Hawaii Beach Information
If you’re like many visitors to Hawaii, you picture white, sandy beaches with clear waters full of fish and tropical sea life. Many of Hawaii’s beaches are, in fact, beautiful escapes with waters well suited to snorkeling and swimming. Others, however, are beaches where the water is so rough and unpredictable that only the bravest surfers paddle out into the water. Some beaches are very shallow while others have sea shelves which sharply dart towards the ocean bottom.
Hawaii’s six islands all have beaches, and they’re all different. Oahu’s and Maui’s beaches are known for excellent swimming and snorkeling, while Kauai’s beaches are surrounded by lush green forests and provide opportunities for river kayaking and hiking as well. As the islands were created by violent volcanic activity, some of the beaches are surrounded by exotic-looking lava formations and are composed of dark, colorful sand.
If you’re considering visiting Hawaii’s beaches, you should know that the weather is very different on the Eastern and Western sides of the islands. Warm and sunny beaches are common the Western sides, while the Eastern sides tend to be rainier and cooler with lusher-looking vegetation.
Hawaii Family Beaches
Hawaii’s beaches are world-renowned for their pristine, romantic landscapes and fun water activities. Many of the beaches are wonderful family retreats as well. An impressive array of underwater life means great snorkeling and diving opportunities for kids and adults, and luxurious hotels which offer day spas and day care services cater to adults who’d like a day to themselves while the tykes stay entertained.
Poipu Beach Park on Kauai has a shallow cove which allows young chidren to explore and splash around, and older kids can enjoy an afternoon of surfing and body boarding lessons at the lifeguard protected beach. Nearby championship golf courses and snorkeling activities can entertain mom and dad as well.
Oahu has over 100 miles of beaches, and the South Shore is especially attractive to families. Bath-water temperature oceans, picnic areas and amenity-laden five star resorts mean fun for everyone.
Hawaii Romantic Beaches
With its abundance of romantic, sandy beaches perfect for honeymoons and enchanting getaways, romance and Hawaii go hand-in-hand. One of the most famous is Green Sand Beach on the Big Island. A nearby volcano makes the sand a beautiful, unusual green color. You’ll need three to four hours to hike to this small, secluded beach, and the water is shallow, perfect for romantic strolls. Hulopo'e Beach on Lanai Island is probably among the top 10 beaches in Hawaii, it has huge sand deposit and good swimming coupled with unreal snorkeling on the left (southeast). A vacation in Lania City/Island will be an amazing relaxing one as it is known as "private island' with secluded spots, high-end resorts and excellent golfing.
Hawaiian beaches are known for their beautiful scenery and warm waters. Some beaches are very calm, while others are surfer’s paradises. On Maui, Hamoa Beach’s half-moon shape is protected by black lava rock formations, and its sand is a dramatic dark gray. Couples may stroll along the water or enjoy a fun afternoon of snorkeling in the beach’s calmer sections.
Whether you’re into gorgeous hiking trails, water sports, or getting pampered in luxurious hotels, Hawaii’s beaches will have just what you’re looking for.
Hawaii Dog Friendly Beaches
In the past, canines were not necessarily welcome on Hawaii’s beaches – but no more. Nowadays, man’s best friend has plenty of pet-friendly beaches to explore and enjoy in Hawaii. Most all of the beaches require that dogs be leased, but that doesn’t mean that your pet can’t have a day of fun and adventure in the waves! Several Hawaiian hotels in Honolulu and other cities even offer pet-friendly accommodations, some of which will pamper your pooch as much as they will pamper you!
Tide pools, shallow-water beaches and wide stretches of sand mean paradise for many pets and their owners on Hawaii. The islands’ leash laws have been passed in an effort too protect sunbathers as well as the dogs, for many of the beaches have potentially hazardous landforms such as lava piles and sharp coral reefs.
