Waikiki Beach
If you’re looking for the quintessential Hawaiian beach experience, look no further than Waikiki Beach! This iconic stretch of sand provides the perfect fusion of city and surf. The atmosphere is electric, with numerous water activities and its spectacular cityscape as the backdrop. It’s the ideal place for beginners learning to ride the waves, soak up the Hawaiian sun, and enjoy the views of Diamond Head.
Lanikai Beach
Translated to “heavenly sea,” Lanikai Beach certainly lives up to its name and is often referred to as the island’s “most beautiful beach.” This picture-perfect beach boasts powdery white sand, azure waters, and gentle currents you can paddle through with ease. The Twin Islands offshore serve as enchanting landmarks and kayakers’ delight, as they’re only a short paddle away and offer fantastic snorkeling opportunities.
Ko Olina Beach Park
Escape to the tranquil splendor of Ko Olina Beach Park, a hidden gem nestled on the western coast of Oahu — where the hustle of city life feels worlds away. The calm waters here are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding. The beach’s luxury amenities, including some of Oahu’s finest resorts and restaurants, make it an excellent spot for those looking for a pampered beach experience.
Hanauma Bay
Nature enthusiasts and snorkeling enthusiasts will be captivated by the beauty of Hanauma Bay. This gorgeous curved bay, created from a volcanic crater, serves as a living museum and a protected marine life conservation area. Snorkelers can marvel at a vibrant array of tropical fish and may even catch a glimpse of a sea turtle or reef shark among the colorful coral formations. During winter, it’s also a fantastic spot for whale watching!
Kailua Beach Park
Situated near Lanikai, Kailua Beach offers visitors a taste of serenity and vastness. Its turquoise waters and distant Mokulua Islands create a picturesque setting for a variety of water sports, from kayaking to windsurfing. The beach’s powdery golden sands stretch for miles, making it an inviting spot for a leisurely stroll or a memorable family picnic.
Sunset Beach
Nestled on the fabled North Shore of Oahu, Sunset Beach unravels before your eyes like a vivid dream. It’s a place where the golden sun dips below the horizon in a spectacular display of colors, painting the sky with vibrant hues. This beach is not just a surfers’ paradise, famous for its towering winter waves, but also a haven for those seeking moments of sheer tranquility.
Makapuu Beach
Makapuu Beach is as much about the views as it is about the sand and surf. With its dramatic backdrop of seaside cliffs and the historic Makapuu Lighthouse, the beach is a favorite among photographers. Adventurous beach enthusiasts can take on the challenge of the notorious Makapuu tide pools or grab a boogie board to ride some of Oahu’s best waves for bodyboarding.
Ala Moana Beach Park
Ala Moana is a local favorite known for its convenient location and family-friendly amenities. The long stretch of beach and calm waters create a safe environment for swimming, paddleboarding, and sailing. One of our favorite spots is Magic Island, the shallow lagoon at the park’s east end. You’ll also find picnic areas, jogging trails, and grassy areas for seaside activities.
Shark’s Cove
Despite its intimidating name, Shark’s Cove is one of Oahu’s premier snorkeling destinations and is part of Pupukea Beach Park. Located on the North Shore, this beach is known for it’s underwater haven, that provides a serene oasis for marine life. Colorful fish, octopus, and even the occasional Hawaiian monk seal can be spotted here, making it a must-visit for those wanting to explore Hawaii’s underwater world.
Yokohama Bay Beach
Yokohama Bay, also known as Keawaula Beach, is a haven for those who seek solitude and a beautiful setting to bask in the breathtaking Hawaiian sunsets. This secluded beach at the western tip of Oahu is an excellent place for a quiet family outing or a romantic sunset beach walk. It is also a starting point for the Kaena Point Trail, which often rewards hikers with whale sightings during the winter season.
Waimanalo Beach
This gorgeous beach is often less crowded than its neighbors, making it a peaceful escape for those seeking a quieter spot. Waimanalo’s soft, white sands are among the longest on Oahu, and its typically calm waters are perfect for swimmers and sunbathers alike. This is also an amazing spot to spot the Hawaiian green sea turtles, known locally as ‘honu.’
Makaha Beach
This hidden gem on Oahu’s leeward (western) coast is famed for its stellar sunsets, expansive stretch of white sand, and commanding winter waves, making it a favorite among locals and seasoned surfers. During the calmer summer months, Makaha transforms into an excellent spot for snorkeling, where dolphins and sea turtles are frequently spotted.
Haleiwa Beach Park
Haleiwa Beach Park, located on the famous North Shore of Oahu, offers a quintessential slice of Hawaiian beach culture, combining a scenic landscape with a laid-back vibe. This beach is renowned for its massive waves and sensational sunsets. While not the prime location for swimming due to its rocky bottom, it is a favored spot for paddleboarders and surfers during the winter months. The park itself is equipped with amenities, including showers, restrooms, and picnic tables.
Kuilima Cove
Situated on the northeastern side of Oahu, Kuilima Cove is another hidden gem that boasts calm, turquoise waters, making it an ideal location for snorkeling and swimming, especially for beginners. Near Turtle Bay Resort, Kuilima Cove provides visitors with a spectacular beach experience but also the comfort of having upscale amenities and dining options within walking distance. This serene spot also offers a unique opportunity to observe Hawaiian green sea turtles in their natural habitat.
Waimea Bay Beach Park
Waimea Bay is of North Shore’s most iconic beaches, attracting both thrill-seekers and those looking to soak in the natural beauty that Oahu offers. Renowned for its gigantic winter waves, this bay is a mecca for big-wave surfing, drawing surfers and spectators from around the globe to witness the awe-inspiring power of the ocean. The bay transforms into a tranquil sanctuary in the summer, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping. Waimea Falls, the 45+ foot Oahu waterfall is also just around the corner and has lifeguards on duty.
ʻEhukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline)
Last but not least, ʻEhukai Beach is home to the legendary Banzai Pipeline! It holds a prestigious spot in the world of professional surfing and is one of the venues for the Triple Crown of Surfing. Recognized as one of the most dangerous surf spots on the globe, it lures the bravest of souls with its mesmerizing but hazardous waves. But the Pipeline is not just for professionals — spectators flock to ʻEhukai Beach to watch the thrilling surf competitions and witness some of the world’s best surfers take on these massive waves.