The quintessential Hawaiian daydream involves relaxing on a beach feeling the warm sun and listening to the Pacific waves gently wash ashore. Beautiful beaches are as integral a part of the Hawaiian landscape, history and culture as volcanoes and the Hibiscus state flower. From the white sand beaches of Kauai to the black sands of Punaluu on the Big Island, Hawaii beaches are iconic and rich with deep history.
Hawaiian Beaches: Oahu
Some of the most famous and well known beaches in Hawaii are on the island of Oahu. Oahu is home to the world famous Waikiki Beach, the embodiment of Hawaii’s beach culture and long tradition of water sports. Standing tall to greet visitors to Waikiki Beach is a statue of the Olympic gold medal winner Duke Kahanamoku, the “Father of Modern Surfing” and a Hawaiian sports hero. Because of the ideal water conditions, this Hawaii beach is well known for water sports and is the perfect place to learn to surf under the watchful “gaze” of an Olympic master. Never short on excitement, Oahu is said to have the biggest winter season waves on its North Shore. This seven mile stretch of idyllic Hawaii beaches is home to some of the most extreme winter surfing championships and the most coveted surf master titles.
Hawaiian Beaches: Big Island
Hawaii’s Big Island offers beaches perfect for relaxing and swimming. Kona, most well known for its sunny weather and calm waters is an ideal spot for snorkeling, deep sea marlin fishing or simply relaxing. Another picturesque Hawaii beach situated a mere 12 miles south of Kona is Kealakekua Bay, a marine life conservation area offering visitors the perfect snorkeling experience with schools of colorful fish, and on the perfect day, a group of inquisitive spinner dolphins can be seen being playful off in the distance.
Hawaii’s beaches are diverse and vary in characteristics with each different island.