Snorkeling in Maui offers some of the best opportunities for swimming with sea turtles. If you’re interested in a deeper understanding of the marine biology of Hawaii, join Ocean Ramsey’s research team in Oahu. Anini Beach on the island of Kauai provides snorkelers with access to the Rhe Honoiki reef, the largest coral reef in Hawaii. And if you want to walk away from your trip with a one-of-a-kind experience, swim at night with reef manta rays on Hawaii’s Big Island.

It doesn’t matter which island you choose. If you’re snorkeling in Hawaii, you are sure to enjoy your underwater adventure. Here are the best places for snorkeling around the Hawaiian Islands, plus the specific sea life you can expect to see below the surface.

Fringing Reef—Molokai

Get here by boat or kayak and prepare to be wowed by the longest fringing reef in Hawaii, which attracts everything from hawksbill turtles to spotted eagle rays. Plan your trip during whale-watching season (December-March) when thousands of whales show up and serenade each other (and you).

Where is it? South coast of Molokai

How to experience it? Let Snorkel Molokai take care of everything, from the boat ride and gear to special tips and instruction, if necessary.

Who is it suitable for? All levels

Turtle Town—Maui

On Maui’s southern coastline, a series of underwater lava formations, created by eruptions of submarine volcanoes, makes a cozy home for sea turtles. Just remember: look, but don’t touch; these guys are endangered. Angelfish, moray eels, and octopus are an added bonus.

Where is it? At Maluaka Beach, south of Kihei, near the Makena Beach and Golf Club.

How to experience it? A tour company like Maui Snorkeling will take visitors there for a 5-hour morning adventure. A heck of a way to start a day.

Who is it suitable for? All levels

Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park—Big Island

Hawaii’s Big Island offers numerous snorkeling spots. Kayak along the calm waters of Kealakekua Bay while keeping your eyes peeled for Hawaiian spinner dolphins; they like to put on a show. Once you reach the protected shoreline of Ka’awaloa, hop out and snorkel alongside turtles, eels, reef sharks, and rays.

Bring a picnic lunch and sit a spell near the monument of British explorer Captain James Cook; however, if you kayak on your own you are not allowed to dock on shore.

Where is it? 12-miles south of Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona) in south Kona

How to experience it? Sign up for some “Morning Magic” with Kona Boys and enjoy a guided tour of this magical area at the best time of day.

Who is it suitable for? All levels

Night Manta Snorkel—Big Island

Tour operators set up waterproof spotlights on the ocean floor to attract plankton, a surefire way to bring giant Pacific manta rays galore. Even though they are closely related to sharks, have wingspans up to 20 feet, and can weigh a whopping 3,000 pounds, snorkeling with them is perfectly safe. Their underwater performance has all the theatrics of Cirque du Soleil—back flips and all.

Where is it? Fronting Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay; south of Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona)

How to experience it? During lobster season, Shoreline Snorkel makes the nighttime tour even more exciting. And sometimes an octopus might even swim by.

Who is it suitable for? Intermediate

Poipu Beach Park—Kauai

Tikes will dig the shallow-water lagoon at Poipu Beach, not to mention the wildlife. Shoreside, you’ll often find lounging monk seals. Offshore, it’s common to see humpbacks during whale season. While snorkeling, look for blue parrotfish, sea cucumbers, and this tongue-twister: humuhumunukunukuapuaa, Hawaii’s state fish.

Where is it? 25 minutes west of Lihue on Kauai’s south shore

How to experience it? Visitors who feel like exploring on their own but didn’t bring the right gear can stop by Boss Frog’s for everything from masks to beach chairs.

Who is it suitable for? All levels

North Shore—Oahu

Oahu’s North Shore is one of the best places for snorkeling in Hawaii. Play marine biologist for the day by hanging out with Ocean Ramsey’s research team. Galapagos sharks, tiger sharks, sandbar sharks, hammerheads, and sometimes even whale sharks roams these parts. If you’re not a fan of the apex predator, this trip could certainly change your perspective. Humans aren’t really on the lunch list.

Where is it? Haleiwa Boat Harbor

How to experience it? Book a private excursion with Hawaii Real Nature Tours to get the most from an experienced guide in this magical location.

Who is it suitable for? All levels

Tunnels (Makua) Beach—Kauai

Weird rock formations? Check. Large coral heads? Check. This spot in Kauai will keep you entertained with its caverns, channels, and tunnels. Look for goat fish, hogfish, filefish, green sea turtles, moray eels, trumpet fish, and wrasse. A word to the wise: Avoid winter when the waves can be gnarly.

Where is it? Kauai’s north shore; off Highway 560 about a mile west of Hanalei Colony Resort; near Haena Beach Park

How to experience it? Kauai Sea Tours is one of several companies that showcases the best of the island’s snorkeling with excursions that feature multiple stops. Might as well see it all!

Who is it suitable for? Different areas are good for different levels of experience, but everyone should remember to not step on the coral.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve—Oahu

This volcanic crater on Oahu’s east side is a marine life conservation area sheltered from ocean swells and packed full of fish. Needless to say, it’s wildly popular, so be prepared for crowds. Take a peek at crevices and caves while making friends with damsel fish, squirrel fish, porcupine fish, and trumpet fish.

Where is it? Oahu’s east side; from Waikiki take the H1 Freeway until it becomes Kalanianaole Highway, continue 10 miles. You’ll find the entrance at the top of the hill.

How to experience it? Hanauma Bay Snorkel Adventures runs tours every day except Mondays and Tuesdays, as well as most major holidays.

Who is it suitable for? All levels

Honolua Bay—Maui

Located on Maui’s northwest shore, Honolua Bay is a marine life conservation area, so your chances are good of tracking down diverse sea critters. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by rocky cliffs that help shelter the area from wind. Keep an eye out for butterflyfish, snapper, puffer fish, unicorn fish, and sea urchins. Afterward, watch the surfers to the right of the boat ramp. This spot happens to be one of the most epic surf breaks in Hawaii.

Where is it? 10 miles north of Lahaina along Hwy 30

How to experience it? Do it in style by boarding the luxury catamaran from PacWhale Eco-Adventures.

Who is it suitable for? Intermediate

Hulopoe Bay—Lanai

On the island’s south shore you’ll find this crescent-shaped bay dotted with shallow tide pools that house hermit crabs, sea stars, and small fish. Below the surface, you’re in for a treat. Spinner dolphins and sea turtles frolic here frequently. Plus, bandit angelfish, Hawaiian green sea turtles, and humpbacks (in the winter).

Where is it? Between the Four Seasons Resort Lanai and Manele Bay

How to experience it? Book Amstar’s incredible day tour from Maui to Lanai that takes visitors to Hulopoe Bay for exploring by land and sea.

Who is it suitable for? All levels

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A child’s first trip to Hawaii will be memorable for many reasons, but because this is a once in a lifetime even for many families, it is important to maximize every opportunity. For teens and tweens that could mean special water activities and excursions, and little ones just learning to walk will probably be happy to plop down on a splash pad. But what about those the children in between, who are too old for the tiny waterslides and too young for a snorkeling trip?

Kōloa Landing Resort has kids between 3 and 11 covered with the new Kaua’I is for Kids experience that will help create many happy explorers during their stay. Equipped with their complimentary adventure pack, which includes binoculars, a compass, sunglasses, and a sun hat, young guests will embark on a sugarcane scavenger hunt to learn all about the crop’s extensive, important history on the island. 

“Kōloa Landing Resort celebrates sugarcane through modern authentic indulgences from sugarcane accents in spa treatments and raw sugarcane used in mixed drinks to now our sugarcane scavenger hunt,” explained Andy Evers, Kōloa Landing Resort’s GM. “Sugarcane is what makes Kōloa Landing Resort unique and families will have the opportunity to experience this in a fun and educational way through our Kaua‘i is for Kids program.”

Armed with a map of the property, kids will embark on an epic quest to find seven signs, each one not only offering a piece of Kōloa’s rich history, but also a special word that will combine with the others to deliver a final secret message and prize. And for those moments when parents need a break to lounge by “America’s Best Pool,” children will be able to keep learning and having fun with their special activity book.

The experience will presumably provide enough enjoyment and information for kids to remind their parents about it until they cave and start planning the return trip.

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Spoiler alert: There will be more movies.

Until the next project becomes a little clearer, though, fans can still enjoy and visit some of the films’ major stars. The islands of Hawaii provided the backdrops that helped the mystical homes of dinosaurs come to life. Here are nine Jurassic Park filming locations you can visit on your next trip to Hawaii. Please note that some locations are on private property, so it’s important to follow posted signs.

This spot may look familiar. Dubbed Hollywood’s “backlot of Hawaii,” Kualoa Ranch has served as the filming locations for several movies and TV shows, including Hawaii Five-0, LOST, Kong: Skull Island and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. One of the most notable movies filmed here is the first Jurassic Park, and several scenes from Jurassic World and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom were filmed here as well.

While being chased by dinosaurs, Grant and the kids took cover behind a fallen log, which almost wasn’t part of the film. In 1992, production was forced to move from Kauai to Oahu for a few final scenes due to Hurricane Iniki. Had the storm not caused the location change, this famous fallen log would never have made its big screen debut. The log is a popular photo op on Kualoa Ranch’s movie tours.

In an early scene of the first Jurassic Park, a helicopter lands at the base of a beautiful waterfall. You’ll find this spot on Kauai—in fact, Manawaiopuna Falls is now commonly referred to as “Jurassic Park Falls.” Want to recreate the scene? The site is located on private property and is only accessible via helicopter, so you’ll need to take a tour with one of the helicopter companies that are permitted landing access, like Island Helicopters Kauai.

In 1997’s Lost World, Kauai’s NaPali Coastline is shown as the fictional Isla Sorna, which is located approximately 90 miles from the fictional Isla Nublar.

Kipu Kai, Kauai

One of Kauai’s beaches, Kipu Kai, is also featured in Lost World, and can be seen when the Bowmans are dining on the beach. Located on Kauai’s southeastern side near Moleuhu, the beach is difficult to access and can only be reached via boat. To catch a glimpse of the area, take a Kipu Kai Ranch tour.

Pilaa Beach, Kauai

Jurassic Park III‘s final rescue scene features Kauai’s Pilaa Beach. This difficult-to-access beach is infrequently visited and not good for swimming. But if you brave the steep, rocky access trail you’ll be rewarded with stunning views and solitude.

Jurassic Kahili Ranch, Kauai

Other scenes from Jurassic Park III were filmed at Jurassic Kahili Ranch, however the ranch is private property. No tours are available and the no trespassing rules are strictly enforced.

For 2015’s Jurassic World, the helicopter entrance scene was filmed on the north shore of Maui, near the Garden of Eden Arboretum.

Also in Jurassic World, the Nublar ferry arrives on the Makai Research Pier, which is open to the public. The Navatek Boat that doubled for the ferry in the movie has since been retired, but you can whale watch or go for a dinner cruise on one of the company’s newer vessels.

In Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, when Owen, Claire, and Franklin wash ashore after escaping a volcanic eruption and dinosaur stampede (because it wouldn’t be a Jurassic Park movie without one!), the spot is Halona Beach. A steep, rocky hike is the price of admission, but the picturesque cove is worth it. Scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides were also filmed here, though they called the spot Whitecap Bay.

As an added bonus, drive by 42-139 Old Kalanianaole Road on Oahu and see where Chris Pratt lived during filming.

The post 9 Jurassic Park Filming Locations You Can Visit appeared first on Islands.

It’s a long haul to get to Hawaii—especially from the East Coast—so planning to visit more than one island while vacationing here makes sense. More than two? That demands either a serious vacation-day commitment or a crazy schedule that leaves little time for actual enjoyment of each island.

Our solution: the perfect two-island combo for a week in Hawaii matched to your specific lifestyles and interests. From adventure and golf to romance and culinary pursuits, here is our advice on how to pull this off.

Adventure and Ecotourism: Kauai + the Island of Hawaii

Does kayaking alongside coastal cliffs with Instagram-worthy views and star-gazing from the slopes of a 13,803-foot dormant volcano topped with snow sound like the coolest tropical vacation ever? Then plan to spend three nights on Kauai and four nights on the island of Hawaii.

What to do: Kauai, the oldest of the Hawaiian islands, is famous for its lush, mountainous landscape offering eco-adventure activities, plus coastal enclaves where surfing and other water sports such as stand-up paddle boarding are popular. Hike the Kalalau Trail along the Napali Coast (be sure to secure a parking pass beforehand) or trek amid inland beauty on trails in Kokee and Waimea Canyon State Parks.

For aerial adventure, book a helicopter tour with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters or scream your way across Kauai’s longest zipline (4,000 feet) with Outfitters Kauai. Up for a serious challenge? Outfitters Kauai also offers a 15-mile ocean kayak tour along the Napali Coast.

Eco-adventure is in the DNA of the island of Hawaii, the youngest Hawaiian island, which continues to grow thanks to eruptions from Kilauea volcano. Trek across lava fields in Volcanoes National Park or ride horseback through the rolling hills of Waimea with Hawaiian cowboys and Paniolo Adventures. Better yet, the fun doesn’t end at sunset. Head up Hawaii’s tallest peak for a sunset and stars experience with Hawaii Forest & Trail. You can also slip into the darkened waters of Kona Bay for a night dive with giant manta rays via Jack’s Dive Locker.

Where to stay: Poipu is best for sunny weather and beaches, while the Coconut Coast is convenient for accessing activities on both the North and South shores. In the former, opt for the Sheraton Kauai Resort with its low-rise buildings and swimmable beach; in the latter, the Kauai Marriott Resort in Lihue features lush grounds and a heated, family-friendly pool.

On the island of Hawaii, the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay is an affordable, centrally located base for exploration (there’s no beach, but you can see mantas from Rays on the Bay restaurant), while the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Kohala Coast is a 62-acre resort ideal for active families.

Food and Entertainment: Oahu + Maui

If your main desire is to dine at award-winning restaurants, try Hawaiian regional cuisine, take cooking lessons, and experience local culture, Oahu and Maui offer plenty to enjoy, especially if you love seafood and fusion cuisine. Plan to spend three nights in Honolulu and four nights on Maui to taste your way through Hawaii and the entire Pacific Rim. Time your trip for mid-to-late October to enjoy events at the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival on both islands.

Must-try activities: Honolulu is home to award-winning restaurants by chefs who almost 30 years ago created Hawaiian Regional Cuisine, like Roy Yamaguchi of Roy’s, who blends Hawaiian and Japanese flavors.

Casual local favorites abound, too. Loco Moco (a hamburger and fried egg atop white rice with a veal demi-glaze) at Barefoot Beach Café, a shave ice at Waiola Shave Ice and an Ahi Poke Bowl made with shoyu sauce at Ono Seafood. Head to the North Shore to try taro and haupia, Hawaiian staples served in the combo plate the Waiahole Poi Factory. Culture-wise, learn about Hawaiian music and dance during free shows at Royal Hawaiian Center or sip a cocktail and enjoy slack-key guitar music and hula at House Without A Key at Halekulani.

On Maui, the farm-to-fork aspect of Hawaiian Regional Cuisine is on every plate at Peter Merriman’s oceanfront Merriman’s Kapalua, Beverly Gannon’s Haliimaile General Store in Makawao, and Mark Ellman’s Mala Ocean Tavern in Lahaina.

Entertainment wise, it’s hard to beat the upscale luau experience and sunset view of the Feast at Lele in Lahaina and the melodic masters of Hawaiian slack key guitar at the Slack Key Show at the Napili Kai Beach Resort. Maui is also known for several culinary festivals, including the Kapalua Food & Wine Festival in June.

Top places to stay: On Oahu, stay in Waikiki to be in the center of action. Check into Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa and you’ll enjoy both historic architecture—it’s Hawaii’s first hotel, opened in 1901—and delicious seafood at Beachhouse. On Maui, the Fairmont Kea Lani is home to award-winning Ko restaurant featuring a fusion menu of Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, and Korean dishes, while the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort focuses on farm-to-table dining.

Golf and Spa: Island of Hawaii + Lanai

If your idea of nirvana consists of teeing off on a gorgeous fairway in the morning and cooling down with a soothing massage and hydrotherapy soak in the afternoon, a combination of the island of Hawaii and Lanai offers complementary golf and spa experiences that capture the lava-strewn wildness of Hawaii’s biggest island and the quiet allure of its smallest island with resorts.

Must-try activities: Between them, the island of Hawaii and Lanai have 21 golf courses—19 of them on Hawaii, but Lanai features a course so spectacular it’s worth checking off your list. Most of the top courses on the island of Hawaii are affiliated with resorts, but are open to the public.

These include the Scottish links-style Waikoloa Kings’ Course; the Mauna Lani Resort South Course, home of the Senior Skins Game from 1990 to 2000; and the classic Robert Trent Jones, Sr,-designed Mauna Kea Golf Course. The Hualalai Golf Club, on the other hand, can only be played by Hualalai residents and guests of the Four Seasons Resort, as is also the case at Manele Golf Course at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai.

As for spa-going, almost any resort spa in Hawaii is well equipped to relax your cares away with native lomilomi massage or a body scrub incorporating botanicals such as coconut, papaya and ginger.

Top places to stay: If your budget allows, book both Four Seasons properties featuring a pair of Jack Nicklaus-designed courses: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on the island of Hawaii and Four Seasons Resort Lanai, featuring the Manele Golf Course. Can’t afford such a major splurge? Spend five nights at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort on the island of Hawaii, home to the Hapuna Course—and adjacent to the Mauna Kea course—and then hop over to Lanai for two nights to experience the Four Seasons.

Romance: Kauai + Maui

This island duo is the perfect setting for an unforgettable honeymoon, destination proposal, or milestone anniversary celebration. Begin with three nights on serene Kauai, where the pace is slow and the scenery is stunning, and then finish with four nights on Maui, an island that has it all when it comes to couples-oriented pampering.

Must-try activities: On Kauai, known as the Garden Island, romance is in the air (and the sea spray) as you enjoy a sunset catamaran dinner cruise along the breathtaking Napali Coast with Holo-Holo Charters, paddle a two-person kayak along to Secret Waterfall, walk hand-in-hand along one of the North Shore’s scenic beaches, or enjoy a couple’s lomilomi massage at your resort’s spa.

On Maui, romance comes naturally, too. Drive amid the lush volcanic slopes of Upcountry, with stops at Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm, the Surfing Goat Dairy, and the historic cowboy town of Makawao.

Once at the top of 10,023-foot dormant volcano Haleakala, enjoy a scenic hike into the crater or time your visit for sunset (you’ll be above the clouds!). Other magical experiences are driving the 620 twists and turns of the Road to Hana—stay a few nights in this sleepy enclave to truly relax—as well as cocktails on Kaanapali Beach near Black Rock as a lone diver performs his ritual plunge into the sea and a sunset dinner in Lahaina.

Top places to stay: On Kauai, romantic resorts come in different sizes. If you’re seeking a large property with multiple on-site restaurants, a great beach and a relaxing spa, check out the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort in Poipu; for something more intimate, book nearby boutique property Koʻa Kea Resort on Poʻipu Beach.

Some of our favorite Maui resorts for couples are the luxurious Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, worth the splurge for a honeymoon or anniversary; the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa with its mid-century architecture and prime Kaanapali location for sunset; and Hana-Maui Resort, for those legendary seaside bungalows.

The post Hawaii’s Best Two-Island Combos for Every Travel Style appeared first on Islands.

Kauai Beach Resort

Experiences at this 25-acre Kauai Beach Resort give guests a true immersion into Polynesian culture, including a Nukoli’i Sunrise Ceremony, local music, lei making, hula lessons and an education talk about how Pacific Navigators traveled without modern navigation tools.

Newly renovated plantation-style rooms in neutral tones face the mountains, ocean or gardens. A water complex has two lagoon pools with waterfalls, one regular pool and a sand-bottomed kids’ pool, along with a waterslide and hot tub, and three dining concepts pique palates with upscale cuisine or casual fare. Bonus: treats at the shave ice bar can be spiked with local Koloa Rum.

Hotel Coral Reef Resort

Hotel Coral Reef Resort is a boutique beachfront hotel that just underwent an overhaul and added amenities, yet charges no resort fee. It’s situated in the town of Kapa’a, which bustles with tourists perusing its shops, restaurants and farmers markets, as well as enjoying live entertainment.

Accommodations at this affordable Kauai resort include private lanais, parking, use of bicycles and beach chairs, complimentary breakfast, tea and coffee, and use of the gas barbecue grill. Some oceanfront rooms have soaking tubs, microwaves and in-room refrigerators, and the oceanfront lagoon pool has a tropical waterfall.

Kauai Palms

Because Kauai Palms is just a five-minute drive from the Lihue Airport you’ll be able to experience the island’s charms that much quicker. It’s nestled on a quiet street with views of the Kipu Mountains; a short walk away you’ll find a dozen dining options in the nearby Lihue Restaurant District, plus Kalena Park for those with children looking for free things to do in Kauai.

Rooms are decorated in an island style, some with kitchenettes or full kitchens, coffee makers, mini fridges and flat screen televisions. The beach is a short drive or a pleasant half hour walk away.

Courtyard Kauai at Coconut Beach

Start or end the day relaxing on your private lanai overlooking the garden, mountains or beach at Courtyard Kauai at Coconut Beach, an affordable hotel on Kauai’s east side that’s named for the growing groves of coconut palms.

The pool, whirlpool and beach are dotted with lounge chairs, hammocks and fire pits, and the Voyager Lanai’s all-day menu offers up mahi mahi fish and chips, tuna poke and slow-roasted pork belly with ginger glaze and Hawaiian slaw. A lomi lomi or coffee massage at Pua Day Spa is an indulgent splurge.

Garden Island Inn Hotel

Garden Island Inn Hotel, a small, artsy boutique hotel by Kalapaki Beach, has been family-owned and -operated since 1989. Its 21 tropically decorated rooms, suites and condos have kitchenettes, flat-screen televisions include DVDs of movies filmed on the island. Some also have private lanais with partial ocean and mountain views, and the hotel staff will even fill your room daily with fresh flowers cut from their garden. They don’t charge a resort fee but still offer free parking, morning snacks and coffee in the lobby, use of beach chairs, boogie boards, snorkel sets and fins, beach towels and coolers.

Banyan Harbor Resort

Kalapaki Beach is close to Banyan Harbor Resort in Lihue, partially protected from the ocean by a large break wall which makes it perfect for swimming, floating and stand-up paddle boarding. (The property is also just a few minutes’ drive from the Lihue airport.)

Each of the one-bedroom condos and two-bedroom townhouses comes with separate living and dining areas, a fully equipped kitchen and a private lanai. Resort fee provides use of the saltwater heated pool, parking, tennis and basketball courts, picnic areas, poolside barbecue grills, shuffleboard, pickleball and an activities desk.

Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay

The Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay‘s location adjacent to family-friendly Lydgate State Park translates to ample space to play and picnic on the beach, swim and snorkel in its two protected lagoons and bike and walk on the 2½-mile trail.

Spread out in a spacious room, suite or two-bedroom cottage and splash in the two pools and whirlpool. There is a resort fee but since it includes a shell lei greeting, two complimentary Mai Tais or soft drinks per room per night, a Hawaiian cultural sunrise ceremony, a two-hour Ke Ala Hele Makalae bike ride, and usage of coolers and beach mats, we think it’s worth it.

Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy

The new freeform pool and jacuzzi with natural rock formations are the focal points for Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy, an affordable Kauai hotel on the Royal Coconut Coast. The coastline here is quite rocky; if that’s not your thing head to one of the sandy beaches nearby.

One- and two-bedroom accommodations done in a contemporary style have private lanais from which to spot flora and fauna. Hukilau Lanai restaurant offers up Pacific Rim cuisine, steaks and seafood by the water and the Hawaiian Sea Salt Glow at Spa Makaiwa will leave skin smooth and bright.

Kauai Shores Hotel

The vibe at Kauai Shores Hotel on the island’s Coconut Coast is bright, funky and fun, from the pops of neon green and teal in the rooms to the bright orange beach umbrellas to the overflowing cups of shave ice from Lava Lava Beach Club.

Some of the newly remodeled accommodations come with a garden, pool or ocean view, and some are also equipped with kitchenettes. The Hospitality Fee gives guests niceties like bike rentals, water, use of the in-room Keurig machine, Wi-Fi, outdoor yoga and two Mai Tai Coupons.

Makai Club Resort

On a hillside on Kauai’s North Shore in Princeville next to the Makai Golf Club, intimate Makai Club Resort is comprised of one-bedroom condos and two-bedroom cottages. All are bright and airy and contain full kitchens and lanais. The cottages are more than twice the size of the condos and some are on two levels, making them an ideal choice for families or groups with up to six guests.

The affordable Kauai resort touts a pool, jacuzzi, fire pit, golf, bicycles, propane barbecue grills, a concierge, a business center and onsite parking. Complimentary weekly treats include root beer floats, Mai Tais and pupus, ice cream sundaes and popsicles.

The post Most Affordable Hotels and Resorts on Kauai appeared first on Islands.

But even if you have a penchant for other outdoor pursuits and things to do like hiking and biking, you’ll eventually long to frolic in or sit next to those lapping waves. Though these properties have plenty of other amenities that make them stand out (think golf courses, spas and creative cuisine) it’s their proximity to the Pacific that’s the real draw. Here are the best beach hotels and resorts in Kauai.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

The sprawling pool complex of Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa on Poipu Beach has to be experienced to be believed. Plunge under lava rock waterfalls, float down the lazy river, escape to the adult pool or take a dip in the saltwater lagoon pool with sand and zero entry.

Among the eight restaurants and bars, the thatched-roof bungalows floating over a koi-filled lagoon next to a waterfall at Hawaiian cuisine-focused Tidepools are decidedly the most impressive, while poolside casual Hale Nalu satisfies swimmers with burgers and ahi banh mi. The 45,000-square foot Anara Spa is the largest on Kauai, combining ancient healing rituals with island botanicals in treatment rooms opening to gardens.

Princeville Resort

The water and Makana Mountain beyond form an almost surreal backdrop for Princeville Resort, situated above Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s north shore. Rooms and suites in a contemporary island design come in all kinds of categories and feature marble bathrooms and oversized soaking tubs; some also include private lanais.

The infinity pool is an award-winning architecture wonder, joined by a rock-lined whirlpool and keiki (kids) pool, and the powdery sand in Pu’u Po’a Beach beckons sunbathers, surfing, paddleboarders and kayakers. Halele’a Spa treatments use island botanicals and combine Hawaiian rituals and western techniques, and five dining options await, including a sunset table by the water at Hawaiian steakhouse Kauai Grill. The latter also makes this resort one of the best Kauai hotels for couples.

Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu

Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu on the south shore features the largest luxury villas on the island. One-bedroom accommodations measure more than 800 square feet and feature a separate tub and shower, a lanai and fully-equipped gourmet kitchen. Even the deluxe studio rooms are nearly twice the size of standard hotel rooms on Kauai, equipped with a kitchenette and full-sized washer and dryer.

A new multi-terraced pool oasis tempts with an infinity pool, three waterfalls, a swim-through grotto, wooden bridges, two water slides and three Jacuzzis. Spa treatments balance earth and sea with indigenous mauka (mountain) and makai (ocean) elements, while signature restaurant Holoholo Grill serves elevated Hawaiian comfort food like pork tonkatsu ramen and sticky ribs in collaboration with James Beard award-winning chef Sam Choy.

Kauai Marriott Resort

Golf enthusiasts should opt for Kauai Marriott Resort in Lihue, boasting a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course (the longest in Hawaii) winding past the bay and cliffs. Accommodations flaunt sun- and sand-inspired decor with categories spanning from a garden double room to a one-bedroom corner oceanfront suite with a wrap-around lanai, whirlpool tub and separate living room with a king bed facing the ocean.

The heated oceanfront pool is one of Hawaii’s largest, and the full-service salon and spa even offers the option for a massage in a beach cabana. Five dining concepts serve island-inspired fare, sushi, Italian cuisine, steaks and seafood, and a weekly luau includes dinner and a live show.

Courtyard Kauai at Coconut Beach

Courtyard Kauai at Coconut Beach on Kauai’s east side is named for the growing groves of coconut palms in the area. All rooms have updated contemporary decor, private lanais, refrigerators and fun island accents like wave murals and sea blue rugs.

The pool, whirlpool and beach have ample lounge chairs, hammocks and fire pits, and the Voyager Lanai’s all-day menu offers up mahi mahi fish and chips, tuna poke and slow-roasted pork belly with ginger glaze and Hawaiian slaw. Book a lomi lomi or coffee massage or other purifying treatment at Pua Day Spa; other activities include tennis, basketball, hula, corn hole, bocce, bike rentals, yoga on the beach and a sunrise experience. Bonus: it’s also one of the most affordable hotels in Kauai.

Waipouli Beach Resort & Spa by Outrigger

Because no traveler wants a one-size-fits-all vacation experience, Waipouli Beach Resort & Spa by Outrigger on Kauai’s east side offers different condo configurations; all are distinctly decorated but each has hardwood furnishings, gourmet kitchens and spacious bathrooms. These types of accommodations also make Waipouli a prime Kauai hotel for families.

The 2-acre property has a heated river pool with water slides and a sandy zero-entry, and Waipouli Beach is mere steps away. Oasis on the Beach focuses on local and sustainable ingredients like Makaweli Ranch grass-fed beef, ahi and ono, and the shops, restaurants and entertainment of Coconut MarketPlace are all nearby.

Sheraton Kauai Resort

The low-rise architecture of Sheraton Kauai Resort, located on Poipu Beach on Kauai’s south shore, means that everyone is awarded a view of either the ocean or the gardens, and rooms and suites are decorated in soothing neutral tones with touches of tropical color.

The pool is admittedly relatively small compared to other hotel complexes, but the golden-sand beach just steps away is why this proeprty is one of the best beach resorts in Kauai. RumFire is the signature restaurant with island dishes with global influences like misoyaki butterfish and Hawaiian paella; other dining options include casual Lava’s, a twice-weekly luau and a private beachfront table experience.

Aqua Kauai Beach Resort

Not only is this property one of the best beach resorts in Kauai, 25-acre Aqua Kauai Beach Resort also offers guests several ways to experience Polynesian culture, including a Nukoli’i Sunrise Ceremony, live local music, lei making, hula lessons and an education talk about how Pacific Navigators traveled without modern navigation tools.

Newly renovated plantation-style rooms in neutral tones face the mountains, ocean or gardens. The water complex has two lagoon pools with waterfalls, one regular pool and a sand-bottomed kids’ pool, a waterslide and a hot tub. Three dining concepts pique palates with upscale cuisine or casual fare (treats at the shave ice bar can be spiked with local Koloa Rum.)

The Lodge at Kukui’ula

One-, two- and three-bedroom cottages and four-bedroom villas comprise The Lodge at Kukui’ula, a boutique property on the island’s south shore. All have plantation architecture views of the golf course or ocean, along with a large lanai with a barbecue, a freestanding soaking tub, lava rock outdoor showers, hand-scraped hardwood floors, granite countertops and designer appliances.

The Makai Pool complex is perched above the ocean with an infinity serenity pool with built-in loungers connected to the saltwater lagoon pool below via cascading waterfall. Hi’ilani Spa has meditation gardens and a lap pool for post-treatment relaxation, and you can walk, hike or bike to the 10-acre farm to pick flowers, fruits, herbs or veggies for your kitchen; ingredients are also used at the resort’s hyper-local Umeke Kitchen + Bar.

Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach

Direct beach access and accommodations that are closer to the water than anywhere else on the island are the key draws at Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach on the south shore, one of the best beach resorts in Kauai. Rooms also feature balconies or patios along with marble showers and dual shower heads.

The spa’s design is inspired by Hawaii’s natural landscape, and therapists use indigenous products like Kauai clay nut oils, coffee, sugar and native blooms for stress-reducing and balance-restoring treatments. Make a dinner reservation at Red Salt, a restaurant that celebrates the island’s bounty with cuisine like ahi tartare and vanilla bean-scented mahi mahi. Hoku Watersports has a beach hut where you can rent bikes, beach chairs, umbrellas, snorkels and paddle boards.

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Explore the Waimea Canyon (nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific), see the rugged mountains of the Napali Coast on a snorkeling trip, spot humpbacks breaching on a whale-watching tour and catch a glimpse of monk seals sunbathing on the sand.

You’ll also find beaches with lifeguards and surf schools, kid-friendly hiking trails, parks and playgrounds — even freely roaming chickens. Now that we’ve convinced you to take your next family vacation to the Garden Isle, here are the best Kauai hotels and resorts for families.

Waipouli Beach Resort & Spa by Outrigger

Waipouli Beach Resort & Spa by Outrigger is a condo-style property located in Lihue near the airport — so your crew won’t have to endure a long car ride after a long flight. Families should opt for a one- or two-bedroom unit (bonus: each has at least two bathrooms) to take advantage of the full kitchen with a convection oven, microwave, refrigerator and dishwasher. Each unit also includes a washer and dryer to keep your swimsuits and beachwear fresh, and the property is within walking distance to grocery stores to stock your kitchen.

Kids will love spending the day in the lazy river pool with water slides and a sandy zero-entry that winds through the 2-acre resort. Nearby, spot Kauai’s resident monk seals hanging out on Waipouli Beach, and browse the shops and restaurants at Coconut Marketplace.

Sheraton Kauai Resort

With a prime location on Poipu Beach, the Sheraton Kauai Resort is an ideal home base to truly appreciate all that is Kauai. Each day the staff offers free introductory surfing and snorkeling lessons on the beach, and complimentary scuba lessons are available in the pool for anyone ages 10 and above.

Nighttime tours during low tide provide an incredible learning opportunity about tide pools and unusual marine life. Kids will also enjoy the weekly luau with dancing, food and storytelling.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa

There’s no need for parental guilt when you leave the kiddos at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa‘s Camp Hyatt, one of the best Kauai resorts for families. Between lei making, hula lessons, shell bracelet making, volcano crafts and parrot talks, they’ll hardly register your absence.

Counselors also supervise playtime in the multilevel pools, laced with lazy rivers, waterfalls, caves and a water slide. When it’s time to retire, opt for a family-friendly suite to have some privacy once the youngsters are asleep.

Princeville Resort

Located on Kauai’s north shore right on Hanalei Bay, the sunsets at Princeville Resort (formerly the St. Regis) are worth the price of admission. The beach is suitable for children, as protection from an offshore reef generally keeps the shallow water calm, except in the winter months.

Kids can spend the day playing at the Keiki Pool, while supervising parents can take in the surrounding views of Makana Mountain and Hanalei Bay. The beachfront resort also features an onsite spa and nearby Princeville Makai Golf Club, so mom and dad can have some “me” time as well.

Kauai Marriott Resort

In addition to family-friendly heated outdoor pool — one of the largest in Hawaii — plus a designated children’s pool for the littles, the Kauai Marriott Resort fronts Kalapaki Beach, one of the best beaches in Kauai. Six restaurants on the grounds should satisfy your pickiest eater, but if not, dozens of locally owned restaurants are within walking distance in Lihue. Another bonus for families: the resort offers a free shuttle from the airport.

Whalers Cove

Whalers Cove is an ideal Kauai resort for families thanks to its one- two- and three-bedroom condo-style accommodations. One-bedroom oceanfront accommodations have an incredible 1,400 square feet of space, with a master bedroom and king-sized bed, living room, dining room and full-sized and fully equipped kitchen. Shopping services will have your kitchen stocked with whatever you like prior to your arrival.

Rent bicycles nearby and explore all the things to do on Kauai‘s sunny south side of the island. Sample Hawaiian-style hot dogs and shave ice at Puka Dog, and spend the day swimming and snorkeling at Poipu Beach Park.

The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas

While The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas is not located directly on the beach, the ocean view from its perch atop a 200-foot cliff more than makes up for it. Plus, a complimentary shuttle transports guests back and forth to Hanalei Bay for beach access.

Accommodations range from studios to two-bedroom villas, and each is furnished with all the comforts of home, making it one of the best Kauai resorts for families — think kitchenettes or fully equipped kitchens, a washer and dryer, and the Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed. Free Wi-Fi, free parking and no resort fee add to the value.

Kids will love their own pool that features a slide and water-spewing turtles (while parents have a choice of three additional pools), plus every Tuesday is family movie night: spread a blanket on the big lawn overlooking the Pacific for a film under the stars.

Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu Beach

The pool at Koloa Landing Resort is something your kids will talk about for a long time. Waterfalls and multiple levels, spray jets and bridges — it’s a vacation in itself.

An activity lawn includes volleyball, soccer and miniature golf. Cribs and high chairs are delivered to your villa at no extra charge. Note that this is not a beachfront property, but the resort has a van that will deliver you to Poipu Beach whenever you like.

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Honu is the Hawaiian word for turtle and you will likely see many honu as you snorkel in the waters around Kauai. If you see one, just relax and float rather than trying swim toward it. And remember to use sunscreen that does not harm coral reefs and marine life. If you can’t find it at home before you leave, Hawaii only sells environmentally-friendly sunscreen.

Here are our picks for the best snorkeling spots in Kauai.

Poipu Beach Park

If you spend your entire vacation at Poipu Beach, you will not be disappointed for this is truly one of the world’s best snorkeling destinations. The surf is calm, the water is crystal clear and the fish are everywhere. Parents will appreciate that lifeguards are on duty and a beach shop offers any necessities you may have forgotten.

Anini Beach

Located on Kauai’s north shore, Anini Beach provides snorkelers with access to the Rhe Honoiki reef, the largest coral reef in Hawaii. The sea turtles tend to hang out close to the boat ramp, but the fish are everywhere. Take care to stay inside the reef’s protective barrier because the ocean current can become very strong here. There is no lifeguard on Anini Beach.

Lydgate Beach Park

With two protected coves on the east side of the island, Lydgate Beach is just a great place to spend the day. Picnic pavilions, a big playground, clean restrooms and lifeguards make this a popular place with locals and visitors. The fish here are small, but colorful and numerous.

Koloa Landing

This area is known as a great spot for spotting sea turtles. You’ll not find a great beach here, but there’s a boat ramp that allows you to easily wade into the water then put on your fins. Take care because the water gets deep fast. Because this is on the south side of the island, snorkeling is better here in the winter when ocean swells are mellow.

Lawai Beach

This south side beach is small, but has lots of street side parking. While the snorkeling is very good here, be alert to windy conditions that can whip up the sand and limit underwater visibility. This is not necessarily a spot for beginners to try snorkeling in Kauai.

Ke’e Beach

Located on the north shore where the road ends and the Napali Coast begins, this beach is worth the drive. The view from the water looking up at the cliffs is as magical as the beautiful world underneath the water. The summer months are the best for calm, clear water. There’s no cell phone reception, but there are bathrooms, showers and a lifeguard.

Haena Beach Park

This north shore location provides a great view of Bali Hai, otherwise known as Mount Makana. Note that the beach is a little more gravely than sandy and once you walk into the water, the drop-off is steep. As with all north shore snorkeling spots in Kauai, the summer months are best. But come in the winter months and watch as surfers take on those big swells.

Hideaways Beach

Remember that all beaches in Hawaii are open to the public, even this one that appears to be apart of the St. Regis Princeville Resort on the north shore. Follow a steep trail down to the water and that will be your biggest challenge. There’s no need to swim out very far here. Fish are everywhere!

Mahaulepu Beach

It’s a small beach, but so secluded that you’ll likely have the water and snorkeling to yourself. Follow a dirt road past the horse stables at the Grand Hyatt all of the way to the ocean. After you’ve explored the underwater world here on the south shore, take a few minutes to explore the rocks and cliffs here. Others have found fossils and unusual formations hidden away here.

Nukoli Beach Park

This east side beach is nearly two miles long, which makes it a fabulous place for sunbathing, but the rocks near the shore limit swimming. However, for the patient snorkeler who put their fins on while on the beach and then duck walk backwards into water, you’ll be reward with schools of colorful tropical fish darting here and there around the rocks.

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Princeville Resort

From your pool or beach chairs, watch the palette of hues change throughout the day as the sun hits Makana Mountain from different angles at Princeville Resort (formerly The St. Regis), near Hanalei Bay on the north shore. Oceanfront King rooms in a contemporary island decor have sitting areas, king beds, marble bathrooms with double vanities and oversized soaking tubs and showers.

At the spa, book the Makana Renewal Ritual, a 170-minute indulgence for two with an organic bio-scrub, warming cocoon of algae, scalp massage, shower, body massage and facial, and snag a coveted table at sunset by the window at Hawaiian steakhouse Kauai Grill.

Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach

You and your SO can’t get closer to the water from an oceanfront room anywhere else on the island than at Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort on the island’s south shore, and one of the most romantic Kauai resorts for couples. Accommodations also feature balconies or patios and marble showers with dual shower heads.

Indulge in a side-by-side massage, exfoliating hand and foot polish and warm scalp treatment in a couple’s suite at the spa, then take a dip in the freeform pool or sip Mai Tais in the lava rock whirlpool. After pan-seared snapper or lobster gnocchi at award-winning restaurant Red Salt, sink into oversized Adirondack chairs by the firepit and look for the Milky Way.

Waimea Plantation Cottages

If you long to buy a house on Kauai, a stay in one of Waimea Plantation Cottages‘s 61 historic, restored plantation cottages is the next best thing. Oh, and did we mention the 27-acre oceanfront property on Kauai’s sunny western shore stretches along a black-sand beach?

The oceanfront, ocean view or garden view cottages are done up in a contemporary Hawaiian style, each with a king bed, fully-equipped kitchen, living room and lanai. Walk hand-in-hand along the 2-mile beach, cool off in the oceanfront pool or explore the nearby town of Waimea together.

The Lodge at Kukui’ula

Couples can canoodle in a one-bedroom bungalow with plantation architecture and contemporary decor at The Lodge at Kukui’ula, an upscale property on Kauai’s south shore. Golf course or ocean views from the large lanai with outdoor barbecue are joined by a spa-inspired bathroom with freestanding soaking tub, lava rock outdoor showers, master suite with a king bed, hand-scraped hardwood floors, granite countertops and high-end appliances.

Relax in the meditation garden after a couple’s massage at Hi’ilani Spa, settle into the built-in loungers in the infinity-edge serenity pool and then book a cozy table for dinner at hyper-local Umeke Kitchen + Bar.

Whalers Cove

Expansive ocean views are the hallmark of Whalers Cove, a collection of cliffside condos on Poipu Beach, one of the best beaches in Kauai. One-bedroom oceanfront accommodations have an incredible 1,400-square feet of space, with a master bedroom and king-sized bed, living room, dining room and full-sized and fully-equipped kitchen. (Deluxe one-bedroom condos have 2,000-square feet as well as a Jacuzzi tub and double shower.)

The beach is rocky, but that just makes for watching dramatic wave breaks from the private lanai over a glass of wine at sunset that much more romantic. (The freeform pool overlooks the ocean, too.) The resort will even stock your condo with groceries before your arrival so you can prepare an intimate dinner.

Waipula Beach Resort

The first thing you may notice at Waipula Beach Resort on Kauai’s east coast (located between the towns of Kapa’a and Wailua) is the 2-acre pool complex with its black lava rocks, waterfalls, hot tub and scented plumeria and hibiscus blooms. That’s if you can tear yourself out of your one-bedroom suite and its gourmet kitchen, travertine floors and Jacuzzi soaking tub.

Beach Bliss is an aptly-named couples’ treatment consisting of an 80-minute kukui coconut milk massage right on the beach, and every table at the local and sustainably-focused restaurant Oasis on the Beach comes with a view.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

The two of you can easily find a private nook to spend the afternoon in Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa‘s sprawling pools and grottoes, one of the most romantic Kauai resorts for couples. The ocean view suites here have a king bed, separate sitting area, marble bathroom, walk-in shower, spa tub, wet bar and lanai, and Anara Spa is the largest on Kauai, with treatments in rooms that face the gardens.

Among the eight restaurants and bars, super romantic Tidepools is comprised of thatched-roof bungalows floating over a koi-filled lagoon next to a waterfall and features a Hawaiian cuisine-focused menu. Or book a four-course candlelit dinner on the beach under the constellation-filled sky.

Kauai Marriott Resort

Golf is one of the best things to do in Kauai, so if you and your betrothed are into hitting the links, stay at Kauai Marriott Resort in Lihue. Its Jack Nicklaus signature course is the longest in Hawaii, winding past the bay and cliffs. Corner one-bedroom suites with wrap-around lanais, whirlpools tubs, separate living rooms and king beds that face the ocean have a sun- and sand-inspired design.

Couple’s massages can be taken in a beach cabana, and Duke’s Kauai serves up pupus, steaks, seafood and Pacific Rim cuisine with the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and the mountains.

RELATED: Best Beaches in Kauai

Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu

Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu on the south shore has the largest luxury villas on Kauai; one-bedroom accommodations measure more than 800-square feet and have a separate tub and sink, lanai and fully-equipped gourmet kitchen, which can be pre-stocked with groceries and beverages. A new multi-terraced pool oasis tempts with an infinity pool, three waterfalls, a swim-through grotto, wooden bridges, two water slides and three Jacuzzis.

Couple’s spa treatments rooms have rainfall shower heads, the island’s only Japanese Ofuro soaking tub and are adjacent to a private lanai. Next to the main pool, Holoholo Grill serves elevated Hawaiian comfort food in collaboration with James Beard award-winning chef Sam Choy.

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Kalapaki Beach

If you love watersports, plan on spending a whole day at Kalapaki Beach on the southeast side near the Kauai Marriott Beach Resort. The beginner-friendly waves beckon first-timers to try boogie boarding, paddle boarding, surfing or kayaking.

Kauai Beach Boys rents surf boards, paddle boards, snorkel sets (including prescription masks) and beach chairs. They also give lessons, which we recommend you take in the morning — followed by a burger and taro fries at the Kalapaki Beach Hut — then take the afternoon to practice.

Take a break at Kalapaki Shave ice to try the passion fruit flavor. As you leave Kalapaki Beach, take advantage of the location’s freshwater showers.

Baby Beach

We love the name of this family-friendly (but not crowded) south shore beach. Little ones will love the flat water and tide pools. Snorkelers will love the fringing reef that offers high odds of green sea turtle sightings.

Do note that at low tide uncovers a wide swath of black rocks; they are mostly smooth and forgiving, but better encountered while wearing appropriate footwear.

Waimea Beach

This scenic black-sand beach is one of the best beaches in Kauai, and definitely worth a visit. Many visitors to Kauai relish this west-facing beach as a secluded, romantic place to take in the sunset. For others, the appeal lies in the long wooden pier, dating back to the 1900s, offering a unique perspective and connection to Old Hawaii.

Kekaha Beach

Kekaha Beach on the west side rates highly in every online trip forum as one of the best beaches in Kauai, and yet, it remains one of the least crowded. This may seem impossible, but thanks to its position along a 12-mile stretch of sand and the fact that driving is allowed on the beach, visitors spread out.

Do note that the waves can be high and swimming conditions iffy — which is why Kekaha is a lifeguard-protected beach. We love it for several reasons: the powdery sand, the privacy and the fact that it faces west for prime sunset viewing.

Shipwreck’s Beach

Active types will appreciate Shipwreck’s Beach on Kauai’s south shore for two reasons. One, the wave break is ideal for bodysurfing and surfing. Two, hikers can enjoy the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail, an easy walk 2 miles each way, there and back, before enjoying the beach. As a bonus, the limestone cliffs create a setting so inspired that many local brides host a wedding here.

Poipu Beach Park

Humpback whales and Hawaiian monk seals are sighted on occasion from this Kauai beach. Add to that a host of facilities, including lifeguards, picnic tables and pavilions, showers and restrooms, and it’s no surprise that this south shore sunbathing paradise is one of the island’s most popular.

Secret Beach

Can a beach that’s named Secret Beach remain one? Perhaps not, but what does keep crowds at bay is the fact that beachgoers must walk 10 minutes to reach this north shore spot, which also answers to the local name of Kauapea Beach. If you ask us, hiking through a forest of hala trees only adds to the experience.

Hanalei Beach

Hanalei Beach remains one of the best beaches in Kauai — and even one of the best beaches in Hawaii — thanks to some incredible natural conditions. The bay is perfectly C shaped, which means that while you soak up the sun on the 2-mile stretch of golden sand, you enjoy views of green-covered mountains to your left and right.

Plus, the reef breaks far from shore, giving beachgoers plenty of calmer water inside the bay to splash around in. Although from late October through March, the beach is subject to winter waves as big as 20 feet, making it ideal for surfing, but less relaxing otherwise.

Editor’s note: In April 2018, the north shore of Kauai was affected by heavy rains and flooding. As a result, the two north shore beaches listed below are not currently accessible. The main highway leading to these beaches is closed for repairs from mudslides, but expected to reopen sometime in 2019. We kept these beaches on our list because they are Kauai’s best beaches, and hopefully will soon be accessible again.

Haena Beach

Haena Beach on the north shore has it all: Calm water, golden sands, a wide swath of beach — plus lifeguards, picnic tables, freshwater showers and restrooms. We love that Mount Makana stands watch just beyond the sand, creating a plethora of photo ops, especially come sunset.

Tunnels Beach, aka Makua Beach

Talk about exotic. We love the view from Tunnels Beach, where green folds of mountain tumble down straight to the sea’s edge. When light hits just right, the sandy stretches appear aquamarine, turquoise and dozens of shades in between. Given the abundance of natural beauty, it’s perhaps not surprising that this north shore spot is one of Kauai’s top spots for snorkeling. Find it at mile marker 8 on Highway 560.

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