Beaches in Lanai Hawaii

This Hawaiian island offers over 18 miles of sandy shores washed by crystal-clear waters and as result beaches in Lanai allow excellent sun-bathing, scuba diving, snorkeling and marine life watching.

Beach Guide of Lanai

Some of the best beaches included in any beach guide of Lanai are:

Huawai Bay

This small but beautiful bay is located below the Manele golf course. Few tourists see this lovely area, being mostly frequented by local fisherman because is very difficult to access it - only via the Po'opo'o Fisherman Trail. The tiny sandy beach is isolated and surrounded by small sea cliffs. The water offshore is deep, blue and allows excellent snorkeling and scuba diving when the sea is calm.

Hulopo'e Beach

This protected beach resort is the safest spot on the island and consequently there can be enjoyed excellent swimming. The beautiful white sand and gorgeous underwater coral formations makes it the central recreational area on Lanai. The beach is located in a protected Marine Life Conservation Area and there are many colorful fish, as well as unique coral formations. To the left of the beach can be seen the Pu'u Pehe Rock, also known as the "Sweetheart Rock".

Polihua Beach

This beach is located approximately 11 miles north to Lanai City. It's accessible by vehicles only via the Polihua Trail, at the end of Polihua Road. This beach is one of the most famous green sea turtle nesting beaches in Hawaii and a very good spot for whale watching. The water conditions can be extremely hazardous and for this reason is not very safe for swimming, especially for less experienced swimmers. Surfing is great there, but only for expert surfers!

Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock)

It can be reached following the shoreline on the left side of Hulopoe Beach. This vacation spot is a large cove covered by white sand. A sea stack known as the "Sweetheart Rock" lies offshore. The cove's very clear waters contain abundant marine life and allow excellent swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Sharks Bay

Sharks Bay is a small area located to the left of Hulopo'e Beach. It is divided by a red lava rock tongue that go out into the ocean. This area is great for hiking and offers splendid views of the coastline. The cove is sandy and secluded from the main beach area, so is perfect for picnic or sun-bathing. Swimming there is not recommended due to strong currents and numerous rocks. Shark's Bay is separated by a small rock outcropping by the Shark's Cove, a much smaller crescent of sand that offers awesome sights.

Shipwreck Beach

The beach stretches over miles on the northeastern coast of Lanai, fronting the Kalohi Channel, that separates Lanai by Molokai. This channel is known for the strong currents and numerous reefs. Many ship disappeared in this channel, so isn't surprising that it's named the Shipwreck Beach! One of the most popular wrecks is the World War II ship named "Liberty", sunken on a reef close to the shore. The first recorded shipwreck dates back to 1824, when the British ship "Alderman Wood" sunken on a reef. Two years later an American ship, "London", caring a cargo of gold and silver, sunk on this coast.
This beach consis actually of sand, lava rock and boulders, being a great place for beach activities, especially the eight mile section that fronts Molokai. Still, the coast is bordered by a wide reef and therefore swimming in this area is extremely hazardous!

Let your friends find out about this travel site! -

Subscribe to Hawaii Travel Articles by Email!