The Hawaiian Islands are home to some of the greatest beaches in the world. While we are happy to visit the many incredible beaches and best swimming holes in Hawaii, there are some beaches with warm turquoise waters that are a cut above the rest. From Kauai’s north shore and Oahu’s windward coast to Hawaii Island’s Kealakekua Bay, these 15 beaches are home to the clearest, most pristine water in the state.

1. Lanikai Beach
Kanaka Menehune/Flickr
With powder-soft, white sand, magnificent turquoise, clear water, and swaying palm trees, Lanikai Beach is an absolute paradise — if you can catch the beach during a low-traffic period, that is. You should also check out Lanikai's neighbor, Kailua Beach.

Address: Kailua, HI 96734
2. Pa'ako Cove
W. Tipton/Flickr
Also known as Secret Cove, this small — but gorgeous — stretch of sand is nestled between two homes in a southern Maui neighborhood. This beach in Hawaii is a popular spot for wedding ceremonies, but if you arrive early enough, you might have the stretch of sand to yourself.

Address: Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753
3. Hanalei Bay
Christian Arballo/Flickr
This near-perfect semi-circle of white sand is located on Kauai’s north shore and is two miles long, 125 feet wide, and surrounded by majestic mountains. The bay is perfect for watersports of all kinds, and the stunning 300-foot long Hanalei Pier is perfect for fishing — or jumping off for a nice swim.

Address: Hanalei, HI 96714
4. Kealakekua Bay
Susan Smith/Flickr
Hawaii Island’s beautiful reef-filled Kealakekua Bay is one of the state’s most historic bays and a known dolphin hangout. The bay is also home to the famous Captain Cook monument, and crystalline waters.

Address: 82-6099 Puuhonua Road, Kealakekua, HI 96704
5. Kahe Point Beach Park
Brightoceanblue/Flickr
Known as Electric Beach by locals, this stretch of ocean features warm waters from the neighboring power plant, which draws sea life — and snorkelers — to Oahu’s leeward coast.

Address: 92-301 Farrington Highway, Kapolei, HI 96707
6. Kaanapali Beach
Internet Age Traveler/Flickr
Once the vacation retreat of choice for Hawaiian royalty, today Kaanapali is one of the island’s most popular expanses of white sands, surrounded by luxury hotels and resorts.

Address: 2435 Kaanapali Parkway, Lahaina, HI 96761
7. Tunnels Beach
jprime84/Flickr
With enticing turquoise waters, a plethora a of sea life, and the mountains of the Na Pali coast behind you, there’s no questioning why Tunnels is one of the most popular snorkeling destinations on Kauai.

Address: Kauai, HI 96714

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8. Manini'owali Beach
Hitchster/Flickrr
Manini’owali, or Kua Bay as it is often called by the locals, is a secluded and small white sand beach in Hawaii with turquoise water located near the Kona airport. The beach is a popular spot for body surfing, or catching a signature Hawaiian sunset.

Address: 723990 Mamalahoa Highway, Kailua, HI 96740
9. Ke'e Beach
astrangelyisolatedplace/Flickr
Located on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, Ke’e Beach is perhaps one of the most picturesque beaches on this list. It was also ranked as the sixth best beach in America by the Huffington Post.

Address: End Of Highway 560, Hanalei, HI 96714
10. Halona Cove
Cynthia Kanouse/Flickr
Situated between Halona Point and the Halona Blowhole, this small rocky cove is perfectly picturesque and has been featured in films like Pirates of the Caribbean and 50 First Dates. Despite it’s Hollywood fame, the only way to reach the stunning cove is via a rocky and slightly treacherous hike, so it is often pretty secluded.

Address: 72 Kalanianaole Highway, Honolulu, HI 96805
11. Poipu Beach Park
Robert Linsdell/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 body boarders.

Address: Koloa, HI 96756
12. Honolua Bay
Edmund Garman/Flickr
While Honolua Bay is one of Maui’s most popular snorkeling destinations, the turquoise water in this Marine Life Conservation District also makes for an out of this world kayaking excursion.

Address: Kapalua, HI 96761
13. Hulopoe Beach Park
Schnik78/Flickr
This picturesque beach, located on Lanai’s southern coast, is the most famous stretch of sand on this small island. This protected beach offers ideal swimming and snorkeling conditions, and, during low tide, the eastern side of the bay is home to several large volcanic rock tide pools full of sea life. It's definitely one of the best swimming holes in Hawaii.

Address: Lanai City, HI 96763
14. Lumahai Beach
Kanaka Menehune/Flickr
With crystalline water, Lumahai beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii but is also one of Kauai's most dangerous. The steep sand slope creates a strong undertow and powerful waves that break on the sand. The conditions at this picturesque beach are best enjoyed during the summer months.

Address: Mile Marker 5-6, State Highway 560, Hanalei, HI 96714
15. Maluaka Beach
dronepicr/Flcikr
Just south of Wailea at the end of Makena Road is Maluaka, a beach with clear waters and a plethora of honu and other sea life, perfect for snorkelers.

Address: 5330 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753

This list is certainly not exhaustive, so we would like to know what are your favorite swimming holes in Hawaii with crystal clear waters? If you are looking to change up your routine and head to some new beaches this year, here are 22 beaches to visit before you die, and 17 little-known beaches that are sure to make your summer epic.

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Best Swimming Holes In Hawaii

| January 01, 1970

Where is the bluest water in Hawaii?

The Hawaiian Islands are surrounded on all sides by breathtaking blue waters, but since you're asking us, some of the most stunning can be found along Oahu's leeward coast at Makaha and Yokohama Beaches as well as off the southern coast of Maui near Turtle Town and Kauai's northern shore near Princeville.

Does Hawaii have any man-made swimming holes?

Unlike many of the man-made swimming holes you'll find on the American mainland, the most popular man-made swimming holes in Hawaii were created as fishponds way back in the day of ancient Hawaii. Found along the coast across the Hawaiian Islands, these fishponds are often perfect for swimming due to their calm waters.

Do I need to look out for algae blooms in Hawaii?

Algae blooms don't often pose a threat in the Pacific Ocean surrounding Hawaii because it dissipates quickly, but you should stay out of the water when brown water advisories are in place.

What are the best beaches in Hawaii?

The Hawaiian Islands are home to 750 miles of stunning coastline, and countless incredible beaches in a variety of colors. We’d like to think that every beach in the Aloha State is worth a visit at least once, but some of the most popular include Waikiki and Waimea Bay on Oahu, Hapuna Beach on Hawaii Island, Lahaina Beach on Maui, and Haena Beach on Kauai.

Do any Hawaii beaches have waves? Of course, beaches in Hawaii have waves! Our islands have some of the biggest and best waves in the world. If you're a surfer, you'll love catching the massive swells off of Oahu's legendary Banzai Pipeline in the winter.

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