Hawaiian Beaches
10. Waikiki Beach
Location: Oahu, Hawaii
Attracting more than 4 million tourists yearly and stretching across two sun-drenched miles of Oahu's coastline lies Waikiki Beach. With Diamond Head Crater at one end, the Ala Wai yacht harbor at the other and skyscrapers towering in the background, Waikiki provides visitors with unforgettable vistas and constant action. Waikiki's gentle waters are ideal for novice surfers, who can take lessons from "beach boys". Started in 1920, this group teaches tourists about surfing and Hawaiian Culture.
9. Honaunau Bay
Location: The Big Island, Hawaii
Once the site of a ruling chief's palace, Honaunau Bay offers visitors something other than the white sandy beaches and rolling surf characteristic of Hawaii. Honaunau is home to a true underwater paradise, the Place of Refuge, which attracts scuba divers from all around. Over time, eruptions of the Kilueau volcano poured lava into the ocean, hardening into large, smooth formations now home to an expansive reef of colorful coral heads and formations. The bay satisfies all levels of divers, from beginners to experts, and boasts a large number of fish native to Hawaii, roughly 40 percent of which can be found only in Honaunau.
8. Kaanapali Beach
Location: Maui, Hawaii
If luxury hotels and constant pampering are your idea of the perfect beach getaway, Kaanapali Beach is the gem you've been seeking. Some of Hawaii's most exclusive resorts line this stretch of sand are are ready to spoil anyone willing. Perhaps you're looking for your own personal Beach Butler to deliver daiquiris, or hoping to splurge and rent out a beach cabana. Your every wish can be easily granted on Kaanapali. After soaking in the sun, visit one of the resorts and indulge in a tanning consultation or unwind with a lomi lomi massage--noted for its spiritual and healing aspects.
7. Kauna 'oa Beach
Location: The Big Island, Hawaii
Crescent-shaped Kauna 'oa Beach is the ideal oasis for visitors seeking pristine sands and serenity. This quarter-mile-long beach is very private, and 78-degree water provides the perfect respite from the sand. The famed Mauna Kea Beach Hotel keeps the beach clean and full of healthy coral and fish life, as well as offering guests access to its swank beach facilities. Visitors not staying at the resort can still enjoy this tropical paradise, just with a few restrictions. The hotel limits entry to its private beach, and to a public beach accessible via its grounds, to 25 passes at any give time. Your best bet? Arrive at the beach before 9a.m. Otherwise, spend the morning enjoying a delectable meal at one of the resort's five restaurants and try to get on the beach later in the afternoon.
6. Poipu Beach
Location: Kauai, Hawaii
Located on the southern tip of the island of Kauai, Poipu Beach offers beach goers something unique to many Hawaiian shores--calm waters. In the midst of beaches noted for mind-blowing surf, Poipu has gained a reputation for tranquil seas and golden beaches. Peaceful tradewinds blow offshore, keeping the waters serene for most of the year. Protected bays offer a sandy bottom and never get deeper than 3 feet, making poipu popular among families with toddlers and other small children. More advanced swimmers can swim beyond this kiddie-haven to a reef guaranteeing underwater adventures.
5. Lahaina Beach
Location: Maui, Hawaii
Nestled in the quaint village of Lahaina, where thatched-roof huts are the norm, idyllic Lahaina Beach is considered one of the world's most romantic beaches. The tranquility of its old fishing village, lush tropical plant life and the majesty of the ocean have made Lahaina a favorite locale for marriage ceremonies. Of course, a great wedding ceremony isn't the only thing this place has to offer--no trip here is complete without experiencing the Old Lahaina Luau. This traditional luau traces the history of the hula dance and tantalizes guests with passionate dancing,,, lei ceremonies and a succulent imu-roasted pig.
4. Hookipa Beach
Location: Maui, Hawaii
It isn't the gorgeous windswept sands that attract visitors to Hookipa Beach...it's the winds themselves! Hookipa Beach and its notorious tradewinds are home to some of the finest windsurfing conditions in the world. Wave-riders travel from around the globe to catch the surf at Hookipa. Windsurfers will tell you the best views of Hookipa Beach's gleaming white sands and towering palm trees are from the water, where surfers are privy to the beach's spectacular setting. If jumping on a board and catching some wind doesn't suit your fancy, relax ocean-side and watch one of two world-class competitions held in Hookipa, when windsurfing champions battle wind and sea.
3. Punalu'u Beach
Location: The Big Island, Hawaii
One of nature's rarest wonders stretches across the island of Hawaii's shores--the black-sand beach of Punalu'u. This magnificent beach formed when lava from two of the world's most active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea, spilled into the ocean and quickly cooled, breaking into minuscule pieces that now comprise the "sand". The black-sand beach with it's smoothed glass granules is always warm and soothing, and the wild tropical landscape makes this spot irresistible. Should swimming and sunbathing grow tiresome, grab a net and join the ranks of local fisherman--the waters off Punalu'u are noted for their tremendous fishing.
2. The North Shore
Location: Oahu, Hawaii
Along the 7-mile stretch of sand encompassing the North Shore, three beaches stand out from the rest. Located in the center of the North Shore, Waimeia Bay boasts calm waters and a large expanse of tranquil beach in the summer, when thee is little wave action. But surfers need not despair! In the winter, Waimeia's waves pick up and the surf can grow to 30 feet. For die-hard surfers, the Mecca of the sport lies in Pipeline. Those lucky enough to ride the seemingly impossible waves without a wipeout are left with a lifetime of bragging rites. Finally, as the day draws to a close, visit Sunset Beach, where an explosion of light and color paint the sky at the sun sets gracefully behind the waves.
1. Lanikai Beach
Location: Oahu, Hawaii
Half a mile of sparkling sand, palm trees that sway over a white beach, lush tropical plants and endless sunshine make Lanikai one of Hawaii's most scenic beaches. The shore is protected by a nearby coral reef, which keeps the surf relatively calm, and the water is always a deep turquoise or green. Visitors to Lanikai can kayak to the nearby twin islands of Mokumanu and Mokulua, both noted bird sanctuaries. Lanikai not only seems postcard-perfect...it try is! Having lured many models and photographers over the years, this beach is one of Hawaii's most popular spots for photo shoots!
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