Which are the best beaches in Hawaii? TripAdvisor answers that question for 2021 based on reader input. Let us know if you agree. TripAdvisor looked at the top 25 beaches in the United States, and here’s what they found. This year, six Hawaii beaches made the cut. Four are on Maui, followed by Oahu and Kauai, with one on each island. Sorry Big Island, this was not your year which we say is a miss.
Our question to you: Would any of these be at the top of your list of best beaches in Hawaii?
Kaanapali Beach, Lahaina Maui (#2)
Moving up from #3 last year, you can stretch out on an amazing three miles of beautiful sand and the turquoise ocean on what was and has remained a most popular vacation refuge. A concrete path runs its entire length. There are five free parking lots. The north end is best near Black Rock, and the south end has a reef that can be uncomfortable on your feet.
This is a great spot to see humpback whales in season. Enjoy the iconic cliff divers at Black Rock (Puu Kekaa) every sunset. You can stay nearby at one of the many hotels and condos that now line Kaanapali, which was Hawaii’s very first planned resort community. Also on hand is great shopping and dining and a plethora of activities. In normal times you’ll find yourself in a crowd of frolickers, that’s for sure.
Wailea Beach, Maui (#4)
Moving up from #14 last year and the lead photo at the top. Calm waters and excellent swimming are highlights of this crescent sand beach fronting the Grand Wailea. Great for snorkeling when calm and during morning hours. Excellent boogie boarding at the far south side.
Wailea has grown tremendously over the years to become the most popular destination on Maui, in part due to the natural beauty, as well as great accommodations, shopping, and dining.
Napili Beach, Maui (#6)
Up from #10 in 2020, this great and generally uncrowded beach on West Maui, perfect for whale watching in season and beautiful views stretching to Molokai. Swimming, snorkeling, and boarding are dependent on conditions, and it is always a perfect sunning beach. Always enjoyable, from sunrise to sunset. It does not get much afternoon wind, and the offshore waters are sandy. Access via Hui Drive and Napili Place.
Wai’anapanapa State Park, Maui (#8)
Beat of Hawaii says, “Nice stop on the Hana Highway near the town, and the state park cabins here are a good albeit rustic deal.” This is along a remote volcanic coastline. Black sand is one of the unforgettable things here, where you’ll also find great picnicking and the ancient Hawaiian coastal trail to Hana. Seabirds abound.
Kailua Beach, Oahu (#10)
A favorite of ours features unforgettably blue water and a broad, silky sand beach. Considered by many in your comments as one of the best beaches on Oahu. It’s a favorite for local families and visitors alike, especially on weekends. Typically calm water and tree-shaded. with a large park including pavilions for picnics. A popular kiteboarding and windsurfing location.
Poipu Beach, Kauai (#22)
Nearby Beat of Hawaii HQ, the iconic South Shore Kauai beach offers sunbathing, picnicking, swimming, surfing, fishing, snorkeling, bodyboarding, and more. This quintessentially popular crescent beach offers clear blue water and frequent Hawaiian monk seals, and green sea turtles. There’s a rock-lined wading pool for the Keiki and shade under trees to keep cool. This a spot where humpback whale-watching off-shore is possible in winter.
Your Turn – What Beaches Were Missed on Your List?
Updated 2/25/21.
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Roy H says
It’s very hard to beat Maui for the many beatiful beaches that are there, you can walk for miles. But for snorkeling we prefer Kauai.
Aloha Guys
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Roy.
You’re the consummate Hawaii traveler. Thanks.
Aloha.
Chris M says
Thank you for sharing. I think Hanalei Beach is very pretty and should have been on this list.
Jeff L says
Sometimes I wonder whether the best beaches lists are designed to distract people away from the “real” best beaches. Mine are not on the list, and I’m not telling. 🙂
Alfred H says
Here here! Was just thinking that to myself.
Steven S. says
I always had a great day on Kapalua Beach in Maui, but alas, I’ve heard that they are doing construction there and there’s no place to park. I’ve been to Napili (Gazebo’s for breakfast) so now, I’ll have to check out the beaches there. Since our timeshare is in Kahana, we almost never drive down to Wailea or Kihei. Yes, Kaanapali Beach is the best! Of course, we spend most of our evenings in Kaanapali and Lahaina.
Timothy H. says
Aloha, I wonder why Waikiki never ends up on any of these lists, too touristy I surmise. Mahalo
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Timothy.
One of Waikiki’s beaches was indeed selected as the best beach in America in 2014. https://beatofhawaii.com/hawaii-beaches-rank-among-best-beaches-in-america/,
Aloha.
Maleko says
Waikiki Beach was on the list. However, it shouldnt have been. The beach has always been too narrow and surrounded by skyscrapers. btw…it’s also called Kuhio Beach.
Gary K says
THANK YOU again BOH for all you do to keep us ‘wanna be’ visitors informed. We really appreciate it.
It is our opinion that Trip Advisor included one beach that is well below about a dozen that they did not include in their top 25. That’s Kaanapali Beach at Lahaina. Very narrow, as the picture above shows it to be. We’ve stayed in Kaanapali twice in the last 30+ years, last time was about 15 years ago, and we wouldn’t book that area again.
I agree with previous comment about Tunnels. Actually, for tremendous visual scenery and beauty, my wife and I think Ke’e Beach at the end of the road on Kauai’s north shore can’t be beat – fairly wide, beautiful view of the Napali coast mountains, and good snorkeling. And the tree roots that are still supporting trees, even though the trunks are now 10-15 feet above the sand are just amazing. And the drive to and from is beautiful as well. The new parking lot and need for reservations have improved it as well.
We too are among the ‘greys’ coming to Hawaii. We’ve had to cancel 4 reservations on Kauai over the past 8 months, and after cancelling the last one scheduled for 3 weeks in April, we decided to book the Big Island instead. Haven’t been there in nearly 15 years, as we’ve spent our 3-4 weeks on Kauai. STILL hoping to enjoy the 3 weeks we have reserved on Kauai starting late August. First inoculation received, next one within 2 weeks, so we’ll be very safe by early April.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Gary.
Thanks for all of your comments. Glad you can get over to the Big Island followed by Kauai this year. Enjoy.
Aloha.
Justin S says
Keamano Beach. If you have been there, you know why. If you have not been there, it probably sounds foreign or you have never heard of it.
Lisa S says
We all have our own favs. I find Lanakai sad, crowded and depleted. Kailua beach park inherited its sand over the years,and is more relaxing. It still has a great view of the Moks. My military family lived nearby in the 1950’s. The old pics are amazing. Before the sea walls and plantings it was a long, glorious stretch of white sand… dreamy and amazing.
Thomas B. says
It’s hard to believe that Polihale Stae park and Beach is not one of the top beaches of Hawaii. Located on the western end of Kauai and ending at the Napali Coast, it’s truly amazing!!!!
Chris M says
Maybe because it is dangerous to swim at Polihale?
Pam S says
I totally agree, Thomas B. Polihale has always been my favorite.
Gary P says
Oh don’t we love lists? So much subjectivity. How does a beach change significantly from just one year previously? List try to make the creator of them relevant by changing things up but couldn’t be more inaccurate in many cases other than listing some of the usual suspects. For instance I would take Kauai tunnels Beach any day over Wailea beach in Oahu!! Same problem goes for TripAdvisor. I can assure you they are not the be-all end-all for opinions on anything regarding travel