3. The Mauna Kea, Hawaii

Picture Hawaii and you're probably conjuring images of Kauna'oa Bay without even realizing it. Located on the Kohala Coast of the Aloha-state's Big Island, Kauna'oa Bay is quintessential, picture-postcard Hawaii. With its abundant white sand, palm trees and clear, calm blue water, the crescent-shaped beach is a natural draw for sun worshipers, water sport enthusiasts and families in search of safe, sandy fun. Perched at the water's edge is the beach's most dominant feature, The Westin Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, a name almost synonymous with Kauna'oa Bay.

If you're staying at the Westin Mauna Kea or its nearby sister resort, Westin Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, you're in luck. Both resorts offer complete access to the beach at Kauna'oa Bay and give guests the full use of either resorts' plush facilities. If you're not a resort guest, don't worry, you can still enjoy the beach via a public access entrance, but with some restrictions. The Westin Mauna Kea maintains both its own beach and the public beach and limits public access to 25 passes at any given time. The benefit of the restrictive policy - crowds are kept to a minimum and all guests have access to a nicely maintained public restroom, complete with outdoor shower and changing area. And, of course, anyone who's willing to pay is welcome to dine in any of the resort's five restaurants.

There isn't much beyond Kauna'oa Bay for miles, but the Big Island is well worth exploring, even if it means renting a car. The island boasts ten of the world's 12 climates - covering extremes from a snow-capped mountain to an arid desert - along with the world's most active volcano. It may be hard to tear yourself away from a scene as beautiful as Kauna'oa Bay, but it's an effort worth making for even the most diehard beachgoers.
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