January 28th, 2007
Hawaii’s Best Beaches
1. Lanikai Beach, Oahu
What’s cool: This beach oasis is noted for serving up one of the best sunrises on Oahu.
Half a mile of sparkling sand, palm trees that sway over a white beach, lush tropical plants and endless sunshine make Lanikai one of Hawaii’s most scenic beaches. The shore is protected by a nearby coral reef, which keeps the surf relatively calm, and the water is always a deep turquoise or green. Visitors to Lanikai can kayak to the nearby twin islands of Mokumanu and Mokulua, both noted bird sanctuaries. Lanikai not only seems postcard-perfect…it truly is! This beach is one of Hawaii’s most popular spots for photo shoots.
2. The North Shore, Oahu
What’s cool: Visit Pipeline in mid-November and catch the Triple Crown of Surfing.
Along the 7-mile stretch of sand encompassing the North Shore, three beaches stand out from the rest. Located in the center of the North Shore, Waimeia Bay boasts calm waters and a large expanse of tranquil beach in the summer, when there is little wave action. In the winter, Waimeia’s waves pick up and the surf can grow to 30 feet. For die-hard surfers, the Mecca of the sport lies in Pipeline. Those lucky enough to ride the seemingly impossible waves without a wipeout are left with a lifetime of bragging rights. As the day draws to a close, visit Sunset Beach, where an explosion of light and color paint the sky as the sun sets gracefully behind the waves.
3. Punalu’u Beach, The Big Island
What’s cool: The natural freshwater wading pool at the far end of the beach is handy for rinsing off after snorkeling with endangered turtles.
One of nature’s rarest wonders stretches across the island of Hawaii’s shores—the black-sand beach of Punalu’u. This magnificent beach formed when lava from two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea, spilled into the ocean and quickly cooled, breaking into minuscule pieces that now comprise the "sand." The smoothed-glass granules of the black-sand beach are warm and soothing, and the wild tropical landscape makes this spot irresistible. Should swimming and sunbathing grow tiresome, grab a net and join the ranks of local fishermen—the waters off Punalu’u are noted for their tremendous fishing.
4. Hookipa Beach, Maui
What’s cool: Visit Kuau Cove, home of Mama’s Fish House—a favorite among area locals.
It isn’t the gorgeous windswept sands that attract visitors to Hookipa Beach.. it’s the winds themselves. Hookipa Beach and its notorious tradewinds are home to some of the finest windsurfing conditions in the world. Windsurfers will tell you the best views of Hookipa Beach’s gleaming white sands and towering palm trees are from the water, where surfers are privy to the beach’s spectacular setting. If jumping on a board and catching some wind doesn’t suit your fancy, relax ocean-side and watch one of two world-class competitions held in Hookipa, when windsurfing champions battle wind and sea.
5. Lahaina Beach, Maui
What’s cool: Celebrate your nuptials Hawaiian-style at the Old Lahaina sea wall.
Nestled in the quaint whaling village of Lahaina, where thatched-roof huts are the norm, idyllic Lahaina Beach is considered one of the world’s most romantic beaches. The tranquility of its old fishing village, the lush tropical plant life and the majesty of the ocean have made Lahaina a favorite locale for marriage ceremonies. And no trip here is complete without experiencing the Old Lahaina Luau. This traditional luau traces the history of the hula dance and tantalizes guests with passionate dancing, lei ceremonies and a succulent roast pig.
6. Poipu Beach, Kauai
What’s cool: The endangered monk seal is known to play on these shores.
In the midst of beaches noted for mind-blowing surf, Poipu has gained a reputation for tranquil seas and golden beaches. Peaceful tradewinds blow offshore, keeping the waters serene for most of the year. Protected bays offer a sandy bottom less than 3 feet deep, making Poipu popular among families with small children. More advanced swimmers can explore beyond this kiddie-haven to a reef promising underwater adventures. Families are sure to appreciate the well-maintained picnic areas and covered pavilions, as well as the shower and bathroom facilities.
7. Kauna’oa Beach, Big Island
What’s cool: Golfers love the nearby $18 million Mauna Kea Golf Course.
Crescent-shaped Kauna’oa Beach is the ideal oasis for visitors seeking pristine sands and serenity. The famed Mauna Kea Beach Hotel keeps the beach clean and full of healthy coral and fish life, as well as offering guests access to its swank beach facilities. Visitors not staying at the resort can still enjoy this tropical paradise, just with a few restrictions. The hotel limits entry to its private beach, and to a public beach accessible via its grounds, to 25 passes at any given time. Your best bet? Arrive at the beach before 9 a.m. Otherwise, treat yourself to a meal at one of the resort’s five restaurants and try to get on the beach later in the afternoon.
8. Kaanapali Beach, Maui
What’s cool: Beach Activities of Maui, a local business, will cater to a visitor’s every whim.
If luxury hotels and constant pampering are your idea of the perfect beach getaway, Kaanapali Beach is the gem you’ve been seeking. Some of Hawaii’s most exclusive resorts line this stretch of sand and are ready to spoil anyone willing to indulge. Your every wish can be easily granted on Kaanapali—from your own personal Beach Butler to deliver daiquiris to a private beach cabana. After soaking in the sun, visit one of the resorts and indulge in a tanning consultation or unwind with a lomi lomi massage—noted for its spiritual and healing aspects.
9. Honaunau Bay, The Big Island
What’s cool: Explore Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, an ancient sanctuary where breakers of the kapu (sacred laws) could take refuge from a death sentence.
Honaunau Bay is home to a unique underwater paradise, the Place of Refuge, which attracts scuba divers from all around. Over time, eruptions of the Kilauea volcano poured lava into the ocean, hardening into large, smooth formations—now home to an expansive reef of colorful coral. The bay satisfies all levels of divers, from beginners to experts, and boasts a large number of fish native to Hawaii, roughly 40 percent of which can be found only in Honaunau. Divers can swim with the likes of long-nosed butterfly fish, surgeon fish, yellow tang, kala and kole—even the endangered green sea turtle.
10. Waikiki Beach, Oahu
What’s cool: Waikiki was the setting for the famed beach scene in From Here to Eternity.
Attracting more than 4 million tourists yearly and stretching across two sun-drenched miles of Oahu’s coastline lies Waikiki Beach. With Diamond Head Crater at one end, the Ala Wai yacht harbor at the other, and skyscrapers towering in the background, Waikiki provides visitors with unforgettable vistas and constant action. Known as a playground for the rich and famous, this beach promises sun-tanned bodies looking to wet their feet in the warm surf. Waikiki’s gentle waters are ideal for novice surfers, who can take lessons from the "beachboys." Started in 1920, this group teaches tourists about surfing and Hawaiian culture.