This week, two more “best beach” reports are out, and we have to mention they are confusing and fatiguing. Family Destinations Guide picked Awahua Beach, Molokai, among the best secret beaches in the US, which seems meaningless mainly for the reasons below. Then Dr. Beach released his top picks, and let us know if you agree. These lists may even be counterproductive for those planning their first Hawaii vacation, as we’ll tell you more about it in today’s article.
What’s wrong with Awahua Beach, Molokai?
The big problem is that visitors cannot go there. It’s at Kalaupapa, reached by a 3.5-mile trail that is currently closed. Also, the Kalaupapa Peninsula is off-limits to visitors. Since Covid, it has been and will apparently remain closed to the general public. That closure means there is no access to the trail or fly-in access to Kalaupapa Airport for visitors. The trail was closed initially due to a landslide in 2018 and then during Covid. The federal government appears to have restored trail access. The National Park Service is not issuing permits, however. Part of the issue is that visitors had to be on a tour to visit. There is currently no concessionaire. The Hawaii Department of Health, Hansen’s Disease Division, directly confirmed that information to Beat of Hawaii. And the National Park Service said, “Kalawao County is closed to the general public… in alignment with CDC and Hawaii State Department of Health guidance until further notice.”
Yet the author, unknown to us, said, “Awahua Beach is a picturesque and secluded beach located on the island of Molokai in Hawaii. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or simply lounging on the beach, taking in the serene atmosphere and the natural beauty of this hidden gem.”
The reality is that while beautiful, it’s also not a swimming beach because of rip tides. That also means snorkeling isn’t usually possible.
What you should know about Lanikai Beach, Oahu.
The same publication proffers, “With its breathtaking scenery and serene atmosphere, Lanikai Beach is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii and is a must-visit destination for any traveler to the island.”
In a word, good luck. There is significant strife between visitors and the town’s residents. Visitors want to enjoy the world-renowned beach and its hiking and ocean sports. Residents have taken to measures to prevent visitors from parking. They have also been installing plantings, boulders, and no parking signs placed where they aren’t technically legal. This was done to create visitor-no-parking areas. In response, some visitors have moved those obstacles to park there anyway.
Lanikai Beach is in a community that has long suffered from Hawaii’s over-tourism. Narrow streets and visitors parking anywhere they can have led to problems.
Residents are at the breaking point due to a situation that has long been bad and has gotten exponentially worse since revenge travel that followed Covid. It has also impeded residents from being able to enter and exit the community and their properties safely, and the traffic has resulted in emergency vehicles not being able to navigate through bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Beat of Hawaii will head over to Lanikai Beach shortly to again report firsthand the severity of the current over-tourism problems there.
Lanikai is a pristine white sand beach that views the Mokulua Islands.
It is also famous for the Lanikai Pillbox Trail, which has been exploited in social media, especially Instagram. The trail is within a small residential community on Oahu’s windward side. There is no beach park in any sense, and there are no public restrooms or other facilities, including parking lots. Police regularly patrol the area; parking citations and even towing are common. The parking situation is definitely out of control and has been for years.
Dr. Beach Picks 3 Hawaii Beaches as Best in USA.
The more reputable Dr. Beach just released his findings based on a set of 50 criteria to be chosen. There’s nothing wrong with his list, but there are other beaches we might have picked as better. See if you agree or not with his findings below
#2 Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Oahu.
#7 Wailea Beach, Maui.
#9 Poipu Beach, Kauai.
So what’s the truth about the best beaches in Hawaii?
Best is in the eyes of the beholder, and there’s no best beach for everyone. Yet, Hawaii aficionados want to know the quintessential bucket list of Hawaii beaches.
The number of beaches in Hawaii is extraordinarily vast. They include red, black, white, and even green sand beaches. There are small ones, and giant ones, calm ones, and surfing ones, animal and people-watching ones. Some are better for swimming and snorkeling than others. Other beaches might be lined with homes, and others feel more remote. Best beaches also vary highly based on seasons and surf conditions.
So many look to sources such as Dr. Beach and TripAdvisor, and now this new one at Family Destinations Guide, all of which attempt to answer the question you want to have answered for your Hawaii vacation.
TripAdvisor rankings come from crowd-sourcing of Hawaii travelers, and Dr. Beach’s recommendations are from a self-proclaimed expert.
Our best advice is to research multiple sources in advance and check YouTube for beach videos to give you more of an idea of what you’ll find.
If you love beaches in Hawaii, which one is your favorite?
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Trash beach.BI,because it’s private and special ,or waipio
Avoiding Hawaii? Yes, information in recent years may keep some of us from visiting. I’ve been there five times and do love it, but it’s being loved to death, along with thousands of other sites. Our planet simply has too many people. So, aloha to all the wonderful attributes of the islands.
From what I understand some countries population would be down if not for immigration. They say in Italy people are marrying later and deciding to have 1 child or none. That’s not the Italy I knew as a child. There were 2 things that kept me away from Hawaii: the 10 day quarantine and my special needs sons having to keep a mask on for an 8 hour flight.
God Bless you
We honeymooned at The Cliffs in Princeville and went to Hanalei almost daily. Beautiful beach and palms around it. The Coco Palms was still open and they were filming “Uncommon Valor” right down the road from us with Hueys flying overhead regularly!
Fell in love with Hawaii right away. Interviewed for an awesome job on Oahu and moved first to Waikiki, then Hawaii Kai.
Only beach we ever hated was Makaha past the base entrance. Local gang bangers were drunk and fighting and scared my wife and keiki.
Anyway, that’s awhile ago and long before my spinal cord injury. Now I’m happy with the wife helping me use a walker to get into the water at Ala Moana Beach. Once deep enough I can still swim! God Bless her!
Actually, there is a list of places, beaches included, here in Hawaii, that the public are asked not to post about on social media due to overcrowding and the risk of destruction (coral death/damages, for example).
Also, I hesitate to name my favorite places for that same reason.
The amount of people that disrespect Hawaii is astounding. I don’t know what the heck people are thinking (not thinking? Or don’t care) when it comes to basic respect of the land, residents and the wildlife.
I knew a woman that was that way. What was she thinking or not thinking. Instead of holding on to some trash until she came to a can she would roll down the car window and throw it out. When I first visited Hawaii I mentioned to her how you were supposed to leave things like you found them-or better. Don’t take any rocks or sand etc. with you. As soon as I said it she ask me to bring her some sand when I got back. What did I just say?!
I think throwing trash out of your car is far worst than taking some sand …at least on Maui, there is a lot of sand!
I think of it this way: If everyone takes a little sand there wouldn’t be any left. Some people that took stuff from the Big Island mailed it back. They were having a lot of bad luck. They thought maybe there was something to Pele being angry for them taking things home with them. I don’t know why anyone would litter anywhere. It makes things look so bad.
I heard that story over 20 years ago (taking sand home as a souvenir bringing bad luck), but the trash issue is still far more damaging …you say what would happen if everyone took sand and I say “imagine if everyone just left their trash on the island”, of course as everyone knows by now, plastic being the worst because it can easily make it to the ocean where turtles get choked thinking it’s jellow fish etc. So far, no shortage of sand on Maui.
I go by how I feel on the situation. I prefer to hold onto my trash if no can is readily available. When I first went to a beach on the mainland I was big on collecting shells. I picked up a Starfish to take home and it later broke. Pele is not an issue for me. I just prefer to leave everything where it is. I like real flowers and leis but I don’t like to see the flowers die. I use to pick flowers but I wouldn’t now. That’s just me.
Neither should be done. It is what is known as respect and common sense. There is no better option, hence the reason tourist are not being welcomed, they feel too entitled ” I paid to come so I can do what I want”
Yes, I remember that I explored some of those during Covid. I found beaches just by exploring areas I always wondered about (after being a real estate broker for 30 years in DC before getting licensed here) and it was obvious that the beaches I found were “local” and when I told a lady in Lahaina that I found some of those beaches, she said “please don’t post them on Facebook” and I didn’t. In fact, I haven’t been back there, since I love the beach closest to me (Kaanapali), even if I have to share it with tourists.
Just FYI, Dr Beach is a PhD in coastal ecology and rotates beaches in his ratings so repeats are rare or spread out, otherwise a handful would always be the same top 10. There are some beaches even some locals stay away from, Waimanalo is very local locals only. Thanks for noting there are beaches visitors need to stay away from. I wish Kailua, which neighbors Lanikai, hadn’t become so popular with parking often overflowing on weekends and holidays.
Regarding wildlife, visiting a beach known for turtles we saw a group of four taking turns sitting on a turtle on the sand and taking selfies and group pics. We told them it was against the law to go within 25 feet of protected wildlife much less sit on them and they told us what we could do.
Let Dr Beach mislead people. Stay away from the real treasures
I am being biased here but I will always love Waimea Beach. I grew up in Waimea so it does have a special place in my heart our house is very near the area. I remember as a child in the 80s we let in a family of tourists in our seperate guest shack because their rental car broke down. We didn’t accept their payment because they truly needed help. They were amazed by the beautiful sunrise of waimea.
Build proper parking lots and restrooms from all the taxes and fees. Even changing entrance fee would better than parking and peeing in the dirt and shrubs. Residents would be better off offering services in a controlled area instead of just fighting the tourist. Its Hawaii people love it and will come.
I got favorites on the Big Island named Secret Beach.
Ironically one of my favorite places in the world is called “Secreta beach” on Maui.
ok, the only secret beach I know is in Maui (but it’s not really “secret”. However, I did go to a small (hidden) beach on the Big Island when I visited 20 years ago, may be that was the one!
Nice post Jeff/Rob. Personally, We haven’t found a beach we didn’t like! :0)
Thanks for the words on Lanikai but it’s popular with everyone from Oahu residents to tourists, as is Kailua Beach next door, which does have parking – often full to overcapacity – and bathrooms. Kailua is also over popular with tourists, including bus loads who get off, take a selfie, use a restroom and leave. Just FYI, Dr. Beach, Stephen Leatherman, is a PhD in coastal environment and rotates the beaches in his ratings, you can only be No.1 once, our at least once in a long while. He’s a professor at Florida International University. When you check out Lanikai, you might take a look at the state and local beaches in Waimanalo, including the Air Force base beach, but watch out for break ins and a dislike of visitors.
Thanks BOH for another informative article. Always enjoyable to read. My favorite beach is/was Polihale. It used to be very quiet and serene, almost like a private beach. I haven’t been there in awhile since it was closed the last time I visited Kauai. There is no shortage of beautiful beaches, that’s for sure.
Aloha guys! That’s easy,Hapuna Beach,Kohala Coast Big Island!! Can’t wait to be back in Nov.
We went to Waikiki beach right after sunrise. We had the whole beach practically to ourselves. Then we ate breakfast at hotels with an ocean view. We took the bus to the North shore of Oahu and also to the Kailua beach on the windward side. We saw a black sand beach. There wasn’t much beach at Lahaina and at Hotel Molokai but the water was nice. We went to the beach on the south end of Lanai. They are all my favorite!
Carol, I guess you missed the Kaanapali Beaches and Kapalua Bay, just North of Lahaina. Check them out next time, especially if you want to see colorful fish, swim with turtles and listen to the whales (Nov.-March). Aloha!
We went on a train from Lahaina to Kaanapali but didn’t go to a beach. There were 2 good luau we went to at Lahaina. Mahalo for the suggestion. Aloha!
Unfortunately, the sugar cane train is no longer …one more thing to add to “history”. I was hoping they would restore the railing and make it a commuter train. Would have helped with the congestion is this area. It’s all overgrown now …
I like Keawakapu Beach in Kihei. I is about a mle long and seldom crowded.
Maybe, the best way to visit Hawai’i nei beaches, or hiking, is to volunteer with non-profit organizations (Hawaii WildlifeFund, Sierra Club, etc). Volunteer to learn about our precious oasis in the middle of the Pacific, and kokua in keeping aina, plant and marine wildlife, prestine and safe for all, especially for all upcoming generations. Aloha is world-wide. Its not about where to park. PS, take with you what you brought to beaches. Have you seen what’s left behind? Mahalo sharing Hawai’i nei in your posts. More aloha.
At one time I heard there was a special clean up project you could participate in on Kahoolawe. Do you know if it is still going on?
That beach does get hot in the afternoon sun, wear slippahs!
Waimea Bay for Sure! Only downs side is the lack of parking, but its a different experience every time you go! Ocean will be flat as a pancake one trip and have awe inspiring waves the next!
thanks for the tip. I think I went there once 20 years ago, but couldn’t remember where it was. It was magic and I hope to go back there in the near future (I live in Lahaina)
I think every tourist should visit Kuhio Beach in Waikiki. I don’t know why people suggest Kahanamoku due to the rocks, but the lagoon is wonderful for kids. Lanikai is beautiful, but a mess. Trick is to arrive at sunrise to get legal nearby parking. The locals lobbied Against a parking lot expansion with paid shuttles so the “you can’t come to our beach” (which is illegal) is alive and well. Eternity (aka Blowhole and Halona Cove), while hard to get down to, is a body surfing haven but watch for riptide throwing you under the rocky overhang.
This a bit off point, but every time I see those homeowners on Oahu complaining about not being allowed to “save” their homes from beach erosion, my mind asks the questions, “Why were you ever allowed to park a house on the beach?”
Lanikai and other North Shore folks wouldn’t be illegally limiting access if they had not been allowed to park their house and god knows what kind of waste system next to our most precious resource, the ocean.
I’ll say this, Dr. Beach is a marketing thing in a way for himself.
His criteria are that once a beach makes his list, it won’t make it again, allowing him to add new beaches every year.
A couple years back he “reset” the count so that more beaches could be added to the list. He basically ran out of good US beaches.
So just something to keep in mind. All of the other “better” beaches have made the list already, many being named #1.
In the past, Kailua, Lanikai, Waimanalo, Hapuna, and others have all been ranked the best beach in the country.
Now they won’t be back in the list again for another 20 years or whenever he decides to reset again.
Basically it’s an opportunity to market different beaches each year.
Asking the question about favorite beach is counterproductive. Once one discloses a favorite beach, social media, as you pointed out in your article, will grab the rec. and exploit another sensitive spot. Forget Oahu. That train has left the station. Focus on the outer islands, but encourage your readers to join up with other visitors, carpool, or use a local vendor for transport. That’s the only solution besides a visitor fee and advance reservations.
Couldn’t agree more, James. Once you give out your secrets to the best beaches, it will no longer be the best beach. When I 1st arrived in Hawaii, tourists were very respectful, but that all changed with the timeshare idea …now we have to live with it. Where were the locals when those were built? I live on the West side of Maui and although I had no problem with the Sheraton, Kaanapali Beach Hotel and even the 1st building at the Westin, this area now has the same people who would go to Cancun or any other resort (and I wish they would). I know there are exceptions, but that is what they are “exceptions”
Advance reservations are a joke!
Haunama Bay..forget it!
Even with fees enacted, all beaches would be the same.
Or maybe, I can’t type fast enough!
A little late to restrict on-the-beach homes (as opposed to beach-front!) So much for beach access for all. Never going to happen!
Lanakai is my favorite beach on Oahu (I take the city bus).
Hapuna State Park Beach is my favorite beach on the Big Island.
Wailea Beach is my favorite beach on Maui!
Hanalei
Hanalei is my favorite beach on Kauai’s Northshore!
Many moons ago my new bride and I honeymooned at The Cliffs in Princeville on Kauai. They were filming “Uncommon Valor” right next to us with Hueys flying overhead and the “rice patties” across and just down the road. Went to Hanalei daily and became kama’ainas before the end. Interviewed on Oahu and moved to first Waikiki, then Hawaii Kai. We liked almost every beach we visited except Makaha past the base. Drunken locals upset wife and keiki and we haven’t gone back. Sorta reminded me of Chicago gang bangers!
But it was years ago and due to spinal cord injury my wariness helps me walk out at Ala Moana using a walker. Once I am floating I’m okay. God Bless her@
Being a 16 year resident I have a few favorite beaches on Kaua’i but I’m not sharing. One thing important to share however is for visitors to go to a lifeguard to find out the safest place in the beach that day. Beaches and riptides change seasonally. Unless you are very familiar with the ocean, as a lot of our visitors are not, stick to our beautiful lifeguarded beaches. Seems like we lose visitors who get in the ocean, become overwhelmed and have heart attacks as they either struggle and or panic.
In June we took a 2 day getaway to Oahu from the big island where we live. We had the chance to visit Lanikai beach and it truly is beautiful. we were the only people on the beach save for one other local that was paddleboarding. Finding a place to park was a bit of a challenge and we were there midweek. Definitely going back