Lonely Planet just released its 2025 list of the 23 best beaches in the USA, drawn from its latest global guide. From California coves to stretches of the Gulf Coast, the list features both iconic and quirky destinations. But among their picks, only two Hawaii beaches were honored: Hanalei Bay on Kauai and Big Beach on Maui.
That’s notable not just for what’s included, but for what isn’t. Hawaii is blessed to be home to a vast number of beaches, including some of the most acclaimed and varied in the world, often topping lists from outlets like Dr. Beach, Travel + Leisure, and TripAdvisor. Lonely Planet’s version feels unusually narrow, and for many of you who know the islands well, it invites a closer look at what was left off.
Why did Hanalei Bay and Big Beach make the cut?
Hanalei Bay is no stranger to praise. With its two-mile crescent of sand tucked beneath jagged green mountains and its glassy summer surf, it blends postcard beauty with real local activity. At the Beat of Hawaii editors’ home beach, on calmer days, you’ll see paddleboarders and kayakers near the historic Hanalei Pier. In winter, swells transform parts of the bay into a big wave playground for seasoned surfers.
Hanalei was also named one of the top 10 beaches in the world for 2025, and previously ranked #1 in the U.S. by Dr. Beach. He once called it “the perfect beach,” citing its wide, soft coral sand and dramatic mountain backdrop in every direction. That kind of consistent recognition makes its appearance on Lonely Planet’s list unsurprising, but it also sets a high bar for any other beach mentioned alongside Hanalei.
The Hawaii beaches that Lonely Planet overlooked.
With only two Hawaii beaches represented, plenty of longtime favorites were left out. One that comes to mind is Lanikai on Oahu—arguably the most photographed beach in Hawaii—with its powdery white sand and sunrise views toward beyond picturesque Mokulua Islands. Another is Poipu Beach on Kauai’s south shore, often cited by other publications as among the best in the country.
Last year, Poipu Beach was named the best beach in the USA by Travel + Leisure, drawing both praise and skepticism. Some readers celebrated the recognition, while others called it “beautiful, but jam-packed,” arguing that too many top beach lists overlook the beaches residents love.
Reader Shawn once joked after that article, “Good thing Poipu Beach wasn’t BOH’s pick. Maybe next time T&L will ask for your opinion.”
Hapuna Beach on the Big Island has also topped many lists in past years, including ours, and it remains a favorite for its vast stretch of swimmable coastline and the kind of visibility that makes snorkeling feel like you’re gliding. “Hapuna is the best beach,” wrote one reader.
Keawakapu on Maui, Waialea (Beach 69) near Puako, and Waimanalo on Oahu all came up frequently in reader responses over the years.
James B. wrote, “Does anyone know Molokai? It has the longest white sand beach in Hawaii.” And we concur with James that Pāpōhaku Beach Park is beyond spectacular. These are places that don’t always get travel magazine treatment, but might offer more exceptional experiences than many of the popular picks.
Some readers expressed a different view altogether. “The best beaches are the ones that never get mentioned. IYKYK,” wrote one. Others echoed the desire to keep favorites quiet to avoid overcrowding or parking headaches. Eva B. put it this way: “Once you give out your secrets to the best beaches, it will no longer be the best beach.”
What’s changing at Hawaii beaches today.
Even when Hawaii beaches are recognized on global lists, the visitor experience may be different than visitor expectations. Many of the state’s most beautiful beaches face growing accessibility and environmental challenges.
On Kauai’s North Shore, access to beaches beyond Hanalei is tightly controlled, with a reservation system in place for entry to Haena State Park and limited daily parking. Elsewhere across the islands, some other state parks also now require reservations to enter, including Waianapanapa’s black sand beach on Maui.
Beach erosion is also an escalating concern. On Oahu and Maui, restoration efforts have stalled, while the shoreline continues to retreat. That’s especially true at one of Hawaii’s most iconic beaches. For more, see State Sounds Alarm: Waikiki Beach Help Urgently Needed.
Reader D commented on the issue bluntly: “Given the importance of beach upkeep… the State should develop policies to protect and replenish our vital beaches, not ruin them.”
There is also a growing debate around beach access and equity. Residents have raised concerns about overcrowded shorelines, expensive parking, and infrastructure catering more to visitors than to the people who live there. For more, see Hawaii’s public beach access blocked: Taking on wealthy landowners.
What readers secretly say about the real best beaches in Hawaii.
We’ve reviewed thousands of reader comments across past Beat of Hawaii articles on this topic, and one thing is clear: no two visitors—or residents—agree on a single “best.” And those in the know often say nothing at all.
Some nominate obvious choices. Others argue for secret spots or lesser-known island beaches. One reader called Waialea Beach near Puako “great for photos… usually not that crowded.” Another cited the clarity of the Big Island’s waters compared to those of every other island.
Many expressed skepticism about rankings altogether. “Dr. Beach is a marketing thing,” wrote one reader. “He basically ran out of good US beaches… now he resets the count so new ones can be added.” Another added, “Favorites should be kept a secret, and only shared with loved ones.”
And some said that the best beach is whichever one you’re lucky enough to visit.
What’s your Hawaii favorite?
We’ve been writing about Hawaii travel for nearly two decades. One thing we’ve learned: beach rankings get people talking. Whether you think Hanalei and Big Beach are deserving or overrated, there’s no doubt that Hawaii offers a broader variety of beach experiences than almost anywhere else on the planet.
Do you think Lonely Planet got it right this year? Or did your favorite Hawaii beach get overlooked? Tell us below—and share what you consider to be the best beaches in the islands.
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I wish these articles would stop announcing these beaches. Nothing is sacred anymore.
We go for entertainment and you cannot best Magic Sands for that! Life guards and locals watching over notsosmart newbies. Crazy wave action on good days. People watching, easy location and restrooms available. Other beaches are more beautiful but they don’t beat the authentic flavor of Magic. We always say the view changes every 20 minutes because people come and go. We are bored at the more serene beaches but we all have a reason for our beach experience.
The best beach in the Hawaiian Islands is Lanikai Beach. Go there to see for yourself.
It is unfortunate that Lanikai which used to be a beautiful beach has turned into mini Waikiki with crowds all day and impossible parking.
Two beaches there as beautiful if not even more beautiful are not too far from there. One is Waimanalo and the other one is Bellows which is open only on the weekends because it’s under USAF control. They’re both much larger than Lanikai and never as crowded, even on the weekends and holidays.
Mauna Kea Beach on the Big Island. Limited access so limited amount of people on the non hotel guest side. Beautiful sandy beach, rare on BI. Shade under the trees. Some snorkeling but more a wave hopping beach or relaxing. And also rare is an actual clean bathroom and shower. Get there early or 2nd wave early afternoon.
For me Hanalei Bay is the best because it’s adjacent to Princeville where we have a timeshare condo. However, all of Hawaii’s beaches are spectacularly beautiful each in their own way. As they say, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder!”
Also, not only is Dr. Beach a marketing thing , but so is Lonely Planet and all of these other “best of” lists that we see in the media. When you’re in Hawaii get your swimwear on, grab your beach towel, and head for the beach no matter what, you’re gonna love it, guaranteed!
#22 is Hana Beaches/Hana Maui
So I guess 3 from Hawaii?
Hanalei Bay is always our favorite, but so many more, depending on what you are looking for and/or time of year. Many on the Big Island of Hawai’i like it too, especially for sunsets.
I watch the sun come up every day over Hilo Bay, rain or shine. Best rainbows on east side of BI too. We have amazing coastline over here, black sand, East Hawaii Island is fantastically beautiful.
Aninni and Salt Pond are the safest swimming beaches. And there’s lifeguards at Salt Pond.
Polihale is totally open to the ocean. No reef and unexpected wave and currents. Would advise Against swimming there. And like Bruce F said, the dirt road there is off limits to rental vehicles. No shade and nesting areas on the dunes that are sensitive. A sacred place for Hawaiians.
I’ve got nothin’ to say 😉
The powers that be here on Kauai have declined to post signs directing travelers to the multitude of special world-class beaches, other than Anini Beach on the North Shore. Whether intentional or not, that has limited the social networkers and influencers from running around trying to visit all 70 Kauai beaches to show off to their buds back on the mainland and around the globe. Let’s keep it quiet, shall we? I am constantly reminding visitors to slow themseves down…
On Kauai it’s hard to beat Polihale. Fortunately, it’s also hard to get there.
Polihale is one of my least favorite beaches on Kauai. It is hot with very little shade, other than kiawe trees which drop major, painful thorns. Not to mention often dangerous surf conditions and the very long, arduous, pothole dirt road to access it. Readers of BOH coming to Kauai should also note that most all rental car companies prohibit use of that nasty road and if you get stuck out there in the sand or with mechanical issues it is going to cost you plenty to be rescued…
Ha! That’s the beauty of it. I don’t care about the shade. It’s the wild nature with hardly any crowds (most of the time), especially later in the day, that makes it gorgeous. But you’re right. The ocean there can be tricky!
On the other hand, I could never understand the appeal of the so, so, so overrated Poipu. Maybe nice for kids, older adults, and typical tourists, but it’s not a very pretty beach at all. There are many more on the north-east side that beat Poipu hands down.
Exactly the point!
And your second comment about it being hard to get there is also why it’s so special.
Aloha to all.
By far Polihale is the most beautiful beach in the USA.