Whatever your tastes and preferences are, Hawaii has a beach that is sure to fit them. The beaches in Hawaii are among the best beaches in the world, which has a lot to do with their overall beauty. It's not uncommon for a beach in Hawaii to be backed by cliffs or lush mountains, and palm trees on the sand are definitely in good supply here. Regardless of which island that you find yourself on in Hawaii, tracking down a good beach shouldn't be an issue. As for the best Hawaiian beaches, a few of the top entries are highlighted below.

Oahu Beaches

When it comes to the Oahu beaches, none is more renowned that Waikiki Beach, which is packed with sunbathers on sunny days. Numerous hotels and resorts line Waikiki Beach, and there are plenty of vacation rental properties close to the sand that you will also do well to consider. When the sun isn't shining in Waikiki, heading to the Waikiki Aquarium to learn more about the underwater realms is always a good idea.

While Waikiki Beach is the best beach in Oahu for people watching, Lanikai Beach, which can be found on the island's Windward Coast, is more suited for romantic liaisons. One of the most gorgeous beaches in Hawaii, Lanikai Beach boasts relative calm waters the whole year round, and it's powder soft sand is as inviting as sand gets. Should surfing be on your list of things to do in Hawaii, Oahu's North Shore is the place to go. Two North Shore beaches that beg a visit include Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay. The North Shore Oahu beaches, while ideal for surfing in the winter months, can be good for swimming the rest of the year, especially in the summer.

Maui Beaches

The Maui beaches definitely figure among the best beaches of Hawaii, especially when it comes to sandy stretches like Kapalua Beach and Kaanapali Beach. Both of these fine Hawaiian beaches can be found on Maui's west coast, which is also where some of the top Hawaiian resorts can be found. Kapalua beach is arguably the best Maui beach, thanks to its golden sand, its swaying palm trees, and its calm waters. Snorkeling is definitely encouraged at Kapalua Beach, and you might also look to do some swimming and kayaking. Like many other beaches in Hawaii, Kapalua Beach boasts some facilities that beachgoers can take advantage of, including restrooms and showers.

There are too many good Maui beaches to list, but if you're up for visiting one of the more interesting ones, then you'll want to make a break for Black Sand Beach, which can be found near the city of Hana. While you're in the area, you'll also want to consider a scenic drive on the Hana Highway, not to mention a visit to the Haleakala National Park.

Big Island Beaches

Maui isn't the only place where you will find black sand beaches in Hawaii. The Big Island boasts some as well, and it is also home to a famous green sand beach. The Green Sand Beach, which is also known as Papakolea Beach, is one of the more intriguing Hawaiian beaches. Though it is rather difficult to reach, this beach on the island's southern point is worth a visit when in the area. In case you're wondering how the Green Sand Beach got its color, the sand is mostly comprised of crushed olivine, which is a semiprecious mineral that exudes a greenish hue.

Heading up the coast, the beaches around Hilo might not get much acclaim, but there are a few worth considering when visiting the island's largest city. They include the Leleiwa Beach Park, which is a beautiful beach that boasts some fascinating black-lava tide pools. Hilo usually isn't the destination of choice for beach hunters who are visiting the island. That designation goes to the Kona and Kohala coasts, which can be found on the island's western side. The Kahaluu Beach Park features the Kona Coast's most popular beach, while the Kohala Coast offers up such gems as the beach at Anaehoomalu Bay and Hapuna Beach. Both of these beaches are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, and scuba diving.

Kauai Beaches

Should you find yourself on a mission to track down the best beaches of Hawaii, then a trip to Kauai should be in order. On the east coast of Kauai, Kalapaki Beach arguably takes the top honors, thanks in part to the scintillating views that it offers of the Haupu Ridge. Heading down to the southern side shores of Kauai, the Poipu Beach Park is where you will find one of the island's other top beaches. A small sandbar actually divides Poipu Beach into two beaches, and there is a small natural pool by the lava-rock jetty that is ideal for younger kids to swim in. When you're not diving, fishing, or surfing at Poipu Beach, you might take some time out to explore the tide pools.

On Kauai's North Shore, both Hanalei Bay Beach and Haena Beach deserve some attention when it comes to discussing the best beaches in Hawaii. The Hanalei Bay is quite picturesque, and Hanalei Bay Beach curves gently around it, offering stunning views of both the sea and the volcanic ridges that back part of the sandy stretch. A wide beach with ample facilities and excellent water sports opportunities, Hanalei Bay Beach is definitely a gem. As for Haena Beach, it has played the role of beach paradise in more than one motion picture, and for good reason. Fine, golden sand meets breathtaking, turquoise waters at Haena Beach, and while the summer months are prime for snorkeling and swimming, the winter months are better suited for surfing.

Lanai Beaches

Should you make it over to the small island of Lanai, you will get the chance to enjoy one of the most beautiful, and most deserted of all the Hawaiian beaches. Hulopoe Beach, which can be found on Lanai's southern coast, fronts waters that are part of a Marine Life Conservation District. As such, you're bound to spot dolphins and tropical fish swimming in the protected waters. Hulopoe Beach is where you will find the Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay, which is one of only two resorts on the entire island. Ample beach facilities are available at Hulopoe Beach, and you can even camp close to the water if you please.