Dr. Beach’s annual results are out for 2014 and Hawaii beaches ranked high as some of the best beaches in America. This year, the picks were #1 Kahanamoku Beach Waikiki (was #2 in 2012), #4 Waimanalo Bay Beach Park Oahu, and #5 Hamoa Beach on Maui. We have visited and written about each of these beaches and here’s our take and a personal favorite.
Tip: to save money when visiting our award winning beaches, we suggest looking for last minute summer availability on Hawaiian Airlines as well as at Aqua Resorts.
Kahanamoku Beach Waikiki (pictured above) | Best Beach in America
This is the wide swath of beach that fronts Fort DeRussy Park to the Hilton Hawaiian Village and sits adjacent to the man-made Kahanamoku lagoon. It is named in honor of Hawaii surf legend Duke Kahanamoku. You’ll find all ocean activities here and places to rent surfboards, stand up paddle boards and take lessons.
Perfect: A reef protected Waikiki swimming, surfing, SUP, sunning and bathing beach.
Waimanalo Bay Beach Park Oahu | #4 in US
Waimanalo is a beautiful Oahu beach popular with locals, and great for family picnics and sports. I’ve always enjoyed being in the water here and looking back towards the spectacular mountains. It can also be a good place to body surf for beginners. There’s protection from the sun under ironwood pines (Casuarina equisetifolia). It’s a wide beach with beautiful sand, turquoise waters and a gentle shore break. Years ago it was featured often in the Magnum, PI television series.
Perfect: A short drive from Honolulu, this feels like the other side of the world. Picnics, water and more.
Hamoa Beach Maui | #5 in US
One of the most picturesque and remote of Maui beaches can be found beyond Hana. It is a near perfect crescent shape that’s lined with a black lava wall. The beach is not reef protected which means that water conditions vary seasonally. A favorite choice of authors Ernest Hemingway and James Michener.
Perfect: If your travels find you in Hana, don’t miss this for photos and more. Our personal favorite.
What’s your pick?
Do you agree with Dr. Beach’s picks for 2014? We look forward to hearing your selections for best Hawaii beaches.
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Dr. Beach and Beat of Hawaii Say Hanalei Bay is No. 1.
Our Guide to Hanalei Bay Beach.
Kailua says
For perfect family vacation, nothing beats what Kailua Beach Park can offer.
I can say that this is even better than the most famous beach in Oahu. For one, it is a family-friendly beach. My whole family admired its pristine turquoise blue waters and clear blue sky along with its white, fine powdery sand. It is bigger and the whole family enjoyed many activities such as swimming in the clear calm waters, kayaking (we rent one kayak), playing in the sand, having a picnic or even just watching the views as the water rush to the shore. I find it so enjoyable to see my kids having so much fun. But more importantly, they have bathroom facilities, which is an important factor when your whole family is on vacation.
This vacation is one memorable experience for my whole family; we’ll consider coming back.
Terry says
Ours are: Hawaii: Hapuna, Maui: Kahana, Oahu: Kualoa Beach Park
Johnny says
Love the little beach in Oneloa Bay and jumping of the rocks in Namalu Bay / Kapalua. In my dreams!
DJ Illusive says
On Oahu, Lanikai is my fave beach to catch some rays and chillax. Nice sand, blue waters. Ahh, I miss it!
Carrie says
I think it depends on what you are looking for in a beach. Every beach I have been to in Kauai and on the Big Island has been a memorable experience for me. I’ve been to alot of beaches on Kauai, and enjoyed Poipu Beach park the most because of its easy access and shallow areas since I am not a deep water swimmer. The grassy area behind the beach and the park were very nice, and it was fun to watch boogie boarders. I have yet to experience a sunny beach day at Hanalei Bay. I’ve been rained on every time I’ve been there, but I still love the area. Tunnels beach is exotic but the waves were a little too strong for me there and it is rocky. I prefer the sandy bottom beaches, so this year I am going to Maui and staying on Kanaapali. On the Big Island, I liked the A bay for its calm waters and the turtles. I loved Mauna Kea beach; very tranquil. Hapuna beach was too windy but it is a huge beach. The black sand Punalu’u beach is amazing.
gluvsoahu says
All the beaches I have been to in Hawaii are just plain gorgeous but I will pick my top choices from the islands I have been to. In the Big Island, Hapuna is my favorite. Makena on Maui, and Kailua on Oahu.
Ed says
Asking “which Hawaiian beach is best” is like asking which pile of one million dollars is best…
The fact that they are in Hawaii makes them all best…I have not seen a “bad” beach when I am in Hawaii…for the sheer reason that it’s in Hawaii!
Julie says
Not mentioning my favorite beach on Kauai, already too many people finding it, but on Maui, for a really great, just plain walking beach with firm sand and great vistas… Keawapahu in Kihei, south shore. I have walked it at night under a full moon…. that and a bazillion stars. Breathtaking!
Sudesh says
Aloha all,
Choosing ONE favorite beach in the islands is a tough one for me. Anyway, Popohaku beach on Moloka’i is one of my favs.
Judy says
There is not one good beach on Kauai. I think you all should stick to Maui and Oahu and not ever venture to my quite beaches of Kauai. 😉
Steve says
Yes, the Magnum/ Masters Estate was just down the road from Waimanolo Beach, however they are both at the base of the Koolau’s and when the sun goes behind the mountains early afternoon it cools off quickly and the wind comes up and its time to go. ps, bring slippers to wear from car to beach, those little pine cones from the shade trees hurt da feet – owie owie.
Steve says
Great to see the Lagoon looking so clear, now. The pond and surrounding sand used to be so scummy that we called it the “Polio Pond”, and none of the locals would go near it. Clearly, it has changed for the better!
Colleen says
Since we have not visited the above mentioned beaches – I can only comment on our ‘favorite so far’ and that is Hapuna on the Big Island. This may change if we ever manage visits to other beaches. But, for us, ANY HAWAIIAN beach is a BEST BEACH in our book. Thanks for sharing.
Na Kolohe says
Great to see the lagoon looking so clear, now. In the past it was real scummy and we referred to as the “Polio Pond”, clearly a welcome improvement!
Lee says
Waimanolo Bay is extremely beautiful and one of the reasons in my book it is a “top beach” is because of the solitude. These lists will destroy that . The long time Local (not any more) KCC Market has been destroyed because of “Tourist” list, so sad…
Chris says
I would choose Hanalei Beach on Kauai. It was chosen by an international group, choosing the best beaches world wide. I think you missed the most beautiful beach in Hawaii.