Everything is Beachy-Keen!

Aloha from Hawaii!  When you close your eyes and envision what Hawaii is, some people think of gorgeous sandy beaches.  So it’s no surprise that from the westside to the southside and everywhere in between, there are over 750 miles of shoreline throughout the state of Hawaii.  Believe it or not, even with all those miles of shoreline, Hawaii is in 4th place behind Alaska, California and Florida!  With all that shoreline, comes gorgeous beaches!  The islands have every type of sand that you can imagine.  You’ve got white sand, black sand, red sand and even green sand…it’s a rainbow of colors!  Of course it’s not just the colors of the sand…the texture of the sand varies from beach to beach.  You can be on one beach where the sand is very coarse and go to the other side of the island and have a totally different sand texture. That’s one of the things that makes the islands so interesting!

Keep in mind when you’re planning which island to visit that some islands don’t have the same quality or quantity when it comes to beaches.  For example, Hawaii Island (Big Island) has very few sand beaches because of the active volcano Kiluaea.  On the other hand, the island is always growing because the lava flow is adding to the ‘aina(land).  Let’s not totally give the Big Island bad reviews when it comes to the beaches because we have both black sand and green sand beaches there!!  Yes…I said Green!  It’s amazing to visit Papakolea Beach, but very difficult to get to if you don’t have a 4×4 vehicle.  

Hawaii gets its fair share of recognition when it comes to the beaches!  In the last 6 years, a beach from Hawaii was given the coveted spot of #1 Beach in the US 4 times!  Dr. Stephen Leatherman…aka Dr. Beach has been combing beaches around the US for over three decades figuring out who is worthy of the #1 spot on the list!  The most recent is the reigning champion 2021, Hapuna State Beach Park on the Big Island!  2019’s #1 was Kailua Beach Park on the island of Oahu.  2018 was from the island of Maui, Kapalua Bay on the westside.  Then back in 2016,  the island of Oahu took the #1 spot again with Hanauma Bay.  Due to the fact that there is a reservation system in place for visitors because of the popularity of this area, you’ll have to plan ahead if you want to visit Hanauma Bay!  The snorkeling is pristine and an experience like no other!  

No matter what beach you visit while you are in Hawaii, you won’t be disappointed.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind that will make the overall beach experience the best!  

• Make sure you have the necessary gear, beach chairs, an umbrella, hat, sunglasses and lots of fluids to keep you hydrated. **Bringing a reusable water bottle will help save money and the environment.  Alcoholic beverages and Smoking are illegal on the beaches and State Parks throughout Hawaii.  

• Pay attention to signs at the beach.  You may not always have a lifeguard on duty at the beach you are at so be mindful of the posted signs.  Big waves, strong currents and changing conditions can happen quickly and you have to use your best judgment.  There’s a saying “If in doubt…DON’T GO OUT!  And never turn your back to the ocean, all it takes is one wave to knock you over and get you in trouble.    
• Wait and buy your sunscreen when you arrive in Hawaii to ensure you are purchasing Reef Safe Sunscreen.  Some sunscreens say they are Reef Friendly…which is not Reef Safe!  Don’t forget about lip balm that has at least 30SPF to protect yourself properly.  Make sure to reapply your sunscreen often because the Hawaiian sun is a lot more powerful than the sunshine you may be used to on the mainland.   Being located so close to the equator gives Hawaii the ideal warm weather year around.  
• When you’re planning the beaches to visit, make sure you keep in mind that not all beaches and beach parks offer restrooms or showers.  If you have children traveling with you this will be something you want to remember.  

Hawaii has so much to offer when it comes to beaches and like people they are not all created the same.  When you visit Hawaii, go to as many different beaches as you can so you can appreciate all the beauty that the islands have to offer!  You will have a great experience and those memories will stay with you for the rest of your life!  ALOHA!