For those who love the beach, look no further than Waikiki. With its long stretch of white sand and turquoise blue water, everyone enjoys this paradise for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and more.
Lanikai Beach – OahuCrystal clear waters and water sports are mixed in these beautiful white sand beaches. Lanikai is one of the most spectacular beaches in Hawaii and just by being there you will understand why.
Molokini is a small crescent-shaped island is situated about three miles from Maui's southwest coast. Molokini is said to have some of the clearest water in all of Hawaii with visibility depths of up to 200 feet. Molokini is a state-protected animal sanctuary and no fishing is allowed.
Oahu's windward coast – specifically the 10-mile stretch from the Marine Corps Base Kaneohe to Makapu'u Beach Park – is home to the bluest water in Hawaii, sure to make your next beach day unforgettable.
Hawaii's ocean water is nutrient deficient. This is common in tropical areas with warm surface water temperatures. A lack of nutrients means there are fewer phytoplankton and algae in Hawaii's water, which makes it more blue.
While Waikiki Beach is famous for its beauty and surfing, it got a little boost from other famous icons in the early 1900s. Shortly after the first hotels were built on the beach, celebrities such as Bing Crosby, Amelia Earhart, Frank Sinatra, and Joe DiMaggio rushed to see the beautiful Hawai'i landmark.
Kauai is the winnerIt has a variety of views and terrain to see. Rocky coastlines, beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and mountains and valleys. There is so much to see and do. Kauai tends to not be as popular as islands like Maui and Oahu so you can fully enjoy what the island offers.
As Oahu has the most swimmable beaches and most easily accessible beaches, it takes the prize for the best beaches in Hawaii. As the second oldest major Hawaiian Island, Oahu has 227 miles of shoreline. You won't find towering sea cliffs on Oahu as you find on Kauai or Molokai.
Most visitors may not know it, but Waikiki Beach is almost entirely man-made. It has had erosion problems since the late-1800s when developers began erecting hotels and homes too close to the natural shoreline and building seawalls and other structures that blocked the natural ebb and flow of sand along the beach.
Sunset Beach is one of the best beaches in Oahu for swimming during the summer months. The water is calm and a clear blue that you won't be able to believe. This beach is on the north side of the island.