Hanalei Bay (Kauai)

On its good days, this beach shines like no other in Hawaii. Over 2 miles long and set in one of the most picturesque locations in the state with majestic mountains in the background. When the surf’s just right it turns into Disney Land for water enthusiasts. Experienced surfers are offered large waves at a reef on the right hand side of the bay. Closer in, at the pier, the waves lose energy and are perfect for beginners. Variably sized waves are served at the middle sections – good for boogie boarding and intermediate level surfers. The beach is never crowded and offers plenty of room to play. 

During the summer the bay turns into a placid lake that’s good for swimming and a favorite for stand up paddle boarders.

Lanikai Beach (Oahu)

Lanikai beach is one of Hawaii's most picturesque beaches with fine white sand and excellent swimming year-round thanks to an offshore reef that keeps the water calm. The beach is ideal for small children and those who don’t like to contend with waves. Less than a mile offshore are two small islands (bird sanctuaries) that one can kayak to. Lanikai is nestled in a corner of Kailua town, hemmed in by hills, and the exclusive residential neighborhood built around the ocean adds to the beach’s charm.

In years gone by Lanikai was without peer. Eventually the word got out and Lanikai was featured prominently in many publications (including TV). Unfortunately this turned a once quiet and peaceful beach into a popular excursion for visitors from other parts of the island. The ½ mile long beach has also lost a lot of its precious sand to erosion in recent years and is nearly half the size it once was. Still, Lanikai can’t but please those who don’t reminisce over the beach of yesteryear. 

Kailua Beach (Oahu)

Kailua Beach is often cited as Hawaii's best, and for good reason. The beach is nearly 3 miles long, a large portion having soft light sand, and offers more activities than any other: swimming, windsurfing, kite-boarding, kayaking, boogie boarding and occasionally surfing. The beach’s playful character persists year round in an area that has a dry climate. The Kooloau mountain range provides a dramatic backdrop. The beach is located in a residential area with no hotels or condos nearby and rarely gets crowded on weekdays.

Hapuna Beach (Big Island)

Hapuna possesses all the traits that vacationers love. The beach is wide and long, stretching for several hundred yards and offers plenty of play room with fine soft sand. The clear water offers excellent snorkeling towards the rocky south point when the ocean is calm. Skilled swimmers can snorkel almost a mile down the coast to reach the beautiful Wailea Bay. When the surf picks up Hapuna often serves up some excellent boogie boarding.
 
Kaanapali Beach (Maui)

Kaanapali Beach is one of Hawaii’s most energetic, charismatic, and active beaches. The beach’s vibe is defined by the surrounding Kaanapali Resort and the many hotels that sit along its shores. But unlike the similarly positioned Waikiki Beach, the 1.5 mile long Kaanapali Beach is able to shoulder the masses with little strain except during the busiest of times such as Christmas. Many activities including seasonal parasailing, surf lessons, volleyball, and sailing keep vacationers busy. At the north end of the beach lies Black Rock offering great snorkelling.
 

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