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Hawaii's Best Beaches

Hawaiʻi Takes the Top Spot for Best Beach in the USA

Hawaiʻi continues to be a paradise for beach lovers, as highlighted by Dr. Beach's highly regarded 2024 America’s Best Beaches list, which include three of Hawaii’s beautiful beaches. These celebrated beaches, along with some hidden gems, offer breathtaking beauty and unique experiences across the Hawaiʻian Islands. Here are the best beaches according to Dr. Beach...

Duke Kahanamoku Beach, O’ahu (Ranked #1)

Duke Kahanamoku Beach, named after Hawaii’s legendary surfer and Olympic swimmer, Duke Kahanamoku, takes the top spot this year. Located in Waikiki, this beach is a haven for water sports enthusiasts and sunbathers alike, offering pristine sand, crystal-clear waters and safe swimming in a man made lagoon.

Wailea Beach, Maui (Ranked #3)

Ranked third, Wailea Beach is a world-renowned destination that embodies luxury and natural beauty. Nestled among high-end resorts, this beach offers excellent snorkelling opportunities with vibrant coral reefs, marine life and lava rock formations.

Poʻipū Beach Park, Kauaʻi (Ranked #7)

Coming in seventh, Poʻipū Beach is loved for its family-friendly atmosphere and diverse marine life. Its crescent shape provides calm, clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkelling, bodyboarding and seeing monk seals. From December through April you can sometimes spot humpback whales in the distance.

While Dr. Beach's top picks highlight some of Hawaiʻi’s most iconic beaches, there are numerous lesser-known spots worth discovering too:

O’ahu

Hidden Gem: Keawaʻula Beach (Yokohama Beach) is the last sandy stretch on the Leeward Coast (sheltered). Its curvy beach and turquoise waters are a great spot to sunbathe and watch surfers and dolphins. If you’re an avid hiker, nearby Kaʻena Point offers a trail with rewarding ocean views.

Maui

Hidden Gem: Hamoa Beach – Could this be Hawaii’s silkiest sand? As you wind along the iconic Road to Hana, those in the know will catch a glance of Hamoa’s secluded crescent-shaped beach lined with Hala trees that provide pockets of shade. Its deep blue waters and waves make it a favourite among surfers and bodyboarders.

Kauaʻi

Hidden Gem: Salt Pond Beach Park - Protected by reefs for year round calm waters and safe swimming it’s also a great spot for colourful reef fish and amazing sunsets. Named after one of Kauai’s most important cultural assets, watch local Hawaiian families practice the art of making Hawaiian salt. In winter months, Humpback Whales play offshore. Take a walk across the swinging bridge into historic Hanapepe town, Friday is Hanapepe Art Night.

Island of Hawaiʻi

The Island of Hawaii didn’t make Dr. Beach’s list but Punaluʻu black sand beach could be regarded as the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaiʻi thanks to its gorgeous black sand. Another special reason is that you can see endangered Hawksbill turtles and green turtles basking in the sun on the beach.

Hawaii’s Sunscreen Initiative

Visitors are encouraged to use reef-safe sunscreen to help preserve Hawaiʻi’s delicate underwater habitats. Available in the UK or from local stores across Hawaiʻi.

Top swimming tips

Choose beaches with lifeguards on duty and be sure to observe ocean conditions and check weather and surf reports. Be cautious of strong currents and high surf, if unsure, stay close to the shore. More ocean safety advice here: https://www.gohawaii.com/trip-planning/travel-smart/ocean-safety-in-hawaii

Whether you’re basking in the sun watching the surfers on Duke Kahanamoku Beach or discovering the silky sand of Hamoa Beach, Hawaiʻi’s shores are waiting to be explored.