There is no denying it, the beaches in Hawaii are remarkable. Not only are they pretty to look at, but rich in marine life, offer all manner of water sports and activities, provide a bounty of fresh seafood, and even serve as a place for spiritual healing.

This list of Hawaii’s best beaches share something in common; they’ve all held the number one spot as “America’s Best Beach.” This annual survey, by coastal expert Dr. Beach, compares 650 U.S. beaches and grades them against 50 criteria. These are the bucket list beaches — Hawaii’s best of the best.

DUKE KAHANAMOKU BEACH, OAHU

Waikiki Beach, Hawaii’s most famous stretch of sand, is made up of eight different beaches. Located at the far west end is Duke Kahanamoku Beach, named after the Native Hawaiian surf legend and Olympic champion swimmer. It’s Waikiki’s widest section of beach, favoured for calm water provided by a protective offshore coral reef.

Travel Tip: The Hilton Hawaiian Village free fireworks show launches from the adjacent lagoon every Friday night at 7:45pm.

media_cameraDuke Kahanamoku Beach at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Picture: iStock

HANAUMA BAY NATURE PRESERVE, OAHU

Oahu’s most popular snorkelling destination is Hanauma Bay, a marine conservation area home to hundreds of tropical fish, green sea turtles, octopus and manta rays. Hanauma Bay Beach Park is an oasis of soft, golden sand and azure blue water. The Bay gained notoriety after beach scenes with Elvis Presley featured in the film Blue Hawaii.

Travel Tip: Visitors can take Route 22 on “TheBus” from Waikiki to Hanauma Bay, except on Tuesdays when Hanauma Bay is closed.

media_cameraHanauma Bay, Hawaii. Picture: iStock
media_cameraHanauma Bay is a popular spot for snorkelling. Picture: iStock

WAIMANALO BAY BEACH PARK, OAHU

Waimanalo Bay is Oahu’s longest beach, stretching 8 kilometres (5 miles) along the eastern coast of the island. The part known as Waimanalo Bay Beach Park is an expansive area of sand that slopes towards the turquoise sea. It is a dreamy landscape with ocean views of Manana (Rabbit) Island and mountain views of the majestic Koolau range.

Travel Tip: Ten campsites are available at Waimanalo Bay Beach Park. Permits are bookable online at camping.honolulu.gov

media_cameraWaimanalo Bay Beach Park. Picture: iStock

KAANAPALI BEACH, MAUI

Once a haven for Hawaiian royalty, Kaanapali is now the tourist mecca of West Maui. Kaanapali Beach is a gorgeous, action-packed strip of sand with tranquil waters frequented by green sea turtles. A boardwalk beckons travellers to stroll the length of the beach past impressive hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars and a shopping village.

Travel Tip: A must-see cliff dive ceremony is held daily at sunset by Puu Kekaha (Black Rock), in front of the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa.

media_cameraKaanapali Beach from Black Rock, Maui. Picture: iStock

WAILEA BEACH, MAUI

Wailea Beach, in the luxurious resort area of South Maui, is a curved sandy beach lined with swaying palms. The waves are relaxed, perfect for kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. The beach caters predominantly to the guests of several five-star resorts nearby, making it the best Maui beach for spotting celebrities and professional athletes.

Travel Tip: Visit Wailea Beach between December and May for the best opportunity to see humpback whales frolicking offshore in the Auau Channel.

media_cameraWailea Beach. Picture: iStock

HANALEI BAY, KAUAI

Hanalei Bay is a picturesque setting on Kauai’s north shore, most recently featured in the film The Descendants with George Clooney. Hanalei Beach Park blends into the half-moon-shaped bay to the left of the iconic Hanalei Pier. It’s an aquatic playground of sparkling water and plentiful white sand, draped by waterfall-lined mountains.

Travel Tip: The St. Regis Princeville Resort is perched on a nearby cliff and offers an incredible vantage point of Hanalei Bay.

media_cameraHanalei Pier. Picture: iStock
media_cameraSurfers at Hanalei Bay. Picture: iStock

POIPU BEACH, KAUAI

Enjoyed by visitors and Hawaiian monk seals alike, Poipu Beach is a series of golden sand crescents on the tip of Kauai’s south shore. This popular recreation area is positioned on what’s known as “the sunny side” of the island. The beach is a premier swimming and snorkelling spot, and a beloved place to watch the sunset.

Travel Tip: Hawaiian monk seals are endangered animals, they are amazing to observe from a safe distance of at least 45 metres (150 feet) away.

media_cameraPoipu beach at the south shore of the island of Kauai. Picture: iStock

KAUNAOA BEACH, HAWAII ISLAND (NICKNAMED THE BIG ISLAND)

Kaunaoa Beach is one of a few white sandy beaches on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii Island. This stunning beach is long and wide, fringed by coconut trees and rock formations at both ends. The uncrowded nature of this beach makes it a peaceful spot for complete rest and relaxation.

Travel Tip: Kaunaoa Beach fronts Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, non-hotel guests should arrive early to secure one of the limited public parking spaces available.

media_cameraSurfers near pulmeria trees on the northern end of Kaunaoa Beach, Big Island. Picture: iStock