Best Beaches in Oahu

A vacation in Hawaii is guaranteed to be fun because of the many activities to see, do and enjoy on Oahu. However, in the midst of so many possibilities, it can sometimes be difficult to prioritize the important ones, and although tastes can vary greatly depending on the type of traveler you are, it is almost certain that everyone who visits Oahu will want to enjoy a few hours of fun at sea.

Are you looking for beaches close to the city of Honolulu or maybe you're looking for a quiet family day out; are you looking for swimming and snorkeling beaches or do you prefer the adrenaline rush of surfing; no matter what your answer is, Oahu has a tropical paradise-like place to do it!

It is considered one of the best beaches in Hawaii due to its crystal clear waters that allow you to see marine life and fish swimming close to the shore. Some of the water sports practiced in these waters include windsurfing, sailing and of course snorkeling!

The beautiful scenery, with the islets of Nā Mokulua as a backdrop only add to the charm of the place. Visitors looking to see some wildlife can rent a boat to explore this area and learn about its bird sanctuary.

Where to find us and how to get there

Lanikai Beach is located in the small coastal town of Kailua. Getting to this area of the island is very easy: take bus 671 and get off at the stop "Mokulua Dr + Opp Haokea Dr" located 5 minutes walk from the beach.
If you are traveling in a private vehicle keep in mind that parking may be limited, so I recommend arriving early especially on weekends and in times of high tourist influx.

Kailua Beach is an ideal place to spend a day of fun on the coast, because in addition to a beautiful white sand beach ideal for swimming, diving, snorkeling and other water activities, you will find a public park of approximately 30 acres, an area with picnic tables, public restrooms, volleyball courts and dozens of food stands with diversified gastronomic offerings.

The best part of visiting Kailua is that, if you travel during the week, the beach is practically empty, so you can count on privacy and tranquility during your Hawaii vacation.

Where it is and how to get there

This beach is located in the coastal town of the same name, just a 30-minute drive from Honolulu. If you use public transportation on Oahu there are two bus lines that stop nearby: the 67 and 671.

Waikiki is one of the most famous beaches not only in Hawaii but in the world that I recommend to all my traveler friends who are going to Oahu for the first time.

With an influx of tourists exceeding 4 million people a year, you will love the Waikiki location not only for its white sand and crystal clear waters, but also for the wonderful views of the Diamond Head volcano, which make for spectacular scenery.

When planning your visit to Waikiki, keep in mind that this area actually includes several beaches and several luxury resorts and 5-star hotels. In addition, you will find numerous restaurants with a varied and delicious gastronomic offer.

Where it is and how to get there

Located in the coastal city of Honolulu, in the southwestern part of the island, getting to this area of Oahu by public transportation is really simple. You can take any of the following bus lines: 2, 20 or 42 to get off at the station "Kuhio Ave + Lewers S" located 3 minutes walk from the entrance to Waikiki.

Another famous destination in Hawaii that I recommend visiting at least once during your vacation. The beautiful Waimea Bay is known for its giant waves, which can be seen every year in the season from October to April.

On the other hand, if you visit Oahu in summer you will find a quieter beach perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

If you like surfing or are curious about the sport, be sure to visit Waimea! Even if you do not practice the sport in this place are held numerous local and international competitions such as Vans Triple Crown Surfing. Nearby is one of the most famous attractions of Oahu, the famous Waimea Waterfall.

Where to find us and how to get there

Waimea is located on the north shore of Oahu; if you go by public transportation you should take bus number 60 and get off at the stop "Kamehameha Hwy + Opp Iliohu Pl" located 10 minutes walk away. The beach has parking for vehicles but try to arrive early especially on weekends.

The beautiful Sunset Beach is one of those places in Hawaii where it is possible to see celebrities relaxing and sunbathing.

This beautiful and wide beach is ideal for swimming and snorkeling, especially if you go to the archipelago during summer vacations. However the swell can become aggressive in the winter months so if you visit the island during this season I do not recommend swimming here unless you are a very experienced swimmer.

At times the swell in this area has reached an astounding 15 to 20 feet high, making Sunset Beach a favorite for surfers looking to have fun on the waves.

Where to find us and how to get there

Sunset is located on the north shore of Oahu and is very easy to get to. If you use public transportation there are several bus lines that will take you to this area of the island, including lines 20, 23 and 42.

The closest stations are "Kalakaua Ave + Mccully St" and "Kalakaua Ave + Mccully St" both 3 minutes away and "Ala Moana Bl + Hobron Ln" and "Kalakaua Ave + Kapiolani Bl" both 4 minutes walking distance.

If you decide to go by private car you should know that parking is readily available at almost any time of the year, with the exception of days when surfing competitions are held.

Makapuu Beach Park is possibly one of the most picturesque and different places in Hawaii, a white sand beach and blue waters surrounded by a black mountain that offers spectacular photographs.

To my friends visiting this beach for the first time I recommend a leisurely stroll to the picturesque Makapuu Lighthouse at sunset.

Makapuu is also one of the favorite beaches for surfers vacationing on Oahu in search of adventure. In the summer season and again in the winter season the waves are perfect for this sport.

If your intention is to swim and you go to the islands in these months I would recommend you to go to Makapuu to admire the scenery and the athletes, but reserve the swimming activity for a quieter beach.

Where is and how to get there

It is located on the eastern end of the island. You can get to this area of the island using public transportation, specifically buses 23 and 69; the stop named "Sea Life Park" is only a 4 minute walk from the entrance.

If you are on your own, the beach has parking just a few meters from the beach, it is one of the hidden gems of Oahu and it is easy to find a spot.

Pokai Bay is an almost hidden treasure of Oahu where you can swim, snorkel and enjoy some privacy. The waters are extremely calm even in the winter season when most of Oahu's beaches have aggressive and more dangerous swells.

Pokai Bay is a great place to visit if you are visiting Oahu with children and want a fun time and a place to have a family picnic. Also, if you snorkel Pokai Bay offers calm waters full of beautiful corals to admire.

If you decide to spend a day in the area take a moment to visit Kane'ilio Point where you will find an ancient Hawaiian rock temple called Ku'ilioloa Heiau.

Where it is and how to get there

It is located on the Wai'anae coast on the west coast of Oahu. To get there by public transportation you will have to take the bus route C, the nearest stop is "Waianae Valley Rd + Farrington Hwy" 3 minutes walk from the beach.

Sandy Beach is a favorite beach for bodyboarding and surfing travelers because of the big waves and nearby surf break. If you are looking for an escape from the crowds of Waikiki and a place to hike or take long walks, don't hesitate for a second!

Sandy Beach is an Oahu beach with lifeguards. If you want nothing my recommendation is to ask a lifeguard on duty if the beach is safe at the time of your visit.

Keep in mind that the waves break close to the water and even in the summer season the surf can be high. Many non-surfing tourists head to Sandy Beach just to sunbathe and have some privacy.

Where to find us and how to get there

Sandy Beach is located directly in Honolulu, just a 15-minute drive away and parking is available. If you travel by public transportation you will have to take the line 23 the nearest stop is "Kealahou St + Opp Kuanalu" 20 minutes walk from the beach.

If you're going to Hawaii as a family, Bellows Field is a beach you won't want to miss. Famous throughout Oahu for its white sand and dreamy scenery, the breakers are smaller than at Sandy Beach, making it a great option for kids to play in the water.

If you want to swim or snorkel with the kids I recommend heading to the east side of the park, being protected by a reef makes it the ideal area for swimmers.

On the other hand, Bellows Field beach has many shaded areas which makes it the ideal place to have a day at the beach with picnic included; in the area you will find showers, restrooms, table area and lifeguards on duty.

Where is and how to get there

Bellows Field Beach is located on the east coast of Oahu and the best way to get there is by private transportation, as it is about 25 minutes by car.

You can get there by public transportation by taking bus line 67 and getting off at the "Kalanianaole Hwy + Opp Tinker Rd" stop, the downside is that the beach is about a 30 minute walk.

Ala Moana Beach Park is one of Oahu's man-made enclaves created in the mid-20th century. The beach, which stretches along a mile of coastline, is a less touristy alternative and much used by locals.

To all my friends who visit Hawaii during peak times and don't want to deal with the crowds at Waikiki, I recommend making a detour to Ala Moana for calm waters, white sand and bright sunshine. If you're going to Oahu with kids and want to improve their swimming skills, Ala Moana is the ideal place to practice.

Where is and how to get there

Ala Moana Beach Park is located in Honolulu itself so getting there is quite simple. From downtown you can take several buses including line 20, line 23, line 42 and line E; the nearest stop named "Kona St + Opp Keeaumoku St" is only 3 minutes away from the beach.