The Best Beaches in the United States

Surf in Hawaii

The four Hawaiian beaches differ mostly in their water. Lanikai Beach on Oahu is calm and clear, and Hanalei Bay on Kauai is calm and shallow with a sandbar, though rip currents occur there. Makena Beach on Maui has a steep drop-off and a heavy shore break that causes neck and back injuries. Polihale Beach on Kauai has rough surf, rip currents and no lifeguards.

Parking

At Lanikai visitors park on residential streets or at Kailua Beach Park, a walk of 10 to 15 minutes away. The free lots at Hanalei Bay, across from the pier, fill by late morning. Makena has two paid state park lots at $10 plus $5 per person, and free parking along the road. Polihale is at the end of a long, potholed dirt road where 4WD or high clearance is advised.

Siesta Beach

Siesta Beach on Siesta Key, on Florida's Gulf coast, has more services than the Hawaiian beaches, with a large free car park, lifeguards, restrooms, concessions and walking mats across the wide sand. The quartz sand stays cool underfoot, and a drum circle gathers at sunset.