The 5 Best Beaches in Hawaiʻi in 2026

The Hawaiian Islands are famous for their golden beaches—and even shorelines with black, green and red sand.

Every year, we ask our readers to vote on their favorite beaches—no easy task—and the results vary.

Here are the best beaches from around the Islands that HAWAIʻI Magazine readers love the most in 2026.

1. Kāʻanapali Beach, Maui

Kaanapalibeachaky — Kāʻanapali Beach is also one of the top spots for snorkeling on Maui.
*Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino*

Kāʻanapali Beach jumped from being ranked fifth in 2025 to being the number one beach in Hawaiʻi this year. This beach stretches three miles on Maui’s west side and is surrounded by clear, turquoise waters. While its soft white sand makes an idyllic place to lounge, it’s what you can experience under the sea that puts it on the map as the best. Here, you can swim over a colorful coral reef and among a variety of sea life, including honu and humuhumunukuāpuaʻa, and you’ll understand why Kāʻanapali Beach is also one of the best snorkeling spots on Maui. In the winter months, koholā, or humpback whales, also visit these waters and put on exciting spectacles. As the sun sets, be sure to stick around for another show. The lele kawa (cliff jumping) ceremony happens daily at sunset on Puʻu Kekaʻa, or Black Rock.

2. Waikīkī Beach, Oʻahu

Waikiki Beach And Diamond Head — Waikīkī Beach is one of the most iconic shorelines in the world.
*Photo: Getty Images/Douglas Peebles*

Situated along the south shore of Oʻahu, Waikīkī Beach is one of the most iconic shorelines in the world. Once known as the playground for aliʻi, or Hawaiian royalty, Waikīkī Beach is also considered the birthplace of modern surfing. Today, it draws visitors from around the world. Here, you can learn to surf in the gentle waves, ride an outrigger canoe and enjoy a mai tai at a beachside restaurant. With its interesting history and lively energy, Waikīkī Beach is a must-visit destination.

3. Lanikai Beach, Oʻahu

Just one look at Lanikai, and you’ll be enamored.
*Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino*

The sparkling waters surrounding Lanikai Beach on Oʻahu are stunning, but the beach is well-known for its postcard–worthy views of the two offshore islets Nā Mokulua, affectionally referred to as the Mokes. Throughout the year, the waters are typically calm and clear, making for great swimming and snorkeling. You can even kayak to the islands.

4. Hanalei Bay, Kauaʻi

Hanalei Bay on Kauaʻi is place you’ll want to return to time and time again.
*Photo: Getty Images/ Haizhan Zheng*

Hanalei Bay is one of Kauaʻi’s best gems. The beach is always a favorite among HAWAIʻI Magazine readers—and we love it, too.

The crescent-shaped beach on the island’s north shore is lined with nearly two miles of soft, white sand. So, no matter where you decide to lay out your towel, you’ll have amazing views of Kauaʻi’s dramatic mountain ridges, lush valleys and the historic Hanalei Pier. The bay is famous for its striking scenery, but it’s also an ideal spot for a variety of ocean activities, including surfing, bodyboarding and kayaking.

5.Poʻipū Beach, Kauaʻi

Poipugetty — Poʻipū Beach is a family favorite. If you spend the day here, you’ll catch a spectacular sunset.
*Photo: Getty Images/Riddhish Chakraborty*

Tucked on Kauaʻi’s south shore, Poʻipū Beach makes our annual list of Best Beaches in Hawaiʻi year after year. Thanks to on-duty lifeguards, restrooms and showers, the beach is especially popular among families. There’s even a playground nearby. From catching waves and snorkeling to simply lounging on the sand, you can easily spend an entire day at Poʻipū Beach. Plus, if you stick around, the sunsets here are spectacular.

See all of the winners of our 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards in our latest issue, which you can buy here. Better yet, subscribe and get HAWAIʻI Magazine delivered right to your mailbox.

Grace Maeda is the editor of HAWAIʻI Magazine.