Ben Davidson, Author at Local Getaways

Aerial view of a sunny Hapuna Beach with turquoise waters, lined with sunbathers and umbrellas. Behind the beach are lush green areas, a few structures, and a parking lot. The coastline extends to the horizon, with buildings and hills in the background.

Hapuna Beach on the West Side of the Big Island

Photo Courtesy of Kris S on iStock The largest white sand beach on the Big Island is likely the kind of beach you imagine in […]

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A wooden sign at the entrance of Kahalu'u Beach Park is surrounded by blooming purple flowers. In the background, people are enjoying the beach, with a lifeguard tower, tents, and palm trees near the ocean. The sky is overcast, adding a unique charm to Kahalu'u Beach Park's serene ambiance.

Kahalu’u Beach Park on the West Side of Hawaii Island

Photo Courtesy of W. Nowicki on Wikimedia Commons Kahalu’u Beach Park’s large bay just south of Kailua-Kona is one of the best places to snorkel

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A rocky shore at Kahalu'u Beach Park features small pools of clear water reflecting a blue sky with scattered clouds. Waves roll gracefully in the distance, and patches of green grass thrive among the rocks. The scene is peaceful and natural.

Onekahakaha Beach Park on the East Side of the Hawaii Island

Photo Courtesy of Ekaterina Chizhevskaya on iStock If you are looking for a place to relax and snorkel on the East side of Hawai’i island

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A picturesque beach scene with a large rocky cliff on the left, people sunbathing and playing on the sandy shore of Papakolea Green Sand Beach, and others swimming in the clear blue ocean. The sky is clear and bright, creating a serene and inviting environment.

Papakolea Green Sand Beach on the Big Island’s South Shore

Photo Courtesy of Aren Elliot on Wikimedia Commons One of only four green sand beaches in the world, Papakolea Green Sand Beach, also known as Mahana

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Pohoiki Black Sand Beach features black sand and gentle ocean waves. The shoreline curves to the left, with lush green trees and sparse buildings in the background. The sky is partly cloudy, and the overall atmosphere is serene and natural.

Pohoiki Black Sand Beach on the East Side of the Big Island

Photo Courtesy of Dmitri Kotechetov on iStock This is a newly formed black sand beach from the 2018 eruption and lava flow that covered some

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A coastal scene with a rocky shoreline and calm ocean waters. The horizon is lined with lush greenery and palm trees, reminiscent of the best hikes in Kauai, with mountains visible in the background. The sky is clear and blue, with a golden hue suggesting early morning or late afternoon sunlight.

Māhā’ulepu Beach on Kauai’s South Shore

Photo Courtesy of Al Haslim on AllTrails On Kauai’s south shore, a favorite coastal walk is to follow the Māhā’ulepu Coastal Heritage Trail to pristine

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A scenic view of Paliku Beach features turquoise waves, golden sand, and rocky outcrops in the foreground. Lush green vegetation is seen in the background under a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds. A couple of people are relaxing on the beach.

Paliku (Donkey) Beach on Kauai’s East Side

Photo Courtesy of Everett Atlas on iStock A beautiful hidden beach about a 1/2 walk from the Kuhio Highway parking lot north of Kapa’a. Water

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A serene beach scene at sunset with a turtle basking on the sandy shore. Gentle waves lap against the shore, palm trees dot the background, and the sky is painted with soft hues of orange and pink clouds—truly one of the best places to scuba dive on Kauai.

Poipu Beach on the South Shore of Kauai

Photo Courtesy of Robert Linsdell Poipu Beach is perhaps Kauai’s most famous beach. Split in two by a “tombolo” or sandbar, there’s a breakwater-protected lagoon

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View of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, partially obscured by tree branches. The iconic red bridge stretches across the blue waters, connecting to the city skyline in the background. In addition to this scenic spot, Ocean View Hikes in Marin County offer incredible perspectives of both nature and urban beauty.

Coolest Ocean View Hikes in Marin County

San Francisco’s coastal regions offer the perfect antidote to civilization — places where fresh air and nature abounds and strands of sand invite vigorous hikes

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