Beaches in Hawaii

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• Ho'okipa Beach

  Haiku, Maui

  Ho'okipa, which means "hospitality" in Hawaiian language, is the name of the beach park loaded with some of the best surfing that can be seen on the north shore of Maui. In fact, in the sport of wind surfing, this beach is world-renown as a place where several international contest have been held. Due to the strength of currents at this beach swimming is limited, and is not safe in winter or when there is a swell.AT A GLANCE: &l

• Makapu'u Beach Park

  Waimanalo, Oahu

  Wild and scenic Makapu'u beach sits at the foot of the towering cliffs and hosts all the natural elements in abundance. It is easy to get blown away here, especially when the north-eastern "trade winds" are strong. The wind currents spiral upward overhead, and frigate birds and their human glider counterparts make use of the updrafts to soar high overhead. White crests of the shore breakers and two islets on the horizon complete the sweeping panorama.

• Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park and Marine Conservation District

  Captain Cook, Big Island

  There is hardly a more beautiful or historically significant location in all the Hawaiian Islands than Kealakekua Bay. Established as a State Historical Park and Marine Conservation District in 1967, the bay is now protected into perpetuity.AT A GLANCEHighlights: historic sites, protected bay and reef fishActivities: kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, scubaLifeguard: noneW

• Ahalanui Beach Park

  Pahoa, Big Island

  Located in the Puna district on the eastern coast of the Big Island, this park is one of the more unique in the islands. The small remote beach is the only hot spring publicly accessible in the islands.AT A GLANCEHighlights: a rocky shoreline with powerful crashing waves separate the warm water pond by a simple concrete sea wall.Activities: swimming, picnicsLifeguard: Daily between the hou

• Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

  Kona, Big Island

  Located just minutes from the center of Kailua-Kona, this expansive park offers a wide range of activities along with a lot of sun under the auspices of the National Park Service.AT A GLANCEHighlights: white sand beach and archeological sites make his the perfect spot to explore, relax and refresh.Activities: swimming, sun bathing, picnics, hikingLifeguard: noneWarnings

• Haena County Beach Park

  Haena, Kauai

  An incredible Bay and Beach await those willing to go the distance for this "end of the road" treat. An 8 mile drive past Hanalei town along some of the most beautiful coastline in Hawaii transports you to this park with a view. Upon crossing a small stream you enter the immediately into the parking area and 5.5 acres of lawn and picnic areas, that is called Ha'ena County Beach Park.AT A GLANCE:HIGHLIGHTS: A breathtakingly beaut

• Polihale State Beach Park

  Waimea, Kauai

  This wild and wondrous white sand beach stretches up to the scenic cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. A "beach lovers' dream" this remote destination is a fantastic day trip for those looking to get away from it all, and just relax. The sands seem to go on endlessly inviting long walks and a sense of spaciousness. Polihale has the best sunsets on Kaua'i, with the western horizon providing a spectacular twilight show of colors as the sun melts into the ocean.

• Salt Pond Beach Park - Hanapepe

  Kalaheo, Kauai

  Salt Pond Beach Park is the easiest to access calm ocean oasis of the South Shore of Kaua'i. Its' name comes from the traditional Hawaiian salt pond adjacent to the ocean cove. The soft sand appears noticeably golden from the mixture of Kauai's rich red earth pigment and the miniature fragments of coral and shell that mix in fine particulate along the shore. The shallow swimming cove is a perfect family friendly landing zone. AT A GLANCE:

• Tunnels Beach aka Makua at Ha'ena Point

  Haena, Kauai

  "Tunnels" is a scenically beautiful beach that rounds Ha'ena Point on Kaua'i's North Shore. Though the beach is not very wide, it stretches for almost a mile with fantastic views of the coast and brilliant aqua blue ocean. The underwater topography is a combination of lava rock and coral reef, when calm ocean conditions prevail, snorkeling the shallows close to shore can make for an epic Kaua'i experience. AT A GLANCE:HIGHLIGHTS

• Waialae Beach

  Kahala, Oahu

  Located next to the Waialae Country Club, this gorgeous beach is just a short drive from the chaos of Waikiki, making it the perfect retreat for those looking to avoid the crowds. AT A GLANCE: HIGHLIGHTS: When you set foot onto this gorgeous stretch of beach, you won't even know you're just four miles from Waikiki. It is quiet and peaceful, with plenty of space for sunning, picnics, or throwing a Frisbee. The grassy park area is extensive