With approximately 750 miles of coastline, the Hawaiian Islands are ultimately home to some of the greatest beaches in the country – and perhaps even the world. But not all beaches are created equal – in fact, there are some beaches so dangerous, swimming should be avoided. From strong undertows and massive waves to unprotected shoreline and dangerous currents, these 10 dangerous beaches in Hawaii might be pretty enough to stop for a few photographs, but we certainly wouldn’t suggest swimming while you’re there.

1. Hanakapi'iai Beach
Hanak?p?‘ai Beach, Hanak?p?‘Ai Beach, Hawaii 96746, USA
Christine Chauvin/Flickr
Located on the secluded Na Pali Coast, Hanakapi'ai Beach has been called the most dangerous beach in Hawaii. It's also one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii! The water often looks fine, but a dangerous rip current has swept several people out to sea. Read more about Hanakapi'ai Beach.
2. Sandy Beach
Sandy Beach, Hawaii 96748, USA
Justin De La Ornellas/Flickr
Near Oahu’s southeastern tip is Sandy’s, as the locals like to call it, a beach with year-round crushing shore break. It’s a favorite spot for surfers, but many tourists and wanna-be bodysurfers have walked away with sprains, neck compressions, and broken bones. Learn more about Sandy Beach.
3. Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach
Kaihalulu Beach, Hana, HI 96713, USA
Paul Bica/Flickr
This stunning red sand beach on Maui’s eastern coast is one of only a few red sand beaches in the world. You’ll have to access the stunning beach via an overgrown cliff-side trail, and the water is rough, but the views are well worth the effort. Just maybe stay away from actually entering the water. Check out more about Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach.
4. Makena Beach
Makena Beach, 6600 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753, USA
Peter Liu/Flickr
Also known as "breakneck beach," the surf breaks right on the shore, making this an extremely dangerous beach in Hawaii for swimming. Oh, and if the dangerous surf breaks aren’t enough to deter you from entering the water, Makena Beach is considered one of the world’s most deadly beaches for shark attacks. Find out more about Makena State Park.
5. Lumahai Beach
Lumaha'i Beach, Hawaii 96746, USA
Alex Schwab/Flickr
The stunning turquoise waters and pristine sand might make this beach picturesque, but slippery rock ledges and huge winter waves make Lumahai Beach quite the hazardous spot. Some have even started calling the beach "Luma-die." Read more about Lumahai Beach.

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6. Magic Sands
Magic Sands Beach Park, Ali'i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
AJ Schroetlin/Flickr
With mid-sized waves crashing into hard-packed sand in shallow water, the shore break at Magic Sands can be extremely dangerous. This beach is also known as Laʻaloa Bay and is located on the Big Island.
7. Queen's Bath
Queens Bath, Hawaii 96778, USA
MelanieK Reed Photography/Flickr
Though not technically a beach, Queen's Bath is one of the most dangerous spots along the Hawaiian coast. A sinkhole surrounded by igneous rock, this incredible geological formation is not only a vibrant turquoise pool set in the striking black lava shoreline, but it is also a dangerous lava bench exposed to deadly high surf. Find out more about Queen's Bath.
8. Pipeline Beach
Pipeline Trail, Hawaii 96763, USA
Jason Swadly/Flickr
While safe enough during the summer months, many beaches along Oahu's north shore - including Piepline - can be extremely dangerous during the winter months, when high surf pounds the shore. Read more about Pipeline Beach.
9. Polihale Beach
Polihale Place, Polihale Pl, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA
Gary Eyring/Flickr
Located on Kauai's western shore, Polihale Beach is absolutely stunning but its unprotected waters can prove dangerous for unsuspecting swimmers. Check out more about Polihale State Park.
10. Hapuna Beach Park
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, Old Puako Rd, Waimea, HI 96743, USA
Penny/Flickr
At more than 200 feet wide and nearly half a mile long, Hapuna Beach is the longest stretch of white sand on Hawaii Island - as well as the most dangerous. The intense shore break has led to more spinal cord injuries than any other beach in the state. It's tempting to try to swim here, as it's one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii, but don't do it! Find out more about Hapuna Beach Park.

Be sure to avoid these 12 dangerous spots in nature found throughout the Hawaiian Islands as well.

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Most Dangerous Beaches in Hawaii

Danielle Schwartz | June 07, 2022

What are the best little-known beaches in Hawaii?

Our beautiful state is famous for its stunningly beautiful beaches, and many of them are well-known to locals and visitors alike. While it can be fun to visit the most populated beaches and people-watch, it can also be great to visit some little-known beaches in Hawaii. If you're on Oahu, head to White Plains Beach for some nice surfing and all the gorgeous blue ocean views your heart desires. Kalihiwai Beach in Kauai is an incredibly peaceful getaway that looks like it's right out of a painting. You will be amazed at the natural beauty the whole time you're there.

What are the most beautiful lakes in Hawaii?

If you like tranquil swimming in lakes, you've got to check out some of the most beautiful lakes in Hawaii. The Nuaanu Reservoir is one such gorgeous lake. Found in Oahu, it features a trail that leads up to a beautiful waterfall, the Lulumahu Falls. The landscape is varied, and every part of it is uniquely gorgeous. From jungle to forest, this is one of the most beautiful lakes in Hawaii. Another excellent choice for lake-lovers is Lake Waiau, which is located on the Big Island. It's really nice for swimming, as the depth is only about seven feet down. If you ever get nervous about deep water, this is a nice place to go and still get to swim.

Which state parks should I visit in Hawaii?

There are so many amazing state parks in Hawaii. How could they not be stunning? State parks are usually some of the most beautiful places in any state, and our state is famous for its natural beauty even outside of the parks. One of your new favorite places will be Wa’ahila Ridge State Recreation Area in Oahu. The greenery has that classic Hawaiian bright green color that you'll never get tired of admiring. Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside in Maui is an idyllic spot with waterfalls, beautiful foliage, and peaceful walks to take.

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