Waikiki beach is famous for its light blue lagoon waters with skycrapers and mountains as a dramatic backdrop. Perhaps not one for those seeking peace and solitude but great for those looking to live it up by the beach thanks to its huge selection of restaurants and bars.

The beach is also within walking distance of some of Hawaii's most iconic properties such as the famous Royal Hawaiian and the Moana Surfrider.

Situated on Oahu's North Shore, Waimea Bay is regarded by many as the best surfing location on the island, and home to the Eddie Aikau Big Wave International Surf Competition.

This incredible Hawaiian beach draws in pro surfers and onlookers during the winter months due to the phenomenal swell creating massive waves. From here you can also access the neighbouring beaches of the Banzai Pipeline for incredible tubular views of daring surfers, as well as Laniakea Beach to the south where you can see giant sea turtles resting and nesting.

In summer the waters are crystal clear. Down to one side of the beach the big rock formation is perfect for diving and jumping in to the warm blue waters.

This beach is part of a volcanic cone and sits in the Hanuma Bay Nature Preserve at the south eastern tip of the island. The cove is the best place on the island to snorkel and see coral reefs and numerous species of tropical fish. 

Due to its protected status as an underwater marine park, there is a marine education centre offering an insight into the fragile ecosytem. Hanauma was also voted the best beach in Hawaii in 2016!

Pounders Beach is over 2,000ft long, perfect for a sunrise or sunset walk, and due to its length you can always find a patch to yourself. This is one of the most photographed beaches in Hawaii, in part thanks to its wide and long stretches of white sand, luscious green surroundings and turquoise colours. It is also very versatile, offering great snorkelling and swimming as well as a range of watersports and, as the name suggests from the waves on the beach, surfing opportunities in the winter months.

Pounders is located on the north eastern tip of the island, just a 10 minute drive from the Turtle Bay Resort, the hotel that features in the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

The TV series Lost was predominantly filmed on Papailoa Beach, as it's undeveloped and has a beautifully wild setting. A relatively unknown beach in Hawaii, it offers peaceful walks along part of the north shore. Be aware that due to reefs being present close to the shore, the beach is unsuitable for more than a paddle. However don't let that stop you taking in the views, most of which you will have all to yourself!

Located on the south eastern side of the island, look no further for the most powder-white sand beach in Hawaii. Easily accessible from the adjacent town of Kailua, this beach offers calm and protected waters for canoeing, paddle boarding, kite surfing or just relaxing with a good book. At two and a half miles long, there is plenty of space for everyone!

Also worth a visit is the neighbouring Lanikai Beach, very similar with views of two islets called Na Mokulua, often referred to as 'the Mokes', then head up the Lanikai pillbox trail to see the beaches in all their glory.

This lovely beach boarders the Kualoa Ranch where you can indulge in a multitude of activities such as ziplining, e-bike tours and horse riding. It offers stunning walks around the gardens and beaches joined together by the peninsular of land known as Secret Island and separated by the inland lagoon of the Moli'i Pond. 

As you look out to sea you can see the islet of Mokoli'i, commonly referred to as Chinaman's Hat. Why not take a canoe and paddle out to the island to get stunning views of Kualoa Beach and shore side?

Let's move over to the island of Maui, known for its beautiful natural scenery and beaches perfect for romantic sunset strolls. Makena, also referred to as big beach due to its one and a half miles of golden sand, is by far the most iconic stretch on the island. Conveniently located just a ten minute drive south of the gorgeous boutique Hotel Wailea and the town of Wailea, it provides the perfect opportunity to stretch out, pack a picnic and enjoy this classic Maui location.

Just out to sea you'll spot Molokini Crater, an extinct volcanic cone just breaking the surface of the ocean. Why not take a snorkelling cruise and discover the corals and creatures of this unique marine ecosystem?

Just over the other side of Makena State Park, you can find the first black sand beach on this list and a far more intimate but spectacular place for snorkelling over the coral reefs and lava rock formations of this secluded bay. The beach is often frequented by green sea turtles sheltering in the shallow waters and coming up the beach due to its ideal conditions for nesting.

A hidden gem on Maui is this unique red sand beach. Protected by a wall of jagged rocks, you can swim in the calm lagoon formed and take in the bizarre surroundings, wondering if its all just a trick of the light. A perfect shot for the collection of any budding photographer.

The beach is accessed by a short walk from the southern side of Hana Bay on the eastern tip of the island.

Probably the most famous and most easily accessible beach on Maui, Ka'anapali is just a short walk away from a number of lovely hotels. The gently curving cove offers calm blue waters and wide sections of golden soft sand, great for swimming and sunbathing. In the winter, you can witness migrating North Pacific humpback whales in the ocean.

What better way to introduce the luscious and natural island of Kauai than with Tunnels Beach, also known as Makua? This beach is perfect for snorkellers and scuba divers looking to get away from the busier Hawaiian islands of Oahu and Maui.

Enjoy more of the beach to yourself with beautiful backdrops of endless palms and ironwood trees that rise up and away in to the steep sided mountains of the Wainiha ranges on the northern tip of the island.

This beautiful crescent bay is the longest on Kauai at two miles long, dissected in the middle by the Hanalei Pier which adds an interesting viewpoint to look back at the island as well as being a great landmark for photographers. The bay lends itself to great canoeing, stand up paddle boarding and all other sorts of watersports.

Head to the northern tip of the island to experience the quiet community of this town and its stunning bay.

Looking for a family friendly Hawaiian beach close to hotels? Then look no further than Poipu. This beach offers some of the most sheltered waters on the island, and the intimate size of the little cove makes it easy to spot children from every section of the beach.

Why not stay at the Sheraton Kauai Resort or the Grand Hyatt Resort and Spa, both beautiful properties, just a ten minute stroll away?

No Hawaii itinerary would be complete without a visit to the wild and rugged Big Island, which is actually the original island of Hawaii.

Once you've visited all the volcanoes and lava fields on the Big Island Volcano Tour, head over to the west side of the island for some rest and relaxation. The white powdery sands of Hapuna beach are calling, just a ten minute drive from the fabulous Fairmont Orchid.

This is the most famous black sand beach on Hawaii. It's well known for its regular sightings of green sea turtles and the endangered hawksbill turtle. The beach is perfect for everyone; children, snorkelling, swimming and picnicing. 

Make sure you stop by on your way up the eastern coastal drive towards Volcanoes National Park where you can stay at the unique Volcano House, the closest hotel to this dramatic force of nature.

A totally unique Hawaii beach to finish this list has to be Papakolea. One of the only green sand beaches in the world, and a prized feather in the hat of any Instagrammer. If you consider yourself an adventurer, make your way to the southernmost point of the island, South Point Park. Take an hour long hike along the rugged volcanic coastline to reach this isolated emerald cove that really is the jewel in the crown of Big Islands beaches. 

Why not combine one of the most unique landscapes in Hawaii with one of the most iconic experiences in Hawaii; a helicopter flight over the stunning landscapes. The pinnacle to a trip you will never forget.

Hawaii draws visitors all year round due to its pleasant temperatures ranging from 26°C in December and January to 30°C in August and September. The rains are minimal, ranging from 7cm in the hotter months to just 11cm in the cooler months. 

What is important to note is the conditions of the Pacific Ocean. The swell and height of the waves makes Hawaii's winter (November to March) perfect for surfers but not really suitable for swimmers and children, so best to stick to the pool during these months. April through to October are much better for swimming as the waters are much calmer for anyone wanting to enjoy a gentle dip on these wonderful shores!

For inspiration on how to include these beautiful beaches in your next trip, take a look at our Hawaii Holidays pages.