Which Island in Hawaii Has the Best Beaches

Figure out Which Island in Hawaii Has the Best Beaches, and other Hawaiian islands suitable for tourism and their amazing coasts. Savor the stunning golden beaches of Maui, the verdant foliage of Kauai, and the variety of beach types located on every part of the Hawaiian islands.

Introduction(Which Island in Hawaii Has the Best Beaches):

Alaan o muualmente en el Pacifico, Hawaii is a beautiful group of islands, more popularly known for its idyllic beaches, turquoise waters, and scenic coastlines. As a prime choice for vacationers, especially those in love with beaches and the sun, the Hawaiian Islands offers plenty of beautiful beach fronts in the six major islands.

It is however interesting to note that with this kind of variety, one may ask the question: which island of all the Hawaiian ones has the most beautiful beaches? In this intuitive guide, we will explore the sun-kissed beaches of Hawaii extensively, covering not only the most amazing ones, but also their features providing you with the right island in Hawaii that would best meet your expectations of a perfect holiday.

1. Maui: The Beach Lover’s Ultimate Paradise

Revisiting the question of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii, it is commonly accepted that Maui comes out at the iphon heracleion. Located in Central Pacific Ocean and nicknamed as Valley Isle, Maui is gifted with more than 30 miles of beaches, each different from the other. The coastal line of the island in simple terms speaks of the availability and diversity of interesting places where you can find animated resorts as well as tranquil bays.

Kaanapali Beach:

Kaanapali Beach is located on the western part of Maui and is considered one of the finest beaches not only in Hawaii but the world over. Kaanapali Beach has a three-mile stretch of golden sandy beach, which has crystal clear water ideal for swimming and snorkeling, courtesy of the luxury hotels that lies across the beach. Black Rock’s every evening cliff jump ceremony is also a tourist attraction where divers perform jumps from the rock, reminiscent of that crazy ritual of Maui several generations back, when the last true king of the island ruled before the US annexation.

Wailea Beach:

This beautiful crescent beach is located in Wailea resort area and is characterized by gentle waves and beautiful colors during sunset. Temperatures at the beach are favourable for relaxing and enjoy swimming or paddle boarding because it has better amenities and is linked with other beaches with a paved beach walk.

Hamoa Beach:

For those who want to hide from civilization, East Maui contains Hamoa Beach which is more similar to a secret cove. This tropical crescent beach has terrific bodysurfing but features other attractive elements that are quite different from the resort beaches.

Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach:

Part of the popular Road to Hana, this beach features unique black sand which stands out from the all golden beaches of Maui. The beach is contained within Waianapanapa State Park sandwiched between several natural features including lava cliffs, freshwater caves and blowholes making it worth visiting for the scenery and geology.

2. Best Island to Go to in Hawaii

Nonetheless, Maui has a great reputation for its beaches determining which Hawaiian Island is the best again depends on individual choices and reasons for travel. Every island presents a different experience to a specific kind of traveler:

Oahu: The Gathering Place

Best for: A trip to Hawaii for the first time, people who are interested in the local culture and cityscape and nature in one place

Being the capital city of the state – Honolulu, Oahu stands out due to the perfect interrelationship of the urban centers and the surrounding nature. One can visit the crowded Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor, climb on top of the Diamond Head, and enjoy the chill surf culture at North Shore all in one trip. There is a reason Oahu is often dubbed the best travel island for first timers to Hawaii or for those who would like to have an active holiday packed with places to see and things to do.

Main sites to see:

• – Waikiki Beach
• – Pearl Harbor and the memorial sites
• – North Shore beaches
• – Hanauma Bay
• – Polynesian Cultural Center

Maui: The Valley Isle

Best for: Those attracted by the sea, romance, soft adventure combined with some leisure hunting

Already a point which was made, Maui indeed has quite a significant reputation with respect to the beaches but still it would be an understatement that the island offers more than just that. From the marvelous Road leading into the natural beauty of the Hana region to the very top of the Haleakala National Park, it is quite clear that Maui is a perfect fusion of tranquillity and thrill. The majestic island is also well known for the winter season due to the whale watching craze that hits many tourists.

Main sites to see:

• – Scenic Driven Road to Hana
• – Haleakala National Park
• – Historical town of Lahaina
• – Snorkeling at the Molokini Crater
• – Iao Valley State Park

Hawaii Island (The Big Island): Island of Adventures

Ideal for: Those who are in search of thrill, love nature and have a curiosity towards the volcanic terrains

For those who would want to enjoy different views while engaging in a number of activities, the Big Island is a true Heaven. With active volcanoes, black sandy beaches, evergreen rain forests; with even mountains with snow on the peak, the big island is characterized by a lot of ecosystems and features.

Highlights:

• – Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• – Mauna Kea observatories
• – Punaluu Black Sand Beach
• – Akaka Falls State Park
• – Waipio Valley

Kauai: The Garden Isle

Best for: Nature oriented people, hikers and people who want more privacy

The island of Kauai is characterized with vegetative terrains and beautiful beaches. It is the most virgin of the four main tourist hubs in Hawaii which means it gives a more peaceful and nature centric development. In other words Kauai is for the people who come to take pleasure in the beauty of the nature in Hawaii.

Be sure to include the following major sites

• – Na Pali Coast
• – Waimea Canyon
• – Wailua Falls
• – Hanalei Bay
• – Kalalau Trail

3. Best Hawaiian Island to Visit

It is true that the best Hawaiian island depends on the unique tastes of each traveler, but most people rank Maui highest in this aspect because of its versatility and ability to please everyone who visits. Here are the reasons, however, that Maui, breaks the records often:

1. Beaches: As noted above, Maui is home to countless stunning beaches including, but of course, superficial clear beaches in varying shades of gold, as well as distinct black and red sand beaches.
2. Activities: The island strikes a perfect distribution of both relaxation and adventures. Tourists can sunbathe at the shores, enjoy the ride through the road to Hana without light, climb up Haleakala to see the dawn or go swimming with fishes at Molokini Crater.
3. The Beauty of Nature: Whether it is the neem tree jungles of Iao Valley, the exotic volcanic sand beaches or even the vast and endless marine reserves, Maui is the essence of the Hawaii’s natural diversity.
4. Art & Culture: If one has spare time in towns like Lahaina, he/she will learn the interesting facts about Hawaii and its culture in many art galleries, museums and other activities.
5. Accommodation: A wide selection of accommodations are available in Maui. Luxury resorts can be found in Wailea, more affordable ones in KIhei, and there are condos for rent all over the island.
6. Food: On the island, there is not only a huge variety of foods, but also many entertainment activities associated with food, ranging from local Hawaiian dishes to modern culinary arts with concepts like farm to table dining.

4. Prettiest Hawaiian Island

There is no definitive measure of beauty and therefore every island in hawaii has its own charm. However with its untouched beauty and exquisite landscapes and mountains, Kauai known as the “garden isle” is most likely the most beautiful island of all the hawaiian islands.

Na Pali Coast:

The Na Pali Coast which is located in Kauai’s North Shore is the most magnificent feature of the island- a 17 km long stretch of steep precipitous cliffs over the sea. The picturesque views of the rugged coastline which is embraced by green valleys and waterfalls, are best taken by a boat, helicopter or through the strenuous Kalalau Trail where its views can be hiked.

Waimea Canyon:

Waimena canyon is a gigantic gorge of about 14 miles in length, 1 mile in width and over 3000 feet in depth. This canyon is popularly referred to as the “grand canyon of the pacific. The bright red earth of the gorge beautifully juxtaposes with the tress and other greenery, making it a true picture of beauty.

Hanalei Bay:

On Kauai’s North Shore, there is a crescent bay encircled with impressive ranges and offers ample beaches amidst tropical serenity. The bay is perfect for swimming, surfing and paddle boarding with the small town of Hanalei located a short distance away.

Wailua Falls:

These twin waterfalls located on the island of Kauai are easily accessible to tourists, and one of the attractions that everyone should see while on this island. The 80-foot waterfalls surrounded by green trees depict the classic beautiful view of a tropical country.

Although Kauai usually earns the title of the most beautiful island, it should also be said that all Hawaiian islands are beautiful in their own ways, and always have beautiful sights to offer.

5. Great Beaches in Hawaii

Maui might top the charts in almost every objective round up of the islands’ beaches but no doubt every single Hawaiian island has amazing beaches as well. Here’s further exposition on some of the beautiful beaches in the Hawaii Islands:

Oahu

• – Lanikai Beach: Often high on a list of the best beaches in the world, Lanikai has soft fine white sand and turquoise clear shallow waters. The beach is ideal for wading and kayaking while Mokulua Islands in perspective are outlook through the ocean.
• – Waikiki Beach:  This two-mile stretch of sand is known all over the world and is packed with hotels and resorts. There are crowds here but amenities are superb and this place is ideal for those learning how to surf.
• – Sunset Beach: Found in the northern shore, this beach is known for thrilling big waves during the winter and soft swells ideal for swimming during the summer.

Big Island

• – Hapuna Beach: It is half a mile long with white sandy beaches and many say that it is the best beach on Big Island. It also has flat, clear water deviating normal currents which makes it the go to beach for swimming and snorkeling.
• – Punaluu Black Sand Beach: This extraordinary beach has sand so thick that it’s black whose source is the lava flowing to the sea. This beach also attracts a lot of green sea turtles.
• – Mauna Kea Beach: This is a crescent stretched white sandy beach is known for swimming and snorkeling as well as for its offshore coral reef.

Kauai:

•  – Poipu Beach: This chain of golden sand crescents is ideal for families with kids, offering shallow safe waters for swimming and precious coral and fish for snorkeling purposes.
•  – Hanalei Bay: Two miles bay with mountains surrounding this picturesque and excellent for swimming, surfing, and paddleboarding.
•  – Tunnels Beach: This beach is famous for its snorkeling facilities due to the large coral area of the beach and the backdrop of Na Pali coast.

Maui:

•  – Kaanapali Beach: This three-mile stretch of sand has active swimming and looking out for fishes but as mentioned previously is one of the preferred beaches in maui.
•  – Makena Beach (Big Beach): Commended as the widest undisclosed beach in hawaii with pristine yellow sand and crystal clear water, lounging and bodyboarding comes handy.
•  – Hookipa Beach: This beach attracts tourists hoping to enjoy a well known surfboarding sport for its gracious waves and allows people to enjoy watching turtles bask before the evening.

6. Best Island in Hawaii: A Closer Look

This subjectivity of who thinks which is the best island in Hawaii, however, most people tend to think that the best island is Maui simply because of the good quality of the beaches, the number of activities available, how the island is dressed up in nature, and how well do the visitors rate it. What separates Maui from the other Hawaiian islands?

Beaches:

The beaches located along the coast of the island of Maui can boast of many types of beaches from an arrow hitting a bullseye golden sands to small beaches to strangely colored sand beaches. Apparently, the western and southern parts of the island of Maui have the best beaches which are suitable for swimming and snorkeling in the other islands of Hawaii.

Road to Hana:

This 64 miles long picturesque drive around the northeastern part of the island of Maui is considered to be one of the best things to do in the island. The road has more than 620 curves and brings you across 59 bridges with about a thousand waterfalls all of which show the sights of the overwhelming tropical jungles in Maui.

Haleakala National Park:

As the best location in Maui where visitors can view Mount Haleakala national park contains beautiful scenery, amazing sunrise, and opportunities for hiking. The area at the summit of the park looks like one from the moon while most of the completed kipahulu section includes green vegetation and swimming pools of fresh water.

Water Activities:

Water activity is one of the other areas that are very much emphasized from the onset and throughout your stay. It is everything from snorkeling which is the best at Molokini Crater and surf lessons in Kihei to whale watching in the winter.

Culture and History:

People can visit attractions in towns like Lahaina which was once the capital of Hawaiian monarchy, all these are incorporated to exhibit Hawaii’s culture and rich history. Art galleries can be visited, luaus can be enjoyed, and native Hawaiian customs can be learned.

Cuisine:

Maui’s eateries are varied and thrilling, serving everything from the customary polynesian plate lunches to exquisite fine-dining establishments. The island also boasts several farm fresh products including maui onions and pineapple.

Accommodation Options:

Whether it is opulent hotels in Wailea or simpler options found in Kihei and the numerous resorts around the island, Maui has every range and taste covered.

While Maui is great for an all-inclusive fun, do bear in mind that every other Hawaiian island has its own distinct beauty and good things. Which will be the best island for you will be directed by your own interests, way of traveling and what you expect to do on the Hawaiian trip.

Conclusion:

Each of the numerous beaches found across the islands of Hawaii has some great features that are entirely different from the others. As much as maui is regarded as the island with the best beaches and overall tourism, there is no doubt that other islands too have an appealing nature. Oahu is well known for its cities and its charm of nature while the big island comes with epic tourism and different sceneries, Kauai is always green and has wonderful beaches that are mostly untouched.

As you make your plans for a vacation in Hawaii, try to assess which features of a beach holiday are particularly significant to you. Do you want beaches with calm waters that are perfect for swimming, or excellent areas for snorkeling, or maybe deserted sandy beaches? Would you want a more built up area with a lot of services or are you looking for something more remote?

However, one should keep in mind that Hawaii is not only about its shorelines. Breathtaking views, rich culture and history, and other things to do apart from, the beaches are present on every island. Be it exploring the tips of the trees and waiting for the sunrise on the other side of the ridge or surfing the waves, it’s so much fun under the sun, nontheless Hawaii is home to many activities that are peaceful. 

In brief, the most appropriate island in Hawaii is the one that serves your travel needs and of your friend in every way possible. The various beaches of Maui, awe striking sceneries of Kauai, the energetic city of Oahu or wonderful views from the Big Island, every tourist exploring the Aloha state is guaranteed to experience bliss in one location. So don’t be careless to put sun block, go to island mode and get ready for the most thrilling Hawaiian experience of your life.