Kapalua, once voted the best beach in the world, is certainly one of the best in Hawaii. Sheltered by two lava points which produce calm, warm waters, this crescent shaped bay is great for families with kids – with the softest sand and excellent snorkelling, easy for beginners. There is also a watersports centre, lifeguards and some excellent resort hotels nearby.
This gorgeous beach more than lives up to its tropical-sounding name. Its sands are clean, golden and powder-textured, the sea matches the cobalt blue sky, and the backdrop one of soaring mountains and lush forests. Renowned for its blue flag status, Playa Flamingo has clean water and is safe for swimmers, so you can spend all day snorkelling amongst the abundant marine life, enjoying a variety of watersports or fishing, and in the evening, simply sit back and gaze on one of Costa Rica’s most famously glorious sunset vistas.