With approximately 750 miles of coastline and a tropical climate, Hawaiian beaches are truly second to none. Here at Only In Hawaii, we’ve covered everything from the the all-around best beaches and colored sand beaches to secluded spots, and secret stretches of sand. And today, we’re at it again – showing you 17 lesser-known beaches that are sure to make your summer epic.
- Honomalino Beach, Big Island
Scott Carpenter/Flickr This secluded salt and pepper beach on Hawaii Island’s Kona coast is surrounded by coconut palms, and is accessible via a 20 minute walk from nearby Miloli’i Beach Park.
- White Plains Beach, Oahu
UNC – CFC – USFK/Flickr A low-key beach near Oahu’s leeward coast, White Plains offers great swimming in the winter, and some killer waves during the summer.
- Kalihiwai Beach, Kauai
Kyle Pearce/Flickr Kalihiwai is an ironwood-lined crescent shaped bay located on Kauai’s northern shore. Be sure to check out the brackish pools located behind the beach near the stream - this is a perfect area for kids to wade, swim and float.
- Poolenelena Beach, Maui
Hawaii Savvy/Flickr This gorgeous south Maui beach is not only a great spot for swimming - but it is also a popular beach wedding location.
- New Kaimu Beach, Big Island
Michael Newton/Flickr This picturesque beach did not exist in its current state twenty years ago: the original Kaimu Beach was completely destroyed by lava flows in 1990. Because this mineral-rich beach is relatively new, and the larger Punalu’u is located just down the coast, this picturesque spot remains largely tourist-free.
- Bellows Field Beach Park, Oahu
Jennifer Boyer/Flickr Often considered to be one of the best beaches on Oahu, Bellows features crystal blue water and fine, white sand. The beach is located on Bellows Air Force Station, and is only accessible to the public on weekends, since military training is common during the week.
- Polihale Beach, Kauai
Christian Arballo/Flickr At the end of a long dirt road off Kuamuali’I Highway, Polihale is the largest stretch of sand in Hawaii, and is often overlooked for more accessible Kauai beaches.
- Keawakapu Beach, Maui
Peter Liu/Flickr This gorgeous sandy beach on the end of South Kihei Road is not only a perfect spot for morning strolls, snorkeling and swimming, but the sunsets are truly second to none.
- Kumimi Beach Park, Molokai
John Hyun/Flickr Also known as Murphy’s Beach, this gorgeous stretch of sand on Molokai is one of the island’s most popular snorkeling spots.
- Kamehame Beach, Big Island
Daniela/Flickr Situated on Hawaii Island’s southeastern coast, Kamehame Beach is one of the country’s foremost nesting sites for the Hawksbill turtle and honu. The beach is an official turtle-breeding site, so the only guaranteed access is through volunteering with a turtle-monitoring program.
- Malaekahana State Recreation Area, Oahu
Chiara Switzer/Flickr Often overlooked for more popular north shore beaches, Malaekahana is an ideal spot for summer camping.
- Moloaa Bay, Kauai
Heather Bradley/Flickr Framed by hilly dunes and free vegetation, Moloaa Bay is quite picturesque, though not always the best beach for swimming.
- Napili Bay, Maui
Marc van der Chijs/Flickr This Lahaina beach is not only strikingly beautiful, but it is the perfect spot to snorkel with Hawaiian honu.
- Polihua Beach, Lanai
Rickh710/Flickr Though often overlooked for the larger, more populous islands, Lanai is a secret paradise full of secluded beaches. Polihua Beach feels especially hidden though, as it is located on the island’s northwestern coast and is only accessible via four-wheel drive vehicle.
- Makapu’u Beach, Oahu
Patrickcam/Flickr This small stretch of sand located near Oahu’s southeastern point provides stunning views of Rabbit Island. But be warned - the undertow here can be intense.
- Anini Beach, Kauai
Irmiller/Flickr With incredible views of the coral reef that fronts Kauai’s northern shore, this popular windsurfing spot is quite magnificent.
- Kalepolepo Beach, Maui
Katsuhiro7110/Flickr Once the site of a historically significant fishpond, this beach is off the beaten path, and you might even have the beach to yourself!
Tell us, which of these Hawaiian beaches is your favorite? Share your opinions and photographs with us on our Only In Hawaii Facebook page.
Scott Carpenter/Flickr
This secluded salt and pepper beach on Hawaii Island’s Kona coast is surrounded by coconut palms, and is accessible via a 20 minute walk from nearby Miloli’i Beach Park.
UNC – CFC – USFK/Flickr
A low-key beach near Oahu’s leeward coast, White Plains offers great swimming in the winter, and some killer waves during the summer.
Kyle Pearce/Flickr
Kalihiwai is an ironwood-lined crescent shaped bay located on Kauai’s northern shore. Be sure to check out the brackish pools located behind the beach near the stream - this is a perfect area for kids to wade, swim and float.
Hawaii Savvy/Flickr
This gorgeous south Maui beach is not only a great spot for swimming - but it is also a popular beach wedding location.
Michael Newton/Flickr
This picturesque beach did not exist in its current state twenty years ago: the original Kaimu Beach was completely destroyed by lava flows in 1990. Because this mineral-rich beach is relatively new, and the larger Punalu’u is located just down the coast, this picturesque spot remains largely tourist-free.
Jennifer Boyer/Flickr
Often considered to be one of the best beaches on Oahu, Bellows features crystal blue water and fine, white sand. The beach is located on Bellows Air Force Station, and is only accessible to the public on weekends, since military training is common during the week.
Christian Arballo/Flickr
At the end of a long dirt road off Kuamuali’I Highway, Polihale is the largest stretch of sand in Hawaii, and is often overlooked for more accessible Kauai beaches.
Peter Liu/Flickr
This gorgeous sandy beach on the end of South Kihei Road is not only a perfect spot for morning strolls, snorkeling and swimming, but the sunsets are truly second to none.
John Hyun/Flickr
Also known as Murphy’s Beach, this gorgeous stretch of sand on Molokai is one of the island’s most popular snorkeling spots.
Daniela/Flickr
Situated on Hawaii Island’s southeastern coast, Kamehame Beach is one of the country’s foremost nesting sites for the Hawksbill turtle and honu. The beach is an official turtle-breeding site, so the only guaranteed access is through volunteering with a turtle-monitoring program.
Chiara Switzer/Flickr
Often overlooked for more popular north shore beaches, Malaekahana is an ideal spot for summer camping.
Heather Bradley/Flickr
Framed by hilly dunes and free vegetation, Moloaa Bay is quite picturesque, though not always the best beach for swimming.
Marc van der Chijs/Flickr
This Lahaina beach is not only strikingly beautiful, but it is the perfect spot to snorkel with Hawaiian honu.
Rickh710/Flickr
Though often overlooked for the larger, more populous islands, Lanai is a secret paradise full of secluded beaches. Polihua Beach feels especially hidden though, as it is located on the island’s northwestern coast and is only accessible via four-wheel drive vehicle.
Patrickcam/Flickr
This small stretch of sand located near Oahu’s southeastern point provides stunning views of Rabbit Island. But be warned - the undertow here can be intense.
Irmiller/Flickr
With incredible views of the coral reef that fronts Kauai’s northern shore, this popular windsurfing spot is quite magnificent.
Katsuhiro7110/Flickr
Once the site of a historically significant fishpond, this beach is off the beaten path, and you might even have the beach to yourself!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
