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Unique Beaches of Hawaii

© Lottie Tagupa

Throughout Hawaii there are many fabulous beaches. Busy beaches, quiet beaches, rustic beaches and resort beaches, surfing beaches, sunbathing beaches, snorkeling beaches and swimming beaches. There are as many beaches as there are moods and each one is special. Nevertheless there are a few beaches that are quite special not because of what people do there, but just because they are unique in themselves.

On the northwestern shore of Kauai, at the end of a long deserted rugged road that gradually narrows, is the entrance of Polihale State Park. This beach is a wonderful expanse of warm clear blue ocean against a backdrop of the Makaha mountains. There is evidence of an ancient Hawaiian village and temple in this area where the cliffs serve as a backdrop to the wide expanse of white sand beach. The ancient Hawaiians believed these cliffs were the doorways to the afterlife. Today it is a park where hang-gliding, camping and surfing are popular. It is also known as Hawaii's widest beach.

On the Big Island of Hawaii just off highway 11 between Punaluu and Pahala in the district of Ka'u, there is a wonderful beach park that is wonderful for picnicking, snorkeling and swimming. There is also a wonderful fresh water fish pond and lots of wonderful tall large coconut trees for sitting and enjoying this wonderful spot. The views of the deep blue Pacific and the breaking white cresting surf make this spot memorable, but also make Punaluu Beach Park the most beautiful black sand beach in Hawaii.

Maui is not lost in its uniqueness. The road to Hana is a wonderful adventure through tropical rainforests and wayside parks with exotic plants and waterfalls that will break over the road after heavy rains.There are over 600 turns in this 3-hour drive, but at the end of this excursion, near the fence at the entrance to the Hana Maui Plantation Cottages, there is a small trail along the fence that progresses down a steep and often slippery trail to where the Pacific calmly laps up against this small secluded protected beach. This beach is usually calm during the summer months, but the winter months will often bring the waves "roaring" onto shore. It's understandable why the ancient Hawaiian names this beach Kaihalulu, meaning "roaring sea". It is special because it is Hawaii's most popular red sand beach.

Over on Molokai along Highway 460 near where the hula was born there is a stretch of beach along the western shore where the hula was born and near the Kaluakoi Resort. Follow the signs and you will find a deserted beach 3 miles long. the ocean currents are rough here, so swimming is not advisable, however, if you visit Papohaku Beach, you will have been to the longest white sand beach in Hawaii.