While we love Waikiki as much as the next person, it certainly isn’t the best beach in the country, or even Hawaii. With hundreds of picturesque beaches across the Hawaiian Islands, it seems silly to stick to the most popular stretches of sand. So, instead of fighting tourists for the best spot on Waikiki or Poipu beaches on your next beach day, why not head to one of these 12 secluded, perhaps even hidden or secret, beaches?
1) Kauapea Beach
This Kauai beach is often referred to as Secret Beach, probably due to the steep hike to reach the massive 3,000-foot long stretch of sand. Even if there are other people here when you visit, with so much sand, you’re bound to feel pretty secluded.
2) Secret Island
Though there are few private beaches in Hawaii, Secret Island is located on Oahu’s east shore, and the only way to (legally) visit is to book a tour through Kualoa Ranch.
3) Makalawena Beach
Situated on the Big Island’s western shore is this stunning white sand beach with crystal waters, sand dunes, fresh water pools, and a series of secluded coves.
4) Pa’ako Cove
Also known as Secret Cove, this small – but gorgeous – stretch of sand is nestled between two homes in a southern Maui neighborhood. The cove is a popular spot for wedding ceremonies.
5) Makua Beach
This white sand beach situated on the leeward coast of Oahu is one of the most secluded beaches on the island. The beach features stellar views of the Waianae Mountain Range, and tourists rarely visit this area of the island.
6) Polihua Beach
Though often overlooked for the larger, more populous islands, Lanai is a secret paradise full of secluded beaches. Polihua Beach feels especially hidden though, as it is located on the island’s northwestern coast and is only accessible via four-wheel drive vehicle.
7) Honomalino Beach
You’ll have to hike 20 minutes to get to this salt-and-pepper beach, a combination of black lava sand and white sand. It’s a great snorkeling spot, and is lined with kiawe and palm trees.
8) Polihale Beach
At the end of a long dirt road off Kuamuali’I Highway, Polihale is the largest stretch of sand in Hawaii, and is often overlooked for more accessible Kauai beaches.
9) Secret Beach on MCBH
Located on the Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay is this serene slice of heaven. The beach is shallow and there is very little wake, making this the perfect place to take those military kiddos, since, of course, you need proper military identification to get on base.
10) Pa’ia Beach
Another stretch of sand that is often called Secret Beach, Pa’ia Beach is nestled between Pa’ia Bay and Baldwin Beach, and is only accessible via four-wheel vehicle and is apparently clothing-optional, according to one Maui guidebook.
11) Waipio Valley Beach
While this Big Island beach is often seen from above at the Waipio Valley lookout, you will need to hike 1.5 miles from the parking lot down to the beach, so you can bet that you’ll be mostly alone once you arrive.
12) Halona Cove
Situated between Halona Point and the Halona Blowhole, this small rocky cove is perfectly picturesque, and has been featured in films like Pirates of the Caribbean and 50 First Dates. Despite it’s Hollywood fame, the only way to reach the stunning cove is via a rocky and slightly treacherous hike, so it is often pretty secluded.
We are truly lucky to live in Hawaii, aren’t we? Tell us in the comments, which beach are you headed to on your next day off?
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