From world-famous resort beaches to remote wild coves โ the 48 best beaches across Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island with swim conditions, snorkeling ratings and expert tips.
Maui's most famous resort beach stretches 3 miles of golden sand in front of world-class hotels. Black Rock at the north end is one of the best snorkeling spots on Maui with incredible fish and occasional turtles.
The jewel of South Maui. Nestled between the Four Seasons and Grand Wailea, this crescent of golden sand is consistently rated one of the best beaches in America. Crystal clear water, gentle waves and stunning views of Molokini.
The world capital of windsurfing and kitesurfing. Watch world-class athletes ride massive waves while green sea turtles bask on the beach below the lookout. One of the most exciting beaches in Hawaii to watch โ not swim.
A hidden gem just north of Kapalua. This perfectly crescent-shaped bay has some of the best snorkeling on Maui right from shore โ coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles and spinner dolphins.
One of the largest and most beautiful undeveloped beaches in Hawaii. Also known as Oneloa Beach, Big Beach stretches over half a mile of golden sand with powerful shore break. Little Beach (clothing optional) is just over the rocks.
James Michener called this the most beautiful beach in the Pacific. Hidden at the end of the Road to Hana, this crescent of grey-black sand is surrounded by lush jungle cliffs. Feels like a movie set โ because it is.
Consistently rated one of the best beaches in the world. Protected by lava rock headlands, the water here is almost always perfectly calm and clear. Incredible snorkeling with turtles, rays and hundreds of tropical fish.
The local favorite. Miles of calm beach perfect for families, swimming and sunset watching. Kalama Park has great facilities, volleyball courts and grass areas. Less touristy than Wailea โ more of the real Maui vibe.
One of the most dramatic and unusual beaches in the world. This secluded cove has deep red and black sand from eroding volcanic cinder cone walls. The water is a stunning turquoise green protected by a natural lava breakwater.
Don't let the name put you off! This stunning crescent beach below dramatic sea cliffs is one of Maui's most beautiful hidden gems. Great bodyboarding in winter, calmer in summer. Marine life preserve โ incredible snorkeling when calm.
The local North Shore hangout. A wide stretch of white sand popular with Maui families, bodyboarders and windsurfers. Less crowded than resort beaches and has a real authentic Hawaiian community beach feel.
One of Maui's top snorkeling beaches. The rocky point dividing Ulua and Mokapu beaches is teeming with marine life โ moray eels, octopus, sea turtles and hundreds of colorful reef fish. Calm protected water perfect for all skill levels.
The most famous beach in Hawaii and one of the most recognized in the world. Two miles of golden sand in front of a glittering skyline. Perfect for beginner surfing, outrigger canoe rides and iconic Diamond Head views.
Consistently ranked one of the world's top beaches. Powder-soft white sand, turquoise water and the iconic twin Mokulua Islands offshore. No facilities, no crowds (relatively), just pure Hawaii perfection.
One of Oahu's best swimming beaches. Wide, long and beautiful with consistent trade winds making it Hawaii's top spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The charming Kailua town nearby has great restaurants and shops.
Hawaii's premier snorkeling destination. This protected marine sanctuary inside an ancient volcanic crater is home to over 400 species of fish. The water is crystal clear and teeming with life โ an underwater paradise.
Home to the legendary Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. In winter (Nov-Feb) waves reach 20-30 feet drawing the world's best surfers. In summer the ocean turns glassy and calm enough for swimming. Two completely different beaches in one.
One of the most famous big wave surf spots in the world. In winter enormous waves attract the world's boldest surfers. In summer the bay transforms into a beautiful calm swimming beach with cliff jumping from the famous rock.
Four man-made lagoons cut into the reef creating perfectly protected swimming areas. Home to Disney Aulani and Four Seasons. Crystal clear calm water, beautiful facilities and stunning sunsets over the Pacific. Perfect for families.
Known as the most dangerous beach on Oahu โ and also one of the most exhilarating. Powerful shore break makes it Hawaii's top bodyboarding beach. Stunning views of the Koolau Mountains behind and blue Pacific in front.
A dramatic beach at the easternmost tip of Oahu with stunning views of the Mokulua Islands and Rabbit Island. Popular bodyboarding beach with consistent shore break. Nearby Makapuu Lighthouse Trail gives aerial views.
The heart of the North Shore surf scene. Right in charming Haleiwa town, this beautiful beach park is a hub of activity. Home to surf competitions, food trucks, turtle sightings and the famous Haleiwa Joe's restaurant nearby.
The largest beach park in Hawaii and Honolulu locals' favorite. A mile of calm protected beach next to the world famous Ala Moana Shopping Center. Magic Island lagoon at the end is perfectly calm for children and seniors.
The last beach at the end of the road on Oahu's wild west coast. Remote, undeveloped and absolutely stunning. Strong currents make swimming dangerous but the scenery is breathtaking. Monk seals and turtles frequent this area.
One of the most beautiful bays in the world. Two miles of crescent beach backed by emerald mountains and waterfalls. This is the Hawaii most people dream of โ and it delivers every single time. Calm in summer, epic surf in winter.
The most popular beach on Kauai and with good reason โ calm protected water, excellent snorkeling, monk seal sightings and beautiful resort facilities. The small inlet between the two coves is perfectly calm for children.
Kauai's best snorkeling beach. Named for the underwater lava tubes and arches teeming with marine life. The reef here is extraordinary โ turtles, rays, eels and hundreds of fish. The mountain backdrop is jaw-dropping.
The last beach at the end of the road on the North Shore โ and the gateway to the famous Kalalau Trail. Stunning views of the Na Pali cliffs rising from the sea. Beautiful reef snorkeling in summer with incredible marine life.
A hidden gem loved by locals. Protected by the longest fringing reef in Hawaii creating a vast, shallow calm lagoon. Perfect for windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding and children. Stunning and uncrowded.
Kauai's most accessible beach right at the Kauai Marriott. A beautiful protected crescent of golden sand with calm water and great facilities. The most convenient beach from Lihue airport โ perfect for first and last days.
A dramatic and wild beach next to the Grand Hyatt. Powerful waves, rugged coastline and a famous blowhole nearby. The start of the beautiful Mahaulepu Heritage Trail. Bold cliff jumpers leap from the lava rocks here.
The most family-friendly beach on Kauai. Two lava-enclosed snorkeling ponds create perfectly safe swimming areas for all ages. The large pond has incredible fish and turtles. The Kamalani Playground is one of the best in Hawaii.
The longest and most remote beach in Hawaii โ 17 miles of wild golden sand at the base of the Na Pali cliffs. No facilities, no crowds, no cell service. Just raw, untouched Hawaii at its most dramatic and beautiful.
Kauai's top bodyboarding beach. Consistent shore break right next to Poipu Beach makes this a fun and exciting place. Boogie board rentals right on the beach. Great fun for teens and experienced swimmers.
A stunning wild beach just before the end of the road with Na Pali cliff views and crystal clear water. Used as a filming location for dozens of movies. In summer the water is calm and clear. In winter waves can be enormous.
A protected beach next to ancient Hawaiian salt ponds still used today. The cove is naturally sheltered creating calm swimming year-round. One of the few west side beaches safe for swimming. Rarely crowded โ a true hidden gem.
Consistently ranked the best beach in Hawaii and one of the best in the world. Half a mile of bright white sand with clear blue water. In summer the body surfing here is legendary. In winter waves can be very powerful.
One of the most dramatic and unique beaches in Hawaii. Jet black volcanic sand from ancient lava flows creates a stunning contrast with the turquoise ocean. Green sea turtles regularly haul out and bask on the black sand.
Widely considered the most beautiful beach on the Big Island. A perfect crescent of white sand in front of the historic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Green sea turtles frequently visit and the snorkeling on the north end is excellent.
The best kept secret in Kona. Located at the old Kona Airport State Recreation Area, this beach has incredible snorkeling with spinner dolphins, sea turtles and manta rays. Less known than other beaches โ a true local favorite.
No sand beach โ just lava rocks and the most spectacular snorkeling on the Big Island. Two natural lava ledges make entry easy โ step down into an underwater world of dolphins, turtles, rays and thousands of fish. Sacred ground nearby.
Named for the old highway marker nearby, this locals' secret has beautiful calm water, excellent snorkeling, shady trees and a relaxed atmosphere. Less crowded than Hapuna with equally beautiful water.
The best snorkeling beach near Hilo. Black lava rock pools and sandy coves with incredibly clear water teeming with sea turtles, tropical fish and Hawaiian monk seals. A hidden gem on the rainy east side.
One of only four green sand beaches in the entire world. The stunning green color comes from olivine crystals eroded from the surrounding volcanic cone. Getting here requires a 5.5 mile round trip hike or a bumpy 4WD truck ride.
One of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii and often overlooked. Brilliant white sand, turquoise water and dramatic lava rock surroundings. The body surfing here is legendary in summer. Part of Kekaha Kai State Park.
The most reliably calm and family-friendly beach on the Kohala Coast. Protected reef keeps the water calm year-round. Excellent facilities including camping, showers and picnic areas. Sea turtles are regular visitors.
A remote and dramatic black sand beach at the bottom of the Pololu Valley Trail. Wild, untouched and hauntingly beautiful with massive sea cliffs on both sides. No swimming โ violent currents. Pure raw Hawaii.
A beautiful calm bay fronting the Waikoloa resort area with ancient Hawaiian fishponds behind. Sea turtles feed in the bay regularly. Great facilities, equipment rentals and the lava beach walk is lovely at sunset.