The Happiness Function

The Aloha State is known for its pristine beaches, stunning coastlines, and deep blue waters that draw visitors to the islands all year round. Time seems to slow, and life feels especially good when you’re there. 

There are other precious gems in Hawai`i to explore. The islands are rich in endemic plants, endangered wildlife, and cultural and historical landmarks that make Hawai`i one of the most unique places on Earth. 

Hawai`i is a place I call home and these are some of the best beaches and shorelines you’ll find on the islands. 

Lanikai Beach, O`ahu

Lanikai Beach is known as one of the best beaches in Hawaii — actually, I mean the world. The soft golden sand, turquoise water, the scenic landscape of the Ko`olau Mountains, and the view of Moku Nui and Moku Iki ― an offshore islet seabird sanctuary ― there is a good reason people enjoy stopping by. 

You can enjoy swimming, kayaking, or walking along Lanikai Beach ― make sure you get there early since there is only street parking available. Lanikai is near Kailua, with plenty of restaurants and shopping centers to stop by while you’re in the area. 

Waimea Bay, O`ahu

On the North Shore of O`ahu, Waimea Bay is known for its winter swells that bring 30-foot waves crashing into the shore. Waimea is home to the Eddie Aikau Big Wave International surfing competition in honor of the late surfer and Waimea Bay lifeguard Eddie Aikau. 

Surfers brave enough to paddle out catch some of the biggest waves in the Hawaiian Islands. During the summer months, calmer waters make Waimea a great place for bodyboarding and skimboarding. And sitting just above the bay on the cliffside overlooking the ocean, is the Pu`u o Mahuka Heiau, a sacred temple dedicated to the god of war, Ku. 

Lopa Beach, Lana`i 

Tourists can catch a 90-minute ferry from Lahaina, Maui to nearby Lana`i and drive to the east side of the island to Lopa Beach. I recommend renting an all-wheel drive vehicle to navigate the rocky dirt roads to get to the beach. 

Lopa Beach is a secluded stretch of warm golden sand with shallow waters perfect for swimming and fishing if the water is calm. It’s a peaceful area to have a picnic, relax, and explore the ruins of an abandoned plantation-era church and ancient fishpond, Loko Lopa, which is now a bird sanctuary. 

Pau`oa Bay, Big Island

Nestled next to the Fairmont Orchid Hotel is Pau`oa Bay, a crescent-shaped bay surrounded by swaying palm trees and a natural lava rock sea wall. The sea wall protects the cove from high swells and high winds, and the calm water within the bay is ideal for beginner swimmers. 

Experienced swimmers and snorkelers can venture past the protective rocks and reefs for a more adventurous swim. You may see Hawaiian green sea turtles, fish, and eels along the reef. 

Napili Bay Beach, Maui

Napili Bay Beach offers everything you need ― warm sand, lots of sunshine, and picturesque palm trees. The outer reef of the bay acts as a protective barrier from swells. These features make Napili an excellent location for families to swim and snorkel in the calm, clear waters. 

Napili Bay Beach is a popular destination among visitors to Maui, so head out early to find parking. And if you can, stick around for sunset to watch the purple-orange colors paint the sky as the sun dips below the horizon.

Mo`omomi Beach, Moloka`i 

On the northwestern coast of Moloka`i, Mo`omomi Beach has some of the best sand dunes in Hawai`i, stretching deep inland. The beach is part of a 921-acre nature preserve and features 22 native species of Hawaiian plants. 

Mo`omomi is one of the nesting sites for the endangered green sea turtle and is still the home of the Hawaiian owl, the pueo, an important animal in Hawaiian culture. Visitors can also join monthly tours of the Mo`omomi Preserve and hike the area while learning about the endangered species and wildlife that inhabit the coastline. 

Waikiki Beach, O`ahu

Waikiki Beach is the most famous beach in Hawai`i, though it’s often crowded with tourists. However, if you want to learn how to surf, Waikiki’s low tides and shallow waters make it an ideal location to get your feet wet ― pun intended.

The calm waters off the southern coast of O`ahu also make Waikiki a good location for standup paddleboarding, bodyboarding, and swimming. Or take your sweetheart on a romantic sunset catamaran tour along the south shore to watch the sunset. 

Kukio Keiki Beach, Big Island

Kukio Keiki Beach is a small and secluded beach perfect for a relaxing day out with the family. The beach is a shallow lagoon, protected by lava rock formations, making this spot safe to swim for children and beginner swimmers.

Kukio Keiki Beach is part of the Kikaua Point Beach Park. To get to the beach, visitors will need to go through the Kukio Golf Resort. Parking is limited, so start your day early to ensure you find a nearby parking spot and beat the crowds. 

Hanalei Beach Park, Kaua`i 

Hanalei Beach Park is considered one of the prized jewels of the Garden Isle. Hanalei Bay is a crescent-shaped bay that offers a little bit of everything. From the well-maintained park grounds, access to bathrooms and picnic areas, calm waters, and striking sunsets, it’s no surprise that visitors love this little slice of heaven on the North Shore of Kaua`i. 

The beach park also features the iconic and historic 300-foot Hanalei Pier that stretches into the bay. This area is ideal for fishing, snorkeling, standup paddleboarding, and spending the day on your boat under the sunny Hawaiian sky. 

Manini`owali Beach, Big Island

Manini`owali Beach is known by locals as Kua Bay. The beach is part of the Kekaha Kai State Park, with bathrooms and picnic areas for convenience. Lifeguard stations are also located throughout the three bays that make up Manini`owali Beach.

At low tide, you can enjoy snorkeling, swimming bodyboarding, and simply wading in the cool Pacific Ocean. Get there early, as there is limited roadside parking. A parking lot with a $5 fee is also nearby. 

Ke`e Beach, Kaua`i 

If you’re dying to get in the water and spend time snorkeling, head out to Ke`e Beach on the North Shore of Kaua`i. The crystal-clear turquoise ocean along the coast and vibrant coral reefs make snorkeling a must-do activity while visiting the area. 

You’ll have a front-row view of the Napali Coast, a sacred and majestic mountain range that towers over 4,000 feet above sea level. Visitors can hike through the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park to experience the natural wonders of the island.

Ke`e Beach is also part of the Hā’ena State Park, so check for information about parking, entrance fees, and park hours. 

Spencer Beach Park, Big Island

On the northwestern coast of the Big Island, Spencer Beach Park offers one of the best experiences on the island. The beach is part of the Kohala Coast, the birthplace of King Kamehameha I, the first king who united the Hawaiian Islands. 

At the beach, visitors can enjoy swimming, and snorkeling, host picnics thanks to the covered pavilions, and grills, and find showers and restrooms in the area. Visitors can also walk to the Pu`ukohalā Heiau and the Mailekini Heiau. These historical and cultural sites tell the story of the beginning of the Hawaiian Kingdom and the island’s history. 

Po`ipu Beach, Kaua`i

Po`ipu is a small beach often crowded by tourists and visitors, so parking in the area may be tricky. But the white sand, gentle waters, and relaxing vibes make the trip worth it. 

Visitors can enjoy swimming and snorkeling, surfing, and whale watching during winter. Hawaiian green sea turtles are often spotted along the east end of the beach, so you might catch a glimpse of this endangered species while you’re there. 

Bellows Beach Park, O`ahu

Bellow Beach is just outside Waimanalo with more than 50 facilities and locations for camping and picnics. A section of the beach is reserved for military training, so remember to research any restrictions or rules before arriving. 

Bellows offers a secluded environment, soft white sand, and clear water that add to the relaxing ambiance. This area is also known for jellyfish and Portuguese man-of-wars, so always check the forecast and beach alerts before going. 

Anini Beach, Kaua`i

Anini Beach features a protective reef, with shallow water great for families with children or beginner swimmers. If you’d like to explore the ocean more, you can go snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing along the two-and-a-half-mile sandy beach. 

You can camp here with a permit and you’ll find restrooms and showers to make your stay as comfortable as possible. It’s also a good spot to set your fishing poles up for the day, relax with friends and family, and then cook up your catch for dinner that night. 

Ko Olina Lagoons, O`ahu

Ko Olina is located on the southwest shore of O`ahu, part of Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa. The lagoons are open to the public with designated public parking areas for each of the four lagoons, but spots are limited and fill up early, so keep that in mind when planning your itinerary. 

Although the lagoons are typically 10 to 15 deep, the waters aren’t always clear enough to snorkel. Most visitors enjoy swimming, wading in the water, or relaxing on the beach. If you can, stick around for sunset. The view from Ko Olina is one of the best on the island. 

Kepuhi Beach, Moloka`i

Kepuhi Beach, on the south shore of Moloka`i, offers a mixture of calm turquoise water during summer and treacherous high surf when the winter swells roll in. The intense ocean activity has exposed a unique rock pattern along the sandy beach as sand continues to sweep inland from the ocean. 

Kaiaka Rock, on the southern end of the beach, is a large black lava rock formation that was once the location of a Hawaiian heiau, or temple. During winter, this spot is an ideal place to watch for humpback whales making the long trip from the north down to the warmer Hawaiian waters.

Hāpuna Beach, Big Island

The white powder sand of Hāpuna Beach is breathtaking. Hāpuna Beach has grown in popularity, so you need to get there early to find parking and a spot on the beach. 

The water is crystal clear, with a beautiful turquoise color, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. There isn’t a lot of shade or covering on the beach, though, so if you plan on spending a few hours there, bring umbrellas and the proper protection to keep you safe from the sun. 

Ka`anapali Beach, Maui

Just north of the historic town of Lahaina sits Ka`anapali Beach, one mile of white sand and turquoise water. Although this beach is nestled close to resorts and hotels, spending the day on Ka`anapali Beach makes you forget you are so close to tourist venues. 

Ka`anapali, which means “rolling hills” is a great place for snorkelers and scuba divers to explore the natural coral reefs and marine life. This area is also known as Black Rock. Many visitors ascend the lava rock and make the daring 30-foot jump into the cooling water below.

Shark’s Cove, O`ahu

Shark’s Cove is a popular spot for snorkeling on the North Shore. The cove is protected by rock formations, bringing gentle ripples and tides into the pools close to shore, which is great for families to explore the shallow reefs and pools together. 

Street parking is limited so get an early start. There is a small recreation area with a few picnic tables, bathrooms, and showers. As a bonus, a lifeguard is on duty nearby in case you need any help while you’re there. 

❤️ Images from Ashlee & Pablo’s trip to Maui in 2016 and Oahu in 2017. We decided to post these because they were taken with love before we became travel writers and photographers. We thought you’d like them more than stock images.

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