Relaxing places in North America
The beautiful northern shore of Kaua'i Island is dotted with beaches. Stunning Haena Beach is one of the easiest to access as there is a parking lot. The three beaches, Haena, Makua and Tunnels, then lies as white pearls on a string with cragged Makana Ridge (Bali Hai) as a photogenic backdrop. The middle section is popular with resting monk seals, while Tunnels Beach at the tip is considered one of the best snorkeling spots on Kaua'i - particularly during summer, when the sea is at its calmest. Note that swimming can be dangerous with both strong currents and maiming shore breaks, so like everywhere else in Hawai'i: "If in doubt, don't go out!"
Poipu Beach is actually two beaches naturally split by a sand bar, which is a popular spot for napping Hawaiian monk seals. The east section is a protected cove popular with kids, while the west is good for snorkeling. Expect a crowd here (as crowded as it gets on Kauai), as Poipu Beach is considered one of the best beaches in the US and is flanked by pavilions, toilets and resorts.
Many people associate Hawai'i with Waikiki Beach. This iconic beach in Honolulu has been famous for surfing for more than a century. Today the two-mile golden sand beach is lined high-rises and resorts, and is still the place to be - also when the sun sets and all the restaurants and bars come alive. Waikiki Beach actually consists of eight individually named beaches. The first is Duke Kahanamoku Beach at the Hilton Hotel and is one of the most popular due to the protected swimming area. The next is Fort DeRussy Beach Park, which has grassy patches with palm trees and picnic tables. Gray's Beach is the next, though the beach is almost eroded away. Next up is Royal Hawaiian Beach, which has a lot of watersports. Kuhio Beach is right after, which is popular due to its protected swimming area. Queen Kapiolani Beach is great for bodyboarding on the rolling waves along the Waikiki Wall. Next is San Souci Beach, which is off the hotel strip and therefore popular with locals. It's also one of the best snorkeling spots on O'ahu Island. The last of Waikiki beaches is Outrigger Canoe Club Beach, which can be accessed either by walking from San Souci Beach at low tide or through an alleyway between the hotels. Remember, all beaches in Hawai'i are public.
The coastline along the Bahia Concepcion is dotted with beautiful beaches, some more difficult to reach than others. The most breathtaking is probably El Requeson beach, nestled on sandy point, which provides a bridge to a small offshore island at low tide. The water is milky blue and the warm sand is pearl white. Another beautiful beach, La Perla, can be found a walk further south. Other beaches worth exploring are: Playa Santispac, Playa los Cocos, Playa el Burro, Playa Santa Barbara, and Playa Armenta.