You Won't Find A Soul At These 13 Secluded Hawaii Beaches
By Megan Shute|Updated on May 29, 2023(Originally published May 24, 2023)
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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.
The Hawaiian Islands are home to approximately 750 miles of coastline – and countless incredible beaches in a variety of colors and landscapes. And while we love the famous beaches – Waikiki and Ka’anapali, for example – there’s something about visiting a secluded spot that makes your weekend feel much more adventurous. Luckily, there are some pretty incredible secluded and serene beaches in Hawaii that are perfect for your next beach day. Come along as we share why we think these 13 spots are so special.
1. New Kaimu Black Sand Beach
Kaimu Black Sand Beach, Island of, P?hoa, HI 96778, USA
New Kaimu Black Sand Beach did not exist in its current state twenty years ago: the original Kaimu Beach was completely destroyed by lava flows in 1990. Because this mineral-rich beach is relatively new, and the larger Punalu’u is located just down the coast, this picturesque spot remains largely tourist-free.
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.
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3. Kalepolepo Beach
Kalepolepo Beach Park, 726 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753, USA
Once the site of a historically significant fishpond, this beach is off the beaten path. Located in North Kihei, Kalepolepo Beach is out of the way for most Maui tourists, so there’s a good chance you might have the beach to yourself.
This rugged 11-mile trek (one way) into the Kalalau Valley and Beach on Kauai's Na Pali Coast may only be recommended for experienced hikers, but there is certainly something to be said for the incredible ocean views - and perhaps the most secluded beach in all of Hawaii.
This Molokai beach is probably the closest you will ever get to the deserted tropical island paradise you’ve been dreaming of. Whether you want to get away from the world and relax, or catch some world-class waves, Papohaku Beach seems to go on for miles.
While this Big Island beach is often seen from above at the Waipio Valley Outlook, 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.
Kalihiwai Beach is an ironwood-lined crescent-shaped bay located 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.
Next up on our list of secluded beaches in Hawaii is Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach, a stunning red sand beach on Maui’s eastern coast and one of only a few red sand beaches in the world. You’ll have to access the stunning beach via an overgrown cliff-side trail, and the water is rough, but the views are well worth the effort.
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9. Makalawena Beach
Makalawena Beach, HI-19, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Situated on the Big Island’s western shore, Makalawena Beach is a stunning white sand beach with crystal waters, sand dunes, freshwater pools, and a series of secluded coves. The beach is definitely worth the fifteen-minute hike on a lava path from neighboring Kekaha Kai Beach and one of the best secluded beaches in Hawaii.
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.
11. Mokuleia Beach
Mokul??ia Beach Park, 8568 Farrington Hwy, Waialua, HI 96791, USA
Located on the remote northwestern shore of Oahu, just past Haleiwa, is this secluded beach – the nearest store and restrooms are more than ten miles away. The bright blue water of Mokuleia Beach is almost always choppy, and green sea turtles tend to hang out on the shore during the summer. In fact, this beach is so secluded that it was used in filming the first season of Lost.
12. Honomalino Beach
Honomalino Beach, 89 Milolii Rd, Captain Cook, HI 96704, USA
This secluded salt-and-pepper beach on Hawaii Island's Kona coast is surrounded by coconut palms and is accessible via a 20-minute walk from nearby Miloli'i Beach Park.
13. Polihale Beach
Polihale Beach Lookout, 4788+24, Kekaha, HI 96796, USA
At the end of a long dirt road off Kuamuali’I Highway, Polihale Beach is the largest stretch of sand in Hawaii and is often overlooked for more accessible Kauai beaches.
Have you ever been to any of these secluded beaches in Hawaii? If so, which ones were your favorites? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!
If you’re still in the mood for more Aloha State adventures, take a look at this video:
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