Oahu

Waikiki Beach gets all the attention, and for good reason. The sand is soft, the waves are gentle, and you can walk to dozens of restaurants and bars. But it's also packed shoulder-to-shoulder most days. Duke Kahanamoku Beach, just west of the main Waikiki strip, gives you similar vibes with slightly fewer crowds. For something completely different, drive to Lanikai Beach on the windward side. The powder-soft sand and turquoise water look almost Caribbean. Parking is tricky — you'll need to find street spots in the residential neighborhood and walk about 10 minutes through beach access paths. Hanauma Bay offers the island's best snorkeling, but you need reservations now ($25 per person). The protected bay teams with tropical fish, but arrive early — it gets busy fast. North Shore beaches like Pipeline and Sunset Beach are legendary for surfing, but the waves can be massive in winter. Summer brings calmer conditions perfect for swimming. Sharks Cove, despite the name, is actually great for snorkeling when conditions are right. Kailua Beach consistently ranks among the world's best beaches. The mile-long stretch of white sand faces two small offshore islands called the Mokuluas. Kayak rentals are available right on the beach if you want to paddle out and explore.