This Just In! Hawaii is Home to 5 of the Top 10 Beaches in the USA ๐๐๏ธ
From dramatic black volcanic sands to napping sea turtles, the Aloha state boasts half of the USA’s best beaches. Here’s where to find them.
File this under “things that will surprise absolutely no one.”
Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best List of the Top 10 Beaches in the United States is hot off the press and guess what?
The state of Hawaii dominated the rankingsโlanding five of the coveted Top 10 spots.
As an Oahu resident, I could have told you the Aloha state had the best beaches in the country, perhaps even the best in the world. (I’ve been a lot of places and mile-for-mile, it’s hard to top Hawaii’s sheer number of stunning sandy shores.)
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And obviously, Tripadvisor users agree.
To be fair, the rest of the United States is at a distinct disadvantage, geographically speaking. Surrounded by the dazzling Pacific Ocean, the Hawaiian Islands archipelago has more in common with French Polynesia or Fiji than, say, Florida.
As Americans, we’re incredibly fortunate to be able to visit this slice of Polynesian paradise passport-free. So itโs no surprise that Hawaii remains a dream destination for beach lovers everywhere.
But even with so many beautiful beaches to choose from, it was these five Hawaii beaches that travelers found truly unforgettable.
Ready to see which five Hawaii beaches made the cut?
Let’s dive in…
1. Poipu Beach Park, Kauai (#2 on the List)
#2 on the Tripadvisor list but #1 in your heart…this is not just my favorite beach in Kauai, it’s my favorite beach in Hawaii.
Read More: 15 Amazing Beaches to Add to Your Hawaii Bucket List
Why? One word: HONU.
Located on Kauaiโs sunny south shore, Poipu Beach is the best spot on Kauai to spot Hawaii’s protected green sea turtles (known as honu) in the wild. On any given day, you’ll find dozens of honu basking on Poipu’s golden sands.
That’s why it’s always my first stop when I visit Kauai (just remember to keep the required 10′ distance so they can rest).
Poipu’s crescent-shaped shoreline is divided by a small sandbar with calm, shallow waters on one side and great snorkeling on the other. So it’s perfect for families with kids.
In addition to turtles, Poipu Beach is also one of the best places on Kauai to see Hawaiian monk seals.
Whether you’re relaxing on the golden sands or exploring the lava rock tide pools, Poipu Beach is definitely one beach you can’t miss on Kauai.
๐๏ธ Why It Made the List: The perfect mix of sandy beach, snorkeling, and unique wildlife encounters.
Read More: Bucket List Kauai: 40 Unforgettable Things to See, Do, and Eat! ๐๐บ๐ง
2. Kaโanapali Beach, Maui (#3 on the List)
Stretching for three miles along Mauiโs west coast, Kaโanapali Beach is known for its soft sand, gentle waves, and postcard-perfect scenery.
Read More: 5 Unforgettable Maui Beaches (Donโt Leave Hawaii Without Seeing #3)
Once an ancient Hawaiian village, today itโs a top destination to soak up the sun and enjoy Mauiโs laid-back luxury. It’s easy to see why Ka’anapali is Maui’s most popular resort area.
One of the biggest draws of Kaโanapali Beach is Black Rock (Puสปu Kekaสปa), a popular snorkeling spot with crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. At sunset, donโt miss the daily cliff-diving ceremony at Black Rock.
Bonus: If you’re visiting in the winter months, keep an eye out for humpback whales breaching offshore.
Read More: The Everything Guide to the Best Maui Whale Watching Tours
๐๏ธ Why It Made the List: The perfect spot for snorkeling and sunbathing lined with 5-star resorts, shops, and dining. What more could you ask for?
3. Waikiki Beach, Oahu (#5 on the List)
No list of the USA’s best beaches would be complete without Waikiki Beach.
With its famous surf breaks, brilliant sunsets, and chic vibe, Waikiki is one of the most iconic beaches in the world. And spending some time here is a must when you visit Oahu.
Read More: The 7 Absolute Best Things to Do on Oahu (if time is short!)
This busy stretch of pristine white sand is lined with hotels, restaurants, and beach bars so there’s plenty to see and do.
While Waikikiโs waves are legendary among beginner surfers, the calm waters are also great for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and outrigger canoe rides.
After a day in the sun, grab a Mai Tai at Dukeโs Waikiki and watch the sunset paint the sky over Diamond Head.
Oh, and don’t miss the weekly Friday Night Fireworks at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort! We live just down the street from the Hilton and rarely miss this show.
๐๏ธ Why It Made the List: Beautiful white sands + city vibes = beach vacay perfection.
Read More: 10 Gorgeous Oahu Beaches Youโll Adore (& 9 of Them Arenโt Waikiki!) ๐บ๐๏ธ
4. Punaluโu Black Sand Beach, Big Island (#8 on the List)
If you’re looking for something completely unique, head to Punaluโu Black Sand Beach on the Big Island.
A dramatic contrast to Hawaiiโs golden and white sand beaches, this stunning volcanic shoreline has jet-black sand framed by emerald coconut palms and a cobalt sea. It’s nothing short of spectacular and easily one of the best beaches on the Big Island.
But Punaluโu isnโt just visually stunningโitโs also one of the best places on the Big Island to spot honu (are you starting to sense a theme with this list?). Yes, the honu love to rest on the warm black sand and it’s one of Hawaii’s loveliest photo ops.
While the strong currents make swimming less ideal, a visit to Punalu’u Beach is a must when exploring the Big Island.
๐๏ธ Why It Made the List: Unforgettable black sand, sea turtles, and volcanic scenery.
Read More: The Ultimate Big Island Bucket List: 40 Fun Things to See, Do & Eat! ๐โ๏ธ
5. Hoโokipa Beach Park, Maui (#10 on the List)
Located on Mauiโs north shore, Hoโokipa Beach Park is a world-famous surf spot that attracts both pro surfers and spectators alike. It’s also a popular first stop of the day for visitors driving the Road to Hana.
Known for its powerful waves and dramatic coastline, this is the place to watch some of the best windsurfers and kiteboarders in action.
Even if you’re not surfing, thereโs plenty to do. Hoโokipa is home to tide pools filled with marine life, scenic viewpoints overlooking the coastline, andโlike Punaluโu and Poipuโplenty of Hawaiian sea turtles that haul up onto the sand to rest in the late afternoon.
For the best views, head to the Hoโokipa Lookout, where you can watch the waves crash against the rocky shoreline and take in one of Mauiโs most epic sunsets. and turtle
๐๏ธ Why It Made the List: A paradise for surfers and turtle chasers.
Read More: Bucket List Maui: 40 Awesome Things to See, Do & Eat! ๐๏ธ๐บ๐น
Why Hawaii Dominates the Best Beaches List
So, what makes Hawaiiโs beaches stand out from the rest?
๐ A Rainbow of Colors โ From black sand and green sand to golden and white sands, Hawaii’s beaches are as diverse as her landscapes.
๐ข Incredible wildlife โ Whether itโs sea turtles, monk seals, or humpback whales, Hawaiiโs beaches are the only beaches in the U.S. where you can appreciate such unique wildlife.
๐บ Perfect year-round weather โ Our local weatherman says it best every morning, Hawaii has the “best weather on the planet.” With warm temperatures and clear waters all year long, there’s no bad time to visit.
๐ Unique culture and history โ From legendary surf breaks to ancient Hawaiian traditions, the beaches here have a deeper level of beauty.
In fact, peruse the rest of the Top 20 Best Beaches in the US and you’ll find a few more Hawaiian stunners.
Like Oahu’s fabulous Lanikai Beach (#12), the Big Island’s Hapuna Beach (#16), and Maui’s famous black sand beach on the Road to Maui, Wai’anapanapa (#17) – don’t forget, that last one requires a reservation!
Read More: Headed to Maui? Here are 3 Reservations You Need to Make Now ๐บ๐๐ป
So Which Hawaii Beach is Calling You?
With five of the Top 10 Beaches in the United States, the Aloha state proves once again that itโs the ultimate U.S. beach destination. Of course, that’s just one of many things to do in Hawaii…
Read More: Bucket List Hawaii: 40 Incredible Things to See & Do in Your Lifetime ๐
Whether youโre dreaming of snorkeling at Poipu, learning to surf in Waikiki, or spotting turtles on the black sands of Punaluโu, thereโs a Hawaii beach perfect for your next vacation. No passport required!
Looking for more help planning your Hawaii vacation? Start here:
Headed to Hawaii? Donโt Let These 10 Common Mistakes Ruin Your Trip!
Whatโs the Best Hawaiian Island to Visit? It Depends. Hereโs How to Decide!
5 Awesome & Affordable Kauai Hotels that Wonโt Break the Bank
These 7 Waikiki Boutique Hotels Are So Chic Youโll Forget You Saved a Fortune
