This Just In! Hawaii is Home to 5 of the Top 10 Beaches in the USA πποΈ
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 rankingsβlanding 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.)
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will likely blow on mai tais, poke, and shave ice.Β All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you.Β
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 itβs 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 Kauaiβs 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.
ποΈ 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! ππΊπ§
2. Kaβanapali Beach, Maui (#3 on the List)
Stretching for three miles along Mauiβs west coast, Kaβanapali Beach is known for its soft sand, gentle waves, and postcard-perfect scenery.
Read More: 5 Unforgettable Maui Beaches (Donβt Leave Hawaii Without Seeing #3)
Once an ancient Hawaiian village, today itβs a top destination to soak up the sun and enjoy Mauiβs laid-back luxury. It’s easy to see why Ka’anapali is Maui’s most popular resort area.
One of the biggest draws of Kaβanapali Beach is Black Rock (PuΚ»u KekaΚ»a), a popular snorkeling spot with crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. At sunset, donβt 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
ποΈ 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 Waikikiβs 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 Dukeβs 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.
ποΈ Why It Made the List: Beautiful white sands + city vibes = beach vacay perfection.
Read More: 10 Gorgeous Oahu Beaches Youβll Adore (& 9 of Them Arenβt Waikiki!) πΊποΈ
4. Punaluβu Black Sand Beach, Big Island (#8 on the List)
If you’re looking for something completely unique, head to Punaluβu Black Sand Beach on the Big Island.
A dramatic contrast to Hawaiiβs 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 Punaluβu isnβt just visually stunningβitβs 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.
ποΈ 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! πβοΈ
5. Hoβokipa Beach Park, Maui (#10 on the List)
Located on Mauiβs north shore, Hoβokipa 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, thereβs plenty to do. Hoβokipa is home to tide pools filled with marine life, scenic viewpoints overlooking the coastline, andβlike Punaluβu and Poipuβplenty of Hawaiian sea turtles that haul up onto the sand to rest in the late afternoon.
For the best views, head to the Hoβokipa Lookout, where you can watch the waves crash against the rocky shoreline and take in one of Mauiβs most epic sunsets. and turtle
ποΈ Why It Made the List: A paradise for surfers and turtle chasers.
Read More: Bucket List Maui: 40 Awesome Things to See, Do & Eat! ποΈπΊπΉ
Why Hawaii Dominates the Best Beaches List
So, what makes Hawaiiβs beaches stand out from the rest?
π A Rainbow of Colors β From black sand and green sand to golden and white sands, Hawaii’s beaches are as diverse as her landscapes.
π’ Incredible wildlife β Whether itβs sea turtles, monk seals, or humpback whales, Hawaiiβs beaches are the only beaches in the U.S. where you can appreciate such unique wildlife.
πΊ Perfect year-round weather β 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.
π Unique culture and history β 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 πΊππ»
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 itβs 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 π
Whether youβre dreaming of snorkeling at Poipu, learning to surf in Waikiki, or spotting turtles on the black sands of Punaluβu, thereβs a Hawaii beach perfect for your next vacation. No passport required!
Looking for more help planning your Hawaii vacation? Start here:
Headed to Hawaii? Donβt Let These 10 Common Mistakes Ruin Your Trip!
Whatβs the Best Hawaiian Island to Visit? It Depends. Hereβs How to Decide!
5 Awesome & Affordable Kauai Hotels that Wonβt Break the Bank
These 7 Waikiki Boutique Hotels Are So Chic Youβll Forget You Saved a Fortune
