Top Beaches in Hawaii

I think you should definitely get there early—like around 7 AM. The sunrise is stunning and you can snag a good parking spot before it fills up

I suggest packing a picnic! There's plenty of grassy areas to enjoy and food at nearby kiosks can get pricey. Bring your own snacks and drinks to save some cash.

If you spot any locals with surfboards, don’t be shy! My advice is to ask them for tips or suggestions; they might know some hidden spots that aren’t in the guidebooks.

I suggest checking the tides before you go. When I visited, the beach was almost underwater during high tide, so plan those beach activities accordingly.

I think shoes are a must if you wanna explore the area. The sand gets super hot mid-day, and trust me, you don’t want to be hopping around like a hot potato.

Get there by 8:00 AM if you want a good spot! It's a lot less crowded early, and you’ll have the best views plus the morning sun without burning your skin.

My advice is to bring your own snacks and drinks. The nearby shops can be pricey – I ended up spending way too much on just a couple of bottles of water.

I think taking a stroll along the paths leading to the park's historical sites is cool. I didn't realize how much history was there until I walked around a bit; definitely worth the time!

I suggest visiting in the morning around 8 AM to beat the crowds and enjoy a peaceful sunrise. The beach feels totally different when it's quiet and the sun is just coming up.

I recommend checking out the free beach yoga classes on Tuesday mornings. It’s a great way to unwind and meet other travelers while enjoying stunning ocean views.

If you’re into watersports, rent gear at a nearby shop instead of the beach rentals. They have way better prices, and you can get some nice deals for a full day.

for parking, arrive before 10 am. i got lucky and found a spot, but it fills up fast, especially on weekends. save yourself the stress!

My advice is to bring your own snacks and drinks. The nearby shops can be a bit pricey, and it's nice to have something on hand while you're on the water.

If you’re planning to take photos, go for the golden hour around sunset – the lighting is amazing! Just make sure to keep an eye on the tides.

Check out the food trucks near the beach for amazing local eats – I grabbed some poke there and it was fresh and affordable! Don’t skip the flavors of Kauai.

Parking can be tricky, so arrive early, like by 9 AM, to score a spot. Otherwise, be prepared to park a ways back and walk to the beach.

I highly recommend visiting in the late afternoon around 4 PM for the best sunset views. It’s a total mood-lifter and gives you that postcard-perfect shot.

Bring plenty of water! I thought I’d only need one bottle, but it gets pretty hot on the trail, and you'll want to stay hydrated.

I suggest wearing good shoes, but don’t stress about looking cute. I saw lots of folks slipping in flip-flops—totally not worth it!

I think it's smarter to drive there early on since parking fills up fast, especially on weekends. I got lucky but saw tons of folks parked a mile away!

If you’re new to surfing, consider renting a soft-top board instead of a hard-top. Much safer, and it’ll save you some cash on potential repairs!

Get to the beach around 7 AM to snag a good spot. It gets super busy, especially during the winter surf season when the waves are at their best.

Check the surf report beforehand. I totally missed out on catching some epic waves because I didn’t read up on the conditions beforehand.