Best Hawaii Beaches, From O‘ahu to Kaua‘i

Hawai‘i’s beaches are among the islands’ greatest drawcards, spanning everything from calm, inviting bays to legendary breaks that lure big-wave surfers from around the globe.

Stepping onto the powdery white sands of the pristine Hāpuna Beach on the island of Hawai‘i, I slip into water so clear and turquoise it feels almost unreal. Emerging, I glance up to see volcanic peaks veiled in mist on the horizon. A few days later I find myself at world-famous Waikīkī Beach, beguiled in an entirely different way. The ocean is just as inviting, but here it hums with energy – bright yellow outrigger canoes line the shore, lifeguard towers stand watch, surfers glide along gentle, rolling waves and sunseekers drift on fluoro inflatables, framed by skyrise hotels and the striking profile of Diamond Head. Hawai‘i’s beaches are nothing if not diverse, and discovering them is one of the great pleasures of exploring these islands.

My pick of the top five beaches in Hawai‘i

1. Hāpuna Beach, island of Hawai‘i
2. Lanikai Beach, O‘ahu
3. Kapalua Bay, Maui
4. Hanalei Bay, Kaua‘i
5. Waimea Bay, O‘ahu

O‘ahu

Oʻahu’s beach culture is a vibrant blend of urban energy and deep-rooted surf heritage. Here, world-famous breaks meet family-friendly lagoons, all within reach of the island’s capital, Honolulu.

Waikīkī Beach

Hawaiʻi’s most iconic stretch, where slow, regular waves make surfing accessible to all. Surf schools, board hire shops, lifeguard towers, cafes and restaurants line the shore. It’s ideal for first-time surfers, families, and travellers who want it all at their doorstep.

Lanikai Beach

Powder-soft sand and impossibly turquoise water, with the Mokulua Islands floating offshore around half an hour’s drive from Waikīkī, but a world away. It’s a great spot for couples, photographers and early risers chasing sunrise serenity, but there are no lifeguards or formal amenities, so come prepared.

Sunset Beach

A North Shore legend, famed for towering winter waves and golden-hour magic. Lifeguards are present, but conditions can be hazardous when the surf’s up, so if you’re not an experienced surfer, it’s better to watch them from the shore. In summer, when the water is calmer and warmer, it’s a fantastic, family-friendly option. There are basic facilities, including toilets and showers.

Waimea Bay

Also on the North Shore, Waimea Bay pairs a wide arc of golden sand with crystal-clear water that shifts from tranquil in summer to spectacular surf in winter. Lifeguards, toilets and showers are available. It’s perfect for confident swimmers in calmer months, or spectators drawn to some of Hawai‘i’s most powerful waves in winter.

Maui

The pace of Maui’s beaches feels blissfully unhurried, with many set against views of neighbouring islands. It’s not uncommon to share the shoreline with sea turtles or lazing Hawaiian monk seals.

Kā‘anapali Beach

A nearly five-kilometre stretch of golden sand lined with hotels, restaurants and shops, known for a sunset cliff dive ceremony at Puʻu Kekaʻa (Black Rock). Great for resort lovers, families and culture seekers, with lifeguards to keep everyone safe.

Makena Beach

Also known as Big Beach, this expansive, untamed stretch delivers drama and space. The shore break can be strong, so it’s best for confident swimmers and those seeking fewer crowds, and safer to swim when the lifeguards are on duty. Portaloos are available at the entrance.

Kapalua Bay

Set on Maui’s north-west coast, Kapalua Bay is a sheltered crescent beach lapped by calm, clear water ideal for snorkelling. Backed by palms and low-key resorts, the patrolled beach offers facilities including toilets and showers. It’s ideal for families, beginner snorkellers and those seeking a serene swim.

Island of Hawai‘i

From black and green sands to pockets of soft white, the island of Hawai‘i’s beaches are quieter and often come with magnificent volcanic backdrops.

Hāpuna Beach

the Hapuna State Beach Park in Hawaii — The white-sand Hapuna Beach boasts clear, turquoise waters ideal for swimming. (Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson)

One of the island’s best white-sand beaches, with clear water and excellent year-round conditions. The patrolled beach has toilets, showers, picnic areas and parking and is suitable for families, swimmers and sunbathers.

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Punaluʻu Beach

Punalu'u black sand beach on Big Island Hawaii — Punalu’u’s black sand beach was formed by molten basaltic lava from Kīlauea volcano. (Credit: Getty/Philippe FLEURY)

Jet-black sand and frequent sightings of Hawaiian green sea turtles basking ashore make this Kaʻū Coast beach a favourite for wildlife lovers and those seeking something unique. There are no lifeguards and basic facilities, including toilets and parking.

Papakolea Beach

One of only a handful of green-sand beaches in the world, coloured by finely crushed volcanic olivine crystals, Papakolea Beach is only accessible by foot (a nine-kilometre hike each way) or by using local, unofficial, paid 4WD shuttle services. There are no lifeguards or facilities, so bring all essentials and take your rubbish with you when you leave.

Kaua‘i

Kauaʻi’s beaches, much like the rest of the island, are wild and untamed, shaped by lush cliffs and powerful surf. Many are gloriously remote.

Hanalei Bay

A vast crescent-shaped beach surrounded by emerald mountains with an historic pier, built in 1892, that’s used for fishing, sunset watching and jumping into the ocean. The patrolled beach has good facilities and is popular with families for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking in summer, and surfers are attracted by its large swells in winter.

Po‘ipū Beach

Sunny south shore conditions, calm waters and frequent monk seal sightings make this beach one of Kaua‘i’s finest. It’s suitable for families and beginner snorkellers, with lifeguards, picnic areas, toilets and playgrounds.

Tunnels Beach

This North Shore beach offers exceptional snorkelling over coral reefs beneath the dramatic Nā Pali backdrop, but is best left for experienced snorkellers and nature lovers. There are no lifeguards or toilets and parking is limited, so park at nearby Haena Beach Park, use the amenities and hike in from there.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

Hawai‘i’s best beaches by island – for relaxing and surfing