The 5 Best Beaches in Hawaiʻi in 2025

Hawaiʻi is a top travel destination thanks to its beautiful beaches, which are among the best in the world. Stretches of golden coastlines and crystal-clear waters help define the Islands as paradise. 

It’s nearly impossible to create a list of the best beaches in the Islands, so we ask our readers every year. The results are finally in, and these are the best beaches across Hawaiʻi that our readers love the most in 2025.

1. Hanalei Bay, Kauaʻi

Hanalei Bay on Kauaʻi’s north shore is famous for its striking scenery.
Photo: Getty Images/Matthew Micah Wright

Our readers clearly love Kauaʻi this year—and so do we. Situated on the north shore, Hanalei Bay is one of Kauaʻi’s best gems. The beach is always a favorite among HAWAIʻI Magazine readers, but it jumped from No. 3 last year to being the best beach in Hawaiʻi in 2025. 

Lined with nearly two miles of soft, white sand, the crescent-shaped beach is one of the largest bays on the island. So, no matter where you decide to lay out your towel, you’ll have jaw-dropping views of dramatic mountain ridges, verdant valleys and the iconic Hanalei Pier. Hanalei Bay is famous for its striking scenery, but it’s also an ideal spot for a variety of ocean activities like surfing, bodyboarding and kayaking. Thrill-seekers can also jump off the famous pier.

2. Lanikai Beach, Oʻahu

Lanikai Beach on Oʻahu boasts sparkling waters, but it’s famous for the two offshore islets, the Nā Mokulua.
Photo: Grace Maeda

After not making the top five last year, Lanikai Beach makes the list of best beaches in Hawaiʻi in 2025, coming in as the runner-up. This white sand beach on Oʻahu boasts sparkling waters, but it’s famous for the two offshore islets, the Nā Mokulua (aka The Mokes). Throughout the year, the waters are typically calm and clear, making for great swimming and snorkeling. You can even kayak to the islands, too. Lanikai Beach is tucked in a posh oceanside community with limited parking. Regardless, the beach can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. 

3. Poʻipū, Kauaʻi

Poʻipū Beach is one of the best places to watch the sunset on Kauaʻi.
Photo: Getty Images/YinYang

Also located on Kauaʻi, Poʻipū Beach is a perennial winner, making our annual list of Best Beaches in Hawaiʻi year after year. Tucked on the island’s south shore, Poʻipū Beach is popular among families thanks to on-duty lifeguards, restrooms, showers and there’s even a playground nearby. From catching waves and snorkeling with honu to lounging on the sand, you can easily spend an entire day at Poʻipū Beach. Plus, it’s one of the best places to watch the sunset.

4. Waikīkī Beach, Oʻahu

Waikīkī Beach is one of the most iconic shorelines in the world.
Photo: Getty Images/Christopher Ball

Stretching along the south shore of Oʻahu, Waikīkī Beach is one of the most iconic shorelines in the world. With its rich history, exhilarating energy and illustrious charm, Waikīkī Beach is a must-visit destination. Once known as the playground for Hawaiian royalty, Waikīkī Beach is considered the birthplace of surfing. Today, it draws visitors from around the world. Here, you can learn to surf in the gentle waves, ride in an outrigger canoe and enjoy a mai tai at a beachside restaurant. 

5. Kāʻanapali Beach, Maui

Kāʻanapali Beach is one of the top spots for snorkeling on Maui.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

With its white sand and turquoise waters, Kāʻanapali Beach is postcard perfect. Situated on Maui’s west side, the beach stretches three miles, providing plenty of sandy real estate to lay out your towel. But it’s what you can experience under the sea that makes the beach one of the best in Hawaiʻi. Kāʻanapali Beach is one of the top spots for snorkeling on Maui. Here, you can swim over vibrant coral reefs and among colorful sea life, including honu and humuhumunukunukuāpua‘a. In the winter months, humpback whales also visit the waters and put on sensational spectacles. As the sun sets, be sure to stay for another show. The lele kawa (cliff jumping) ceremony happens at sunset daily on Puʻu Kekaʻa (aka Black Rock).

See all of the winners of our 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards in our latest issue, which you can buy here. Better yet, subscribe and get HAWAIʻI Magazine delivered to right to your mailbox.