Oahu’s beaches call for no introduction. Waikiki Beach is located on the North Shore. Langikai. Makeha. One other island, Maui, can match the abundance of world-class beaches Oahu presents, lengthy stretches of silky white sand, each with unique character and atmosphere.
We begin below with some of our best beaches for special events. To help you plan your trip, we map all 25+ beaches on the island and highlight them.
FAVORITE BEACHES FOR…..
Having lots of options can occasionally be taxing. We understand this because, despite our efforts to narrow down the number of the best beaches Oahu has to offer, we still managed to compile a list of 28 beaches!
Finally, some sensible advice about visiting a Hawaiian beach. Whether you are visiting our little piece of paradise or not, keep the following in mind:
- While in the water, never turn your back on the waves.
- Leave things unattended on the beach; just pack what you absolutely need.
- Visitors to Hawaii frequently make the mistake of forgetting to bring reef-safe sunscreen and sun protection (hats, rash guards), as the sun can be strong here.
BEACH MAP FOR FAVORITE OAHU BEACHES
We have listed all the beaches mentioned in our list on this interactive map to make planning your day a bit easier.
NORTH SHORE BEACHES
The North Shore is famous around the world for its big waves and surf breaks during the winter months, as well as its calm shores and excellent snorkeling during the summer. Many of its beaches are known throughout the world—Sunsettle, Bonzai, and Waimea—and others still fly under the radar. Check out a few of them as you make your way to your Favorite Oahu Beaches
- Sunset Beach
- The Ehukai (Banzai Pipeline)
- Waimea Bay Beach Park
- Haleiwa Beach Park
- Chun’s reef
- Kawela Bay (Turtle Bay)
- Laniakea Beach
- Pūpūkea Beach Park (Shark’s Cove)
SUNSET BEACH
Why Go: Sunset Beach runs two miles from Sunset Point to Ehukai Beach. Sunset Beach is one of the three world-renowned surfing beaches on the North Shore, along with Banzai and Waimea. This is an excellent spot to set up a chair to watch winter surfers.
Added Bonus: Sunset is an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling throughout the summer, when the water is usually calm.
EHUKAI BEACH (BANZAI PIPELINE)
Why Go: Apart from the lovely beige, wide-sandy beach, Banzai presents surfing enthusiasts with one of the world’s most unusual waves, the notorious Banzai Pipeline, renowned for the way the waves crash over a sharp and shallow reef, creating large tubes (winter season).
Added Bonus: Like the Triple Crown of Surfing and the Billabong Pipeline Masters, worldwide events draw an international audience to Ehukai.
WAIMEA BAY BEACH PARK
Why Go: Waimea Bay is large and horseshoe-shaped, perfect for a lazy summer afternoon of swimming and sunbathing in a Favorite Oahu Beaches. It was the birthplace of big wave surfing in Hawai‘i, and during the winter, the bay brings in waves that reach 30 feet high.
Added Bonus: Waimea Valley Cultural Centre lies across the road from the bay. Included are a botanical garden, cultural displays, and a waterfall with a swimming pool.
HALEIWA BEACH PARK
Why Go: On the north shore, Haleiwa is among the beaches with more subdued waves. If swimming at other northern coast locations seems too dangerous due to the winter surf, try Haleiwa. One can also learn to surf here rather effectively.
Added Bonus: Near Haleiwa Town, it’s simple to go over and have lunch or a local shaved ice, or rent a surfboard or paddleboard.
CHUN’S REEF ( Wonderful Place For Families, Featuring a Tide Pool For Kids )
Why Go: Chun’s, which is less trafficked than Waimea or Haleiwa, offers a taste of “everyday” surf culture—that is, daily surf life outside of the world-famous waves—and an off-beat venue to put your feet up. Walking is simple on the long length of white sand; families with small children would find the freshwater pond ideal.
Added Bonus: Families will enjoy the tidepools formed by the rocks near the shore (but keep your eye on the surf; the rocks are sharp). For those wishing to learn, Uncle Bryan’s Sunset Suratt Surf School is close by your Favorite Oahu Beaches.
KAWELA BAY/TURTLE BAY
Why Go: Even if the surf is strong at other locations along the North Shore, these side-by-side coves are more sheltered from waves than other North Shore beaches, so they are ideal for swimming and snorkeling year-round. To match its crystal blue seas and pristine white sand, Kawela Bay Beach Park provides lots of shade and a large grove of ironwood trees.
LANIAKEA BEACH
Why Go: Often referred to as “Turtle Beach,” Laniakea features a line of slowly passing automobiles on the road as people search for turtles, causing traffic to slow down, much to the dismay of the locals. Rocky and near the road, it’s not the spot to post for a whole day, but it’s a resting area for sea turtles, and there’s a decent chance you’ll see them if you stop and hang for a while in Favorite Oahu Beaches.
Added Bonus: Across the street from Laniakea is Kawailoa Ranch, which showcases the North Shore’s horse and ranch life.
PŪPŪKEA BEACH PARK (SHARK’S COVE)
Why Go: One of the best places for summer snorkeling and diving is “Shark’s Cove,” Pūpūkea Beach Park. Families and novice swimmers will find a sizable protected cove perfect. Outside the cove, lava tubes, reef walls, and fauna draw free divers, scuba divers, and snorkelers.
Added Bonus: Pūpūkea Beach Park is across from a number of food trucks, including Pupukea Grill with fantastic poke bowls and shrimp trucks.
WINDWARD COAST (EAST SIDE) BEACHES
The abundant white sand beaches you will discover on Oahu’s windward (east) coast are beautifully framed by the rich, verdant foothills of the Koʻolau mountains. On this side of the island, you can find whatever you are seeking—some famous (Lanikai), others super local (Maleakahana).
- Kualoa Regional Park
- Waimanalo Beach Park
- Kailua Beach Park
- Makapuʻu Beach Park
- Lanikai Beach Park
- Kahana Bay Beach Park
- Mālaekahana Beach
- Bellows Field Beach Park
KUALOA REGIONAL PARK
Why Go: The park is a beautiful beach park that offers breathtaking views down the windward coast and the amazing Kualoa Ranch behind cliffs. During low tide, you could just about stroll to the island of Mokoliʻi, sometimes referred to as Chinaman’s Hat. If not, it’s a simple kayak.
Added Bonus: Just across from Kualoa Ranch lies this beach park. Combine it with an ATV trip to the three valleys, a horseback ride, or a movie tour. Go with some oysters or locally grown beef.
WAIMANALO BEACH PARK
Why Go: Waimanalo Beach, one of Hawaii’s longest beaches, offers several miles of white sand for walking. Though it’s not too harsh, it does have modest waves along the coast that would be intriguing for active swimming. Residents frequently gather here for family gatherings, cookouts, and fishing.
KAILUA BEACH PARK
Why Go: Like Waimanalo, Kailua Beach is long, with excellent white sand and somewhat gentle waves. Viewing multiple offshore islands, it offers plenty of activities, including kayaking, kite surfing, windsurfing, fishing, and boating.
Added Bonus: Located directly across from Kailua Beach Park, Buzz’s is one of the Windward Sides’ only oceanfront eateries. Spend a delightful hour on the front deck, savoring appetizers and one of their famous stiff mai tais.
Know this: It’s simple to confuse Kailua with Kailua Kona. Kailua is a town on Oʻahu flanked by Kailua Beach; Kailua Kona is a town on the Big Island. Should you be here later, look at this list of the best Favorite Oahu Beaches.
MAKAPUʻU BEACH PARK
Why Go: Supported by the towering Koʻolau Volcano, the surf at Makapuʻu is often big and draws a young bodyboarder and beachgoing audience. Two islands off the shore, as well as the massive rocks supporting the Makapuu Lighthouse, are visible here.
Added Bonus: Over the beach, Makapuʻu Lighthouse towers high. The Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail, an easy-going, paved path offering a wonderful view down Oahu’s windward coast, opens just south of the beach park.
LANIKAI BEACH PARK
Why Go? Arriving in Lanikai will easily explain why it has been considered one of the world’s top beaches. The beach boasts a clear blue ocean, powdery white sand, and a vantage point that overlooks two offshore islands, locally referred to as “the Mokes.” Here, the water is as still as it gets.
Added Bonus: Try out the Lanikai Pillbox Trail for an overview of the beach, the offshore islands, and Kailua town.
KAHANA BAY BEACH PARK
Why Go: Kahana, bounded by tall, jagged cliffs and a sizable horseshoe harbor, remains a pleasant local hangout entirely out of the way on the top windward side. Although the mountain runoff makes the beach unsuitable for swimming, it’s a wonderful spot to chill out, stand up paddleboard, or stroll the paths running opposite the shore.
Added Bonus: There are camp sites available here (permit required). Consider spending the night in this unique valley.
MĀLAEKAHANA BEACH
Why Go: This state park is popular among locals for camping and fishing. The beaches here are small, but swimming is excellent in the summer.
Added Bonus: In addition to tent camping, the park also has plantation-style cabins to rent.
BELLOWS FIELD BEACH PARK
Why Go: Located on an active Air Force base, Bellows, an extension of Waimanalo Beach, welcomes the public on weekends. Thanks to the ironwood trees, there is plenty of decent shade and lots of small waves for swimming and bodyboarding.
Added bonus: Tent camping is available with a permit here.
SOUTH SHORE: HONOLULU + WAIKĪKĪ BEACHES
Some of Oahu’s most Favorite Oahu Beaches beaches are located on the south shore, including Waikīkī Beach and Hanauma Bay, both of which are excellent for families. However, the south shore is so much more than just those two. Don’t miss the local side of things at beach parks like Ala Moana and surf breaks like Sandys.
- Hanauma Bay
- Waikīkī Beach
- Ala Manoa Regional Park
- Magic Island Lagoon
- Halona Beach Cove
- Sandy’s Beach
- Diamond Head Beach Park
- White Plains Beach (Kalaeloa).
HANAUMA BAY
Why Go: Excellent snorkeling! Yes, the beach is equally excellent for tanning; yet, Hanauma is mostly about underwater exploration with its admission fee and reef safety video (needed).
Added Bonus: If you arrive mid-morning or later, this area may be crowded. Once the sun rises, head there as soon as they open at 8 a.m. and finish your snorkeling before the crowds arrive.
WAIKĪKĪ BEACH
Why go to Hawaii’s famous beach, where Diamond Head rises above? It is one of the world’s most famous beaches and a fantastic place to learn to surf.
Added Bonus: Two-mile-long Waikīkī Beach branches out into various sections. For a more local vibe, test out the portions of Queens Surf Beach or Kaimana Beach.
ALA MOANA REGIONAL PARK
Why Go: Covering many city blocks and offering a variety of activities, this locally-oriented beach park boasts Hawaiian paddling, yoga groups, runners, walkers, surfers, swimmers, and volleyball. The offshore barrier reef is a real neighborhood park; it keeps the waves quiet, and beyond that, you will find surfers.
Added bonus: Watch the paddle groups depart from Ala Wai Harbor at sunset.
MAGIC ISLAND LAGOON
Why Go: Magic Island is a man-made peninsula with shallow lagoons and big seawalls; the latter would be a wonderful area for tiny children to play.
Bonus: Magic Island, located within Ala Moana Park, offers a fantastic view of local life. Get a bench and linger around for a while.
HALONA BEACH COVE
Why Go: Halona Beach Cove, one of the tiniest beaches on Oahu, provides a pleasant location sandwiched between two rock outpoints. Swimming is possible on particularly calm days, but it is not advised because it is largely rocky. A short walk from the Halona Blowhole overlook will get you there. The 1953 film From Here to Eternity gained notoriety on the cove.
Bonus: The beach cove’s name honors Halona Blow Hole, which is located on the front side of the cliffs above it. On days with significant wave activity, you can see its strength.
SANDY’S BEACH
Why Go: Sandy’s beach lies somewhat east of Halona Beach Cove. Sandy’s is a hive of activity and young people, with several surf breakers and one of the biggest shore breaks on the island. Perfect for surfers, body boarders, and on-lookers who visit this beach, grab a chair and hang about for some time. Before diving into the sea, ask the lifeguard whether the conditions are consistently hostile and dangerous.
Added Bonus: Sandy’s is among the greatest spots for kite flying if you live with small children in the family. There is a large, open expanse devoid of trees that is usually windy. You will typically find residents flying kites, as well as a few food trucks positioned nearby.
DIAMOND HEAD BEACH PARK
Why Go? Diamond Head Beach requires a long walk down a high cliff to reach, but the rocks make for poor swimming. The rocks here make for poor swimming, but this beach is excellent for a stroll or to find a little sand.
Added Bonus: Hike to the summit of Diamond Head Crater for a bird’s-eye view of the beach, an overlook of Honolulu, and a vista of the southern coast before descending to the shore.
EWA BEACH/WHITE PLAINS BEACH (KALAELOA)
Why Go: Ewa Beach, which comprises much of the island’s southwest shore, is a long, narrow beach. Along the way, you’ll find a beginner surf break (White Plains) and a five-acre beach park (Ewa Beach). Families will adore the green area, picnic grounds, and residential ambiance at Ewa Beach proper; surfers will appreciate the tiny, beginner-friendly waves near White Plains.
Added Bonus: From White Plains, you have a distinctive, removed, long-distance view of Honolulu from which to see east all the way back to the tall city structures.
LEEWARD COAST BEACHES (WEST SIDE)
Don’t travel west hoping for fanfare; quite the reverse. For off-beat visitors, the west side offers Oahu’s most distant, local beaches, as well as unspoiled, raw, local sites outside of Koolina; this mix of world-class scenery and a simple attitude is fantastic. Do not miss Yokohama’s end-of-road remoteness or Mahaka’s world-class surf break.
- Ko Olina Resort
- Depot Beach Park
- Makaha Beach Park
- Keawaula Beach (Yokohama Beach)
KO OLINA RESORT
Why Go: Small children’s families would find four man-made lagoons built for the Ko Olina Resort community ideal.
Added Bonus: Ko Olina is a private community providing restaurants, stores, hotels, and golf.
DEPOT BEACH PARK
Why Go: Not far from Nanakuli, this lengthy stretch of white sand serves as a popular barbecue and fishing hangout.
Added bonus: The Mermaid Caves, carved into the rocks along the coast, are easily accessible. Just gaze down into Favorite Oahu Beaches; try not to swim inside.
MAKAHA BEACH PARK
Why Go: Look for surf culture on the west side at Makaha, home of another world-renown break. We don’t recommend it for every swimmer due to the potentially strong undertow. Still, it’s a fantastic spot from which to view the surf on land .
Added Bonus: When the water is calm, Makaha’s reefs offer excellent scuba diving.
KEAWAULA BEACH ( YOKOHAMA BEACH )
Why Go: Thanks to large boulders at the ocean entrance, Yokohama, sometimes known as “Yokes,” is a fantastic place to snorkel when it’s calm. A steep-sloped beach with turquoise waves. People here enjoy barbecue.
Added Bonus: The last sandy stretch on the Leeward Coast, Yokes, is situated at the end of the road. The path to Ka’ena Point, a bird refuge with outstanding views of the ocean and coast, runs to the north end of the beach.
