Emerald waves, a smiling sun, and soft, white sand – what could be better than the beach in Hawaii? If you’ve chosen to visit the island of Oahu, a.k.a. “The Gathering Place,” you’re in good company. Here are the best beaches in Oahu starting with the calm southern shores and going counterclockwise:
1. Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach may be one of the most famous beaches in the world. Experienced visitors might say Waikiki is too crowded or touristy, but there is a reason this beach was favored by Hawaiian royalty and, later, Hollywood celebrities. On these historic shores, the royal family enjoyed outrigger canoe races and moonlit horseback riding.
The naturally calmer waves are more fun than manmade lagoons and just the right amount of excitement for younger kids. Yet there is plenty of action for surfers who you will see hanging out with their surfboards a good distance from shore waiting for the perfect wave.
If you’d rather relax, grab an inexpensive inner tube from the ubiquitous ABC Stores and float in the shallow waters while admiring Diamond Head’s profile to the east. The water is shallow enough to wade in for a long stretch and you don’t need reef shoes if you can spot and avoid the darker areas in the water.
Waikiki Beach is a great place to take surfing lessons, take a guided outrigger canoe ride, and admire the sunset on the Maita’i Catamaran.
2. Ala Moana Beach
This local hangout is located across from the upscale Ala Moana Center, the world’s largest outdoor mall. A short drive from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, parking at this low-key escape is plentiful and free. The beach is part of Ala Moana Beach Park, and is a favorite among locals.
Magic Island, a manmade peninsula with a kid-friendly lagoon at the east end of the beach, is a great place to have a picnic and watch the sunset.
The calm waters at Ala Moana make it a good spot for learning SUP (stand-up paddleboarding). The coral reef creates a natural lane for swimmers and paddlers with stunning views of the open ocean, Honolulu high rises, and Diamond Head.
3. Hanauma Bay
If you want to snorkel, look no further than Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. The warm, protected waters and coral reefs are home to a myriad of fish and sea creatures, making it feel like an aquarium. Even for first-timers, snorkeling is easy and almost effortless.
As one of the most popular beaches in Oahu, entry into Hanauma Bay requires a reservation. However, the unique underwater experiences and beach fun are well worth the strict rules, entry fee, and reservation system. There is an optional shuttle that goes up and down the hill between the parking lot and the beach.
New limits on the number of people allowed each day could go a long way toward preserving the sea life that returned after Hanauma Bay was closed for nine months due to the pandemic.
4. Sandy Beach
Sandy Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand beyond the Halona Blowhole. Even though it is a short drive from Honolulu, it feels remote and isolated. Its powerful shorebreak attracts bodyboarders and professional surfers to ride its waves.
Despite its relatively harmless sounding name, Sandy Beach is not a good beach for swimmers. If you go with young kids, the lifeguards there will advise you to look for another beach.
5. Waimanalo Beach
A great family-friendly beach, Waimanalo Beach is on the windward (east) side of Oahu. Stroll along the 3-mile stretch of flat sand and feel the embrace of the ocean and the lush green cliffs around you. The calmer waves are ideal for swimming, body surfing, and boogie boarding.
In the fall, the family-owned Waimanalo Country Farms is worth a stop for the giant sunflower field and pumpkin patch with family-friendly activities.
6. Sherwood Beach
Close to Waimanalo Beach, this beach has a small forest behind it, giving it a wild and natural feeling. This beach is typically less crowded and has plenty of space for picnics. Watch out for birds who will pick at any food left on picnic tables. There are restrooms and a lifeguard stand.
The sand is smooth and flat, and the trees in the background lend themselves to beautiful and dramatic photography.
This beach is just up the road from bEASTside Kitchen, one of the best food stands in Oahu. Their garlic shrimp and fried chicken are amazing and worth the trip.
7. Lanikai Beach
Consistently rated one of the best beaches on Oahu, Lanikai Beach is tucked away in a residential neighborhood on the windward coast. Parking can be tough and there is no lifeguard, but the sand is very fine and the water is warm and clear. The waves are gentle thanks to an offshore reef.
Lanikai Beach is distinctive due to the two uninhabited islands visible from the shore. There is plenty to do aside from swimming; available water sports include kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, and windsurfing.
This beach is also close to one of the best hikes in Oahu, the Lanikai Pillbox Hike.
8. Kailua Beach
Kailua Beach Park is just north of Lanikai Beach and has the same pristine blue-green water. Unlike Lanikai Beach, there is dedicated parking and a lifeguard. Also, as part of a 35-acre park, there are more facilities for outdoor and water sports.
Kailua Beach is a great place to snorkel and stand-up paddle. In fact, you can paddle to Flat Island (Popoia Island) to visit the bird sanctuary.
The beach town of Kailua itself has many dining and shopping options, including local grocery chain Foodland (which has fresh, inexpensive poke bowls) and a weekly farmers market.
It is no wonder that Kailua Beach is consistently ranked as one of America’s best beaches.
9. Turtle Bay
Named after the friendly Hawaiian green sea turtles that live in the area, Turtle Bay is one of the best beaches in the North Shore. Though the sand is a bit rocky, the water is clear and calm and great for snorkeling. There are many trails around the bay. You can enjoy the scenery while hiking or biking.
The North Shore is windier during the winter months, so be prepared for bigger waves during that time of year. If you are looking for calm waters, stick to the southern shores or visit during summer.
Turtle Bay is a nice place to stay if you’re looking for something close to the city but away from it. The Turtle Bay Resort provides some great views of the ocean at a more mid-range price. However, there isn’t much else nearby. A car is needed to get around or go anywhere else.
10. Waimea Bay
Located on the North Shore, Waimea Bay is known for having the biggest waves in the world. The waves are usually about 10 to 15 feet tall, but sometimes reach heights of up to 25 feet. Surfers love this place because of the size of the waves. Swimmers enjoy the water because it doesn’t get too cold or too hot. Snorkelers love the ocean because it’s warm and clear.
Waimea Bay is a beautiful place with lots of beaches. There are public restrooms and outdoor showers. The sand is smooth, and the beach width is large. Get a bite after surfing with the locals at one or more food trucks lining the highway near popular surf breaks.
11. Ko Olina
Ko Olina is a great place for couples and families to enjoy a romantic getaway. The resort features beautiful lagoons, pools, and beaches. Guests can stay anywhere from budget accommodations to luxury resorts. Since all beaches in Hawaii are public, non-resort visitors are also welcome to enjoy the amenities.
The luxury Four Seasons Resort Oahu is located on one of the prime lagoons. It’s a great place for families with children. There are lots of activities for kids. The Aulani, a Disneyland Resort Hotel, provides the ultimate kid’s Disney vacation experience. It’s the perfect beach for a family vacation.