With approximately 750 miles of stunning coastline, the Hawaiian Islands are easily home to some of the greatest beaches in the world, including several amazing stretches of fine, pristine, white sand that look as though they are straight from the pages of your favorite travel magazine. And while winter brings massive surf to the northern shores of the islands, these picture-perfect — and protected — lagoons, coves, and bays nestled along the coast are ideal for making a splash year-round. Check out these amazing lagoons in Hawaii next time you want to enjoy the outdoors, no matter what time of year it is: 

1. Ko Olina Lagoons
Ko Olina Lagoon 4, Ulua Lagoon,, Kapolei, HI 96707, USA
Jimmy Smith/Flickr
You won’t find many man-made water bodies across the Hawaiian Islands, but these four man-made lagoons nestled along the coast are the exception. Made with sand imported from Lanai, the four lagoons — Hanu, Naia, Kolola, and Ulua — are protected from high surf by large rock barriers, making the water safe to swim in year-round. The Ko Olina Lagoons are a favorite among families with young children and if you haven’t been lately, it’s about time for a visit.
2. Poipu Beach Park
Poipu Beach Park, 2179 Hoone Rd, Koloa, HI 96756, USA
John B. Kalla/Flickr
Approximately 1,000 feet long and 50 feet wide, this popular beach on Kauai’s southern shore is known for the small boulder breakwater that creates a protected pool-like area perfect for small children. Outside this swimming area are ideal wave conditions for surfers and bodyboarders. Baby beach, in particular, is the best place for keiki to make a splash.
3. Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Lagoon
Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue, Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Heather R/TripAdvisor
Nestled on the grounds of the Hilton Hawaiian Village — but still open to the public, of course — is the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Lagoon, a shallow, man-made wading pool that’s perfect for keiki and anyone who loves calm waters. Named after our favorite famous surfer and Olympic swimming champion, Duke Kahanamoku, this picturesque lagoon features fine white sand and some of the clearest, turquoise waters on the island.
4. Spencer Beach Park
Spencer Beach Park Road, Spencer Beach Park Rd, Hawaii 96743, USA
Eli Duke/Flickr
Nestled along the Kohala Coast just a half-hour north of Kona International Airport is Spencer Beach Park. As one of the northernmost white-sand beaches on Hawaii Island, the smooth, soft sand of Spencer Beach offers a comfortable respite from the often rocky beaches found across the island. Well-protected by an offshore reef, which allows for calm water perfect for swimming and snorkeling most days, Spencer Beach Park is especially popular amongst local families with small children.

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5. Lydgate State Park Lagoons
Lydgate Beach Park, Leho Dr, Lihue, HI 96766, USA
Jim Mullhaupt/Flickr
Nestled on the eastern coast of Kauai, Lydgate State Park is home to breathtaking natural beauty and is the perfect place to get away from it all — for just an afternoon or an entire weekend. This spot is one of the most popular on Kauai’s eastern shore and it’s easy to see why as soon as you arrive. Not only is the surrounding landscape gorgeous, but you will discover a one-of-a-kind lagoon along the shore divided into an inner and outer section by two man-made rock walls.
6. Pokai Bay
Pokai Bay Beach, Waianae, HI 96792, USA
Eugene Kim/Flickr
Located on Oahu’s leeward coast between Waianae and Makaha is this beautiful stretch of pristine, white sand perfect for your next beach day. Pokai Bay is the most protected by on the leeward coast and features calm, crystalline waters year-round. Protected by a breakwater that blocks high surf from entering the bay, Pokai Bay is an idyllic swimming beach and is popular among local families and novice surfers.
7. Kiholo Bay
K?holo Bay, Hawaii 96740, USA
Heather Harvey/Flickr
Found along Hawaii Island’s North Kona Coast is the Kiholo State Park Reserve, a striking slice of paradise just waiting to be discovered. Featuring a series of glistening turquoise tidepools inside of a protected bay, Kiholo Bay might just become your new favorite destination. At approximately two miles long, this is one of the Aloha State’s longest bays. It is also one of Hawaii’s most secluded and beautiful spots as well.
8. Magic Island Lagoon
Magic Island Lagoon, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
John Colby/Flickr
Nestled between Ala Moana Beach Park and the Ala Wai Boat Harbor, Magic Island Beach Park is easily one of Oahu’s most overlooked beaches. You see, tourists flock to nearby Waikiki, and most locals opt for beaches across the islands. But Magic Island is exactly what its name describes: a magical slice of island paradise the entire family will love no matter what time of year it is.

How many of these lagoons in Hawaii have you been to? Share your favorite protected swimming spots with us in the comments section, then check out the best beach in Hawaii that changes with the seasons!

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More to Explore

Lagoons In Hawaii

Tori Jane | June 20, 2022

How many Hawaii lagoons are there?  

Hawaii is a lovely place with all kinds of interesting and often-overlooked natural wonders, like its many emerald-green lagoons that’ll remind you of paradise. Some of these Hawaiian lagoons are quite well known, like the famed Ko Olina Lagoons on the western side of Oahu. These little outcroppings are perfect for watching the sunset and relaxation in general, as they’re perfectly positioned in a spot along the Pacific Ocean that’s protected by its own natural features, ensuring the water is never choppy or scary. Other notable Hawaii lagoons include ones like Naia, Hanu, Ulua, and Kolola, each of which is wonderful and perfect for a day’s worth of R&R.  

What are some of the most beautiful places in Hawaii?  

Uh, you mean other than all of it? Hawaii is gorgeous, and it seems like there are no parts of it that aren’t. Some of the most beautiful places in Hawaii include gems like Hanauma Bay, on Oahu, and the Hana Highway on Maui. Another truly amazing place in Hawaii is the famous Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where visitors come face-to-face with some of the most beautiful places in the world. Oahu is the most visited island of Hawaii thanks in part to its amazing beauty, and Hawaii’s incredible beaches are truly world-class and second to none. So, yes, every part of Hawaii is the most beautiful part of it – it's truly paradise.  

What are some intriguing natural wonders in Hawaii?  

There are plenty of outstanding natural wonders in Hawaii you’ll love exploring, from Kauai’s gorgeous Nepali Coast to Waimea Canyon, also on Kauai. Oahu’s famed Diamond Head Mountain is an incredible backdrop to one of our most amazing beaches (Waikiki Beach). In Molokai, there’s the breathtaking Papohaku Beach Park, which is one of the largest white sand beaches in Hawaii. Other amazing Hawaii beaches include Kumimi Beach, Hookipa Beach, and Mauna Kea Beach. With 750 gorgeous miles of amazing coastline, make Hawaii your next stop for summertime shenanigans (or year-round wonders, because this place is amazing).  

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