Vacationers from the United States hardly need to fly to the middle of the Pacific Ocean to enjoy great beaches; it’s not like the mainland is exactly short of a few beautiful stretches of sand on which to spend a well-earned break. However, Hawaii attracts more American visitors than from any other nation, to the extent that U.S. travelers outnumbered the local population by five to one in 2023. It’s not hard to see why so many sun seekers go the extra few thousand miles. With its stunningly diverse landscape, welcoming culture, and spectacular beaches, the Aloha State is many people’s idea of a tropical paradise. Yet the dreamy natural surroundings and friendly welcome shouldn’t distract visitors from one alarming fact: Hawaiian beaches can be very dangerous for the unwary or unprepared.