Popularizing a Hawaii beach that is off-limits to most people is an example of bad research. Here how to pick the best beaches in Hawaii.
Popularizing a Hawaii beach that is off-limits to most people is an example of bad research. Here how to pick the best beaches in Hawaii.
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