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Hawaii Beach Guide
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South Pacific Beach Holidays
our rankings - select destination for more info
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South Pacific Honeymoons
our rankings - select destination for more info
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Hawaii beach locations are renowned for their long stretches of white sand, great swimming, excellent surfing and body surfing and spectacular mountain backdrops. However, many beaches have unpredictable and often dangerous currents. Winter months bring regular high surf to the northern shores of the islands and not only make swimming dangerous but can also wash away the sand from the shore. By summer, the sand invariably returns. Summer storms conversely bring high surf to southern shores. If you're not a good swimmer, swim only where lifeguards are present or where man-made tidal pools protect the shores. There are lots of State Parks around the islands offering excellent amenities including lifeguards, picnic benches, barbecue stands, showers and camping. There are lots of large resorts and the more popular locations offer public access and parking. All beaches in Hawaii are public access areas.
In general, the best surf is found on Oahu, the most action at Waikiki Beach, the most seclusion on the Big Island, the most breath-taking and spectacular on Kauai, and the best swimming and snorkelling on Maui.
Hawaii beach holidays are without doubt one of the best and most popular in the world. Almost five million tourists flock here each year, most to sample the fantastic beaches. Waikiki is the centre of it all, with its glorious active scene, but there are hundreds more beaches to suit every ones taste - secluded regions that may take hours to walk to, black sand beaches with green turtles relaxing on the shore, wild surfing beaches with dangerous currents and placid sweeping crescents backed by magnificent mountain ranges.
Hawaii beaches are amongst the most famous around the world with Waikiki Beach on Oahu and Hapana Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii having been nominated for top global awards. But quite what is appealing about a beach depends entirely upon the user. Personally, I am awed by the scenic beauty of a beach - it's natural setting and picturesque qualities - for these, neither Waikiki nor Hapana would come close to my best Hawaii beach locations, but Haena Beach on Kauai and Waipio Beach on the Big Island definitely would. So instead I have summarised each island for its beach locations and listed the most popular beaches for its qualities whether it is good for swimming, snorkelling, scenery or beachcombing.
Hawaii is renowned for its long stretches of white sand and great surfing conditions. Winter months bring big waves to the northern shores and make swimming dangerous and can also wash away the sand from the beach. Summer months see larger waves on the southern shores, although these are generally safe for swimming. What all Hawaiian beaches have in common is unpredictable and sometimes dangerous currents. If you're not a good swimmer, swim only where lifeguards are present or where man-made tidal pools protect the shores.
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