Hawaii-Xpert - The Ultimate Hawaiian Resource and Vacation Guide

The beaches of each island are as different as snow-flakes. No two are alike. Dig your toes into fine green sand, watch the surf crash on sparking black sand, or build a castle of pure white sand. There are private beaches to be had - but many of them are "to see" and "be-seen" spots. If you're looking to catch a wave, find the place that fits your skill level. Don't pick a beach where they are hanging 10 if you can only handle 2.5!

Generally , the south shore of Oahu is known for its many family beaches. Activities like snorkeling, tide pooling and swimming are popular on the south shore. The east shore (the windward coast) has lush tropical beach settings, which are the favorite locations for windsurfing and sailing enthusiast. The north shore is blessed with pristine white sand beaches and is known for its world-class surfing. Caution is advised especially during the winter months when waves may reach heights of up to 25 feet. The lifeguards post signs and flags to alert people to the conditions. These must be strictly observed. The west shore is more arid than the windward coast and has many excellent beaches and offshore fishing spots.

Diamond Head Beach Park, situated along the cliffs of Diamond Head Crater, this beach is a favorite of surfers and windsurfers.

Ala Moana Beach Park, a 76-acre park, a favorite for its clear waters, soft sand and numerous picnic facilities in the adjacent park. Swimming is ideal in the sandy lagoon. Located across the street from Ala Moana Shopping Center, on Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, 5 minutes from Waikiki.

Waikiki Beach, Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki, probably the world’s most famous beach: a suntanner’s paradise with warm waters that are perfect for snorkeling, surfing, swimming, catamaran and outrigger canoe rides.

Hanauma Bay, a world-class snorkeling and scuba diving spot, situated in the crater of an ancient volcano. The sealife is protected by law and the fish will eat from your hand. Located 10 miles east of Waikiki on Kalanianaole Highway at Koko Head. $1.00 parking fee , plus admission fee of $3.00 for non-residents. Park is open noon-6 p.m. on Wednesday and 6 a.m. all other days. Get there before 9 a.m. No smoking. 808-396-4229 or 808-395-4512. The bus #22 offers service to and from Hanauma Bay and Waikiki once per hour 808-848-5555 or 808-296-1818 (code 8287).

Sandy Beach, located off Kalanianaole Highway, 30 minutes from Waikiki. Almost always sunny. Expert-only boogie boarding and body surfing.

Kaneohe Bay spiked with four tiny islets, shielded by a coral reef, scalloped with gold-sand beaches, this spectacular bay at the foot of the majestic Koolau Mountains is an everyday sailor’s dream and a good place to drop anchor any day. It’s home of the Kaneohe Yacht Club and the famed K-Bay Marines.

Makapuu Beach Park, 35 minutes from Waikiki. Kalanianaole Highway near Sea Life Park Hawaii. Advanced boogie boarding and body surfing.

Waimanalo Beach Park, offers small, gentle waves that roll in, great for learning how to bodysurf or boogie-board. A good picnicking spot. Located two miles past Sea Life Park on Kalanianaole Highway on Oahu’s east side.

Kailua Beach Park, Oahu’s windsurfing capital with its steady breezes and sandy shoreline, is also great for body surfing. Relax on the two mile stretch of white sand beach with gentle surf, or take a windsurfing lesson from one of the schools. Located five miles past Waimanalo, Kailua and Kawailoa Roads.

Kualoa, off Kamehameha Highway, 35 minutes from Waikiki. Beginner snorkeling. Spectacular view of Chinaman’s hat (Mokolii Island).

Lanikai, 50 minutes from Waikiki. Wind-surfing and beginner bodyboarding. Lanikai is Oahu’s best and safest swimming beach.

Sunset Beach, named for its spectacular sunsets, this is the site of the World Cup of Surfing. The beach is often calm and good for snorkeling during summer, though rough during the winter. 40 miles from Honolulu, (60 minutes from Waikiki) off Hamehameha Highway. 7 miles northeast of Haleiwa.

Ehukai Beach Park, 60 minutes from Waikiki, the site of the famous "Banzai Pipeline," where waves break in a hollow fashion, creating "tubes" for surfers to maneuver through. Calm and safe during summer. Professional surfing in winter. Located across from Sunset Beach Elementary School, off Kamehameha Highway, 59-337 Ke Nui Road, 9 miles north of Haleiwa.

Waimea Bay Beach Park, (60 minutes from Waikiki) site of the biggest rideable surf in the world. During summer, the bay is calm and clear. During winter, the surf can reach heights of 40 feet (professional surfing only, with dangerous shore-break). Located two miles west of Sunset Beach, on Kamehameha Highway, 5 miles northeast of Haleiwa.

Haleiwa Beach Park, featuring a sandy beach, playing field, basketball courts, picnic tables, and restroom. Good swimming, snorkeling and windsurfing. Jet ski and windsurging lessons available nearby. Located just past rustic Haleiwa Town, 62-449 Kamehameha Highway.

Makaha Beach Park, (60 minutes from Waikiki) best know for its perfect winter surf. Usually calm during summer months. Located two miles north of Waianae on Farrington Highway. Almost always sunny. Spinner dolphins.

Yokohama, 70 minutes from Waikiki. Fairly uncrowded white sand beach. Spinner dolphins.

Nanakuli Beach Park, located off Farriington Highway, is a popular local beach and camping spot.

In general, the best beaches for swimming, diving, and surfing are on the western and southern shores. Kapalua is considered to be one of the safest on the island. Wailea has five sparkling beaches where snorkeling and SCUBA are excellent.

The small white quartz fragments known as "Maui diamonds" are sometimes found near Hekili Point.

Because of their rich store of sea life, several beaches, including Honolua and Mokuleia, are designated county underwater parks.

The Kihei-Wailea coast offers good surfing in the summer, but the winter breakers tend to be too large for anyone but the experts.

Wailea Beach Of all the beaches on Maui’s sun-baked Gold Coast, none is finer for swimming than Wailea, the mile-long, gold-sand beach named for Lea, the Hawaiian goddess of canoe makers. There’s a reason the beach fronts the Four Seasons Hotel - the view of Molokini crater, Pacific humpback whales , and the distant, uninhabited island of Kahoolawe, all framed by swaying coco palms.

Jaws Surf here only if you dare. Jaws is where world-class dare-devils risk their lives on the biggest offshore waves to lash Maui, 50 feet and taller. Mere mortals catch lesser waves at Maalaea with its clean, world-class left or at Lahaina Harbor in summer.

Kaanapali Beach Every afternoon, a spanking breeze comes up and sends sailboats streaking by 4-mile-long Kaanapali Beach, Maui’s biggest and most popular. Set sail here for lanai, take a snorkel or whale watch boat beyond Olowalu Reef, or catch the nightly booze cruise.

Kapalua Beach In the embrace of two black lava points, this gold-sand beach is the gateway to adventure. Kayakers test their skills before paddling up the ultra-scenic coast to Honolua Bay for snorkeling and to Nalele Bay where spinner dolphins play. Go in the morning when the wind is light and the sea calm.

Ahihi-Kinau Black, barren lava fingers reach into green-blue pools full of tropical fish. You’ll find the best snorkeling on Maui in this scenic, 2,000-acre nature preserve on the rugged south coast where 10,023-foot Haleakala volcano last spilled red-hot lava into the sea in 1970. Difficult to reach, easy to enjoy.

Makena Beach In 80 feet of water off Makena sits a World War II tank that serves as a fish magnet. Every sea critter seeking shade goes to the Tank, and so should you. The Kihei-Wailea coast offers Maui’s best scuba for easy viewing and diversity of underwater life.

Maipoinaoeiau Beach (Ohukai Beach), where Ohukai Road intercepts S Kihei Road Windsurfing, phone, shower.

Kamaole Beach Parks I, II, and III, three consecutive beach parks on S. Kihei Road, Kihei. Swim, boogie board, life guard. Kamaole Beach III has a playground, BBQ, picnic area, phone, showers.

Makapuu & Ulua Beaches, in Wailea, between the Maui Inter-Continental and Stouffer Wailea Beach Resorts. Snorkel, swim, shower.

Maluaka Beach, next to Keawalai Church and in front of Maui Prince Hotel, Jakena. Swim, snorkel, boogie board, phone, showers.

Big Beach at Makena, past the Maui Prince Hotel & Makena Golf Course heading south. Look for a paved entrance road just past the dirt roads on the right. Two miles of beautiful white sand beach - one of Maui’s best. Facilities include portable toilets. On a good day, you will find a hot dog truck parked across from the entrance road to the beach.

Kanaha (Kooks Beach), located near the airport. Take Keolani Place to Koeheke to Amala Place, beach on left. Swim, windsurf, BBQ, picnic, phone, showers.

Launiupoko Beach Park, Highway 30, three miles south of Lahaina. Swim, snorkel, BBQ, picnic area, phone, shower.

D.T. Fleming Beach Park, lower Honoapiilani Highway, Kapalua is a well used park on land donated by the Maui Land and Pineapple Company Inc. Swim, snorkel, boogie board, surf, with lifeguard. Great for families, it offers washroom, showers, picnic tables, grills, a long white sand beach and a close offshore sandbar.

Mokuleia and Honolua Bay, located one mile north of Fleming Beach Park on Lower Honoapiilani Highway. Look for cars lining the road; trails lead to beaches. Great body surfing and snorkeling, depending on conditions. Swim, snorkel, boogie board and surfing. No facilities.

H. A. Baldwin Park, Hana Highway, west of Paia. Swim, boogie board, picnic, camping (phone 808-243-7389 weekdays for permits). Picnic, phone, showers.

Hookipa, Hana Highway, east of Paia. Windsurfing capital & great photo opportunities. Picnic, phone, showers.

Waianapanapa State Park, Hana Highway, north of Hana. Remote volcanic coastline with picnicking, shore fishing, hiking, seabird colony, lodging, camping (phone 808-243-5354 weekdays for permit). Phone, showers.

Hana Bay Beach, north of town, is a small public bathing area. Picnic facilities, a pavilion and rest rooms are available.

Kauai’s beaches have been used for decades to define paradise for Hollywood and the world. With so many beautiful beaches, the problem on Kauai is to pick which one. Other than the immediate area of your hotel, here are some choices. Generally the north shore beaches are the best for swimming in summer and surfing in winter. Reverse this rule for the south shore. Despite their beauty, many of Kauai’s beaches are unsafe because of powerful undertows or tricky currents. All beaches listed below have restrooms unless notes. Camping is allowed by permit only. For information on county beach permits, phone 808 241-6660; for state beaches phone 808 241-3444.

Haena Beach Park: Across from Maniniholo Dry Cave. Swim, snorkel, BBQ, pavilion, shower.

Tunnels: North of YMCA, no facilities. Snorkel, SCUBA, underwater caves, swim, surf; intermediate. Suggest parking at Haena Beach Park and walk down to beach.

Anini Beach Guarded by a 2-mile reef, the biggest on Kauai, and blessed by onshore tradewinds, 3-mile-long Anini Beach sits on a blue lagoon at the foot of emerald cliffs. It offers the safest swimming and snorkeling on Kauai. Fishing’s not bad either.

Hanalei Beach and its adjacent bay is a popular attraction. Celebrated in song and hula, half-moon Hanalei Bay has 2 miles of golden sand with a sandy bottom, gentle waves and excellent year-round swimming, especially during summer when the bay becomes one big lake.

Lumahai Beach, to the north, was where Mitzi Gaynor "washed that man right out of her hair" in the motion picture "South Pacific". It remains one of the most photographed spots in the world.

Wailua Beach, at the mouth of the Wailua River, has treacherous water in rough weather so visitors are advised to stay near the bluff. It is said that a Union vessel hid in the Wailua River from the Confederate ship Shenandoah, which had been dispatched to destroy the northern Pacific whaling fleet.

Anahola Beach Park: Year-round snorkel, swim north shore good for boogie board, shower, surfing. Beginners.

Lydgate State Park: Behind Kauai Resort, great for kids, playground. Swim, snorkel, lava pool, pavilion, parking, showers. Beginners.

Kalapaki Beach: Fronting Kauai Marriott Hotel. Swim, boogie board, surfing, windsurf, showers.

Poipu Beach Park: Green-blue and lurid, curling and totally tubular, big enough to hang ten yet small enough for gidgets, Poipu’s waves are endless in their attraction. Day use only. Shallow area, great for kids. Boogie board, swim, windsurf. Great snorkeling! No facilities. Beginners.

Salt Pond Beach Park: Down Route 543. Tot pool, watch take-offs from Port Allen Airport. Swim, snorkel, windsurf, showers, surfing.

At the left of the Nawiliwili Harbor, visitors can relax in the sun at Kalapaki Beach, a popular and safe swimming area with surfboard rentals.

Kekaha Beach Park: Stretches for miles. Swim, snorkel, boogie board, surfing, BBQ pavilion and restroom across the highway from the beach. Intermediate.

Polihale State Park: At the end of the road, follow the signs. Dunes with "Barking Sand," 15-mile beach. Pavilion, BBQ, state camping, showers. 808 241-3444. Camping may temporarily not be allowed.

The Big Island has good beaches but not as many as the other islands. Swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling and surfing are considered to be best in the vicinity of Kawaihae and Mahu Kona in the Kohala area and at Kahaluu and Napoopoo in the Kona area.

Anaehoomalu Beach Locals call it "A bay" because this picturesqu Kon Coast beach gets top marks for windsurfing and almost every other watersport. Count on steady onshore winds from five to 25 knots to fill your sails. Rentals, lessons and equipment are available at Royal Waikoloan 800-922-5533, the affordable choice on this high-rent coast.

Kahaluu Beach Park, Alii Drive, next to Keauhou Beach Hotel. Gray sand beach; shallow protected bay for snorkel, swim, boogie board, lifeguard, rentals available, food, phone, shower, surfing. Beginners.

Laaloa Beach Park, halfway to Keauhou on Alii Drive, is also called Disappearing Sands Beach or Magic Sands Beach because the white sand beach is seasonally washed out to sea leaving black lava rocks. Swim, boogie board, lifeguard, phone, shower. Intermediate.

Banyan’s Beach, Alii Drive across from Banyan Mart. Small, shady beach local surf spot. Boogie board, showers, surfing. Advanced.

Kealakekua Bay Underwater Park, Napoopoo Road to beach, a marine preserve, offers some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii. Heiau, snorkel, swim showers, phone. Bay diving available through boat charters. Beginners.

Kamakhonu Bay, next to Kailua Pier. White sand beach, swim, ocean activity outfitter, phone, shower.

Keauhou Bay, Alii Drive to end of Kaleiopapa Street. White sand volleyball court, picnic tables, shower, ocean activity outfitters.

Hapuna Beach State Park, Highway 19. Big wide, half-mile-long Hapuna Beach is the largest beach on the Big Island and safest for swimming, although during winter it gets chancy. Black lava coves with pocket beaches on the north side are excellent for snorkeling and private sunbathing. Great for kids. Swim, boogie board, snorkel, phone, showers, lifeguard, food. Beginners.

Waikoloa Beach Park, Anaehoomalu Bay, Highway 19. Windsurfing, swim, rentals, phone, shower. Beginners.

Samuel M. Spencer Beach Park, in Kawaihae on Highway 19, is well known for its white sand beach and excellent swimming, diving and surfing. Shady beach. Snorkel, phone, shower. Beginners.

Honolii Beach This small, black-sand beach is the most popular surf break on the Hilo side of the Big Island. Honolii is also a scenic, shady spot thanks to a waterfall-fed stream that runs through this idyllic beach park.

Leleiwi, end of Kalanianaole Avenue (Route 19) next to Richardson Ocean Park. Black sand beach. Swim, phone, shower. Intermediate.

Richardson Ocean Park: small pocket beach on Highway 19. Swim, snorkel, surf and body board the surf break, "Richardson"s." Beginners/Advanced.

Onekahakaha Beach Park, Kalanianaole Avenue (Route 12). Black sand beach. Great for kids. Swim, snorkel, phone, showers, surf. Beginners.

Laupahoehoe Beach Park is on a picturesque peninsula but swimming and fishing are not recommended (dangerous). A pavilion is available and camping/picnicking are permitted.

Kolekole Beach Park and Waikaumalo Park are wonderful places for a picnic or swim.

Whittington Beach Park and Punaluu Black Sand Beach on Highway 11, offer great camping and picnicking. Punaluu was the site of ancient canoe landings. Swim, snorkel, phone, shower. Adjacent restaurant. Beginners.

The finest beaches on the island are located on the west side, and there are public accesses to most of them. Along the south shore within view from the coastal highway, are a succession of small, reef-protected sandy beaches, ancient Hawaiian fish ponds, and picturesque coves and bays. On the drive toward Halawa Valley, where the road to the east ends, Murphy Beach Park, Rocky Point, and Small Bay at Kumimi Beach offer swimming, snorkeling, and surfing possibilities. On the west side, Dixie Maru (Kapukahehu) is one of the crescents favored by locals, with good body and board surfing in the protected inlet of the cove when conditions are right. Kawakiu is one of the northernmost accessible beaches on the west end, a white sand beach flanked by lava outcroppings and a cliff. Many consider this the island’s most beautiful beach, but it is not easy to find and, like all other Molokai beaches, should be approached with caution. Kepuhi, the beach on which the Kaluakoi Resort is located, is easily accessible, but with swift changeable waters that offer safe swimming only in calm conditions. Slightly south is Papohaku Beach, nearly three miles long, it is the largest white-sand beach in Hawaii.

Sandy Beach On the way to Halawa valley, a small reef-protected pocket beach of golden sand beside Kamehameha V Highway is Molokai’s most popular swimming beach. A rocky bottom often stubs toes. There’s also a great view of the West Maui Mountains across 8-mile Pailolo Channel.

Halawa Beach In the lee of 300-foot Cape Halawa, the easternmost point of Molokai, at the mouth of Halawa Valley, is a black-sand beach with a drive-up surf break that’s a winter draw. In summer, paddle around Lamaloa head to see thin, rocky beaches of Wailau, Pelekunu, and Haupu.

Kepuhi Beach A golden strand with black lava rocks is the launch site for veteran windsurfers who fly in the face of the onshore breeze. Like nearby Papohaku, it’s to be enjoyed mostly onshore unless you’re and experienced swimmer. Puu o Kaiaka separates the two beaches and provides a 180-degree view of Molokai’s west shore.

Hulopoe Bay, a conservation area that offers great snorkeling and scuba diving as well as a beautiful white sand beach for swimming and body surfing. Often the beach is frequented by dolphins and whales during the winter months. The south-shore bay is the destination for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and tidepool exploration. A beach kiosk offers complimentary iced tea and water, snorkeling and beach equipment (umbrellas, chairs, beach mats, children’s pail & shovel toys, swim fins and towels) for hotel guests. To the east of Hulopoe is Manele Bay, with picnic facilities and the island’s only public boat harbor.

Shipwreck Beach, a 45-minute drive on Paoiwa Road from The Lodge at Koele, earned its name legitimately and has a wrecked ship’s hull from World War II days to prove it. Eight miles in length of driftwood-strewn beach, the remains from other wrecks have helped build a nearby assemblage of beach huts called Federation Camp. Shipwreck Beach (actually name Kaiolohia Bay) is good for beachcombing and fishing but less so for swimming due to the shoreline reefs. Shipwreck is easily reached by 4-wheel drive vehicle or by foot after the paved road ends.

Lopa Beach faces the island of Maui and is a tranquil, tree-lined white sand beach about 1 1.2 hour ride from the Lodge at Koele.

Polihua Beach is a secluded, gorgeous white-sand beach facing Molokai, and is the nesting ground of the Hawaiian Sea Turtle. The shoreline is peppered with kiawe trees, and the 1 ½ mile sweep of sand is the island’s longest and widest. Swimming is not recommended; there are no facilities, and it’s tricky getting there, even with a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Kealaikahiki Channel (Kayaking and sailing) In this deep, fast-moving channel, keep a hand on the tiller or you could end up on a distant atoll in the far Pacific.

Five Needles Spiky sea stacks dominate an almost secret snorkel spot on Lanai’s south side. Go there only by kayak, sailboat, or launch. A mighty monolith marks the spot where flying fish play. Take Navatek II or Trilogy from Maui’s Lahaina Harbor for this unforgettable outing. Clarity of water and abundant sea life make this snorkeling adventure excellent.