Which Hawaiian island has best beaches for swimming?

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.



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The Big Island Early in the year you might see migrating humpback whales offshore, and all year long the water is perfect for swimming, bodyboarding, and snorkeling, though as is true on most Hawaiian beaches, the surf will tend to be higher in the winter months and far gentler in summer.

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Maui is known for its calm waters and great beaches. Some of the beaches in Kauai aren't as swimmable as those in Maui. The water is generally rougher, the swell is larger and some places have strong currents. This is especially true on Kauai's North Shore in winter.

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Whether you want to get some extra Vitamin D or surf with the locals, these are the best Hawaiian beaches to keep you warm during the winter.
  • Waimea Bay, Oahu. ...
  • Yokohama Bay, Oahu. ...
  • Kalapaki Beach, Kauai. ...
  • Kehana Beach, Big Island. ...
  • Ho'okipa Beach Park, Maui. ...
  • Lanikai Beach, Oahu. ...
  • Punaluu Beach, Big Island.


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But, there are important differences between Maui and Oahu vacations. If you're looking for a typical Hawaiian tourist vacation, Oahu offers Waikiki Beach, historical memorials and modern culture. Meanwhile, travelers should head to Maui to enjoy outdoorsy adventures, from snorkeling to hiking volcanic peaks.

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If you're ready to trade the hustle and bustle for variety and adventure in your life, Maui probably sounds like the perfect escape. If you're looking for something quieter and family-friendly, with plenty of outdoor activities and natural beauty, Kauai is the ideal island paradise.

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Second only to the south shore, west Maui has many of the best beaches for swimming, snorkeling, and just about anything else you could want. And the crown jewel among them has to be the three-mile stretch of white shore and shimmering blue water at Ka'anapali Beach.

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Water Temperatures in Maui In June and July, when temperatures are at their highest, the water is generally about 78°F/25°C, making it perfect or Molokini snorkeling. In August and September, when temperatures may slide back a few degrees, the water has gotten really warm and may be 80°F/26.6°C.

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Best Time for Snorkeling and Swimming: Great swimming and snorkeling are possible year-round in Hawaii, but during summer months (May through September) water is warmer, waves are smaller, and skies are sunnier, making conditions ideal for these water-based activities.

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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.

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Water temperatures are around 74 degrees so swimming is a year round activity here in Hawaii. If you're looking into boating, snorkeling, surfing or any other Hawaii activity this winter, be sure to book as soon as possible!

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Located at Waikiki's western edge, Duke Kahanamoku Beach is the widest in Waikiki, perfect for families and those looking to have some fun in the sun. Named after Hawaii's legendary surfer and Olympic swimming champion, this beach, and the adjacent lagoon is popular for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and sailing.

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Ala Moana Beach Park Whether you're wanting to swim, stand-up-paddle-board, or simply take an evening stroll where you can watch the sunset or dip your toes in the water, this is the perfect place to do so.

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Kauai is the winner It 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.

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For what you want, the west side is the best. You have no guarantee whatsoever on the east side that you'll see any sun to soak up. It's very popular for active itineraries and to see a side of old Hawai`i.

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While it is nice to swim in the pool below the falls, we don't recommend swimming directly under the waterfall. The pressure of the water can be intense, and sometimes rocks and other debris can come over the falls without warning and cause injury.

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There are many reasons why Maui is the best Hawaiian island to visit, but one of the top reasons is its breathtaking beaches and tropical landscapes. You won't want to miss the world-famous Kaanapali Beach, where you can spend the day swimming in crystal clear waters or lounging on soft white sand.

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Oahu is Hawaii's most popular island, famous for great hikes like Diamond Head and stunning white sands like Waikiki Beach. On the other hand, Kauai is Hawaii's most tropical island and is a paradise for those after rugged coastlines and vibrant rainforests.

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