Category: Hawaii Beaches & Ocean

While is hands-down my favorite snorkeling spot on Oahu, there are a lot of great places to go snorkeling here. It just depends on what you are looking for and what else you are doing that day. For those who are staying on the North Shore, or who plan to spend the day up there, […]

Hands down, Hanauma Bay is one of the best snorkeling spots on Oahu. Hanauma Bay was formed within a volcanic cone and is home to a pristine marine ecosystem. When you are snorkeling, you will see all kinds of fish, and you might even see sea turtles. Aside from the tropical fish, the crystal clear […]

Oahu’s spectacular sunsets have Waikiki beach packed every night a the sun goes gown. But here’s an insider tip: If you want to get away from the crowds and have a piece of paradise all to yourself, get up early and watch the sunrise. It really is the best way to start your day in […]

What’s more frustrating than trying to make your way to a beautiful Hawaii beach, only to find you can’t find the access to get there! What’s more, many landowners are “camouflaging” beach access in Hawaii by planting plants and blocking pathways to the ocean. Here in Hawaii, there are NO private beaches, which means you […]

On our recent trip to Kauai, we had a bit of time to kill while waiting for our room to open up, and I’d always been intrigued by the signs that read, “Spouting Horn This Way.” What a better time to take a detour and visit the famed site?! I have to say: Spouting Horn […]

Have you ever experienced a rip current in Hawaii? Let’s learn about these dangers that lurk in our waters, and how you can stay as safe as possible.  There’s nothing more relaxing and rejuvenating than swimming in Hawaii’s crystal blue ocean. But, beneath the waves are powerful forces that could be dangerous, especially for visitors […]

What’s safer, swimming or snorkeling? Who’s most likely to drown in Hawaii, residents or non-residents? How many people have water accidents in Hawaii every year? These are just some of the questions answered in the latest Hawaii Ocean Safety report, which helps officials keep locals and visitors safe in the water. If you’re visiting Hawaii […]

If you’re in Hawaii for any extended length of time, you may start to notice something in the news: Reports about drownings, near drownings, and rescues. Unfortunately, the sheer quantity of out-of-state visitors to Hawaii means many folks underestimate the power of Hawaii waves and waters. Locals, too, can get into trouble in Hawaii waters, […]

Hawaii has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but what is the best beach in Hawaii?  Everyone has different things they look for in a favorite beach. After all, big-wave surfers probably won’t be searching for the same spots as families with small children. But still, Hawaii has several crowdpleasers – places […]

When someone is looking for a spacious, family-friendly beach on Kauai, we always send them straight to Salt Pond Beach. This sunny spot has a little something for everyone, including great swimming, amazing scenery, and a fun atmosphere.  Let’s head out to Salt Pond Beach and discover why it’s one of our favorite places on […]

Discover the beauty of Hawaiian tide pools – but only when the ocean is calm and conditions are perfect! Used to be, I thought we only had two options when it came to swimming in Hawaii: Head to the pool or head to the beach. Not so! There’s actually an in-between option: Hawaii’s magical tide […]

Maybe you’re traveling to Hawaii with small children and need to find beaches that provide safe swimming. Or perhaps you’re not a strong swimmer yourself and prefer calm conditions in which to enjoy the ocean. Whatever your reason, finding the right beach can be the difference between enjoying a peaceful day frolicking in the ocean and […]