No doubt, Hawaii has its fair share of hotels, condos and other at times overwrought signs of civlization. But there are plenty of lovely beaches that are relatively untouched and some that are outside residential areas that remain totally pristine. Here's a few of my faves, all of which are accessible by car from major resort areas.

Kauai: Mahaulepu Beach - Roughly two miles of pristine sand. Good whale-spotting in winter months. You can also check out ancient Hawaii petroglyphs in the lava rock formations on the eastern half of the beach. There is a nice stand of ironwoods for shade. Directions: Poipu Rd to the Hyatt Regency Kauai. Continue approx. 1-3/4 miles beyond the hotel to a "T" in the road. Turn right at the "T" and go to beach. Road can be bad so be cautious in rental cars.

Maui: Makena (Big) Beach - This beach is pretty much the end-of-the road in South Maui past the more populated beaches in the Wailea Resort Area. There is lots of parking but also lots of car break-ins. The waves can be rough. The beach is extremely wide and 2/3 of a mile long, so lots of room to spread out. The view of Kahoolawe offshore is wonderful in the late afternoons. You feel 500 miles away from the crowded resort districts of Maui. Directions: Take Hwy 31 till it runs into Wailea Alanu Dr. Turn left at the intersection. Continue past the Maui Prince Hotel and look for the State Park sign. Turn right into the parking lot.

Kauai: Secret Beach - The Hawaiian name for this beach is Kaupea. Tucked at the base of a sheer cliff north of the New Age township of Kilauea, Secret Beach is wide with impressive rock formations and crashing surf. The sandy is deep and wonderful and beach stretches for 1.5 miles so lots of room to roam. The waves can be dangerous -- swimming is possible only in the calmer summer months and even then with extreme caution. You'll have to billygoat down a steep and sometimes muddy trail through a bamboo forest. A good game plan is to pick up something to eat in Kilauea and then picnic at the beach. Directions: From State Highway 56 heading North, turn left at the second sign fo Kalihiwai road roughly at mile post 24. Almost immediately after that turn right onto a dirt road. Follow the dirt road to a small parking lot at the end. Park in the lot or along the dirt road. Remove all valuables from the vehicle. The trailhead is at the Northwest corner of the parking lot. The trail descends 180 feet and covers 1/3 to the beach.

Image via Kauai Paradise Tours

—Alex, 08/25/07