Hawaii Beach on Sveti Nikola Island „Plaža Hawaii”

Location: On Sveti Nikola island, about 1 km off Budva’s Old Town

Island size: 1,750 m × 350 m – Montenegro’s largest island

Surface: Large pebbles and rocks, no sand – water shoes recommended

Boat transfer: About €5 return, every 30 min. from Slovenska Plaza/Budva

Sunbeds: Up to €20 per day

Ideal for: Snorkelling, cliff jumping, diving and swimming

Sveti Nikola Island is Montenegro’s largest island (1,750 m × 350 m) and lies just 1 km off Budva’s Old Town. The island is also known as „Hawaii”, because the water around it has a tropical, crystal-clear turquoise colour. A restaurant of the same name once stood on the island. Locals also call it „Školj” (from the Italian word „scoglio”, meaning „rock”).

Sveti Nikola is named after the 16th-century Church of St. Nicholas, which stands on the island’s northern side facing Budva. Saint Nicholas was considered the patron and protector of seafarers.

On the southern flank of Sveti Nikola there are a few beautiful, secret beaches that can only be reached by private boat or kayak. They are small but incredibly picturesque. The island is also home to free-roaming deer – a nice bonus if you take a walk across it.

Good to know: Water taxis depart from Slovenska Plaza, the Old Town harbour, and sometimes from Becici. The crossing takes just 5 to 15 minutes – hold on to your return ticket, or you won’t get back!

Ideal for snorkelling, cliff jumping, diving and swimming.

Snorkellers
Cliff jumpers
Divers
Photo lovers
Island explorers

✓ Advantages of Hawaii Beach

Extremely clear water
Breathtaking azure-blue sea
Stunning views
Pleasant atmosphere
Even the boat ride is fun and offers a gorgeous view of the entire coastline

✗ Disadvantages of Hawaii Beach

Only reachable by boat (return trip approx. €5)
Sharp stones and large pebbles – bring water shoes
No sandy beach
Fairly pricey – a sunbed can cost up to €20 per day
Only a few toilets and showers available
No lifeguard

Getting to Hawaii Beach

Only reachable by boat or ferry
Water taxis depart every 30 minutes from Slovenska Plaza in Budva
Crossing takes about 5 to 15 minutes, depending on departure point
Last return trips usually around 7 pm – check return times on arrival

Insider tip: If you prefer things quieter, hire a private boat or kayak to the island’s southern side – small, hidden coves await there, largely free of tourists.