USA TODAY 10Best
Kaanapali Beach named best in Hawaii
Best Beach in Hawaii (2019)
From the black sand beaches of the Big Island and Maui to the big wave beaches of Oahu, Hawaii offers a diversity of beach experiences found in few other destinations on the planet. And the best news? They're all open to the public by state law!
The top 10 winners in the category Best Beach in Hawaii are as follows:
- Big Beach - Maui
- Lanikai Beach - Oahu
- Hulopoe Beach - Lanai
- Hanalei Bay - Kauai
- Hapuna Beach - Big Island
- Waikiki Beach - Oahu
- D.T. Fleming Beach - Maui
- Poipu Beach - Kauai
- Ko Olina Beach - Oahu
- Kaanapali Beach - Maui
Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
No. 10:
Makena Beach State Park on the southwestern coast of Maui is home to Makena Beach, or Big Beach as locals call it, with golden sands stretching for nearly two thirds of a mile. One of the island's longest beaches, Makena Beach is vast enough that it never feels crowded, and there's hardly a bit of development in sight.
Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
No. 9:
Set on Oahu's windward coast, this gorgeous beach — often considered one of the best in the world — offers incredible waters and the picturesque presence of two small, offshore islands. About a mile long, the beach varies in width, although its entire stretch provides soft sands and beautiful vistas out towards the ocean and of the Koolau Range. The beach is protected by an offshore reef, making the waters calm on this quiet stretch of coastline.
Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman / @hbgoodie
No. 8:
Beautiful white sand awaits at this stunning beach in front of Four Seasons Lanai. Crystal clear waters make it the best place on the island for snorkeling and swimming. It’s a public beach with showers, picnic tables, restrooms and barbecues. Tide pools carved out of volcanic rock are located on the eastern side of the bay and home to hermit crabs, sea stars and much more.
Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
No. 7:
The 2-mile crescent-shaped Hanalei Beach hugs the wide and visually stunning Hanalei Bay. With verdant mountains to one side, the sea to the other and anchored by a pier, Hanalei is quintessentially Hawaii, especially during the winter when onshore breaks attract surfers from around the globe. Even when the current prohibits swimming, the beach is plenty wide for sunning and strolling.
Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
No. 6:
Located on the Big Island's Kohala Coast, Hapuna State Beach represents the largest of the island's white sand beaches. The half-mile crescent of powder soft sand and crystal blue waters ranks among the island's top spots for swimming, snorkeling and bodysurfing, and come sundown, the beach fills with onlookers hoping to see the "green flash" of a Hawaiian sunset.
Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
No. 5:
On Oahu's southern shore, world-famous Waikiki has long been a beachy playground for the rich and famous, including Hawaiian royalty. Beneath the shadow of Diamond Head, the 2-mile-long beach here welcomes more than 4 million visitors each year. Visitors who aspire to take on the big breaks on the North Shore can learn to surf on the small and consistent wave breaks of Waikiki.
Photo courtesy of iStock / estivillml
No. 4:
On Maui’s West Shore, D.T. Fleming Beach Park is one of the most popular spots for bodysurfing and bodyboarding on the island. The long, sandy stretch enjoys ample shade from ironwood trees lining the sand, as well as amenities like picnic tables, BBQ grills, showers, and lifeguards.
Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
No. 3:
A series of three crescents on the south coast of Kauai make up Poipu Beach. It offers a little bit for everyone with a variety of water activities to enjoy when not watching palm trees sway from the comfort of your beach towel. Surf closer to the rocky outcroppings and find calmer waters mid-crescent. Shallow water and lifeguards near Poipu State Park make swimming a dream.
Photo courtesy of iStock / VickyRu
No. 2:
On the leeward coast of Oahu, Ko Olina Beach comprises four man-made lagoons protected by offshore reefs. Calm waters, in addition to the presence of resorts like Disney's Aulani and the Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club, make it a popular choice with families. The beach park offers free parking, as well as restrooms and showers, even for beach-goers who aren't staying at one of the Ko Olina resorts.
Photo courtesy of iStock / ejs9
No. 1:
A former retreat for Maui royalty, some of the island’s best resorts border this 3.5-mile, very popular beach. Waves break gently, a beach walk runs parallel to the warm sand and clear water permits snorkeling. Don’t miss the daily cliff diving ceremony at Black Rock held at sunset on the north end of the beach in between enjoying the various restaurants and shopping at the waterfront Whaler’s Village entertainment area.
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.
Congratulations to all these winning beaches!
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion... Read More
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and professional storyteller, she has covered topics that include wild Tahitian getaways; Sicilian wine trails, delectable Hawaiian food trends and luxury beachfront resorts. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications worldwide, including USA Today and many others. Marla is co-author of the book, A Century of Hospitality, a historical exploration of US hotels. Follow her on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and professional storyteller, she has covered topics that include wild Tahitian getaways; Sicilian wine trails, delectable Hawaiian food trends and luxury beachfront resorts. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications worldwide, including USA Today and many others. Marla is co-author of the book, A Century of Hospitality, a historical exploration of US hotels. Follow her on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
Sheila Beal
Sheila Beal has been sharing award-winning Hawaii... Read More
Sheila Beal has been sharing award-winning Hawaii travel advice at GoVisitHawaii.com since 2006. With her visitor's perspective and writing as though she's giving advice to her friends and family, Sheila's style has resonated with Hawaii visitors around the globe. Follow Sheila on Twitter or join the Go Visit Hawaii Facebook community.
Sheila Beal
Sheila Beal has been sharing award-winning Hawaii travel advice at GoVisitHawaii.com since 2006. With her visitor's perspective and writing as though she's giving advice to her friends and family, Sheila's style has resonated with Hawaii visitors around the globe. Follow Sheila on Twitter or join the Go Visit Hawaii Facebook community.
