Maui is well known for its golden beaches and crystal-clear waters. Snorkeling off the Valley Isle offers a window into a beautiful underwater world, where you can encounter colorful coral formations and an incredible variety of marine life. Just remember to always observe Hawaiʻi’s wildlife from a respectful distance. Here are the top five snorkeling spots on Maui that HAWAIʻI Magazine […]
Across the Islands, Hawaiʻi’s lifeguards respond to emergencies and make lifesaving rescues. However, they also work to prevent accidents by educating beachgoers about ocean conditions and potential hazards before problems arise. Chris Latronic, public information officer for the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department, advises visitors and residents alike to speak with lifeguards before entering the water
Every June is World Ocean Month, with June 8 designated as World Ocean Day, a global observance recognizing the importance of our planet’s oceans. The ocean plays a vital role in sustaining marine ecosystems, economies, cultures and communities around the world. In Hawaiʻi, the ocean and its coral reefs have long been essential to the
The Hawaiian Islands are famous for their golden beaches—and even shorelines with black, green and red sand. Every year, we ask our readers to vote on their favorite beaches—no easy task—and the results vary. Here are the best beaches from around the Islands that HAWAIʻI Magazine readers love the most in 2026. 1. Kāʻanapali Beach, Maui Kāʻanapali Beach jumped from
As schools of shiny silver fish dart by, a creature much larger catches my eye. A spotted eagle ray glides gracefully beneath me, the first one I’ve seen in the wild, its pectoral fins fluttering like wings. I’m in the ocean off Kahe Point, and I’m captivated. The waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands are home
Maui has long held a reputation for being home to some of the world’s best beaches. From expansive, sun-soaked shorelines to sheltered coves with abundant marine life, Maui offers something for every type of beachgoer. Whether you’re looking to swim, snorkel, sunbathe or simply soak in the views, the Valley Isle delivers—and our readers seem
This story was originally published on Feb. 20, 2020. Hawaiʻi’s first premier big wave surf spot wasn’t always Waimea on Oʻahu or Peʻahi (aka Jaws) on Maui. It was a break located on the west side of Oʻahu, just up the coast from Waiʻanae, called Mākaha. In the 1930s, surfing in Hawaiʻi was very different
Nicknamed the Garden Isle, Kauaʻi is known for its emerald valleys, lush scenery and epic hiking trails. However, the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island are filled with vibrant coral formations and a beautiful array of marine life, offering a unique adventure under the sea. Snorkeling in the waters off the Garden Isle provides a window
Every year, we invite our readers to cast their votes for their favorite places across the Islands—including surf breaks. Here are the best surf spots on O‘ahu, according to our readers. Whether this is your first time in the lineup or you’re already shredding, you’ll want to check out these Oʻahu surf breaks. 1. Waikīkī
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
*This story was originally published on May 19, 2020. Every surf break on Oʻahu, even the ones that only emerge during historic swells, has a name. And these backstories can be intriguing, clever—or downright hilarious. Here are some of the stories behind Oʻahu’s surf breaks, thanks to the manaʻo (thought, belief, theory) of historian John
It’s no surprise Hawaiʻi has some of the best beaches in the U.S. That’s one of the main reasons travelers flock to the Islands. And travelers have also spoken, rating our beaches among the best in the country. Tripadvisor, the popular travel guidance platform, released its list of best beaches for 2024, and five Hawaiʻi
