Best Beaches in Hawaii

I recently came across 2 lists ranking the Best Beaches in the United States.  The first list was the "10 Best Beaches for Families 2011" from Parents.com.  Parents Magazine researched water-quality reports, closings, and advisories for more than 1,000 U.S. beaches. Other criteria included restrooms, calm surf, and lifeguards. Nature trails and other extras helped determine which beaches made the list of 10 Best Beaches for Families.  Three of the Best Hawaii beaches made this list! Check out their choices for Best Family Beaches in Hawaii!

Kama'ole Beach Park III, Maui, Hawaii

Kama’ole Beach Park is a trio of pristine beaches separated by lava-rock outcroppings. Kama'ole  Beach Park III, is ideal for children because this beach boasts small waves and clear water.  Kids might see sea turtles or puffer fish.  The large grassy area behind the beach is a great place to fly a kite, toss a Frisbee or eat Hawaiian Shaved Ice!

Photo From http://www.panoramio.com/photo/30788848

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Oahu (Runner Up)

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is tucked inside an ancient volcanic crater that opens to the vast Pacific Ocean.  Hanauma Bay is a crescent-shaped bay that encompasses a magnificent marine environment.  This is one of the best places to snorkel on Oahu!

Hapuna Beach Park, Big Island, Hawaii (Runner Up)

This beach has more than ¼ of a mile of soft white sand.  During summer months the water is
usually calm, clear and a great place to swim with the kids.

Photo From hawaiistateparks.org

Check out the entire list of the Parents.com 10 Best Beaches for Families.

The other list is the famous "Best Beach in America" list from Dr. Leatherman.  Dr. Leatherman is the Director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research. He uses 50 criteria to evaluate beaches.  Criteria include quality of the water and sand.  He also takes into consideration many environmental and safety factors.  Once a beach is selected as America's Best Beach it is retired and removed from future competition.  Two of the Best Beaches in Hawaii made his 2011 list!

Kahanamoku Beach Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii

Photo from drbeach.org

Kahanamoku Beach is named after Duke Paoa Kahanamoku who was a gold medal Olympic swimmer and credited with introducing surfing to the outside world.  Kahanamoku Beach is bounded by the Ala Wai small boat harbor and the Hilton Hawaiian Village catamaran pier. It is protected from the big waves, making it a great swimming area for families with kids.   

  

Waimanalo Bay Beach Park Oahu, Hawaii

Photo from drbeach.org

Waimanalo Bay Beach Park offers parking, restrooms, showers, and a good beach for swimming.  It may not be as stunning as some other Hawaii beaches but it is a safe beach.  At Waimanalo Bay Beach big waves & dangerous currents are rare and lifeguards are present.

For the complete list check out http://drbeach.org/top10beaches.htm 

Hawaii Discount offers a variety of fun Hawaii Activities to cap off a day at the beach!  From Sunset Cruises to Hawaii Luaus and family friendly entertainment in Hawaii let Hawaii Discount set you up with the best Hawaii Activities and Hawaii Tours.


What is your favorite beach in Hawaii?