Tripadvisor named its top 10 beaches across the nation in its 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Beaches list, and four are located in Hawaiʻi. Other states with beaches that made the list include California and Florida.
The travel guidance platform compiles the list using reviews from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of 8 million listings, less than 1% are recognized on Tripadvisor’s lists. Descriptions of beaches were based on reviews and summarized by artificial intelligence, according to Tripadvisor’s website.
Poʻipū Beach Park on Kauaʻi was the first location in the state to make the nationwide 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Beaches, coming in No. 3.
“There's so much to explore at Poʻipū Beach Park,” shares Tripadvisor’s website. “Strap on a snorkel and check out the lava rocks and their colorful fish inhabitants. Or, stick to the shore to catch Hawaiian monk seals lazily lounging by day and sea turtles making their way onto the beach by sunset.”
Next on the list is Waikīkī Beach on Oʻahu, which takes the No. 4 spot.
“Waikīkī Beach is known for its lively atmosphere, beautiful sunsets and stunning views,” shares the Tripadvisor website. “It's clear waters are perfect for swimming, surfing and water sports.”
With its aqua waters and silky sand, Lanikai Beach took the No. 5 spot on the list.
“Lanikai Beach is a calm and relaxing spot that rarely gets too crowded,” shared the Tripadvisor website. “It's clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. It's easy to spend the entire day there, and you'll definitely want to get there early — the sunrise views are next level.”
The final Hawaiʻi-based beach on the list, which took the No. 7 spot, was Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach on Hawaiʻi Island.
"With its volcanic sand and coconut palm-lined shores, Punalu'u Black Sand Beach is all about postcard-worthy views," shared Tripadvisor.
Check out the full list. One beach also made Tripadvisor’s worldwide 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Beaches list. Poʻipū Beach Park on Kauaʻi took the No. 21 spot on that list.
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Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
