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Secret Beach
Secret Beach is a gorgeous, 'undiscovered,' golden beach, backed by cliffs and jungle-like woods. It's popular with Kauai's 'alternative' community and nude sunbathers. The beach is near Kalihiwai, on Kauai's northern coast, but it's hard to find and requires navigating a dirt road and following a walking trail through jungle growth and ironwood trees. If you want to get away from it all, it's worth the effort in summer when swimming and snorkeling conditions are safe.
Kamaole Beach Parks, Maui
While the Kamaole Beach Parks - numbered I, II, and III - have long stretches of fine sand washed by gently lapping wavelets and a view that includes the sere slopes of Lanai emerging from a sapphire sea, what draws residents to these south Maul beaches is the variety of activities they offer.
Volleyball players spike and dive on the sand court at Kamaole I, where beginning surfers often find good swells near the canoe launch. Among the rocky reefs between Kamaole I and Kamaole II, snorkelers search for sea turtles and parrotfish. Off the broad sandy swath at Kamaole III, swimmers stroke through the calm shallows, while on the sloping lawn picnickers fire up the grills as they savor a sunset or watch the colorful kites overhead. In winter, beachgoers at all three parks keep an eye out for humpback whales that migrate to these waters from Alaska.
Ala Moana Beach Park
This beach is a favorite for its clear waters, soft sand and numerous picnic facilities in the adjacent park. The sandy lagoon is perfect for swimming.
Waikiki Beach
 Perhaps the world's most famous beach, Waikiki has been the backdrop for Hollywood movies and the starting place for many a romance. While the beach is a sun tanners paradise, the warm waters are perfect for snorkeling, surfing or just floating on an inflatable mat.
 Hanauma Bay
Situated in the crater of an ancient volcano, Hanauma Bay is a world-class snorkeling and scuba diving spot. The sea life here is protected by law and the fish are so tame that they will eat from your hand. Located 20 minutes from Waikiki, assuming the traffic is light
Waimanalo
This beach is great for learning how to bodysurf or boogie-board because of the small, gentle waves that roll in here. Located two miles past Sea Life Park on Oahu's east side.
Sunset Beach
Aptly named for its spectacular sunsets, this is the site of the World Cup of Surfing. Although rough during winter, the beach can be calm and good for snorkeling during summer. 40 miles from Honolulu on the North Shore.
Ehukai
This is the site of the famous "Banzai Pipeline", where waves break in a hollow fashion. Surfers disappear inside the "tube" and emerge seconds later - surfing's ultimate maneuver. Calm and safe during summer. Located across from Sunset Beach Elementary School.
Waimea Bay
This is where some of the biggest rideable surf in the world breaks. During winter, the surf can reach heights of 40 feet. During summer, the bay is calm and clear. Located two miles west of Sunset Beach.
Haleiwa Beach Park
Located just past rustic Haleiwa Town on the North Shore, this park features a sandy beach, playing field, basketball courts, picnic tables, and rest rooms.
 Makaha
Just one of the many beautiful beaches on Oahu's laid-back Westside, Makaha is best known for its perfect winter surf. Usually calm during summer months. Located a few miles past Waianae on Farrington Highway.
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