Hawaii Vacations

Hawaii beach vacations are what most people think of when they are considering a beach vacation in the USA, and it's not hard to see why. The archipelago's nineteen islands boast a host of beach attractions, from über-popular Waikiki Beach to more secluded spots that are off the tourist radar. Travelers on Hawaii beach vacations can expect wide swaths of golden sand, colorful tropical fish swimming in the clear water, and world-class surfing and water sports.

The Big Island is home to some of the best beaches in the world. Kona is the main town on the western coast and the beaches here are particularly famous for their high quality sand, great surfing, snorkeling, and swimming. While there are several large tourist resorts on the beach in Kona, there are also smaller, more secluded areas where you can enjoy the sand and sun to your heart's content. The 300 days of sun per year don't hurt either. Don't forget to imbibe a cup of Kona's famous coffee on a cafe terrace while you're there.

Waikiki Beach in Oahu is by far Hawaii's most famous beach. Situated along the coastline of Honolulu, visitors to Waikiki can benefit from the urban conveniences of the city, and the many hotels located on the beach. Although it can get crowded and has a touristy feel, Waikiki has soft white sand, clear water for snorkeling, and the gentle waves make it a good place to try your hand at surfing for the first time.

There are plenty of less crowded locations for Hawaii beach vacations, for those who prefer to be away from hustle and bustle of Honolulu. Kauai has several well-known beaches such as Hanalei Bay and Poipu Beach, and Maui has some splendid stretches of sand, like Kaanapali Beach and Kapalua Bay Beach. Some of the lesser known islands like Lanai and Molokai have pristine beaches far from the tourist train.