Hawaiian Beaches - Great Beaches to Explore in Hawaii

The Hawaiian Islands are so rich with gorgeous beaches, that it is hard to pick just a few of them to talk about. The warm sands in the islands come in every color from soft, powdery white to golden tan to rusty red to iridescent, olive green to coarse and shimmering, dramatic black. Hawaii has gentle, protected bays and beachfronts where even children can enjoy the lapping waves to the more dramatic, pipeline-size waves that surfers long to see crashing toward the seashore. No matter what type of beach you are looking for, Hawaii has it all.

Of course, probably the most famous of all Hawaiian beaches is Waikiki Beach along O'ahu's southern coast in the heart of the resort area of Honolulu. The area of Waikiki is actually made up of several beach areas stretching from the Hilton Hawaiian Village hotel beachfront to Kaluahale Park near the base of Diamondhead. Waikiki beach is definitely "where the action is" both by day and by evening. Waikiki beach is perfect for sunning, strolling, swimming and people watching. It is not a beach for snorkeling or looking for the beautiful tropical fish that grace the Hawaiian waters. There are many better beaches for that in the islands. It is, however, a great place to spend some time enjoying the tropical, ocean breezes and warm Pacific waters.

If it is seeking out marine life that you want, an easy trip to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve just off Hwy 72 is just the place for you. Don your mask and snorkel here because the beautiful, multi-colored fish are so plentiful that you will have them swimming up to your mask to take a look at you as well. Be sure to take a disposable, underwater camera here as the rainbow colors of the fish here can be quite memorable and fun to show to friends back home.

If black sand is what interests you, be sure to plan a visit to the Big Island of Hawaii. Here, active lava flows continue to create new land and shimmering black sand beaches as the lava reaches the seashore. Take a trip to Volcanoes National Park and stop by Punalu'u Black sand beach, the most easily accessible black sand beach in the islands. You may also see one of Hawaii's wonderful sea turtles sunning itself on the warm black sand beach here since this is a favorite turtle resting spot. If you are up for a two mile hike, you can also stop by South Point and see not only the most southerly point in the United States but also take a hike to one of Hawaii's unique green sand beaches. Be sure to take water and sunscreen for this hike. Also, be sure to wear sturdy shoes and take a hat as the sun can be brutal on hikers here.

One of the most exotic beaches in Hawaii is the rich, clay-pot, red sand beach located on the island of Maui near the town of Hana. Take Hwy 360 to Kaihalulu Beach to see the unique red sands that this island offers. This beach is beautiful but unless the waters are calm, it is not recommended for swimming as currents here can be strong and the waves pounding. It is a good place to gaze out at the ocean and enjoy a picnic lunch so do be sure to stop by and enjoy this unique Hawaiian gem.

While we have only touched on a handful of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the beach experience and warm, tropical waters continue to be one of the best features of a Hawaiian vacation. Be sure to take time to learn about the best beaches on the islands you visit during your Hawaii trip. You will definitely not be disappointed by Hawaii's vast array of beach offerings and warm, rich colors of sand.