They're small, tiny in fact, by Oregon standards. They're usually crowded. And the beach sand is typically coarse if not downright gravelly. Beaches are often hard to find. Unless you're lucky, you have to drive some distance to get to one.
I've been to three of the Hawaiian Islands --Kaua'i, Maui, and, on this last trip, to the Big One. As far as beaches go, that's the order in which they rank.
Of course the water is warm. Not like the Caribbean, but a lot warmer than the cold Pacific waters off Oregon's coast. And the weather, as one would expect in a tropical latitude, is conducive to lounging in the sand. Maybe that's why some Hawaiian beaches are rated America's best.
I will say that Kua Bay, where we spent three of our five "beach" days, had sand remarkably similar to the typical Oregon beach, fine and light in color. Good swimming, too, once you breach the wall of boogie boarders that usually stretch from one end of the beach to the other.
As I said, Hawaiian beaches are small. One exception is Polihale Beach, Kaua'i, a huge beach with a wild surf, and remote enough so that it doesn't attract crowds. For my money, it's the best beach in the Islands.
But best beach? Arcadia Beach in Oregon, just south of Cannon Beach. Wonderful beach with tide pools and a rock outcropping that protects you from the wind. And if you don't mind cold water, a great place to frolic in the waves.
Welcome home, Terry. Having lived on the Big Island for 12 years, I could have told you that beaches aren't a good reason to go there. Hope you ran into Pele, who is the reason to go there.
Big Island mo' betta.
Posted by: Harry Kershner | March 26, 2009 at 01:21 PM
Well, I have no plans to return. I'm surprised you lasted 12 years in paradise, Harry, what with the sameness of the weather and all.
As for Pele, with four twenty-somethings in tow, long road trips were out of the question.
Posted by: Terry | March 26, 2009 at 03:49 PM
It is a pleasure to greet all readers, my name is Richard, I practice surfing since age 13, all the things I love about the beach, I love the sun and sand all the elements that form the beautiful beach, was a pleasure for me to have read this article so interesting, I hope that every day I have something very interesting to read.
I loved the pictures!
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