Want to enjoy a beach day without the crowds, parking hassles, or the battle for the perfect spot on the sand? A recent survey by Frugal Flyer asked 3,002 locals to reveal the best hidden beaches across the country.
Unsurprisingly, Hawaii dominates the list. Topping the charts is Awahua Beach, tucked away at the base of Moloka‘i’s Kalaupapa Peninsula. This small black-sand beach, framed by cliffs nearly 2,000 feet high, is part of a National Historical Park that once served as a leprosy settlement. Accessible only by mule, a tough hike, or a small plane, Awahua’s remote location makes it one of Hawaii’s most quiet escapes.
Close behind, at number two, is Pa‘ako Cove in Makena, Maui, a tiny beach hidden behind a lava rock wall with no signs, known only to those who seek it out. Number three is Gray’s Beach near Waikiki, a local favorite tucked behind the Halekulani Hotel, offering amazing Diamond Head views and a calm alternative to Waikiki’s busy shores.
The first non-Hawaii entry is Oregon’s Secret Beach, situated within the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor near Brookings. A short, steep trail leads visitors to this sea-cliff-framed cove, famous for its sea caves and natural arches visible at low tide.
Florida’s Shell Key Preserve earns the fourth spot. This is a pristine barrier island free of roads or buildings, accessible only by kayak or boat from Tierra Verde.
Rounding out the top five is Hawaii’s Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu Beach), a gorgeous red-sand cove in East Maui reachable only by a narrow, cliffside trail.
The top 15 secret beaches in the U.S.
- Awahua Beach, Hawaii
- Pa’ako Cove, Hawaii
- Gray’s Beach, Hawaii
- Secret Beach, Oregon
- Shell Key Preserve, Florida
- Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu Beach), Hawaii
- Wildcat Beach, California
- Carmel Meadows Beach, California
- Gray Whale Cove Beach, California
- Crystal Lake, Vermont
- Harbor Island South Carolina
- Pelican Peninsula (Little Dauphin Island) Alabama
- Secret Cove, Nevada
- Carova Beach, North Carolina
- Daufuskie Island, South Carolina
