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, Lanikai Beach truly lives up to its translated name of “heavenly sea.”

Courtesy of BestPlacesHawaii.com