The Hawaiian Islands are home to 750 miles of stunning coastline — putting the island state behind only Alaska, Florida, and California in terms of coastline length. And while we love the rugged sea cliffs found across the islands — including Kauai’s Na Pali Coast and Molokai — the beaches are what truly matters. From the black sand beaches on the Big Island and Maui’s magnificent red sand beach to pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters on Oahu and Kauai, Hawaii is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the country — and perhaps even the world. But this stunning crescent-shaped stretch of sand backed by lush, verdant cliffs along Maui’s southern coast might just be the best in the Aloha State. Ready to dive in?
Tucked away off the famous Hana Highway near Hana, far away from the island’s most popular resort destinations and main towns, Hamoa Beach is consistently named one of Maui’s best beaches, and it’s easy to see why.
Wallix / Getty Images
When one daydreams about the perfect Hawaiian beach, Hamoa Beach is likely what comes to mind: fine, white sand, crystalline turquoise waters, and palm trees swaying in the breeze.
Rachel + Micah/Flickr This out-of-the-way beach is 100 percent postcard-perfect.
This crescent-shaped beach back by emerald green cliffs measures in at a whopping 1,000 feet long and 100 feet wide.
Peter Stevens/Flickr Millions of years ago, Hamoa was once the lip of a small volcano.
Prior to the 1930s, this beach was known as Mokae.
Judd Hall/Flickr The name changed to Hamoa when the stretch of sand was sort-of taken over by the Hotel Hana (now known as Travaasa Hana). The hotel maintains the beach and landscaping, provide guests with shuttle service, beach chairs, and accessories, and even have additional facilities for guests.
Years ago, you would primarily find hotel guests and a few local residents enjoying Hamoa.
Peter Stevens/Flickr While this stretch of fine, white sand has gained popularity in recent years, luckily, it’s far enough from the masses that it rarely gets too crowded.
Surrounded by cliffs, there are two access points to Hamoa Beach.
Judd Hall/Flickr You’ll find a set of stairs leading down from the hotel shuttle drop-off and a small service road at the other end (walk, don’t drive, on this service road).
In addition to its dreamy surroundings, Hamoa Beach is also home to one of the island’s best surf breaks.
Andrew K. Smith/Flickr This surf break has been a local favorite since ancient times, though boogie boarding, bodysurfing, and fishing is also popular. Snorkeling is best around the left of the cove, but because the beach is exposed to the open ocean, powerful currents and surf can be present, especially towards the end of the beach.
So, what are you waiting for?
Harold/Flickr After just one visit, Hamoa Beach will become your new all-time favorite Hawaiian destination.
Address: Haneoo Road, Hana, HI 96713
Wallix / Getty Images
Rachel + Micah/Flickr
This out-of-the-way beach is 100 percent postcard-perfect.
Peter Stevens/Flickr
Millions of years ago, Hamoa was once the lip of a small volcano.
Judd Hall/Flickr
The name changed to Hamoa when the stretch of sand was sort-of taken over by the Hotel Hana (now known as Travaasa Hana). The hotel maintains the beach and landscaping, provide guests with shuttle service, beach chairs, and accessories, and even have additional facilities for guests.
While this stretch of fine, white sand has gained popularity in recent years, luckily, it’s far enough from the masses that it rarely gets too crowded.
You’ll find a set of stairs leading down from the hotel shuttle drop-off and a small service road at the other end (walk, don’t drive, on this service road).
Andrew K. Smith/Flickr
This surf break has been a local favorite since ancient times, though boogie boarding, bodysurfing, and fishing is also popular. Snorkeling is best around the left of the cove, but because the beach is exposed to the open ocean, powerful currents and surf can be present, especially towards the end of the beach.
Harold/Flickr
After just one visit, Hamoa Beach will become your new all-time favorite Hawaiian destination.
Have you ever dipped your toes in the water at the striking Hamoa Beach? What is your favorite Hawaiian beach? Perhaps it’s one of these 13 beaches tailor-made for summer? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
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