Most Beautiful Beaches in Hawaii

Kauai, Hawaii, USA
Kauai, Hawaii, USA | Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash
Kalena McElroy

Hawaii usually appears in guides naming the best beaches in the world. Many miles of coastline make it hard to decide which beaches in the state are truly the most beautiful. From volcanic black sand and secluded hidden gems to incredible snorkeling spots, Hawaii offers a variety of beaches for every mood.

Big Island

Punalu‘u Beach

Punalu‘u Beach is not only famous for its jet-black shoreline but it’s also a well-known place to spot honu (green sea turtles). These endangered marine reptiles are often found basking in the sun or munching on algae in the shallow bay.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

Hapuna Beach

Hapuna Beach’s turquoise water, fine white sand, and minimal rainfall land it on most best beaches lists. Many cafes, restaurants and stores are nearby, making it a sunbather’s dream. If the beach is too crowded, there is a rustic dirt path near Hapuna Beach Resort that follows the sea cliffs, connecting Hapuna Beach and the nearby Mauna Kea Beach.

Moloka’i

Papohaku Beach Park

Papohaku Beach on Moloka’i’s west shore is the place to be for complete solitude. Moloka’i is one of the rare spots where it’s easy to find yourself on a beach or hiking trail all alone. Papohaku Beach Park is great for picnicking, beach volleyball, barbecuing, camping or just spending the day on the pristine sandy shore.

Maui

Pa’iloa Beach

In the final section on the road to Hāna in Maui, there is a small, yet mesmerizing black sand beach named Pa’iloa. This area is often spoken about in Hawaiian legends and it’s easy to see why. The small curved beach is part of the 120-acre Wai’anapanapa State Park, where lava rock outcroppings, freshwater caverns, natural arches, and sea caves add to the mystery of the place.

Lana‘i

Pu‘u Pehe

Walking the short trail from Hulopoe Beach, it’s hard to miss the volcanic Pu‘u Pehe sea stack, known as Sweetheart Rock sitting in the water offshore. Visitors can sit on the small crescent shaped beach tucked under the cliffside, while contemplating the tragic Hawaiian legend of two lovers. A princess from Maui and a warrior from Lanai were deeply in love, but one day during high surf, the princess drowned. The grieving warrior buried his beloved at the top of Pu‘u Pehe before jumping into the crashing surf 80-feet below.

O‘ahu

Waimea Bay

Waimea Bay on O‘ahu’s North Shore is most famous for its gigantic winter swells, generating the waves for legendary rides by the world’s top surfers and home to the Eddie Aikau Big Wave International. In summer though, the water is crystal clear and calm. Locals and tourists love to climb the large rock on the left side of the bay and make the 30-foot plunge into the ocean.

Makapuʻu Beach

Makapuʻu Beach is a well-known bodyboarding spot and local hangout, nestled right below the popular lighthouse hiking trail. Two islands—Manana and Kāohikaipu, both state bird sanctuaries—sit right offshore, while a little further up the coast, children splash around in the tide pools at Baby Makapuʻu. Overhead, dozens of paragliders soar next to the steep Koʻolau mountain range which backs the beach before landing in the nearby open field.

Kaua‘i

Polihale State Park

The rural Polihale State Park can only be reached by experienced off-road drivers with a 4-wheel drive vehicle—many people get stuck here. The difficult access means it’s possible to have the long white sand beach all to yourself. The secluded state park consists of large sand dunes, camp grounds, and a beach that stretches for over 17 miles—the longest in Hawaii.

Makua Beach

The golden sand of Makua Beach on Kaua‘i, often referred to as Tunnels, is a stark contrast to the surrounding lush tropical mountains. The diverse inner and outer reef habitats make Tunnels one of the best places on the island to scuba dive and snorkel. It’s common to see various types of parrot fish, trigger fish, wrasses, and honu among the branching coral heads.

Kauapea Beach

With no signs pointing the way, Kauapea Beach is nicknamed ‘Secret Beach’ for a reason. A strenuous yet short hike lets visitors in on the secret—Kauapea’s white sand and tide pools surrounded by black lava rock cliffs. The iconic Kilauea Lighthouse can be seen in the distance, adding to the beach’s charm.

Originally written by Jonathan Stern.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article