Which are the most scenic beaches/volcanoes in Hawaii?
Jun 21, 2017, 8:52 pm
#1
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Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 128
Which are the most scenic beaches/volcanoes in Hawaii?
Looking to know which island is best to go for the picture perfect coastline. I'd like to know where to go for the most unique looking natural wonders.
Thanks for any comparing/contrasting in a breakdown of the scenery on the Hawaiian islands.
Thanks for any comparing/contrasting in a breakdown of the scenery on the Hawaiian islands.
Jun 21, 2017, 11:59 pm
#2
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 7,141
Wow, this is a loaded question.
You can find the most amazing coastlines on all the islands, and without some luck of specialized knowledge, you might just drive by one without even knowing what lies below.
I don't have the time to write an epic post, but since most tourists come to Oahu first, let me just mention some wonderful coastlines on that island:
Kaena Point (for safety's sake, approach from the North Shore)
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/nars/oahu/kaena/
https://www.hawaiilife.com/blog/hike...oss-sanctuary/
East Oahu
For example:
https://www.hawaii.com/oahu/attracti...le-beach-cove/
All along the Eastern coast, there are a number of equally-or-more stunning areas.
Now for Volcanoes:
While my personal favorite is Loihi, most people find it too difficult to view:
https://www.soest.hawaii.edu/GG/HCV/loihi.html
However, the HVNP is a snap: https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm
Enjoy!
You can find the most amazing coastlines on all the islands, and without some luck of specialized knowledge, you might just drive by one without even knowing what lies below.
I don't have the time to write an epic post, but since most tourists come to Oahu first, let me just mention some wonderful coastlines on that island:
Kaena Point (for safety's sake, approach from the North Shore)
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/nars/oahu/kaena/
https://www.hawaiilife.com/blog/hike...oss-sanctuary/
East Oahu
For example:
https://www.hawaii.com/oahu/attracti...le-beach-cove/
All along the Eastern coast, there are a number of equally-or-more stunning areas.
Now for Volcanoes:
While my personal favorite is Loihi, most people find it too difficult to view:
https://www.soest.hawaii.edu/GG/HCV/loihi.html
However, the HVNP is a snap: https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm
Enjoy!
Jun 22, 2017, 4:01 am
#3
Moderator: Hawaii-based airlines & Hawai'i forums
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Ka ʻĀpala Nui, Nuioka
Programs: NEXUS/Global Entry, Delta, United, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, and Hertz
Posts: 18,037
I'd suggest starting here for an overview of the major islands: https://www.gohawaii.com/statewide/choose-an-island/
Here's a recap of the beaches: https://www.gohawaii.com/statewide/g...awaii-beaches/
Here's a recap of the volcanoes: https://www.gohawaii.com/statewide/d...oes-of-hawaii/
Here's a recap of the beaches: https://www.gohawaii.com/statewide/g...awaii-beaches/
Here's a recap of the volcanoes: https://www.gohawaii.com/statewide/d...oes-of-hawaii/
Last edited by FlyinHawaiian; Jun 22, 2017 at 5:55 am
Jun 22, 2017, 3:34 pm
#4
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 597
There are a thousand great beaches in Hawaii, but my two favorite gentle surf beaches are Po'ipu Beach on Kauai and Makena Beach (both Big Beach and Little Beach) on Maui. Both are incredibly beautiful and tranquil, but don't leave anything of value in your car at Makena. Makena seems like one beach, but there's a secluded second beach Little Beach) over the rocks and it's much more free spirited.
On Oahu, beaches on the north shore (Bonzai Pipeline) have huge waves in the winter and after Pacific storms. And on Maui, Baldwin Park Beach (at Paia) is a favorite of windsurfers.
I'd take a bad beach in Hawaii over a beach just about anywhere else, I guess. But I'm not sure, because I've never found a bad beach there.
On Oahu, beaches on the north shore (Bonzai Pipeline) have huge waves in the winter and after Pacific storms. And on Maui, Baldwin Park Beach (at Paia) is a favorite of windsurfers.
I'd take a bad beach in Hawaii over a beach just about anywhere else, I guess. But I'm not sure, because I've never found a bad beach there.
Jun 22, 2017, 4:24 pm
#5
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 6
Kauai hands down
If you want uncrowded or perfect beach escapes, Kauai has no rival. Some are not very swimming friendly, but they are diverse and just beautiful. I've had many of these to myself, and a few monk seals! This list isn't even close to complete.
perfect list
Ke'e
Tunnels
Hideaways
Anini
Salt Pond
Poipu
Kiahuna
Shipwrecks
no crowds list
Sealodge
Ha'ena
Larsens
Papa'a
Donkey
Kekaha
Lydgate
Kalapaki
Secret Beach
Anahola
Moloa'a
Polihale State Park
perfect list
Ke'e
Tunnels
Hideaways
Anini
Salt Pond
Poipu
Kiahuna
Shipwrecks
no crowds list
Sealodge
Ha'ena
Larsens
Papa'a
Donkey
Kekaha
Lydgate
Kalapaki
Secret Beach
Anahola
Moloa'a
Polihale State Park
Jun 22, 2017, 6:35 pm
#6
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: CLT
Programs: AA Plat Pro, HH Diamond, SPG Plat / Life Gold
Posts: 30
I just got back from Big Island for 8 days. If you want to see an active volcano go there, but actual white sand beaches are limited so pick where you stay carefully (Marriott has an autograph collection hotel with a really nice beach that is pretty private due to limited public spaces being offered). Perhaps if your staying for a week or more your best option may be splitting time on two islands. There is a lot to do and good variety on Big Island but you will drive a lot.
Next trip i plan to do will be 8 days split between Kauai and Maui.
Next trip i plan to do will be 8 days split between Kauai and Maui.
Jun 22, 2017, 7:22 pm
#7
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: msp
Programs: DL Plat, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 798
I just got back from Big Island for 8 days. If you want to see an active volcano go there, but actual white sand beaches are limited so pick where you stay carefully (Marriott has an autograph collection hotel with a really nice beach that is pretty private due to limited public spaces being offered). Perhaps if your staying for a week or more your best option may be splitting time on two islands. There is a lot to do and good variety on Big Island but you will drive a lot.
Next trip i plan to do will be 8 days split between Kauai and Maui.
Next trip i plan to do will be 8 days split between Kauai and Maui.
Jun 23, 2017, 12:44 am
#8
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Berlin, Germany
Programs: BA BAEC GGL / A3 Gold
Posts: 22
If you are on Oahu, just drive up the West Coast (Farrington Highway) until you reach the end of the road. It's a nice day trip from HNL.
The beaches along the Highway are amazing, sometimes you are completely alone on them, especially the further you drive away from HNL.
And because it is the West Coast, you can take great sunset photos, too. Or just stay in the Pacific Ocean until the sun drops down behind the horizon...
https://www.google.de/maps/@21.43193...2083152,11.89z
CARST
The beaches along the Highway are amazing, sometimes you are completely alone on them, especially the further you drive away from HNL.
And because it is the West Coast, you can take great sunset photos, too. Or just stay in the Pacific Ocean until the sun drops down behind the horizon...
https://www.google.de/maps/@21.43193...2083152,11.89z
CARST
Jun 23, 2017, 9:23 am
#9
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
^^^ The simplest answer.
If you want amenities, a, b, c beaches are the best.
If you want isolation, d, e, f beaches are the best.
If you want a calm beach, g, h, i beaches are the best.
If you want waves, j, k, l beaches are the best.
And all of this is subject to personal opinion/preferences. Point is...
Hard to find a bad beach in Hawaii.
If you want amenities, a, b, c beaches are the best.
If you want isolation, d, e, f beaches are the best.
If you want a calm beach, g, h, i beaches are the best.
If you want waves, j, k, l beaches are the best.
And all of this is subject to personal opinion/preferences. Point is...
Hard to find a bad beach in Hawaii.
Jun 24, 2017, 12:31 pm
#10
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: TUL
Programs: AA EXP 2MM; Marriott Titanium; Hilton Diamond; Hyatt Explorist; Vistana 5* Elite; Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 6,177
Although each island is beautiful, I believe the best scenery is on Kauai. Also, a great tour for you and your camera: http://www.hawaiianphotos.net/Kauaitours.htm
Jul 12, 2017, 4:14 am
#12
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep. / Washington, DC
Programs: AA PPro/DL PLT, PPass, Marriott / Hilton Gold, JetBlue Mosaic, Hertz Presidents Circle, Amex Plat
Posts: 4,630
In addition to the beaches mentioned above, if going to Kauai, do not miss the Kalalau Point. The view (when it's not cloudy) is breathtaking.