The Best Sandy Beaches on Each Hawaiian Island

There's so much to do in Hawaii, but hitting the beach still ranks up there with the best activities. Where should you go? Here are some of the best sandy beaches on each island.

Papohaku Beach is one of the longest beaches in Hawaii, and it's also one of the least visited. If you are looking for personal space, you won't find a better place in the Hawaiian islands. Stay past sunset-once it's dark, you can see across the channel to Oahu and its lighthouses.

On the other side of the island from Papohaku is Halawa Valley. It's much smaller than Papohaku, but its position at the opening of a magnificent valley means you have stunning mountain views and sheer cliffs rising up behind you. Don't stray too far from the beach-most of the property surrounding it is private, and trespassing is strictly enforced by locals.

What more can you ask for on Oahu's windward side? Teal water, strong breezes, offshore islands, calm surf and an abundance of water sports (kayaking, windsurfing, kite surfing) make Kailua Beach one of the most well-rounded beaches in all of Hawaii.

In the winter, Waimea on Oahu's North Shore is famous for its huge surf-it's where big-wave surfing was pioneered back in the 50s). Luckily for the rest of us, things calm down in the summer, and the U-shaped bay turns into a relaxing, sandy beach where sunbathing, swimming and cliff jumping are all possible.

Makena Beach is one of the longest on Maui, and its location all the way south, far from the resort beaches in Kaanapali and the neighborhoods of Kihei, allow visitors room to breathe. Makena breaks down into two sections, Big Beach and Little Beach. The latter is clothing optional. Check out Makena during sunset to experience a local drum circle.

Baldwin Beach reflects the attitude of its nearby town, Paia, in its laid-back and hippy vibes. Featuring nice views of the West Maui mountains and a steady breeze (Baldwin is popular with kite surfers), it offers spectacular sunsets and plenty of space to spread out on its soft sand.

It's slim pickings when it comes to white sand beaches on the Big Island and, as a result, black sand (Punaluu) and green sand (Papakolea) beaches have become popular with visitors. But, there's no reason to panic. Hapuna Beach on the Kona side holds its own with a gentle shore break, sunny skies (it rarely rains), views of the volcano and shaded picnic areas for those that are craving that classic white sand experience.

Lanai has many great, off-beat beaches, but they all come with little caveats-some require a four-wheel-drive vehicle (Lopa, Polihua); others are beautiful, but not good for swimming (Keomuku). Hulopoe Bay Beach fronts the Four Seasons Resort, so it is kept in pristine shape. Because it is protected by a bay, it is one of the best places on Lanai for swimming and snorkeling. Those staying on Maui can reach Hulopoe on a day trip by taking the ferry from Lahaina.

Tunnels Beach on Kauai's north shore has beautiful white sand and is surrounded by lush jungle. However, it might be more famous for its water. It is one of the best places on Kauai to go snorkeling, thanks to its underwater lava caves, and it is a hub of activity for surfing, scuba diving and kite surfing. If people watching with your feet in the sand is your thing, Tunnels is the beach for you.

Because Polihale is accessible only by a dirt road, and because it is located all the way on the west side of Kauai, away from everything else, it is as under-visited as any beach in Hawaii. Its white sand, blue water and views of the Napali Coast make it worth the adventure each and every time.