11 Coolest Beaches in Hawaii you Need to Visit Now

Hawaii is an incredible place filled with a rich history and stunning scenery. While you’re there, you’ll likely want to enjoy some of the many incredible beaches these islands have to offer. Whether you’re heading to Oahu, Kauai, Maui, or the Big Island, there are plenty of incredible beaches in Hawaii that you should visit. Here are some of the coolest that you should add to your Hawaiian bucket list:

1. Papakōlea Green Sand Beach

Located on the Big Island of Hawaii near its southernmost tip, this beach gets its name for a reason. The naturally tinted green hue comes from the eroding Olivine mineral from the surrounding volcanic cone. As one of only four green sand beaches in the entire world, you’ll likely want to add this location to your bucket list.

2. Sunset Beach

This beach is on the North Shore of Oahu and is famous for its winter surf waves. While you shouldn’t venture out in the waves on this beach unless you are a professional, this is an incredible spot to watch surfers. If you visit in the winter months, there may even be a surf competition in this spot.

3. Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach

Also known as Pa’iloa Beach, this naturally black beach is located on the road to Hana in Maui. The distinct black colour comes from the eroding of lava rock and is definitely a neat sight to behold. It was rainy and windy when I visited here, yet I still loved the trip (something you don’t often hear about a rained-out beach day!).

4. Lanikai Beach

Quite possibly my favourite white sandy beaches in Hawaii, this Oahu spot is often featured on ‘Best Beaches’ lists; and for good reason! Lanikai Beach is beautiful and peaceful; especially compared to the crowds often found at Waikiki Beach. It also has a lovely view of Moku Nui and Moku Iki islands (Pictured below from Lanikai). This literally translates to Little Island and Big Island in Hawaiian.

Speaking of Hawaiian, while you’re in Hawaii, why not learn the local language as well? Check out this post to learn 10 Hawaiian words that you can learn in under two minutes!

5. Makua ‘Tunnels’ Beach Kauai

Located in Northern Kauai, this is a great beach for snorkeling and scuba diving thanks to the huge reef located here. The name of this beach comes from the natural lava tube tunnels that form underwater caverns.

6. Hanauma Bay

If you’re on Oahu, this is an incredible snorkelling location located in a volcanic cone. Actually a State Park, this popular spot is protected to ensure the magic of the reef is preserved. It is $12 to visit and you will watch a short educational video on the reef before visiting, but it is well worth it to see the beauty this spot has to offer.

7. Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach

This black sand beach on the Big Island of Hawaii is cool for another reason apart from its unique colour: Turtles! This beach is often frequented by turtles basking on the dark shores. A few species here are endangered, so be sure to respect your distance while enjoying this neat sight.

8. Waikiki Beach

Though often busy, this beach is the perfect location to learn to surf (This is where I had my first lesson!). The waves here are gentle, the sand smooth, and the waters warm. Waikiki is also right in the middle of Honolulu, so you can likely walk to it right from your hotel.

9. Hanalei Beach

This picturesque spot on Kauai has it all: a beautiful crescent beach with majestic mountains behind it and sparkling blue waters lapping at its shores. Hanalei is a great spot for that quintessential beach day if you find yourself on the Garden Isle.

10. Kama’ole Beach Park III

If you find yourself staying in Kihei, Maui this beach is a must. The warm waters off the shore of this beach are great for swimming and snorkeling (I actually spotted a turtle while swimming there!). There are also great amenities like showers, washrooms, and a lifeguard stand. This is also a great location to view an incredible Maui sunset.

11. Red Sand Beach Maui

Rich in iron giving the beach its hue, this red-coloured beach in Maui is a neat and rare sight. While this beach is not ideal for a relaxing day, due to its isolation and the difficult trek to reach its shores, seeing the red contrast against the blue waters and green foliage is a sight to behold.

With this list in hand, you are ready to enjoy some of the coolest and most unique beaches in Hawaii; just don’t forget to pack your sunscreen!