These 13 Incredible Hawaiian Bays Will Give You An Unforgettable Experience
By Megan Shute|Updated on July 15, 2022(Originally published July 10, 2022)
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Megan Shute
Author
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.
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 Hawaii Bay is a must see, especially if you like water sports!
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.
This bay in Hawaii is a great place to visit, no matter what you’re coming for!
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 Hawaii bay to visit on Kauai.
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 Hawaii bay is also a great place to go snorkeling!
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 bays to visit in Hawaii, Hanauma Bay is a great choice!
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 bay in Hawaii is filled with fun things to do.
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.
We love this Hawaii bay for families!
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 bay in Hawaii, don’t pass it up!
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 Hawaii bay, it will fast become a favorite.
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 bays to visit in Hawaii!
Located along Molokai's eastern shore is this striking bay, once home to one of Hawaii's first settlements.
This quiet Hawaii bay is a must see.
12. Kaneohe Bay
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, USA
nsub1/Flickr
This sheltered and shallow bay on Oahu’s windward coast was formed when a portion of the Koolau volcano collapsed into the sea. The bay is home to one of Hawaii’s two barrier reefs, a picturesque sandbar, and two small offshore islands – Chinaman’s Hat, and Coconut Island.
We love this beautiful Hawaii 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 bay to visit in Hawaii!
Aren’t these Hawaiian bays simply stunning? Have you been to any of these bays in Hawaii? Which was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
For more Hawaiian fun, check out these 22 epic beaches to put on your Hawaii bucket list. They are well worth the visit!
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More to Explore
Bays In Hawaii
Megan McDonald|July 15, 2022
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!
