Beach, Kauai

A look at the crystal clear waters of Anini Beach Kauai in Hawaii.

Anini Beach marks one of the spots you can access Hawai’i’s longest coral reef.  It goes without saying that your water sport opportunities can be found here.  If relaxing is on your mind, Anini Beach can also accommodate those needs.  If you’re in the mood for a short hike, there are several options you can explore here.  Some trails will lead you to other beaches as well.

5. Honokalani Black Sand Beach, Maui

A scenery of Honokalani Black Sand Beach at Wainapanapa State Park Maui in Hawaii.

As with Kauai’s Green Sand Beach, Honokalani boasts one of Hawai’i’s black sand beaches. Honokalani Black Sand Beach is a sharp contrast to most beaches you are accustomed to.  This fact alone warrants a visit to this beach to marvel at the unique features of this beach.  The origin of the black sands is a result of eroding volcanic material just hundreds of years old.

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6. Manele Bay, Lanai

A sweeping overlooking view of of Manele Bay on Lanai Island in Hawaii.

One of Lanai’s most accessible beach spots, Manele Bay is known for easy access, a marine preserve, snorkeling, and diving.  Don’t let the popularity of this bay deter you from visiting and enjoying the beauty it offers.  Relax on the beach and have a picnic.  You’re still on a beautiful beach.

7. Lanikai Beach, Oahu

A beautiful Pacific sunrise at Lanikai Beach in Hawaii.

One of Oahu’s best-known beaches.  If the title itself does not itch your curiosity, the title extends out to one of the world’s best beaches.  This list of Hawaiian beaches could not be complete without mentioning Lanikai Beach.  Calm, blue waters will welcome you once you arrive at Lanikai Beach.

8. Makaha Beach, Oahu

A look at Makaha Beach Park in Waianae, Oahu with turquoise-colored water.

Makaha Beach (Makaha Beach Park) is a wide-open beach with access to swimming and surfing (check conditions before you enter).  As it is one of Oahu’s more popular beaches, it rarely gets crowded.  Makaha Beach also welcomes you to picnic, relax, stroll down the beach, and play in the water.

9. Makapu’u Beach, Oahu

An aerial view of Makapuu Beach Park Koolau Cliffs in Oahu.

Surrounded by sea cliffs, Makapu’u Beach a year-round surf.  This is a great spot if you are looking to ride the waves and be a spectator for the folks riding the waves.  As leisurely swimming is not the best option on this beach, it’s still a beach with the sounds of crashing water and spectacular scenery.  If you’re up for it, take the short hike to the Makapu’u Lighthouse.

10. North Shore Beaches, Oahu

A sunset view of the North Shore Beach of Oahu.

Isolating one specific beach on the north shores of Oahu was not possible.  This region is home to world-class surf breaks.  If surfing is not your sport, there are many beaches to check out for calm waters and enjoying the sun.  From Turtle Bay to Ehukai Beach, the personality of each beach will amaze you.  Definitely a great Hawaii vacation destination.

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The islands of Hawaii not only offers amazing coastline and beaches, the culture compliments the experience above and beyond.  In a single day, one can recharge on the beach, view amazing marine life, hike spectacular volcanic mysteries, and learn about the amazing history the islands have to offer.

The range of possibilities is difficult to match in other spots of the world.  If you have not been, put Hawai’i down on your bucket list.  If you have visited already, what’s keeping you from another visit?