These 13 Incredible Hawaiian Bays Will Give You An Unforgettable Experience
With approximately 750 miles of coastline, the Hawaiian Islands are home to incredible beaches, beautiful inlets, jaw-dropping peninsulas and breathtaking bays. From marine life conservation districts and protected bays perfect for snorkeling, to historic bays and those used in film productions, the bays you will find throughout the state are truly second to none and will give you an unforgettable experience – whether you are kayaking to historic monuments or swimming with tropical fish. We love these bays in Hawaii for all of the adventure they offer!
While Waimea Bay is a popular spot for boogie boarding and a nice family beach day in the summer, it is a haven for surfers during the winter months - it is even the site of the infamous Quicksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, perhaps the most famous surf event in the world.
This beautiful 2. Kealakekua Bay
Hawaii Island’s beautiful reef-filled Kealakekua Bay is one of the state’s most historic bays, and a known dolphin hangout. The bay is also home to the famous Captain Cook monument, and crystalline waters.
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This near-perfect semi-circle of white sand is located on Kauai’s north shore and is two miles long, 125 feet wide, and surrounded by majestic mountains. The bay is perfect for water sports of all kinds, and the stunning 300 foot long Hanalei Pier is perfect for fishing – or jumping off for a nice swim.
We think this is an awesome 4. Hulopoe Bay
This picturesque beach, located on Lanai’s southern coast, is the most famous stretch of sand on this small island. This protected beach offers ideal swimming and snorkeling conditions, and, during low tide, the eastern side of the bay is home to several large volcanic rock tide pools full of sea life.
This 5. Hanauma Bay
Dr. Beach, a professor from Florida who releases an annual list of the country’s best beaches, has named Oahu’s Hanauma Bay the greatest beach in America for 2016. Located on Oahu’s southeastern shore, this marine life conservation district was formed from a tuff ring, and is perhaps the island’s most popular snorkeling destination for tourists and locals alike.
If you’re looking for 6. Keauhou Bay
This historic bay on Hawaii Island’s Kona Coast is full of tropical sea life, sea cliffs, underwater lava tubes, and sea caves – making it one of the greatest kayaking or snorkeling destinations on the island.
This historic 7. Kapalua Bay
With swaying palm trees, golden sand and calm waters, Kapalua Bay is what immediately comes to mind when you imagine the quintessential Hawaiian beach. Situated between two lava points, the bay is known for its tranquil surf, perfect for young children and cautious swimmers.
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Located on Oahu's windward coast is this magnificently picturesque bay, perhaps one of Hawaii's best-kept secrets.
If you have a chance to visit this 9. Honolua Bay
While Honolua Bay is one of Maui’s most popular snorkeling destinations, the turquoise water in this Marine Life Conservation District also makes for an out of this world kayaking excursion.
No matter how you enjoy this 10. Kua Bay
Manini’owali, or Kua Bay as it is often called by the locals, is a secluded and small white sand beach located near the Kona airport. The beach is a popular spot for bodysurfing, or just catching a signature Hawaiian sunset.
With white sand beaches and plenty of views, this is one of the best 11. Halawa Bay
What is a better kayaking destination than an untouched area with gorgeous beaches, vibrant reefs, clear water, and a popular green sea turtle hangout? If you answered absolutely nothing, then south Maui’s Makena Bay is the ultimate summer destination for you.
Makena Bay, with nearby Makena State Park, make a great 22 epic beaches to put on your Hawaii bucket list. They are well worth the visit!
Address: Hawaii, USA
Address: Makena Bay, Wailea-Makena, HI 96753, USA
Address: Waimea Bay, Hawaii 96712, USA
Address: Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii 96704, USA
Address: Hanalei Bay, Hawaii, USA
Address: Hulopoe Bay, Hawaii 96763, USA
Address: Hanauma Bay, Hawaii 96825, USA
Address: Keauhou Bay, Kahaluu-Keauhou, HI 96740, USA
Address: Kapalua Bay, Kapalua, HI 96761, USA
Address: Kahana Bay, Hawaii 96717, USA
Address: Honolua Bay, Hawaii 96761, USA
Address: Kua Bay, Kalaoa, HI 96740, USA
Address: Halawa Bay, H?lawa Bay, Hawaii 96748, USA
Address: Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Bays In Hawaii
July 15, 2022
Megan McDonald
What is the most famous bay in Hawaii to visit?
Waikiki Beach is easily the most recognizable and famous bay to visit in the Hawaiian islands. And it doesn’t just stop at the most famous bay in Hawaii; it’s actually one of the most famous bays, (and beaches) you’ll find anywhere in the world! People world wide have come to visit the beautiful Waikiki Beach.
Why is Hanauma Bay famous?
Hanauma Bay is famous because of its world class snorkeling adventures. People travel from all over to see the wide array of marine life that exist in Hanauma Bay. It makes for a wonderful day trip in Hawaii!
Address: Hawaii, USA
Address: Makena Bay, Wailea-Makena, HI 96753, USA
Address: Waimea Bay, Hawaii 96712, USA
Address: Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii 96704, USA
Address: Hanalei Bay, Hawaii, USA
Address: Hulopoe Bay, Hawaii 96763, USA
Address: Hanauma Bay, Hawaii 96825, USA
Address: Keauhou Bay, Kahaluu-Keauhou, HI 96740, USA
Address: Kapalua Bay, Kapalua, HI 96761, USA
Address: Kahana Bay, Hawaii 96717, USA
Address: Honolua Bay, Hawaii 96761, USA
Address: Kua Bay, Kalaoa, HI 96740, USA
Address: Halawa Bay, H?lawa Bay, Hawaii 96748, USA
Address: Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, USA
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With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
