The best beaches in Hawaii

Hawaii is best known for being a luxury cruise holiday destination, blessed with gorgeous weather and a bounty of stunning beaches. Appreciated worldwide for its high standard of surfing and its crystal clear waters, you can’t avoid hitting the beach on a cruise to Hawaii. From black and white sand beaches perfect for romance or adrenaline sports to those off-the-beaten-track secrets, this cluster of islands is sure to offer you the perfect beach. 

Punaluu Black Sand Beach is a real stand-out amongst not only our list but most other beaches across the Hawaiian islands. Years of volcanic activity along the southwestern side of Hawaii Island have helped to create an incredible jet-black shoreline. The clear blue sea washes against the dark sand, while palm trees sway in the background, creating a picture that could be taken from the latest sci-fi film. The water is livelier here than along other beaches but for the beautiful black beach alone, you must visit Punaluu. 

A series of golden half-moon beaches run along this popular south shore beach, brilliant for simmers and snorkelers. The clear waters are home to some beautiful marine life with large green sea turtles and tropical fish like Hawaii’s state fish, humuhumunukunukuapua’a, otherwise known as the reef triggerfish. 

Locally known as Makua Beach, it was nicknamed Tunnels because of the arches and caves that can be discovered in the coral reef beneath the water and the tubular waves formed from the ocean swell. Teeming with marine life, this is a prime location for snorkelling. Beginners can enjoy the inner reef, while experienced divers and snorkelers can venture out to the deeper outer reef. You may recognise the stunning scenery that overlooks this beach, as the 1958 classic South Pacific was shot here. 

More secluded, Ho’okipa is regarded as a mecca for ocean sports with windsurfers, in particular, taking advantage of some of the best waves along the Maui coast. A long and narrow beach, the water is a varying pallet of blue colours with the exposed coral offshore reef luring you into the sea. For the best views, just step back up to the small cliffs that look out across the entire length of Ho’okipa and reveal the area’s beauty in all of its magnificence. 

If you are the adventurous type, then this beach is for you. After hiking down rocks to the beach, you’ll be rewarded with a secluded sanctum, lapped by turquoise waves and surrounded by lava rocks. Also known as Eternity Beach, this is where Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr starred in the 1953 film, From Here to Eternity. 

Hanauma Bay is a natural wonder. A volcanic eruption over a thousand years ago created this curved alcove, which protects the beach from large ocean swells and makes it one of the finest swimming and snorkelling spots in Hawaii.

Waimea Bay is among the most popular beaches on the north shore of Oahu, particularly with surfers seeking waves during giant winter swells. The waters are very calm during the summer and the wide beach of sugar-soft sand is perfect for kicking back and relaxing.