Where to Go in Hawaii: Best Beaches for Snorkeling, Sunset & Actually Finding Parking— Ep 83

Ultimate Guide to Hawaii's Best Beaches: Snorkeling, Sunsets, and Secluded Spots

Planning a trip to Hawaii can be overwhelming with its plethora of beaches. This guide breaks down the top beaches across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island based on your interests—whether it's snorkeling, sunset watching, easy parking, or finding secluded spots away from the crowds. Recommendations are tailored to suit different needs, from family-friendly locations to adventurous hikes and mobility-friendly beach options. The video also offers practical tips on parking, timing, and safety, ensuring you pick the perfect beach for your visit. For personalized advice, consultation services are available.

00:00 Introduction: Planning Your Perfect Hawaii Beach Trip
01:25 Oahu: Top Beaches for Snorkeling and Sunsets
06:36 Maui: Best Beaches for Snorkeling and Sunsets
10:35 Kauai: Snorkeling, Sunsets, and Secluded Spots
14:07 Big Island: Snorkeling and Unique Beaches
18:01 Conclusion: Tips for Choosing the Best Beach

Who this episode is for: Anyone trying to choose the right beach across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island based on specific priorities — snorkeling, sunsets, easy parking, or seclusion.

What you'll learn: Top beach picks by island and by purpose (snorkeling, sunset watching, family-friendly, secluded, mobility-friendly), plus practical tips on parking, timing, and safety.

Places discussed:

• Oahu 
• Maui 
• Kauai 
• Big Island 

Activities discussed:

• Snorkeling
• Sunset watching
• Finding beach parking
• Choosing family-friendly beaches
• Choosing secluded/less-crowded beaches
• Choosing mobility-friendly beach options

Marcie's recommendations:

• Match your beach choice to your specific priority — snorkeling, sunset, parking ease, or seclusion — rather than picking the most famous option by default
• Each island has distinct standout beaches for different purposes; see linked resources for specifics
• Consider mobility-friendly beach options if accessibility is a factor for your group
• Plan parking and timing strategically, since beach access has become more complex in recent years (see also: Ep 82)
• Prioritize safety awareness specific to each beach's conditions

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes: 

• Beach Parking in Hawaii: Fees, Reservations & Timing Strategy— Ep 82

Related articles:

• 105 Expert Travel Tips to Enjoy Hawaii on a Budget
• 10 Hawaii Travel Hacks for Families on a Budget
• Get Your FREE Hawaii Family Budget Planner!
• FREE 5 Day Email Course: How to Save Money in Hawaii

Additional resources:

• Discount Hawaii Car Rental (Marcie's affiliate link)

About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

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Transcript

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Hey there. So you're planning your Hawaii trip and wanna wanna know where to actually go, right? I mean, Hawaii has hundreds of beaches and trying to find out which ones match what you wanna do can feel overwhelming. Today we're breaking down the best beaches across four islands, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the big island by the activities you actually care about. We're talking snorkeling, sunset, watching beaches with actual parking, and those hidden spots where you won't be elbow to elbow with other tourists. Here's my framework. Think about what matters most to you. Are you all about seeing fish and turtles? Do you need easy parking because you're traveling with kids or older relatives? Are you chasing that perfect Instagram sunset, or do you just want a quiet stretch of sand where you can actually hear yourself think? Once you know your priorities, matching them to the right beach becomes so much easier. And here's the thing, the best beach completely depends on what you want. A beach that's perfect for snorkeling might have terrible parking. A secluded gem might require a sketchy hike. It's all about trade-offs. Now I'm gonna give you specific recommendations, but remember if you have a special mobility needs traveling with very young kids or need really specific timing advice, that's where a consultation can help you weigh all those factors and pick your perfect spots for your situation. All right. Let's start with Oahu. If you want the absolute best snorkeling on Oahu, most people will tell you Hanauma Bay. And yes, it's incredible. It's a marine life conservation district, so the fish are plentiful and used to people. But here's what you need to know. You have to make reservations in advance. It costs $25 per person plus parking, and it gets absolutely mobbed. I'm talking tour buses and hundreds of people. So let me give you some alternatives. Sharks Cove on the North Shore is genuinely world-class snorkeling, but, and this is crucial. Summer, only in winter, those waves will toss you around like a rag doll. The North Shore transforms completely between seasons. Summer at Sharks Cove, you've got these underwater lava formations, caves to explore and tons of fish. There's a small parking lot. Restrooms and lifeguards get there early though, because parking fills up fast. Now if you're staying in Waikiki and don't wanna drive an hour head to queen's beach at the diamond head end. It's part of a marine life conservation district, so you'll see tropical fish, and often turtles along the jetty. It's not as spectacular as Sharks Cove, but as walking distance from most Waikiki hotels, and it's free for something totally different. Electric Beach, also called Kahe. Point is, where the power plant discharges warm water into the ocean. The warm water attracts all kind of marine life. We're talking dolphins, turtles, huge schools of fish. But here's the catch. The current is strong. There's no lifeguard, and you need to be a confident swimmer with fins. This is not a beginner spot. Ko Olina lagoons are perfect if you've got nervous snorkelers or kids. These are manmade lagoons, super calm and protected with fish that swim right up to you. Parking at Lagoon four is easiest. Facilities are there. Restrooms and showers is not gonna w it's not going to wow. Experienced snorkelers, but it's stress free. And here's an insider tip, most tourist miss. Go snorkeling first thing in the morning. The water's calmest, clearest, and you'll see way more fish before they get spooked by crowds. For sunsets, you want west facing beaches, and the north shore has some of the most stunning sunset spots on the island. Sunset Beach. Yeah, that's literally the name for this, has a classic Hawaii sunset with surfers in the foreground and mountains in the background. There's a parking lot across the street with restrooms and showers. In winter, you can watch pro surfers catch massive waves. As the sun goes down in summer, it's calmer and you can actually swim. Get there before the golden hour starts because even though it's less crowded at sunset than midday, locals know about the spot. Waimea Bay is another North Shore winner, but parking is a nightmare if you strike out there. Just keep driving to Sunset Beach. On the west side, Ko Olina Lagoons again. Lagoon four specifically gives you sunset over the water with those swaying palms. Very romantic, very Instagram worthy. Parking is actually decent here. And here's one most tourists don't know about Yokohama Bay at the very end of the road on the west side, it's remote, rarely crowded, and the sunset is absolutely spectacular with those dramatic cliffs. But swimming can be dangerous here with strong currents. So this is really a sunset watching spot, not a swimming beach. Okay, let's talk parking because this is a real issue on Oahu. Ala Moana Beach Park has probably the most parking of any beach on the island. It's right next to Waikiki, has lifeguards facilities and nice sunset views. It's not the most Instagram worthy beach, but it's incredibly convenient. Kualoa Beach Park on the Windward side has good parking and these incredible views of Chinaman's Hat Island. The water's calm year round because there's an ancient reef protecting it. It's great for families with little kids. Kaha Beach off Kaha avenue, has street parking, and most tourists have no idea it exists. It's where locals go. There's calm water, nice swimming, and is way less crowded. Sandy Beach has ample parking, but be warned, this is a Bodyboarding Beach with a notorious shore break. People get injured here regularly. Come to watch the body borders and admire the view, but only get in the water if you really know what you're doing now for those hidden gems, Malaekahana beach state recreation area up on the North Shore past Turtle Bay is this long, beautiful pine tree lined beach that barely anyone visits. It's stunning. The sand can be a bit rocky in places, sobering water shoes, but you'll have huge stretches of beach practically to yourselves even on the weekends. Lanikai Beach is technically famous, but here's the thing about Lanikai. Parking is impossible. It's a residential neighborhood and locals are not thrilled about tourists. If you go on a weekday morning or park at Kailua Beach and walk over, you can find some peace. The water is that incredible. Turquoise blue and the two offshore islands make for gorgeous photos. Waialua Beach on the North Shore isn't even visible from the main road, which keeps crowds down. Locals love it to find it, you're looking for access points that aren't super obvious, and if you really want secluded Mokule'ia beach, past beach, way out past Hava is probably the least crowded beach on the north shore. It's where they filmed, lost that plane crash scene. The beach goes on forever, and you might have the whole thing to yourself. Not great for swimming, depending on conditions, but incredible for long walks and solitude. Now let's head to Maui. Maui has this reputation for having the best beaches in Hawaii, and honestly, there's some truth to that. For snorkeling, Honolua Bay is a crown jewel. It's a marine preserve up on the northwest coast, past Kapalua. You have to walk through this jungle path to get there. It's beautiful and a little adventurous. The bay has rocky entry, no sand, and it's more of a snorkeling mission than a beach day. But the fish, the coral, the diversity, it's incredible. Summer only though in winter, the surface takeover and conditions are too rough. Most tourists go to Molokini Crater, which requires a boat ride. It's at half moon shaped volcanic crater. You see in all the pictures, the water clarity is insane and it's a cool experience, but you're paying for a boat tour. You're on their schedule and you're with a bunch of other people. Let me tell you about some Sure. Access spots that are just as good. Kahekili Beach Park, also called Airport Beach has everything. Ample parking in a big lot, restrooms, showers, easy water entry and the reef starts close to shore. This is probably the best beginner, snorkeling spot on Maui. Fish and turtles are abundant. Families love it. BlackRock on the north end of Ka'anapali Beach is super convenient. If you're staying in that area, you can literally walk from your hotel snorkel along the rock wall and you'll see tons of fish and usually turtles. It gets crowded, but it's easy. Turtle town near Maluaka Beach is where you'll go specifically to see turtles. The name is accurate. Most people get there by boat, but you can kayak there from Wailea too if you're up for it. For something more adventurous. Slaughterhouse Beach, terrible name, gorgeous Beach is up near Honolua. You have to go down steep stairs, but the snorkeling is excellent, less crowded than the big name spots. It's for strong swimmers only, and definitely not in the winter. For sunsets, you're spoiled for choice on Maui. Kaanapali Beach is a classic Maui Sunset spot, that three mile stretch of sand, the resort slid up the cliff diving. The cliff diving ceremony of BlackRock at sunset. It's iconic. Parking can be tricky, but if you're staying nearby, just walk over Keawakapu Beach between Wailea and Kihei is a local favorite long stretch of sand restaurants right there, beautiful sunset colors. Parking at the south end, less crowded than Kaanapali. Makena Beach, which is also called Big Beach, gives you this wide open, undeveloped vibe. The sunset is spectacular and the beach is huge, so you can spread out. Parking lot is right there and there's facilities nearby. Now, here's an insider spot, Po'olenalena Beach near Big Beach. The wedding photographers all know about this one because it's less crowded, but just as gorgeous. You'll see the pros there at Sunset working with couple. Now let's talk about parking. Makena Beach has a good sized parking lot. It gets full in peak season, but it's better than most. Kahekili Beach Park has that big public lot we mentioned probably the best parking situation on Maui for a beach with great amenities. Kapalua Bay has a parking lot, but it fills up quickly. You're gonna wanna get there early or come the afternoon after the morning. Crowd leaves and Ulua Beach in Wailea has decent parking and it's a solid all around beach. It's good for swimming, snorkeling, and body boarding for seclusion Secret cove near Makena is this tiny, perfect little beach tucked between lava rocks. You have to know where to look for it. It's intimate, romantic, and usually not crowded, even midday Oneuli Beach is the Black Sand Beach at Makena State Park. Most people go to Big Beach and never walk over to this side. The black sand is striking and the beach is quieter, but swimming conditions can be rough. So check before going in Honolua Bay again, yes, it's popular with locals, but because of the jungle access and rocky entry, it never feels as mobbed as places like Molokini. And up in East Maui, if you're doing the road to Hana, there are dozens of little beaches along the way. Most people are just stopping for five minutes, taking a photo and moving on. If you actually stop and stay somewhere, you'll have it mostly to yourself. Okay, let's head over to Kauai. The Garden Island beaches here have a more dramatic, rugged. Let's talk about snorkeling tunnels. Beach is legendary. It's also called Makua Beach. Those underwater lava tubes and tunnels give it the name and the snorkeling is absolutely world class. It's summer only winter. The north shore gets pounded by massive swells. But here's the catch with tunnels. Parking is complicated. You need a reservation to park at nearby Haena Beach Park. Or you can try to grab one of the very limited street parking spots near the beach. The Ke'e Beach reservations are expensive and sell out 30 days in advance. It's worth it, but you need to plan. Ke'e Beach itself at the end of the road is beautiful for snorkeling. It's the same deal. You need those hot interstate park reservations. They're $10 per vehicle, $5 per person, and you pick a time slot, morning, afternoon, or evening, or take the shuttle if parking reservations are sold out. Anini Beach has the longest reef in Hawaii. The snorkeling is excellent year round because that big reef keeps the water calm. And here's the best part. There's ample parking facilities and picnic areas. This is probably the most user-friendly, great snorkeling spot on coi. Poipu Beach is the go-to for families. There's a protected cove, lifeguards, facilities, and parking. The snorkeling isn't as dramatic as tunnels, but it's reliable and safe. You'll see turtles and monk seals here regularly. Lydgate Beach Park in Lihue has those rock walled pools making it perfect for nervous snorkelers or little kids. The walls keep the ocean calm and there's fish right there. Lifeguards, facilities and parking. It's all there for something more Secluded. Hideaways Beach requires hiking down a steep trail, about 10 minutes. There's limited parking at the top, but you're rewarded with this intimate beach with great snorkeling and way fewer people. For sunsets, head to the West side. Polihale Beach is at the very end of a five mile dirt road on the west coast. You need an all-terrain vehicle or high clearance vehicle. If it's been raining, the roads flood out, but if you can get there, it's this massive otherworldly beach with 15 miles of sand and incredible sunset fuse. Don't swim here. There's strong currents and no protection from the open ocean, but for sunset drama, it's unbeatable. Salt Pond Beach Park on the southwest shore is way more accessible. There's good parking facilities, calm water from the protected reef, and beautiful sunsets. This is where locals go. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, and hot in a beach park on the north shore gives you sunset over the mountains and ocean. You might catch it after your snorkeling day at tunnels or Ke'e. All right, beaches with great parking on Kauai. Anini Beach definitely wins for parking. There's a major reason why it's so popular. Poipu Beach has good parking for such a popular beach. Lydgate Beach Park has a parking lot and is easy to access Salt. Palm Beach Park has parking available. Most North Shore beaches have limited parking, and you're dealing with that hot in a reservation system for the popular ones. Okay, let's talk about secluded beaches on Kauai Secret Beach. Officially Kauapea Beach requires hiking down an unmarked trail. It's steep and takes about 10 minutes. The beach is huge and dramatic With those towering cliffs behind it, the waves can be rough, so it's more for walking and enjoying the scenery than swimming. There are no facilities and no lifeguards. This is a real off the beaten path stuff. Hideaways Beach I mentioned for snorkeling. That's also a secluded gem. Kipu Kai Beach is only accessible by boat or through private tours, so that stays pretty untouched too. Anini Beach might be on this list too, actually, even though it has good facilities is long enough that you can walk down and find your own quiet stretch. Okay, let's head to the big island Now. Here's the thing about the big island that I need to address upfront. It's not really known for its beaches, and I know, I know you're thinking, but it's Hawaii. Yes, but the big island is geologically young and still being created by active volcanoes. A lot of the coastline is black lava rock. The beaches that do exist tend to be smaller rockier or more challenging to access than what you'll find on Maui or Oahu. That said, the snorkeling here is absolutely phenomenal and there's some beautiful beaches if you know where to go. Okay, snorkeling. Two step officially. Honaunau Bay is one of the best snorkeling spots in all of Hawaii, not just the big island. All of Hawaii. You're entering the water over lava rock steps, so you're gonna wanna wear reef shoes because that lava gets hot and sharp. Once you're in the water is crystal clear. Coral is pristine and fish are everywhere. There's turtles on the left side, possibly Dolphins on the right. Parking is tricky. Um, there is a tiny lot with maybe nine spots that cost five bucks. Or you can park at the Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park for $20 per vehicle, or it's free if you have an America. The beautiful pass, I recommend going early. Kahaluu Beach Park is the most beginner friendly snorkeling on the big island. There's a rock wall that protects the bay, shallow water, and there's tons of fish and turtles. There are lifeguards, facilities, and volunteers handing out free reef safe sunscreen. Parking is $5 and fills up super fast. Get there early, or you're circling forever. Kealakekua Bay is incredible but hard to access from shore parking is almost two miles from the actual good snorkeling spot. Most people take a boat tour or kayak over. If you go by kayak. Companies now need permits from the state, so you either rent from a permanent company or you join a guided tour. Maunakea Beach, also called, Kauna'oa Bay is stunning, white sand, clear water, and it's great for snorkeling. But here's the deal. There are only 10 public parking spot. Yes, 10 mostly for hotel guests show up right when it opens or you're not getting in. Hapuna Beach is one of the big island's, few long white sand beaches. It's great for swimming and body boarding. Snorkeling is decent. On either end of the rocks. There's a large parking lot that costs money, facilities, and lifeguards. Summer is best for swimming. Winter. The surf picks up. All right, let's talk about sunsets. Hapuna beach faces west. So sunset views are beautiful and there's lots of space to spread out. Maunakea Beach has stunning sunsets, and at night they shine lights into the water that attract manta rays. You can sometimes watch the manta ray snorkel tours from the beach. Bay locals call it a Bay is perfect for Sunset. There's public parking facilities and there's lava. Lava Beach Club right there if you wanna drink or poo poos while watching the sun go down. The bay also has that historic Hawaiian fish pond, which adds to the scenery. All right, what are the beaches with great parking? Hapuna Beach has the best parking situation. There's that lot that makes life easier. A Bay has public parking available. Kahaluu Beach park has a lot, but again, five bucks and it fills up quickly. Richardson Ocean Park in Hilo has parking and it's great for seeing turtles. It's a black sand beach on the east side. Alright, let's talk about secluded beaches. Green Sand Beach. Papakōlea Beach is one of only four green sand beaches in the world. The sand gets its color from. Olivine Crystals, but getting there is an adventure. You park at South Point and it's either a nearly six mile round trip hike through hot, dusty terrain or locals will drive you in their trucks for about 20 bucks each way. The beach is at the bottom of a steep cliff with sketchy stairs. It's worth it if you're up for an adventure, but definitely not a casual beach day. Carl Smith Beach Park in Hilo is a local favorite with shallow calm water and fewer tourists. And the beaches along Highway two 70, up near Hawi on the North Koala coast. Places like Lapakahi state Historical Park are pretty remote and they don't see crowds. Okay, so here's what I want you to take away from this. The best beach completely depends on what you value. A snorkeling is your priority. You might deal with difficult parking or rougher access. If you need easy parking and facilities because you have mobility issues or you're with small kids, you might not get the most pristine snorkeling. If you want seclusion, you're probably hiking in somewhere or dealing with limited facilities. The good news is Hawaii has so many beaches that you can actually hit different ones depending on what you need that day. Snorkeling at Sharks Cove, one morning, sunset at Ko Olina. That evening. Two step for snorkeling, then Hapuna for easy swimming with better parking. A couple of universal tips go early for popular beaches. Early means arriving by eight or 9:00 AM not 11. Check ocean conditions before you go. Hawaii has several websites that show wave height, wind, and weather. Lifeguards are on duty in winter. North Shore. Beaches on any island can be dangerous In summer, those same beaches are calm and perfect where reef safe sunscreen, it's required by law in Hawaii and you'll see signs about it. Bring water shoes for rocky entries. Never turn your back on the ocean and respect wildlife. You're legally required to stay 10 feet from turtles and 15 feet from monk seals. If you're trying to decide between islands, Maui probably has the most variety of excellent beaches. Oahu has the most accessibility and convenience, but also more crowds. Kawaii has dramatic beauty but requires more planning, and the big island has world-class snorkeling, but limited traditional beach options. And remember, if you're dealing with specific needs, maybe you have young toddlers and need that perfect calm water spot, or you have mobility limitations and need the easiest beach access, or you wanna hit multiple islands and need to help figuring out the logistics, that's exactly what our consultations are for. We can look at your specific situation, your priorities, the time of year you're traveling, and build you a beach plan that actually works for you. Instead of you guessing and showing up at a beach that's completely wrong for what you need. You can find information about our consultations at Hawaii Travel with kids.com/hawaii-travel-consultant. We offer both 30 minute and 60 minute sessions. And our travel partner agent Kim waives her planning fee if you book a consultation first. All right. That's it for today. Happy travels. Enjoy those beaches. And remember, there's no such thing as a bad beach day in Hawaii. Some are just better suited to what you need than others. Aloha.