The 5 Best Beaches in Hawaiʻi in 2024

When you think of Hawaiʻi, you think of beaches—and the Islands are home to some of the world’s best. Putting together a list of the best beaches is nearly impossible—so we asked our readers. The results are in, and here are the best beaches from around the Islands that HAWAIʻI Magazine readers love the most in 2024.

1. Waikīkī Beach, Oʻahu

Waikīkī Beach, Oʻahu.
Photo: Getty Images/ JCPhotography

Waikīkī Beach is one of the most recognizable shorelines in the world, stretching along the sunny south shore of Oʻahu. Once the playground for aliʻi (Hawaiian royalty, Waikīkī Beach is now the playground for modern-day visitors and residents who are drawn to the lively neighborhood. Take a surfing lesson, ride waves in an outrigger canoe, sip a mai tai at an oceanside bar, and catch the nightly fireworks over the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

2. Kāʻanapali Beach, Maui

Kāʻanapali Beach, Maui.
Photo: Getty Images/EvaBrowning

With its long stretch of golden sands, it’s no surprise Kā‘anapali Beach on Maui’s west side is one of the island’s most popular beaches. There’s a lot to do along these gorgeous three miles, from snorkeling to surfing to strolling. In the winter watch migrating humpback whales play in the warm waters here. Fronting the beach are hotels, shops and restaurants, making it easy to spend the entire day (and night) here.

3. Hanalei Bay, Kauaʻi

Hanalei Bay, Kauaʻi.
Photo: Getty Images

Hanalei Bay on Kauaʻi is a truly special place. The crescent-shaped beach on the island’s northern coast is nothing short of breathtaking, surrounded by lush mountains and punctuated by the historic Hanalei Pier. It’s one of the largest bays on the island, with nearly two miles of white sand. There’s lots to do here, too, from beachcombing to swimming to surfing when conditions are right. Or you can do what we do—lounge on the beach and do nothing at all.

4. Poʻipū Beach, Kauaʻi

Poʻipū Beach, Kauaʻi.
Photo: Getty Images/YinYang

The second Kauaʻi beach to make this year’s list, Poʻipū Beach is on the opposite side of the island—it’s sunnier and more lively, thanks to its location near resorts, restaurants and shops. This is a great spot for families, too, as the beach has lifeguards, restrooms, showers and lots of parking. (There’s also a playground nearby.) From December through April, you can sometimes spot humpback whales in the distance. And the sunsets here are always spectacular.

5. Hāpuna Beach, Hawaiʻi Island

Hāpuna Beach, Hawaiʻi Island.
Photo: Getty Images/Kris S

One of the longest stretches of sand on Hawaiʻi Island’s western-facing shoreline, Hāpuna Beach is a stark contrast to the rocky, black-sand beaches the island is known for. This beach—about a half a mile in length—offers fun shore-break waves for bodyboarding, calm conditions for swimming and snorkeling, and lots of room for relaxing.

See all of the winners of our 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards in our latest issue, which you can buy here. Better yet, subscribe and get HAWAIʻI Magazine delivered to right to your mailbox.