Fourteen Instagram-Worthy Hawaiian Beaches

Sun, Sand, And Selfies: This Is The Definitive List Of Hawaii’s Most Instagrammable Beaches

This story originated from Hawaiian Wedding Photography.

Do you want to be surrounded by crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and warm, tropical climates while relaxing on your vacation? If so, Hawaii should be at the top of your list.

Kris Labang, the owner of Hawaii Wedding Photography, discusses Instagram’s most popular Hawaiian beaches, and why you should choose them for your vacation or wedding. 

Rank	Number of Hashtags	Beach Name	Island
1	218,430	Lanikai Beach	O’ahu
2	206,995	Hanauma Bay	O’ahu
3	161,448	Kailua Beach	O’ahu
4	84,422	Hanalei Bay	Kaua’i
5	76,845	Ka’anapali Beach	Maui
6	53,822	Po’ipu Beach	Kaua’i
7	34,642	Hapuna Beach	Big Island
8	30,307	Makena Beach	Maui
9	21,727	Ko Olina Beach	O’ahu
10	20,040	Tunnels Beach	Kaua’i
11	17,236	Ho’okipa Beach	Maui
12	16,421	‘Anini Beach	Kaua’i
13	10,308	Punalu’u Beach	Big Island
14	7,131	Kawela Bay	O’ahu

Lanikai Beach

Lanikai has been described as the most beautiful beach on O’ahu. It’s only forty-five minutes from Honolulu, and ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking. Kris says, ‘In fact, it’s so beautiful that superstar Rihanna often comes here on vacation, staying at the Paul Mitchell Estate.’

If you get married here, Kris suggests spreading some rose petals on the beach beforehand. However, parking is limited, and the local amenities are sparse. Also, you’ll need to purchase a beach permit for your wedding beforehand.

Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay was shaped by volcanic forces millions of years ago, but it’s now a peaceful marine sanctuary. If you arrive between December and April, you may catch a glimpse of humpback whales in the bay, which is a center for conservation and a goldmine for keen photographers.

Kris advises, ‘Wedding planners should encourage attendees to watch the sunrise before – or perhaps during – the festivities. There are also plenty of scenic walks where you could take pictures as a newly married couple!’ 

Kailua Beach

Barack Obama grew up in Honolulu but rented a beach house here during his presidency. Superstar couple Beyonce and Jay-Z also own a local private estate here.

Some great places to get married include the Male’ana Gardens and Ko’olau Ballrooms and Conference Center. There are a wealth of venues to choose from around Kailua Beach, which shows just how great this destination is for weddings. 

Hanalei Bay

Kris says, ‘People who love food, mai tais, and live music will enjoy the Tahiti Nui restaurant and bar. If you watched the movie ‘The Descendants’ you’ll have seen George Clooney in this very bar!’ 

At Hanalei Bay, vacationers and wedding visitors can explore and swim, or join the kayakers, stand-up paddle boarders, and boaters. Put safety first, however, and only venture out when the waters are calm. 

Kris says, ‘Dwayne Johnson and Lauren Hashian got married in Hawaii, and so did Miles Teller and Keleigh Sperry. Whether you follow suit or simply come for a vacation, you’ll understand why Instagrammers so love these beaches.’

ENDS

About Hawaii Wedding Photography

With over 20 years of experience shooting weddings in Hawaii, Kris knows how to get that perfect shot every time for his clients. Based in Honolulu, Hawaii, Kris captures the couple’s most special moments on the beautiful Hawaiian Islands.

Kris Labang is the company owner of Hawaii Wedding Photography. 

The Methodology

Several travel websites (including The Lonely Planet) were consulted to find notable beaches in Hawaii. They were then searched for on Instagram to find the hashtags associated with each beach. Their number of hashtags was recorded and then ranked in a table for easy reference.