10 Little Known Swimming Spots In Hawaii That Will Make Your Summer Awesome

With nearly perfect weather year-round, the Hawaiian Islands are absolute paradise. And while we will gladly hang out in the water no matter what time of year it is, we love cooling off in the summer at our favorite little-known swimming spot. From stunning beaches and coastal tide pools to waterfall swimming holes in Hawaii, these 10 magical swimming spots will undoubtedly make your summer epic. Let's dive in, shall we?

1. Kalihiwai Beach, Kauai

Kalihiwai is an ironwood-lined crescent-shaped bay nestled along on Kauai's northern shore. Be sure to check out the brackish pools located behind the beach near the stream — this is a perfect area for kids to wade, swim and float.Address: 3069 Kalihiwai Road, Kilauea, HI 96754

2. Kapena Falls, Oahu

Located near the Nu’uanu Memorial Park is this swimming hole in Hawaii that requires only a short walk to reach the modest 20-foot waterfall. Follow the road from the park toward a small traffic circle, and then head left — there is a small parking lot near the dead end, and the trailhead is on the left, unmarked. Not only is this spot easy to reach, but it's as pretty as a postcard.Address: Alapena Pool, Honolulu, HI 96817

3. Honomalino Beach, Hawaii Island

This salt and pepper beach on Hawaii Island's Kona coast is surrounded by coconut palms and is accessible via a short 20-minute walk from nearby Miloli'i Beach Park. The stunning stretch of sand is often overlooked for more popular black sand beaches in Hawaii and is relatively secluded as a result.Address: 89 Milolii Road, Captain Cook, HI 96704

4. Pua’a Ka’a Falls, Maui

A short hike within the Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside will reward you with a relatively secluded and quite picturesque waterfall, cascading into the delightful pool below. Another stop on Maui’s Road to Hana, Pua’a Ka’a translates to "rolling pig" in Hawaiian.Address: Hana Highway, Haiku, HI 96708

5. Alan Davis Beach Park, Oahu

At the trailhead for the Makapu'u Lighthouse trail, take the dirt path to the right to reach this beautiful Hawaii beach. It will take you approximately 10 minutes on the Kaiwi Shoreline Trail to reach Alan David Beach, a place famous for its cliff jumping. Address: Honolulu, HI 96821

6. Olivine Pools, Maui

These dramatic tide pools made of rugged lava rock located along Maui’s western coast were first recognized in a popular Maui guidebook, though we would like to urge visitors that the short hike to reach the pools can be dangerous — and that you should only enter the water during calm ocean conditions. If you're careful and visit at the right time, this swimming hole in Hawaii is downright dreamy.Address: Kahekili Highway, Lahaina, HI 96761

7. Secret Beach, Kauai

Though not suitable for novice swimmers, this gorgeous gem, also known as Kauapea Beach, can be seen from a nearby lighthouse and offers stunning views and great surfing in the winter. 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.Address: Kilauea, HI 96754

8. Pounders Beach, Oahu

Not far from the Polynesian Cultural Center, you will find Laie Beach Park, also known as Pounders. With beautiful turquoise water flowing around old pier pilings, this picturesque view isn’t the only thing Pounders has to offer — a beautiful limestone cliff on the south end of the beach is a popular spot for fishermen, and the offshore coral reef makes this a perfect, protected area for swimming.Address: 55-205 Kamehameha Highway, Laie, HI 96762

9. Kalepolepo Beach, Maui

Once the site of a historically significant fishpond, this beach in Hawaii is off the beaten path. Located in North Kihei, Kalepolepo is out of the way for most Maui tourists, so there’s a good chance you might have the beach to yourself.Address: 726 S Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753

10. Lulumau Falls, Oahu

Located off Pali Highway is this extraordinary waterfall hike — complete with a trek through a bamboo forest, views of a stunning field and reservoir, the beauty of the Hawaiian jungle, and — of course — the jaw-dropping, 50-foot Lulumahu Falls. Depending on recent rainfall, you can make quite the splash here at Lulumahu, though oftentimes, the pool is quite shallow. Address: 4459 Pali Highway, Honolulu, HI 96817

Love these 11 beaches and swimming holes in Hawaii? You'll adore our ultimate Hawaii beach bucket list. Don't forget to make a splash this summer!