Hawaii’s beaches are as close as you can get to paradise on Earth. Being the third-largest island in the state, Oahu is home to some of the best ones in the entire archipelago, making it a great destination to head to if your plans in Hawaii revolve mostly around beach-hopping.
If you’re currently planning a getaway to Oahu, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed deciding which beaches to visit first. The good news is that, with 227 miles of coastline, you’re pretty much guaranteed a great experience no matter where you go.
The best way to decide which beaches will make it to your itinerary is to consider your interests. So I decided to create a list of the best beaches in Hawaii’s Oahu island for every type of traveler. Whether you’re taking the kids or looking for pristine shores surrounded by nature, this list is sure to have the ideal spot for you!
The Most Beautiful Beaches in Hawaii
Waikiki Beach
Set on the coast of Honolulu, Waikiki might very well be the most popular beach on the island of Oahu for locals
Waikiki’s gentle waves are ideal for beginner’s surfing lessons. So if learning how to brave waves is one of the items on your bucket list, look for one of the many instructors available and take a class, or just relax at the beach and watch while others do it.
Lanikai Beach
Set on the island’s Windward Coast, Lanikai boasts some of the softest sand and the bluest waters in Oahu. Add the two beautiful offshore islets in front of it, and you’ll be set for a day in beach heaven.
Of course, you can spend the whole day relaxing. But if you’re in the mood for some adventure, you can kayak your way to the Mokes (a nearby islet). Or hike the Lanikai Pillbox Trail to catch some of the best vistas Oahu!
Haleiwa
Haleiwa Beach is located about an hour’s drive away from Honolulu in the North Shore area of the island,
This laid-back surfer town distills country flavor and a local ambiance that enchants visitors. While here, you can spend the day at the beach. But you can also dedicate a few hours to exploring the town itself.
Various small art galleries and local boutiques are favorites for all. And for history buffs, the old Emerson Mission homestead and the ruins of Waialua’s Female Seminary remain from the days of missionary work in the area.
Keep in mind that Haleiwa Beach has a rocky and shallow ocean bottom, so it’s not ideal for swimming. But it is great for surfing, canoeing, kayaking, and boat racing!
Waimea Bay
Located in the North Shore area of Oahu, Waimea is mostly famous for its giant winter waves. Which can reach
With summer come calmer waters and Waimea becomes a great destination for swimming, snorkeling, bodyboarding, snorkeling, fishing, or just relaxing and enjoying the views of the blue ocean and overall beach ambiance.
Sunset Beach
Set right outside Haleiwa Town, Sunset Beach is another bucket list-must haven in Oahu, especially if you’re in search of a kid-friendly beach that’s good for swimming and light snorkeling during the summer. The sunsets here are really special, which explains the name given to this place, so make sure you stay around to witness at least one of them during your stay on the island!
During the winter months, Sunset Beach becomes a prime destination for surfers, because it’s the longest stretch of rideable surf in the world! Accordingly, various surfing events are hosted here, including the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, so plan your dates right if you’re interested in checking out one of them.
Kailua Beach Park
Kailua Beach Park is one more picture-perfect beach park with soft white sands, low waves, and great
Families traveling with kids love it here, as well as windsurfers, and sailboarders, but there are plenty of things to do here for everyone. While here, you can spend your time simply enjoying the light-colored sand, blue waters, picnic areas, and beach volleyball court.
You can also rent some water sports equipment at the boat ramp if you’re in the mood for some water adventures, and then head to nearby Kailua and check out its many restaurants and shops.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
If you’re after enjoying a quiet location amid nature, Hanauma Bay should be next on your list!
Only 30 minutes from Honolulu, this unique bay is known for its wine glass shape and for the fact that it seems it’s eons away from the bustling capital city, which make for a perfect outing if a day of nature goodness sounds appealing to you.
Snorkeling is the top activity here, as hundreds of marine species inhabit the area, including lots of honus, which are the green sea turtles that have made Hanauma their home! Hiking the Koko Bay Trail to a crater is another favorite for exploring the lush hills that surround the bay and catching some breathtaking ocean views.
Laniakea Beach – Turtle Beach
Laniakea translates into “wide sky”, and you’ll see why this extensive beach was given that name when you
Aside from its beauty, the top attraction at Laniakea is giant green turtles that live there. It’s hard to believe that they were once on the endangered species list, but thanks to the protection efforts of government and volunteers, they can now be easily spotted swimming and frolicking around the island.
Have you visited the island of Oahu in Hawaii? Which were your favorite beaches? Let me know in the comment section below!
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