The 16 Most Beautiful Beaches In Hawaii

What is your dream vacation – is it a tropical paradise with adventure opportunities? Consider Hawaii then. It is the ultimate beach paradise with incredible weather, scenic views and plenty of active adventures to embark on.

*See: The 20 Best Things to do in Hawaii

Take photos and admire some of the best colored sand beaches in the world, go surfing at some of the world's best beaches for big wave surfing, and explore a few of the most spectacular black sand beaches on the planet.

Kaimu Beach is known as a dangerous, yet unique beach. It's a black sand beach that was formed due to lava flow from the Kilauea volcano. This beach is popular among photographers but not particularly swimmers. The currents are too strong, so swimming is not an option.

Located in Maui's Wainapanapa State Park is Maui's incredible black sand beach. It is situated between black lava cliffs and surrounded by tropical flora. The beach was formed when lava hit the ocean and shattered. It's a very popular destination for tourists and offers incredible photo opportunities. Swimming and surfing are among the most popular activities at this beach.

Waikiki Beach, known as one of the most famous beaches in Hawaii, is a 2-mile stretch of gorgeous white sand with eight different sections. Visitors will enjoy canoeing, surfing, swimming, kayaking, boogie boarding, just relaxing on the beach, and reaping the benefits of the sun. Also enjoy the many hotels, beach bars, gift shops and restaurants nearby.

Located in Northwest Maui is this beautiful beach with white sand and crystal clear water. It's a 3 mile-long beach and is home to a variety of luxurious resorts. Many people travel to this beach for its incredible cliff diving ceremonies, which are held every night off of the beach's cliffs Puu Kekaa or Black Rock.

Hapuna Beach is known as one of the cleanest beaches in the U.S. It is one of Hawaii's finest beaches, and for good reason. The beautiful white sand makes for gorgeous views and unspoiled sun bathing and the clear waters are perfect for all of your swimming and snorkeling adventures. There is also ample parking available and food venders for when you get hungry.

Located on the north shore of the island of Maui is this must-see beach. It got its name from the terrifying shark thriller. Whether you are a big-wave surfer or just want to watch for fun, this beach is not to be missed. Big wave surfers use tow-in-methods in the water. They risk their lives to ride some of the biggest waves in the world. Jaws Peahi is also the location of the Red Bull Jaws surfing contest, held for 21 of the best and most daring big wave surfers in the world.

Also known as Mauna Kea beach, this beach is one of the most gorgeous white sand beaches in Hawaii. This is the perfect beach for sunbathing and watersports such as snorkeling, during the summer months. Visitors can even rent snorkel gear and boogie boards from the beach concession. While during the winter months, surfers flock to this beach for its high waves, intense shore breaks and rip currents.

Tucked into the Big Island's South Kona coast, this crescent-shaped beach is one of the best places in the Big Island for snorkeling; the water is almost always completely clear and often times you will see dolphins swimming close to the shore. The white sand and swaying palm trees, among its peaceful ambiance, will leave you breathless. The Travel Channel rated this beach 5/5 for swimming, sand, and atmosphere.

This beach, located on O'ahu's north shore, is home to huge waves that break in shallow water above the reefs. It is a famous destination for big wave surfing. Pipeline was the home of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing contest in 2015. Another beach in North Shore is Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach) – home to the green sea turtle.

Located on the southern coast of Lanai is Hulopoe beach, a luxurious beach that will take your breath away. It is known as one of the best spots on the island for swimming and snorkeling. Make sure to visit Hulopoe Bay's large well protected tide pools; they are carved out of volcanic rock. The marine life is also extraordinary – see spinner dolphins and humpback whales. (gohawaii.com)

Also known as Green Sand Beach, the colored sand on Papakolea beach was "created by a common silicate deposit of Big Island lava called olivine, which stays deposited on this beach because it is heavier than the other, lighter components of the lava," according to bigislandhikes.com. It is one of the only four green sand beaches in the world. Visitors enjoy hiking along the shore, swimming, surfing, and fishing.

This 2-mile long stretch of white sand beach will leave you breathless. The scenery is absolutely incredible, with spectacular mountains; and there are tons of watersports to choose from. Go swimming, sailing, surfing, paddling, bodyboarding, and fishing. According to Kaua'i Explorer, world champion surfers and athletes live in Hanalei; if you're lucky, you may get the chance to see some amazing wave riding.

Wailea Beach is home to one of Hawaii's most over the top resorts – The Grand Wailea. So if you're into the high-end resort vibe, this is the perfect beach for you. The ocean tends to be pretty calm, making for perfect snorkeling and body surfing opportunities. The beach is also equipped with bathrooms, showers, and free public parking.

With a series of golden sand crescents and clear water, it's no wonder why this is one of the most popular beaches on the South Shore. Beachgoers enjoy swimming, snorkeling, boogie-boarding, surfing and relaxing in the natural ocean wading pool.

Also known as Kaihalulu Beach, this red sand beach is a favorite among photographers, as it offers some of the most incredible natural beauty. It's a hidden cove with a rugged coastline and red lava cliffs. You have to hike to get there, but once you do, visitors say it's totally worth it.

Located on Kauai's Na Pali Coast is the stunning, secluded, and isolated Honopu Beach. You can only access this beach by swimming to it, either from Kalalau Beach or an offshore boat, to-hawaii.com explains. Visitors enjoy views of the Honopu arch, large waterfalls, and gorgeous sea cliffs. Advanced surfers enjoy this beach because of its strong rip currents and pounding surf.