10 Best Beaches In Hawaii

Hawaii has some of the best beaches in the world, some accessible only by helicopter or landing watercraft, some built around the high drama of intense waves crashing against razor-sharp lava rocks, and some that literally disappear under the high winter surf on the north shores of the islands. But which beaches are best for a day at the beach?

To find out, we asked the subscribers to our monthly newsletter, Hawaii visitor-industry businesses, and visitors to the Best Places Hawaii website for their votes for the beaches in Hawaii that are best for visitors. We asked for nominations in terms of beauty, activities, amenities, access, sand, and safety.

The staff at Best Places Hawaii voted, too, and we have personally visited all these beaches, most of them many, many times. Go to these beaches first, then to any others of your choice.

1. Lanikai Beach, Oahu

Considered by many locals to be the best swimming beach in Hawaii, Lanikai’s clear waters, clean, wide beach, and swaying coconut palms also make it a photographer’s dream. A mile-long stretch of powdered-sugar sand is perfect for sunbathing. Sparkling turquoise waters sheltered by a wide, protective offshore reef provide ideal swimming conditions. Other popular activities on Lanikai include kayaking, outrigger canoeing, sailing, surfing, and windsurfing. With the twin Mokulua Islands in the distance (one called the "Chinaman's Hat" due to its profile), Lanikai Beach truly lives up to its translated name of "heavenly sea."

2. Hanalei Bay Beach, Kauai

Lovely Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s North Shore may be the most beautiful beach setting in all of Hawaii. Hanalei is the largest bay on the island of Kauai and nearly a perfect semi-circle of white sand. Behind the beach is an utterly breathtaking backdrop of waterfalls and emerald mountain peaks wrapped in mist, soaring thousands of feet towards the heavens. The beach is two miles long, 125 feet wide, and bordered by the Hanalei River to the east and the Waipa River to the west. The ocean bottom slopes gently to overhead depths, and there are large coral reefs at both ends of the bay. Every ocean recreation activity you can imagine is available, from boating and windsurfing to kayaking up the placid Hanalei River. The bay is very popular with serious surfers. There is a public boat ramp and a 300-foot long pier used for fishing and swimming. The many “no dogs” and “no jumping off the pier” signs are blissfully ignored.

3. Kaanapali - Black Rock Beach, Maui

For some reason, this beach has many different names (among them Keka‘a Beach, Canoe Beach, Dig Me Beach). Whatever you call it, Kaanapali Beach in West Maui is a watersport lover’s paradise. Virtually every type of ocean recreation is available. Snorkeling and scuba diving are outstanding. The Black Rock is a large lava rock that divides the beach. This is a busy, popular beach that fronts two resorts. What you give up in solitude you gain in big time fun—shopping, restaurants, boat tours, fishing, kayaking, sailing, sunbathing, people-watching, and more.

4. Hanauma Bay, Oahu

Pretty and popular, Hanauma Bay is a victim of its own success. Formed thousands of years ago by the flooding of a volcanic crater, this nearly circular bay is home to an amazingly diverse and abundant population of fish life. Hanauma Bay is one of the best and most popular snorkeling and swimming areas in the world. However, excessive swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving have threatened the bay’s marine residents. The area’s designation as a marine life conservation district in 1967 wasn’t enough protection, so in 1990 strict visitor limits were initiated. Hanauma Bay is another of Hawaii’s most beautiful bays, but to enjoy its treasures you’ll have to plan ahead and arrive early for a visit.

5. Ke'e Beach Park, Kauai

Incredible sunsets are synonymous with Ke‘e Beach Park. Located literally at the end of the road on Kauai’s North Shore between the dramatic Na Pali Coast and Limahuli Stream, the reef lagoon at Ke‘e Beach is a favorite snorkeling site. The water is clear and there are tons of colorful reef fish and turtles. Ke‘e Beach has a very tropical look with a backshore lushly vegetated by ironwood trees, coconut palms, ti, and guava.

6. Kapalua Bay Beach, Maui 

Golden sand, swaying palms, calm waters. What more can you ask for? It’s just another day in paradise on this West Maui pocket beach. Situated between two lava points and bordered by a coconut tree grove, Kapalua is known for its tranquil surf, ideal for the less-than-adventurous swimmer and families with small children.

7. Hapuna Beach State Park, Big Island

A one-half mile long band of white sand that is over 200 feet wide in the summer months plus clean, clear water would describe anyone’s perfect imaginary beach. In winter, wild, thundering waves pound the shoreline. Fortunately, Hapuna Bay, on the Big Island’s west side, is for real and it is the most popular beach on the island. The ivory sands slope gently into a shallow sandbar that extends approximately 25 yards into the ocean. Swimming and boogie boarding conditions are excellent. Abundant fish and coral make for superb snorkeling and the wide beach is just right for frolicking and sunbathing.

8. Hulopoe Beach, Lanai

Formerly known as the “Pineapple Island,” where for decades the fruit was grown by the Dole Company, Lanai is now a remote and secluded vacation destination. Hulopoe Beach Park is an exquisite pocket beach at the head of Hulopoe Bay. The shoreline is quite steep, making it fine for swimming. Hulopoe has some of the best snorkeling in all of Hawaii due to the rich variety of colorful fish and stunningly clear water. The waters of Hulopoe Bay are part of the marine life conservation district, so fishing is limited to hook and line from the shore. For romance and intimacy, you won’t find a better beach than Hulopoe.

9. Poipu Beach, Kauai

The most popular beach on Kauai’s south shore, Poipu Beach is ideal for families. A small boulder breakwater creates a protected pool-like area where children and parents can play and snorkel. Outside the swimming area, the ocean bottom slopes gently to overhead depths. The south shore’s bays create year-round ideal wave conditions for body boarders and surfers. The beach is a pretty curve of white sand about 1,000 feet long and 50 feet wide, with plenty of room for sandcastle building or strolling. Sunbathers are occasionally joined by endangered monk seals that come up for a snooze on the shore.

10. Papohaku Beach, Molokai

How about miles of long, straight white sand beach, hundreds of feet wide, completely empty except for skittering crabs and soaring sea birds? Papohaku Beach is as close as you can get to the deserted tropical island of your dreams. Located on the west end of Molokai, which itself is between Oahu and Maui, Papohaku Beach also offers swimming, snorkeling, bodysurfing, body boarding, and surfing. This is the beach where you leave your troubles behind and get away from the world. On this remote beach on this remote island, the only footprints in the sand may be your own




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Images Source: Google.Com


See Also: Fraser Island - The Largest Sand Island In The World

Hawaiian Humane Society granted full custody of seized dogs

A judge has ruled more than 150 dogs and nearly 80 puppies currently in foster care should be forfeited to the Hawaiian Humane Society by owners of the breeding facility they were rescued from.

The accused puppy mill owners have the chance to post a bond by Thursday morning which would retain their rights as owners through the end of a separate criminal case. Their attorney says that bond could reach the millions of dollars.

The Hawaiian Humane Society petitioned for forfeiture of all of the living dogs rescued in February from Bradley International's breeding site in Waimanalo. They also asked for custody of 79 puppies subsequently born to the already pregnant mothers.

"There is probable cause to conclude that each and every one of the dogs impounded in feb was in fact subjected to violation(s)," said Judge Glenn Kim. "The puppies necessarily follow their mothers."

The ruling elicited cheers and tears in the courtroom where Humane Society workers, volunteers and foster families looked on.

"She's really gotten a lot better and she's just a love. I am so very happy that I get to keep her," said foster caregiver Julia Ward.

"Both the dog mother and the puppies are not having to go back to a horrible breeding situation," said foster caregiver Sheree Revilla.

But the facility owner still has a chance to retain ownership if they post a sizeable bond at a Thursday morning hearing.

"We're ecstatic, and we really hope at this point bradley international understands and heard what the judge said and we ask that they do not post a bond for their care and let us finally find homes for these animals," said Keoni Vaughn of the Hawaiian Humane Society.

The bond would have to cover the cost of care from the beginning of the seizure through the eventual end of a still pending criminal case

"The bond amount keeps going up the longer the trial is postponed, the bond amount could be in the millions of dollars by the time the case actually goes to trial," said Bradley International attorney Jason Burks.

The forfeiture related to Bradley International as a corporation. The defense attorney says individual owners could try to sue to intervene.

"Our concern is that we can free these animals from a life of prison," Vaughn says. "I hope this sends a message to all large-scale breeding operations where profit is more important than the animal's welfare."

Foster caregivers have the opportunity for permanent adoption pending the outcome of the bond hearing.

Sources: khon2.com

Top 10 List Travel Destinations of 2010

Every year announce some destination which are best for travel, I collect and arrange some of them which is so beautiful and perfect for destination which are as follows.

01: Bay Fire, Tasmania

Bay fire is one of the best destination for travel and it is a perfect island. It is clean, crystal water and sandy beaches these things shows the best from all.

02: Basque Country, France and Spain

The Basque country is one of the perfect travel destination during vocations. France and Spain both have number of beautiful scenes and areas for destination but on the other hand Basque Costa is amazing place for the tourist for entertainment.

03: Chiloe, Chile

Chile included in those countries which has traditional ghost stories and it is full of nature and culture which increase its position for destination, the people who wants to travel for amazing and beautiful place so I will suggest to go chile.

04: Ko Tao, Tahiland

Ko Tao is in the region of Thailand, it included in those place which are so amazing, beautiful scene, groceries, and incredible location, in my opinion this the top place for travel, because number of best resorts for residence available there.

05: Languedoc, France

France is rich of beautiful places, green location and number of amazing places, so the Languedoc is a perfect spot for travel, because it is full of entertainment and lovely hotels, dinning restaurant available there.

06: Nam Ha, Laos

Nam Ha is a destination for those people who wants to enjoy during vocation because this place is traditionally, naturally and culturally perfect for tourist.

07: The Big Island, Hawaii

The big Island which is in the origin of Hawaii is one the best place for travel in vocation because it is affordable area, the beaches is filled by lava waste which shows a beautiful scene for the tourists.

08: San Andres and Providencia, Colombia

San Andres and Procidencia is a place where you can spend you vocation days with full of enjoyment, because there is marine life and you can do fishing, diving etc. Colombia has not a good repute but san Andres and providencia is perfect place for travel tour.

09: Svalbard, Norway

If you like the place where should be a cool temperature and polar boad then you should go Svalbard, because svalbard is in the region of Norway and no one can deny the fact that Norway is a rich for tour opportunities.

10: Yuunan, China

Chine is big and developed country and it has number of amazing place for tour but yunnan is on of the best place for tour, there are beautiful scenery of natural environment , and this is the ultimate Asian hot spot

Sources: Click Here