Life’s a Beach in Hawaiʻi’s Favorite Beach Towns

Picture relaxing in Hawai‘i. 

We’re pretty sure you imagined a beach.  

Hawai‘i has some of the best ones in the world, from the glittering sands of Lanikai on O‘ahu to the jet-black sands of Punalu‘u on Hawai‘i Island.  

And some of these beach locales have more than just sandy shores: You’ll find great restaurants, cute boutiques and oceanfront bars there too, making them the perfect spots to spend your next vacation. 

Haleʻiwa, Oʻahu 

Hale‘iwa is the quintessential Hawai‘i beach town.
Photo: Mia Von Steinkirch / Getty Images

With its colorful plantation-style buildings and laid-back vibe, Hale‘iwa is the quintessential Hawai‘i beach town. Anchoring what’s known as the Seven Mile Miracle of world-class surf breaks on O‘ahu’s North Shore, this charming town has what you’d expect: shave ice stands, beach-y boutiques, art galleries and food trucks selling garlic shrimp plates and fish tacos. But there’s more to Hale‘iwa than its proximity to the beach. Historically, this was an important area for Native Hawaiians, who once grew taro and other crops in the fertile lands here. The opening of Waialua Agricultural Co. in 1898 brought plantation workers—mostly immigrants from such countries as Japan, China and Korea—to the North Shore. The two-story Victorian-style Hale‘iwa Hotel was built a year later; it’s considered O‘ahu’s first hotel. (It closed in 1943 and has since been torn down.) Today, though, the North Shore is a mecca for surfing, its huge winter waves luring athletes and spectators from all over the world. Summer, though, is arguably a better time to visit, when the ocean is calm enough for snorkeling and the crowds are thinner. 

Eat Here 

The North Shore is known for its shrimp trucks, and the OG Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck recently opened a second location in Hale‘iwa. The shrimp scampi is by far the most popular plate, but the No Refunds hot-and-spicy shrimp plate is so good it hurts. Less than a mile from town, HI Pie Bakery & Café serves one of the best pot pies on the island. (The poi banana bread is a revelation, too.) Get fresh poke bowls next door from Poke For the People. For pūpū or post-beach drinks, hit Uncle Bo’s Pūpū Bar & Grill, where you can nosh on Thai-style steamer clams and taro beignets with handcrafted cocktails. It also serves brunch on the weekends and happy hour daily. While you’re on this side of the island, it’s worth stopping by Ted’s Bakery near Sunset Beach—about 10 miles from Hale‘iwa—for a slice of cream pie. Since the pandemic, this is the only place to get one of the bakery’s famous chocolate-haupia cream pies. 

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Summer is great for snorkeling on the North Shore, and Shark’s Cove, about 6 miles from Hale‘iwa, is a popular spot for that. There are two distinct sections—the Kapo‘o tide pools and the main cove itself. The tide pools are best for beginners and home to more than 70 native fish species. If mountains are more your thing, hike the ‘Ehukai Pillbox Trail, a short-but-steep trek to the cliffs overlooking the North Shore. Blue Planet Adventure runs guided tours of Anahulu River in Hale‘iwa, with guests using stand-up paddleboards or kayaks. Or just spend the day lounging at Ali‘i Beach, right off Highway 83 in Hale‘iwa. 

Kailua, Oʻahu 

You’ll find hiking trails, surf spots, restaurants, farmers markets and boutiques in Kailua.
Photo: Segawa7 / Getty Images

It didn’t take long for the once-sleepy town of Kailua on O‘ahu’s Windward Side to become a visitor destination, thanks to its long stretches of white-sand beaches. This area, with its cooling breezes and natural ponds, was once farmland for Native Hawaiians, who grew taro, banana and sweet potatoes in a vast network of terraced lo‘i. A lot has changed, including the conversion of ag land to residential subdivisions, which brought grocery stores, restaurants and other shops. From 1950 to 1960, the population of Kailua exploded from 7,700 to more than 25,000. Today, it’s a coveted area code, flanked by the dramatic cliffs of the Ko‘olau Mountains and crescent-shaped Kailua Bay. There are hiking trails, surf spots, restaurants, farmers markets and boutiques. What you won’t find? Hotels. 

Eat Here 

Start the morning with a cup of quality coffee from ChadLou’s Coffee Roasters, which roasts its own beans in-house from all over the world, including Hawai‘i. (It also offers hourlong coffee tasting tours every day.) Nearby Over Easy is a popular spot for brunch, with its unique twists on classic dishes, and its grab-and-go bakery with freshly baked breads, quiche, scones, muffins and more. Empty Elle Bagels is one of the only places in Hawai‘i where you can get Montreal-style bagels, made with Hawai‘i honey and topped with locally grown ingredients. Beer lovers will dig Lanikai Brewing Co., which brews all of its beers locally. (Its signature brew is the Pillbox Porter, but its hard seltzers are great for summer.) The pub also has a small menu of wood-fired pizzas and sandwiches. Get shave ice from the place President Barack Obama gets his: Island Snow, just a short walk from Kailua Beach. It boasts all-natural, Hawai‘i-made flavors like Mākaha mango and Kula strawberry. 

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Even if you don’t love chocolate—is that even possible?—everyone can enjoy the hourlong chocolate tour and tasting experience at Mānoa Chocolate, where you can sample spritzer made from cacao nectar and learn the bean-to-bar process. It recently opened a natural wine bar, with chocolate-and-wine pairings and live music. Stop by BookEnds to grab a beach book for under $5—and maybe find a few penned by local authors. Kailua hosts two great farmers markets—the KailuaTown Farmers Market on Sunday mornings and Kailua Farmers Market on Thursday nights—both brimming with locally grown produce, baked goods and hot foods made with local ingredients. These markets are great for souvenirs and gifts to take back home. 

Waikīkī, Oʻahu 

Waikīkī, the world-famous neighborhood, is on O‘ahu’s south shore.
Photo: Mark Hatfield / Getty Images

It’s hard to miss Waikīkī, the world-famous neighborhood on O‘ahu’s south shore, a favorite of Hawaiian ali‘i (royalty). It’s now the island’s visitor hub, with a mix of historic and modern hotels dotting the sunny, 2-mile coastline in the shadow of Lē‘ahi (aka Diamond Head). Along bustling Kalākaua Avenue, you’ll find world-class shopping, dining and some of Hawai‘i’s oldest hotels, including the Moana Surfrider (built in 1901) and the Royal Hawaiian (built in 1927). What Waikīkī is best known for, though, is its golden-sand beaches and surf breaks where legendary Hawaiian waterman and Olympian Duke Kahanamoku grew up surfing.  

Eat Here 

While Waikīkī may be a resort area, its array of restaurants and hole-in-the-wall eateries have recently lured foodies. Brunch at the newly updated Hau Tree in the Kaimana Beach Hotel is a must, with its casual, beach-centric menu and stunning views. Or grab a black sesame kouign amann and a cup of 100% Kona coffee at Kona Coffee Purveyors at the International Market Place. (Go early or order online to avoid the long line.) Sushi lovers should book a table at Sushi Sho in the Ritz-Carlton Waikīkī Beach, run by one of Japan’s most acclaimed sushi chefs. Find local and imported seafood on the menu. For dessert, look for Double A Fat Ice Cream, a tiny stand behind the ‘Alohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach, with locally spun, small-batch ice cream in unique flavors like yuzu creamsicle and honey furikake.  

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Surfing in Waikīkī is a must, and there are a bunch of companies like Waikīkī beach services that offer lessons for first-timers. (or catch waves in an outrigger canoe instead!) Families will love the Honolulu Zoo’s twilight tours, two-hour guided walks through the 42-acre menagerie, when its animals are a bit more active. Sunset sails happen nightly, some with just cocktails and others offering full dinner service. Don’t miss the free fireworks show every Friday night from the Hilton Hawaiian village. 

Kāʻanapali, Maui 

The crystal-clear water at Kā‘anapali Beach makes for some of the best snorkeling on the island.
Photo: 7Michael / Getty Images

Kā‘anapali on Maui’s west side is one the island’s most-visited regions, with one of the world’s best beaches. Stretching 3 miles, Kā‘anapali Beach is graced by unbelievably beautiful water. Here, the crystal-clear ocean makes for some of the best snorkeling on the island—check out the colorful coral reefs surrounding Pu‘u keka‘a (also known as black rock)—and in the winter, playful humpback whales can be spotted from the beach. Then, after a day swimming with the island’s marine life and playing in the waves, you can rest on the soft sand. 

Eat Here 

Perched on Kā‘anapali Beach, Whalers Village is home to top-notch restaurants and world-class shopping. On the weekend, plan for brunch at Hula Grill for Island-inspired dishes like banana and macadamia nut pancakes or an omelet with kālua pork and Portuguese sausage. As the sun sets on the Pacific, sip on a mai tai from nearby ‘Ulu Kitchen, a new concept by local chef Peter Merriman, at the Westin Maui Resort and Spa, and enjoy dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients. 

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Whalers Village is the island’s only oceanfront shopping center; here, you’ll find local shops like aloha collection, Keani Hawai‘i and Mahina. The Hawai‘i Wildlife Discovery Center is also located here. The education center features over 30 exhibits on the history of the whaling era and the protection of native marine life. Be sure to return to the beach for sunset. Every evening as the sun goes down, a diver runs along the cliffs of Pu‘u keka‘a, lighting torches leading up to a thrilling cliff dive. 

Pāʻia, Maui 

Pā‘ia is a vibrant hub on Maui’s north shore, often attracting ocean athletes from around the world to Hoʻokipa Beach Park.
Photo: Peter Unger / Getty Images

Once a quiet plantation neighborhood, Pā‘ia is now a vibrant hub on Maui’s north shore, luring ocean athletes as well as artists from around the world. In the summer, you’ll feel the laid-back vibes the minute you start wandering the sand-dusted streets; be sure to cool off with a bowl of local shave ice. During the winter months, the energy is palpable as large ocean swells hit the island’s north shore and the town buzzes with surfers. And no matter the month, visitors will discover art emporiums, chic clothing boutiques and breezy outdoor eateries. 

Eat Here 

While Pā‘ia is known as a home-base for surfers and artists, it’s also become a dining destination. Café des Amis is a mainstay for breakfast crepes while Flatbread Pizza Co. is a must for its kālua pork pizza topped with pineapple. Tobi’s Poke & Shave Ice serves some of the freshest ‘ahi poke and finest shave ice. 

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What makes Pā‘ia one of maui’s most popular beach towns is the ocean playground just a short drive from the town’s center. Located right off Hāna Highway, Ho‘okipa Beach Park draws all kinds of ocean athletes. Here, you can watch the island’s best surfers catching waves in the winter and the colorful sails of windsurfers and kite surfers as their riders race down the coast. The summer is an opportune time to explore the clear waters and reef teeming with life. For those just looking to lay down a towel or relax in a beach chair, Baldwin Beach Park is a favorite for its mile-long stretch of white sand and clear waters. There are protected swimming areas on both ends of the beach, ideal for little ones, too. 

Hanalei, Kauaʻi

Hanalei is easily one of the most picturesque beach towns in Hawai‘i.
Photo: Doug Berry / Getty Images

The charming town of Hanalei on Kaua‘i’s north shore has inspired movies, music and many dream vacations. And why not? It’s easily one of the most picturesque beach towns in Hawai‘i, with a 2-mile-long white-sand beach—with its iconic pier—backed by lush mountains and waterfalls. No big resorts, no chain restaurants. Just a stretch of locally owned restaurants and shops and miles of pristine beaches. In ancient Hawai‘i, this was a well-populated area, thriving with taro, bananas, breadfruit, sweet potato and coconuts. Today, taro fields are still abundant here; in fact, Hanalei produces two-thirds of all the taro grown in the state, and you can find Kaua‘i’s staple treat, kūlolo, a mixture of taro, coconut and sugar, everywhere. 

Eat Here 

Upscale cuisine in Hanalei? Yes—if you can snag a reservation at Bar Acuda, an award-winning tapas bar with a menu brimming with organic, seasonal and local ingredients. Think blackened local fish with tomato and fennel pearl couscous or local honeycomb with goat cheese—both favorites. The wine list and cocktails are excellent, too. The original location of Holey Grail—the shop has since expanded to O‘ahu and Santa Monica, California—is in Hanalei; get fresh taro doughnuts, hand-fried in coconut oil and topped with local ingredients like liliko‘i (passion fruit), chocolate and strawberry guava. About 3 miles north of Hanalei, in nearby Princeville, is Nourish Hanalei, a cute farm stand run by three sisters that sells locally made bagels, açaí bowls and seasonal lemonades. Even if you don’t buy anything, which would be a shame, the panoramic view of Hanalei Valley is worth the trip. For a sunset view, book a table on the lānai of Welina Terrace, one of the restaurants at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. The menu here is small but enough for sunset noshing, with sushi rolls, sashimi and fresh oysters. 

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Get a great view of Hanalei bay from the ‘Ōkolehao trail, a fairly short uphill trek to a spot overlooking the bay. If you want to see the Nāpali coast instead, hit the Kalalau trail from Kē‘ē beach to Hanakāpī‘ai falls. It’s a challenging 7-mile trek to the 300-foot waterfall. This day hike is best for experienced hikers. Beach lovers will find lots to do in Hanalei, from lounging at the family-friendly ‘Anini beach park to snorkeling at Mākua (aka Tunnels) to taking a surf lesson (we recommend Titus Kinimaka’s Hawaiian school of surfing) at Hanalei bay. Or hop on a catamaran for an unforgettable sail to the Nāpali coast. Some, like Capt. Andy’s sailing adventures, run sunset cruises, too.  

Poʻipu, Kauaʻi 

This sunny coast of Po‘ipū has it all: beautiful beaches, hiking trails, farmers markets, boutiques, restaurants and amazing sunset views.
Photo: Pawel Gaul / Getty Images

There’s a reason why the most hotels and resorts on Kaua‘i are in Po‘ipū. This sunny coast has it all: beautiful beaches, hiking trails, farmers markets, boutiques, restaurants and amazing sunset views. In ancient Hawai‘i, this area was part of the Hawaiian settlement Kāneiolauma, which dates back to the mid-15th century. The 20-acre site, which is currently being restored, is one of the only remaining historic Hawaiian villages on the south shore. It includes house sites, taro patches, fishponds, heiau (temples), shrines and perhaps the only intact makahiki sporting arena in the state. Today, Po‘ipū remains a vibrant beach town with lots to see and do. 

Eat Here 

It’s all about the view at The Beach House, co-owned by local chef Peter Merriman, who’s known for farm-to-table cuisine. Its location near Lāwa‘i Beach has stellar ocean and sunset views from its open-air dining room. The menu features local fish, shareable pūpū (appetizers) and an extensive selection of wines, beers and cocktails. Red Salt at the Ko‘a Kea Resort offers breakfast with items like lemon-pineapple soufflé pancakes and lobster Benedict; the sushi bar serves super-fresh sashimi, nigiri and hand rolls. For something smaller, get an açaí or pitaya bowl at Little Fish Coffee Kaua‘i or a fresh ‘ahi poke bowl from the family-run Kaua‘i Poke Co. (The latter even sells cocktails and seasonal IPAs on tap.) 

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You could spend the entire day at Po‘ipū Beach—swimming, snorkeling, surfing, lounging. There’s even a playground and grassy field for the kiddos to run around. Or hit the Māhā‘ulepū Heritage Trail, a 2-mile out-and-back hike from Keoneloa Bay, commonly referred to as Shipwreck Beach, to Makauwahi Cave, the largest limestone cave in Hawai‘i. A few miles west are Allerton and McBryde gardens, part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden network. See exotic flowers, fig trees and lots of indigenous Hawaiian plants. Guided tours are recommended but not necessary. (The 259-acre McBryde Garden is home to the world’s largest off-site collection of native Hawaiian species.)  

This story was originally published in our Summer 2024 issue, which you can buy here. Better yet, subscribe and get HAWAIʻI Magazine delivered to right to your mailbox.