There are many beaches on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu. Many touristy beaches are in the Honolulu area, specifically the Waikiki. Finding the picturesque beaches you see on postcards requires exploring the island of Oahu. You will find many amazing beaches on Oahu, even a couple of hidden beaches in Oahu that are worth mentioning. There are beaches for those who want to wade or leisurely swim in the ocean and for those looking to snorkel, boogie board, or surf. No matter what you want to do, there is a beach for you to enjoy!
Beaches on Oahu’s South Side
The beaches on Oahu’s south side are your more populated beaches. Many tourist areas are on the south side of Oahu, so you will likely be amongst the crowds enjoying the beach. However, you can find beaches that are less crowded to enjoy. Often, finding these less crowded beaches comes from talking with locals. Another way is to research and find beaches that are not as well known by tourists or that are closer to residential areas. Either way, we have you covered. These are the best beaches on Oahu’s south side.
Ala Moana Regional Park and Beach
Ala Moana Beach is relatively large and less crowded than other touristy beaches, like Waikiki Beach. There is a good mix of tourists and locals relaxing at Ala Moana Beach. Being a less crowded beach gives Ala Moana Beach a relaxed feeling, making it a great place to lay on the beach and enjoy the views. Additionally, you can see Diamond Head from here. It is also a great place to watch the sunset in the afternoon.
The sand at Ala Moana Beach is soft in some places and rocky in others. If your feet are sensitive, you should have water shoes on hand if you end up in a rocky area. Ala Moana Beach is one of the best beaches in Oahu for swimming, especially if you have children, because it is a calm beach. There is a reef that helps prevent large waves from crashing on shore. The calmness of the water also makes this a great place to paddleboard without worrying about strong waves.
Amenities at Ala Moana Regional Park and Beach
Ala Moana Beach has multiple bathroom facilities and several outdoor showers for rinsing off. The Ala Moana Regional Park is a large park with numerous picnic areas and grills. There are also tennis courts and a beach volleyball court for public use. Lifeguards are on duty during the day at both Ala Moana Beach and the Magic Island Lagoon area of Ala Moana Beach.
There is also an L & L Hawaiian Barbecue if you get hungry. The Ala Moana Regional Park and Beach is next to a boat harbor, making Ala Moana Beach a good place to stop after an excursion if you want to lay on the beach before returning to your hotel. You can also take paddleboarding and surfing lessons. Lastly, the Ala Moana Shopping Center is across the street from the Regional Park if you want to do a little shopping while in the area.
Magic Island Lagoon
Magic Island Lagoon is part of Ala Moana Beach Park. It is a man-made peninsula located on the east end of Ala Moana Beach. The lagoon is protected from strong ocean currents by a breakwater that helps form the Lagoon. It is an excellent area for children to play in the water as the Lagoon is one of several calm beaches in Oahu. It is also one of the hidden beaches on Oahu, as not many people walk over to Magic Island Lagoon. So there is usually a small crowd at the beach.
There are facilities available at Magic Island Lagoon. You will find many picnic tables scattered throughout Magic Island. There are also bathroom facilities and an outdoor shower. There is also a lifeguard by the lagoon. One of the best features of Magic Island Lagoon is the incredible view of Diamond Head.
Getting to Ala Moana Regional Park and Beach
Ala Moana Beach is next to Ala Moana Regional Park, about 10 minutes from Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. There is parking along the road that runs through Ala Moana Regional Park, and there is a good-sized parking lot over by Magic Island. Due to Ala Moana Regional Park and Beach’s location, there are bus stops if you want to take public transportation to the park. Additionally, there is a stop for the Waikiki Trolley across the street at the Ala Moana Shopping Center. If you are staying at a nearby hotel, you can easily walk to Ala Moana Beach Park. We walked over to this area from the Hilton Hawaiian Village area several times.
Duke Kahanamoku Beach
Duke Kahanamoku Beach is the beach area directly in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. Due to Kahanamoku Beach’s location, the beach gets very crowded as people staying at the Hilton Resort typically gather on this beach. There are no lifeguards at this beach, so be aware of ocean conditions if the waves are too strong for your swimming ability. Overall, the times we have come to this beach when we have stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, the waves have not been strong. We typically see people floating on inflatable water floats while we are swimming around or wading in the water.
The sand at Duke Kahanamoku Beach is relatively soft. As you enter the water, some areas are rockier than others, which may require water shoes. The right side of the beach, near the Duke Kahanamoku parking lot, is protected by a break wall, making it perfect for paddleboarding since the water is calm. You can snorkel here, but other beaches on Oahu are better for snorkeling.
Amenities Near Duke Kahanamoku Beach
There are restrooms and outdoor showers available at Duke Kahanamoku Beach. You can also rent beach equipment like chairs and umbrellas, which is helpful since there is little to no shade. If you get hungry, you have several options. You can check out one of the food trucks in the parking lot by the Lagoon. Or you can get food in the Hilton Hawaiian Village area. There is also an ABC Store if you want to buy snacks.
If you are interested in booking an excursion, like a sunset cruise or submarine adventure, there is a hut at the beach to help with booking an excursion. If you are in the area on Friday night, there is a fireworks show on the beach at 7:45 pm. The fireworks show is incredible and worth seeing. It is important to know that the show may be canceled based on wind conditions.
Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach is a white sand beach that is relatively large. The sand can be coarse in some spots as you enter the water. The reef is a little further out from the beach, so there can be more rocks in certain areas. The water is a beautiful blue-turquoise color. The water is typically calm, but sometimes currents can be stronger, especially on a windy day. There are lifeguards on duty during the day. From Waikiki Beach, you have a view of Diamond Head, with some spots giving you a better view than others.
Waikiki Beach is a very popular beach. It is also one of the main beaches tourists visit in Honolulu. There are many hotels within walking distance of Waikiki Beach. Due to this, Waikiki Beach tends to have a large crowd throughout the day. Like many other touristy beaches, there will be times when there are less crowds. Because of its large size, you will have no problem finding an area to sit and relax on the beach. Whether you are at Waikiki Beach for the day or during the evening to enjoy the sunset, there will definitely be a place to enjoy the beach.
In front of Waikiki Beach, you will find the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue. The statue pays tribute to Duke Kahanamoku, who is known to have popularized surfing. The statue is a popular photo spot for tourists.
Amenities around Waikiki Beach
You will find many facilities around Waikiki Beach. There are multiple bathrooms and outdoor rinse-off showers at Waikiki Beach. Due to the beach’s location near many hotels and restaurants, there are also many places to eat. Your choices will be almost endless.
If you are interested in learning how to surf or paddleboard, you can sign up for lessons at the beach. There are several options for surf lessons at Waikiki Beach, with various surf schools set up on the beach. Additionally, there are catamaran cruises that leave from the shore. For example, I took a catamaran for one of the Turtle Canyon snorkel cruises I went on from Waikiki Beach near the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku statue.
Getting to Waikiki Beach
If you are not staying at a hotel within walking distance of Waikiki Beach, you can drive to Waikiki Beach, take public transportation, or rideshare to the beach. Parking at Waikiki Beach is limited. Your best bet is to park in one of the parking garages at one of the shopping centers like the International Market Place or the Royal Hawaiian Center. There is a fee for using the parking garages. There are multiple bus stops along Kalakaua Ave, so public transportation is also a good option. Public transportation will also be cheaper than parking in a parking garage if you plan to spend the whole day at Waikiki Beach. Another alternative is to take the Waikiki Trolley, which has multiple routes, all of which have a stop near Waikiki Beach. You will need to purchase a pass to use the Waikiki Trolley.
Kuhio Beach
Kuhio Beach is next to Waikiki Beach and is one of several beaches that make up the beach stretch in the Waikiki area. Similarly to Waikiki Beach, Kuhio Beach can get crowded due to being located in Waikiki. A great feature of Kuhio Beach is that the water walls create a barrier between the open ocean and the beach, making Kuhio Beach an excellent beach for families to enjoy. Because the beach is enclosed, the water is very calm, making it a perfect place for children.
The calmness of the water makes it an excellent place to learn to paddleboard without worrying about the waves. Past the water walls is a reef. Additionally, if you go past the water wall, you will experience some waves, so proceed cautiously. There are lifeguards on duty during the daytime at Kuhio Beach. There are also bathrooms and rinse-off showers located at the beach. Since Kuhio Beach is in the heart of the Waikiki area, there are many choices for food within walking distance.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Hanauma Bay is a very popular destination for tourists. Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay is very popular due to the various tropical fish you see. Hanauma Bay has a soft white sand beach with turquoise-blue water. The current at Hanauma Bay can vary. There are times when the water is calm and times when the current is stronger. There are lifeguards on duty along the beach, and they will caution people if the current is on the stronger side.
Since Hanauma Bay is a marine conservation site, everyone must do an orientation to the area before being allowed down to the beach area. The orientation provides historical information and information on the marine conservation of Hanauma Bay. The orientation also includes information on safely snorkeling in the bay without damaging the delicate ecosystem.
While visiting Hanauma Bay, there is the possibility of seeing a Hawaiian monk seal lying on the beach. If there is a monk seal on the shore, the area around the monk seal will be roped off so that the seal is not disturbed and for everyone’s safety. A volunteer will be nearby to ensure that the area is not disturbed. The volunteers are also very knowledgeable and can give you information regarding the monk seals of Hawaii.
Things to Know Before Going to Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is about a 25-minute drive from Waikiki off Kalania’ole Highway. In order to go to Hanauma Bay, reservations are required for non-Hawaii residents. This is done to space out crowds and limit the amount of people entering the nature preserve since it is a marine conservation site. Reservations for non-Hawaii residents are $25 per person, and children under 12 are free. Parking at Hanauma Bay is available for $3, and they only accept cash.
The parking lot does get full and can be close to being full in the morning. We had reservations for 9:30 am and parked in the middle portion of the further lot. We visited Hanauma Bay in early November, during the off-season and not during the busy summer months. Some people with early reservations leave as the day goes on, but once the parking lot is full, people can no longer enter to park. The parking lot is the only place where cash is accepted. All other areas of Hanauma Bay only accept credit or debit card payments.
Amenities at Hanauma Bay
There are restrooms near the educational building where you enter the park and down on the beach of Hanauma Bay. Rinse-off showers are also available down by the beach area. You can rent snorkel gear for $20 if you do not have snorkel equipment. There is also a food stand at the top of the hill near the ticket booth to purchase food. You can bring your own food, but no alcohol is permitted at Hanauma Bay.
There is a gift shop located near the orientation area. The gift shop sells reef-safe sunblock and is willing to trade reef-safe sunblock for sunblock that could damage the reef’s ecosystem. You can walk to and from the beach or take the Hanauma Bay shuttle down to the beach area. Walking down to the beach is relatively easy since it is downhill. However, after a day of snorkeling, we recommend taking the shuttle back up to the entrance area and parking lot because it is an uphill walk from the beach.
Halona Beach Cove (From Here to Eternity Beach)
Sometimes called Eternity Beach, Halona Beach Cove was made popular in the 1953 movie “From Here to Eternity.” Halona Beach Cove is where the famous kissing scene between Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr was filmed. There is a small, fine white sand beach on one end and rocks on the other, making it an excellent place for a short tide-pooling adventure. The beach is surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs, giving the beach a romantic feel. The water at Halona Beach Cove has a beautiful turquoise color, which is made even more beautiful as the water crashes on the shoreline. It’s no wonder that Holona Beach Cove was chosen for the famous kissing scene for the movie “From Here to Eternity.”
We would consider Halona Beach Cove one of the hidden beaches on Oahu. Halona Beach Cove is one of the hidden beaches in Oahu because it is not visible from the road. You can easily miss this beach unless you know where Halona Beach Cove is located. Halona Beach Cove is located right by the Halona Blowhole lookout.
The best time to swim at Halona Beach Cove is when the ocean is calm. When the ocean is not calm, there will be a strong shorebreak. Staying close to shore is a good idea, as the current at Halona Beach Cove can be strong. Only experienced swimmers should swim here. No facilities are available at Halona Beach Cove, and no lifeguards are on duty.
How to Find Halona Beach Cove
When you arrive at the Halona Blowhole Lookout, the lookout for the blowhole is to the left of the parking lot. You will generally see people walking toward the blowhole. The access for Halona Beach Cove is located to the right of the parking lot. To get down to Halona Beach Cove, you have to make your way down a trail that is a bit steep. You could encounter slippery rocks, so be careful if you are wearing flip-flops.
Halona Beach Cove is about a 25-minute drive from Waikiki off Kalanianaole Highway. Halona Beach Cove has no separate parking area, and no parking is available on the highway. Parking for Halona Beach Cove is limited as you must use the same parking for the Halona Blowhole lookout.
Sandy Beach
Sandy Beach is about 25 to 30 minutes from Waikiki and is popular among locals. The sand is soft and perfect for sitting and watching locals body surf. Sandy Beach has powerful currents, so only experienced surfers, swimmers, and body surfers should enter the water. For this reason, locals are the ones typically in the water since they know the water. The shorebreak at Sandy Beach can be very dangerous and result in serious injury if you are not experienced in these waters.
Lifeguards are on duty during the day and are willing to let you know of other beaches safer to swim in if you are a tourist. Even though Sandy Beach is not the best beach to swim at, it is great to sit and relax. Sandy Beach is far less crowded than Waikiki Beach. Sitting on the beach listening to the waves crash is very calming. You can also see the Halona Blowhole sprout from Sandy Beach, which is a beautiful view.
Facilities at Sandy Beach
Sandy Beach has bathrooms and outdoor rinse-off showers. There is also a large grass park perfect for children to run around. There are also picnic tables; sometimes, a food truck is in the parking lot to purchase food. The parking lot at Sandy Beach is quite large. We had no issues finding parking when we went to Sandy Beach.
Alan Davis Beach
Alan Davis Beach is one of the hidden beaches on Oahu. This beach is more of a local spot, so there are not many tourists here like at Waikiki Beach. The water at Alan Davis Beach is relatively calm because rocks protect the beach from the open ocean. The calm water is a perfect play area for children. There are also tide pools for children to explore. There are no facilities such as bathrooms or showers. You will need to hike down to the beach, so you will need to bring water with you.
Getting to Alan Davis Beach
It is about a 30-minute drive from Waikiki and a hike from the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail parking lot to get to Alan Davis Beach. From the parking lot, you will need to take the Kaiwi Shoreline Trail to Alan Davis Beach. As you walk from the parking lot, you will come to a fork in the path. The unpaved trail to the right of the paved path is the trail you want to take to get to Alan Davis Beach. The trail is very rocky, so we recommend wearing tennis shoes or other sturdy shoes instead of flip-flops as you make your way to the beach.
Beaches on Oahu’s Windward Side (East Side)
Beaches on the east side of Oahu, commonly known as the island’s Windward side, are more likely to be empty than the South Side of Oahu. Many of these beaches are frequented by locals who know the water well. The water is a stunning turquoise color and can be calm, but as with all beaches in Hawaii, there are moments when the current and shorebreak can be fierce. When the current is strong, you should not enter the water if you are not a strong, experienced swimmer. Many beaches have lifeguards on duty; you can talk with them to find a beach with calmer water.
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Makapu’u Beach Park
Makapuu Beach Park is a white sand beach with stunning turquoise-blue water. The current at Makapuu Beach can be strong, so know your swimming ability if you decide to enter the water. Due to the potential strong currents and shorebreak, being an experienced swimmer at Makapuu Beach is best. Lifeguards are on duty monitoring the conditions at the beach. If you are at Makapuu Beach when the current is strong, you can talk with the lifeguards to get recommendations on a calmer beach to enjoy. However, the waves can be perfect if you are an experienced (pro-level) boogie boarder or surfer.
If you are enjoying Makapu Beach during the winter months, you may see humpback whales as they make their way north. The Makapuu Lighthouse is also visible from the beach if you enjoy the shore’s view. If you want a stunning photo of Makapuu Beach, we recommend stopping at the Makapuu Lookout before going to the beach.
Facilities and Getting to Makapuu Beach Park
Makapuu Beach Park is about a 30 to 35-minute drive from Waikiki on the Windward side of Oahu. The beach is viewable from the Makapuu Lookout coming from Waikiki. There is a parking lot, restrooms, and rinse-off showers. As you approach the beach, you will see the building for the restrooms right before the entrance to the parking lot.
There are picnic tables available at the beach; however, there aren’t any places to purchase food. You should bring snacks or pack a lunch if you plan to spend the day here. Makapuu Beach Park is across from Sea Life Park Hawaii, one of the filming locations for 50 First Dates.
Waimanalo Beach Park
Waimanalo Beach Park is about 35 to 40 minutes from Waikiki and is one of our favorite beaches in Oahu. The beach park is part of the over 3-mile-long soft sand beach in the Waimanalo area. Each time we have visited Waimanalo Beach, it has not been crowded. Waimanalo is more of a residential area, so you see fewer tourists, and the beach tends not to be crowded. Many tourists go to another beach north of the Waimanalo area.
When relaxing on the beach, you can see Makapu’u Lighthouse in the distance to the right. The water at Waimanalo Beach Park is a beautiful turquoise-blue color. Some beaches on Oahu have warning signs about Man-O-War jellyfish, and Waimanalo Beach Park is one of those beaches. So far, the only time we have encountered a Man-o-war jellyfish is when the jellyfish washed up on the beach. Man-o-war jellyfish are blue in color and usually appear after a full moon. If you do come across a man-o-war jellyfish on the shore, you should not step on it to prevent any injury.
Like many beaches on Oahu, there are times when the waves are stronger than other times. Lifeguards are typically on duty during the daytime. When in doubt, don’t go out. For the most part, when we went to Waimanalo Beach Park, the water was very calm. When we visited Waimanalo Beach in early November, we experienced stronger waves. We still got in the water to play in the waves. We are both strong swimmers but decided not to stay in the water too long as there came a point where the waves were getting stronger. So, we decided to lay on the beach and enjoy the views.
Facilities at Waimanalo Beach Park
There are multiple bathrooms and outdoor showers to rinse off. Waimanalo Beach Park has a large grass area for children to run around. There is also a playground, baseball diamond, and picnic tables. Multiple spots at Waimanalo Beach Park can be reserved as a campsite if you are interested in camping on Oahu. There are two parking lots at Waimanalo Beach Park. We usually park in the second parking lot next to the baseball diamond.
Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach is one of the more well-known popular beaches on Oahu. The water at Lanikai Beach is a gorgeous turquoise, and the sand is soft. The water is calm and perfect for swimming. Since the water tends to be calm, Lanikai Beach is one of the best swimming beaches on Oahu. Lanikai Beach is also a great place to go snorkeling due to the calm water and the reefs. We saw several people snorkeling while we were there.
You can see Lanikai Pillbox, a popular hike from the beach. You can hike to Lanikai Pillbox and then go over and relax at Lanikai Beach when you finish your hike. Lanikai Beach is in a residential area and can get busy. Be respectful of those living there. Since the beach is more of a residential beach, there is no lifeguard on duty at Lanikai Beach. There are also no bathroom facilities or outdoor showers like other popular public beaches.
We recommend bringing snacks if you plan to spend the day here since there is nowhere to buy food at the beach. Please take all of your trash with you when you leave. There is also not much shade at Lanikai Beach, so bring reef-safe sunblock. If you have a rashguard, we recommend bringing that along to help prevent sunburns.
Getting to Lanikai Beach
So, how do you get to Lanikai Beach from the Waikiki area? There are several ways to get to Lanikai Beach. If you rent a car, you can drive to Lanikai Beach. The drive to Lanikai Beach is about 40 minutes from the Waikiki area. The advantage of driving to Lanikai is spending as much or as little time there as you want. The disadvantage of driving to Lanikai Beach is parking. Lankai Beach parking is limited as there is no parking lot, and you need to park in the residential neighborhood. We recommend parking at Kailua Beach and walking about 10 to 15 minutes from Kailua Beach to Lanikai Beach.
Use Rideshare
You can also use rideshare or public transportation. Some people choose to Uber over to Lanikai instead of driving so they do not need to search for parking. Using rideshare can get expensive, depending on where your starting point is.
Take The Bus
Another option is to take the bus from Waikiki to Lanikai Beach. To take the bus to Lanikai Beach from the Waikiki area, you can take the 67 from the Ala Moana Center to Kailua Town and then get on the 671 to get to Lanikai. You can also take the 66 in Downtown Honolulu to Kailua Town and then the 671 to Lanikai. Where you catch the bus will depend on where in the Waikiki-Honolulu area you are staying.
Once you are in Lanikai, you walk down one of the public beach access paths to get down to the beach. One of the bus stops is right in front of the public beach access path. If you are walking over to Lanikai Beach from Kailua Beach, you will go down the second beach access path. The first access path you come across does not take you to the sand beach but to the rocky shore just before the sand beach.
Kailua Beach Park
Kailua Beach Park is a great beach to visit when on Oahu. The water is a beautiful clear turquoise blue, and the beach is a soft sand beach. The water is calm and perfect for children to play and swim. Lifeguards are usually on duty to monitor ocean conditions if the current gets strong. Kailua Beach is a popular place, but it is a lot less crowded than Waikiki Beach. People can spread out along the beach, so even if the parking lot is full, Kailua Beach does not feel crowded.
The long stretch of beach makes it easy to find a spot and set up for the day. Trees line the shore and are helpful if you do not have a beach umbrella to shield you from the sun. The trees provide a good amount of shade along the beach, creating nice shady spots for beachgoers. Since Kailua Beach is on the Windward side of Oahu, it can get windy. You will have an excellent opportunity to see several people kitesurfing and windsurfing in the ocean. There is also a boat ramp on the south side of the beach if you have a boat you want to launch into the water.
Parking and Facilities at Kailua Beach Park
Kailua Beach Park is about a 35 to 40-minute drive from Waikiki. There are four parking lots in different areas at Kailua Beach Park, but sometimes, they get full. You may need to wait a little bit for someone to leave, but if you get to Kailua Beach early, parking should not be a problem. If you park in the Kailua Beach parking lot on the south end, the smallest of the lots, it is a short walk over to Lanikai Beach. We park in this parking lot when we go to Kailua Beach and Lanikai Beach.
Kailua Beach Park has two large grass areas separated by a canal that runs between the sections of Kailua Beach Park. The grass areas are perfect for children to run around and for family picnics. There are picnic tables throughout both sections of the park. The area of Kailua Beach Park on the south end has a covered pavilion. Use of the pavilion is on a first-come-first-serve basis. There are a few bathrooms and rinse-off showers throughout Kailua Beach. You can also rent kayaks, paddleboards, or other beach equipment nearby.
Kualoa Regional Park
Kualoa Regional Park is across from Kualoa Ranch and about 40 minutes to an hour from Waikiki off Kamehameha Highway, depending on traffic. You will find ancient Hawaiian fishing ponds at Kualoa Regional Park and a fantastic view of Mokoli’i, commonly referred to as Chinaman’s Hat. When you look towards the highway, you see part of the gorgeous mountains of Kualoa Ranch.
There is sand along the beach, but some areas of the water are rockier than others. You may want to bring water shoes due to the rocks. The times we have visited, the water has been calm with small waves. The small waves make it a great place for children to play in the water. There are even a couple of areas with breakwater walls to protect the beach from waves. A lifeguard tower is at the beach’s far end near one of the campgrounds.
We usually stop here if we go to Kualoa Ranch or drive towards the North Shore. It is an excellent place to walk around and enjoy the views of Mokoli’i Island, Kualoa Mountains, and Kaneohe Bay. During the times we visited Kualoa Regional Park, the beach was not crowded. The park and beach are large enough that you will not notice any crowds, which is great compared to the crowds at Waikiki. Kualoa Regional Park is a great place to jump in the water if you want to rinse off the dust after doing the UTV tour at Kualoa Ranch.
Amenities at Kualoa Regional Park
Kualoa Regional Park is a large beach park with two camping areas. Both camping areas are towards the park’s far end, with one to the right, Campground A, and the other, Campground B, facing Mokoli’i Island. You need a reservation to camp at either campground, and Campground A is unavailable during the summer months due to park programs.
Kualoa Regional Park also has large grass areas to run around and picnic. There are picnic tables throughout the park, some of which are under trees. There are three parking lots along the beach that provide ample parking for visitors. The largest of the parking lots is near Campground B. There are also bathrooms and showers to rinse off after playing in the water.
Swanzy Beach Park
Swanzy Beach Park is about 50 minutes to an hour from the Waikiki area. The park area of Swanzy Beach is elevated from the water. Access to the water at Swanzy Beach Park is down various sets of concrete stairs towards the back end of the park. To get to the sandy beach portion of Swanzy Beach Park, you need to go down the stairs on the left side of the park. If you go down the stairs on the right side near the playground, you will likely enter right into the water, depending on the tide.
The sand at the beach is soft, but a reef is close to the shore, so it is best to have water shoes if you get in the water. The water was calm when we went, but like many beaches, there can be strong currents, and you want to be careful with the reef. We enjoyed sitting on the beach watching the waves come ashore. Even sitting on the rock wall between the park and the ocean, looking out at the ocean was nice and calming.
In addition to the large grass area at Swanzy Beach Park, there is a colorful playground for younger children. There is also a full-court Basketball court if you want to shoot some hoops. There is a bathroom and rinse-off showers closer to the parking lot. Swanzy Beach Park has two parking lots and space to park on the street if the parking lots are full. There are areas for camping and picnic tables near the playground. There is even a 7/11 across the street if you want to grab some snacks to enjoy.
Kapalaoa Beach
Kapalaoa Beach is a picturesque beach. There is a palm tree growing crookedly at Kapalaoa Beach, which makes for a great picture opportunity. There is limited street parking right off Kamehameha Highway, the main highway, along the beach. Walking towards the beach’s south side, you may encounter a Hawaiian Monk Seal named Sadie. A volunteer is usually present when Sadie, the monk seal, is lying on the beach. The volunteer helps keep people a safe distance from Sadie and can provide you with information on monk seals.
Kapalaoa Beach is about an hour from Waikiki and south of Hau’ula Beach Park. There is a bus stop at the beach, so you could take the bus instead of driving. Overall, there is not much at this beach and no crowds. The current can be strong here, so proceed with caution if you swim here, as there are no lifeguards.
Kokololio Beach Park
Kokololio Beach Park is about an hour from Waikiki off Kamehameha Highway. There is a large grass area between the parking lot and the ocean with trees near the beach. You will need to walk across the grass and through the trees to get to the soft, sandy shore. The water is a beautiful clear turquoise blue. Since you cannot clearly see the beach from the road, it is easy to drive past Kokololio Beach. This is probably why many tourists do not frequent Kokololio Beach. The beach is more of a local spot.
Kokololio Beach Park is another one of our favorite places to go when we are in Oahu. There have been no crowds every time we have gone, and it feels like we have the beach to ourselves. The water is usually calm, but there are times when the waves can pick up. The beach at Kokololio Beach Park is a great place to escape the crowds of Waikiki and lounge around a beach for hours.
Amenities at Kokololio Beach Park
There are a couple of bathroom facilities and outdoor showers at Kokololio Beach Park. There are also water faucets throughout the park that you could use to rinse off sand from your feet. They tend to be in the large grass area near where you dump hot coal from BBQs. If you make advanced reservations, you can camp at Kokololio Beach Park. The parking lot is relatively large, so there is plenty of parking. There are no lifeguards on duty at Kokololio Beach Park. The large grass lawn is excellent for picnics and BBQs.
Beaches on Oahu’s North Shore
The North Shore beaches of Oahu are very popular. You will find that many people drive to the North Shore to explore its beaches. The beaches are picturesque, have great snorkeling, and you can also catch some waves. The waves on the North Shore beaches start getting larger in October. The currents also get stronger. You will find high surf conditions through March. You can watch experienced surfers riding the waves on the North Shore during this time of the year. The high waves and amazing surfers create the perfect opportunity to take amazing photographs.
If you find yourself wanting to ride the waves, you should think twice before entering the water. You should only go in the surf during this time of the year if you are an extremely experienced surfer, preferably a professional. Waves can get up to thirty feet or more during the winter. Outside of the high surf season, you can swim more easily at the North Shore beaches, as the current is not as strong during summer.
You will also find amazing sunsets on the North Shore. If you are in the Northern area of Oahu during the evening, we recommend taking the time to enjoy a North Shore sunset. Sunsets on the North Shore are spectacular. You will not regret taking the time to watch the sunset on the North Shore of Oahu!
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Sunset Beach Park
Sunset Beach Park is a stretch of beach that is about two miles long. You will find a sandy beach with beautiful turquoise-blue water. The size of the waves at Sunset Beach depends on the time of the year you visit. From October through March, you will encounter large waves. The surf is so strong that people are advised to go to other calmer beaches if they want to swim. Many professional surfing competitions, such as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, occur during these months. During the rest of the year, in the summer months, the waves are not as strong on the North Shore, so there are better conditions for swimming. There are lifeguards on duty at Sunset Beach monitoring ocean conditions.
Typically, Sunset Beach is relatively quiet early in the day, and you can find parking. As the afternoon comes, more people stop by Sunset Beach. Sunset Beach is a popular and well-known place to watch the sunset on Oahu. Finding parking to watch the sunset can be difficult if you go closer to when the sun sets. When we went around sunset, we struggled to find parking and went to a nearby beach to watch the sunset. Watching the sunset from the beach on the North Shore is amazing; you can get some fantastic sunset photos.
Getting to Sunset Beach Park
Sunset Beach is about an hour north of Waikiki off Kamehameha Highway. There is limited roadside parking along Sunset Beach, but there is a parking lot across from Sunset Beach Park. Bathrooms and showers are available, but they are across the street in the parking lot rather than on the beach. There is also a grass area with picnic tables if you want to BBQ or picnic before heading to the beach. If you walk down to Sunset Beach, there are bathroom facilities once you get to one of the other beaches that make up the Sunset Beach area.
Shark’s Cove
Shark’s Cove is one of several areas on the North Shore that make up one of the Marine Life Conservation Districts on Oahu. This makes Shark’s Cove a popular place for people to snorkel. There is a large rocky tide pool area and a rocky cove to the open ocean. Portions of the tide pools are about three feet deep, depending on the tide. The tide pool area is quite large. You will find a large variety of sea life in the tide pool area. Shark’s Cove is easily one of the best beaches for snorkeling on Oahu.
If you choose to snorkel in the cove, you should be careful. Currents can be strong in the cove area at Shark’s Cove. There can also be rip tides in the cove. There are no lifeguards on duty, so proceed cautiously if the water is not calm.
We recommend wearing water shoes as the walk from the sandy beach area to the tide pools or the cove is rocky. Some rocks are sharp since they are lava rock, so you can cut yourself if you walk barefoot. We also recommend using reef-safe sunblock here or anywhere on the Hawaiian Islands to help protect the marine ecosystem. Since Shark’s Cove is a popular place, you may want to plan to go early in the day as it can get crowded.
Amenities at Shark’s Cove
Shark’s Cove is about an hour north of Waikiki off Kamehameha Highway. There is limited parking, so try to go early or drive around to find parking. There is a bathroom and showers at Shark’s Cove. Just before the sandy beach area of Shark’s Cove is a grass area and basketball and volleyball courts. There is also a bus stop if you want to take the bus over to Shark’s Cove rather than drive. Across the street, there are food vendors and shops to rent beach equipment.
Three Tables Beach
Three Tables Beach is one of several areas on the North Shore that make up one of the Marine Life Conservation Districts on Oahu. The beach is within walking distance to Shark’s Cove, about a five-minute walk west of Shark’s Cove. The water at Three Tables is a clear blue turquoise with a sandy beach that goes into a reef. Because the reef is close to the shore, it can be rocky as you enter the water, so we recommend bringing water shoes. The reef makes this a great place to snorkel on the North Shore, and it is also one of the best beaches for snorkeling in Oahu. Three Tables Beach is also a great place to watch the sunset if you cannot find parking around Sunset Beach.
Three Tables is named after the three reef tops that protrude from the ocean when the tide is low. Around the reef, you can see many different kinds of fish. The currents at Three Tables Beach can sometimes be strong, so use your best judgment when going in the water. Snorkeling can be challenging when the waves are stronger, especially if you do not have fins. When we were there, there was no lifeguard present. You can also see surfers catching waves to the right side of the reef area.
Facilities and Getting to Three Tables Beach
Three Tables is about an hour North of Waikiki, off Kamehameha Highway. There is a small parking lot that can fill up quickly. You can also take the bus to Three Tables as there is a bus stop here. There is a small grass area with picnic tables, a bathroom, and rinse-off showers before reaching the sand beach at Three Tables. If you want to buy something to eat, you can take a short walk toward Shark’s Cove to check out the many items offered by the food vendors in that area.
Waimea Bay Beach Park
Waimea Bay is another one of several beaches on the North Shore that is part of the Marine Life Conservation Districts on Oahu. The water at Waimea Bay Beach is clear turquoise, and there is a nice sandy beach.
You can swim in the water during the summer months as the waves are nothing like during the winter months. During the winter months, heed the lifeguards’ warnings and do not enter the water if the lifeguards have roped off the beach.
Waves can get over 40 feet in the winter, making this a prime surfing location for highly experienced and professional surfers. Waimea Bay Beach is home to the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational surf competition, named after a famous Hawaiian surfer and lifeguard of Waimea Bay. There is even a memorial plaque for Eddie Aikau as you walk to the sandy beach.
During the summer, you can make a day of being in the Waimea Valley area. You can spend the morning swimming at the beach or having a picnic. If you want a break from the beach, you can go to Waimea Valley and walk around the botanic gardens to the Waimea Waterfall. Once you are finished exploring the Waimea Valley, you can return to Waimea Bay Beach and enjoy the sunset views.
Facilities and Getting to Waimea Bay Beach Park
Waimea Bay Beach Park is about 50 minutes to an hour from Waikiki off Kamehameha Highway. The parking lot is on the small side, so getting to Waimea Bay early in the day is key to getting a parking spot. If you cannot get a parking spot in the Waimea Bay Beach parking lot, you can wait and see if someone leaves or park in the paid beach parking lot that leads to the Waimea Valley. You can also take the bus to Waimea Bay Beach; just be careful crossing the highway.
Waimea Bay Beach Park has a large grass area with several picnic tables scattered throughout the grounds. There is also a bathroom facility and some outdoor shower areas to rinse off after swimming in the ocean. There are also lifeguards on duty at Waimea Bay Beach. The closest food place is a cafe in Waimea Valley, so if you plan on spending the day at Waimea Bay, it would be a good idea to bring snacks with you.
Hale’iwa Beach Park
Hale’iwa Beach Park is just before Haleiwa Town. The water at Haleiwa Beach Park is blue, and there is a nice sandy beach. There is not too much shade on the beach, but there are a few palm trees dotting the shore. The beach is a little rocky, so you may want to bring water shoes with you if you are going in the water. Overall, the water was calm when we went and seemed perfect for children. Like many beaches, you want to pay attention to the waves in case of a strong current. If there is a strong current, only go in if you can handle swimming in stronger currents.
Many people see turtles swimming in the water at Hale’iwa Beach Park. When we went to Haleiwa Beach Park, we did not see any turtles. We were there later in the afternoon to watch the sunset, so we might have missed the turtles. The sunset view from Haleiwa Beach Park is beautiful. You will find that many people drive to Hale’iwa Beach Park to enjoy the sunset.
All the sunsets we saw on the North Shore were absolutely amazing. If you are in the Northern area of Oahu, we recommend taking the time to enjoy a North Shore sunset. You will not regret it!
Amenities and getting to Haleiwa Beach Park
Haleiwa Beach Park is about 45 to 50 minutes north of Waikiki, off Kamehameha Highway. There is a good-sized parking lot, which was not even half full when we were there to watch the sunset. You can see the nearby harbor from the beach. You can also rent beach equipment like kayaks and standup paddleboards nearby.
Haleiwa Beach Park has a large grass area that is perfect for children. There are also several picnic tables in the grass area. A playground for young children to play in is also available. In addition to the playground, there are a couple of basketball courts and volleyball courts. There is a bathroom facility and outdoor showers for rinsing off after swimming in the ocean.
Beaches on Oahu’s Leeward Side (West Side)
The Leeward side of Oahu, of the Waianae Coast, is more residential with rural communities. This area of Oahu is not explored as much by tourists, except for the Ko’Olina area. If you decide to check out beaches along the Waianae Coast, be aware you may come across people permanently camping on the beach. The resort area around Ko’Olina is where the Four Seasons and Disney’s Aulani are located.
Ko’Olina Lagoons
Ko’Olina is about 40 to 50 minutes from the Waikiki area off Farrington Highway, also known as the 93. The Ko Olina area has four man-made lagoons protected from the open ocean by rock levies. The water at the Ko Olina Lagoons is very calm and perfect for young children. Each lagoon has a grass area and bathroom facilities. An ocean-side path, which is a little over 1.5 miles, connects all four lagoons.
The Four Lagoons
Kohola Lagoon, Ko Olina Lagoon number one, is the largest lagoon. Kohola Lagoon is in front of the Four Seasons and Aulani Hotel. While the beaches in Hawaii are public, part of the beach area at Kohola Lagoon is for the exclusive use of the resorts. The remaining part of the beach area is available for public use. Kohola Lagoon is your best bet for snorkeling, as the reef is closer to the shore than the other lagoons. There are two parking lots available for Kohola Lagoon. The first parking lot is off Olani Street, and the second parking lot is off Kamonana Place.
Hona Lagoon, Ko Olina Lagoon number two, is in front of the Ko’Olina Beach Villas, a condominium resort. There is a parking lot available off Waialii Place.
Naia Lagoon, Ko Olina Lagoon number three, is in front of the Marriott Hotel. There is parking available off Mauloa Place. Longboards Grill is a beachfront restaurant located near Naia Lagoon and is a convenient place to grab a bite to eat.
Ulua Lagoon, Ko Olina Lagoon number four, is closest to the Ko Olina Marina and is part of the Ko’Olina Beach Park. The marina has a paid parking lot where you can park.
Where to Park at Ko’Olina Lagoons
Your best bet for parking is at the parking lot near Ulua Lagoon. The parking lots near the other lagoons are small and will fill up quickly. If you want to visit the Ko Olina Lagoons, you should plan to go early, as the parking lot can fill up early.
If you park near Ulua Lagoon and would like to visit all of the lagoons in the area, you can follow the seaside path. The seaside path will lead you to the other three lagoons. The path is a little over 1.5 miles one way and is a great way to have a nice leisurely stroll while you enjoy the ocean views.
Ko’Olina Secret Lagoon / Lanikuhonua Beach
Ko’Olina Secret Lagoon is a small cove that is near the Ko’Olina Lagoons. Although Ko’Olina Secret Lagon is close to the other lagoons, it is not part of them. Ko’Olina Secret Lagoon is a natural lagoon with shade and a small sandy beach. Lanikuhonua Beach is considered a hidden beach in Oahu due to its location between the Four Seasons Hotel and the Paradise Cove Luau grounds. The water at Lanikuhonua Beach tends to be calm because the cove is protected from the open ocean. There is lots of small marine life in the cove and it is a great place to snorkel.
There is no direct path to Lanikuhonua Beach. To reach the beach, you will need to walk along the beach at Aulani, going towards the Four Seasons Hotel until you reach the rocks. You will then have to walk over the rocks until you reach Lanikuhonua Beach. If you decide to visit this secret Oahu beach, you should wear proper shoes and proceed cautiously over the rocks to avoid injury.
Venture Out Enjoy the Beautiful Beaches on Oahu
There are many beaches on Oahu to enjoy. You can hang out in the tourist area of Waikiki and take surf lessons or simply relax on Waikiki Beach. You can also venture out and explore Oahu’s many beautiful beaches. We recommend taking the time to drive around Oahu and visit the many picturesque beaches on the North Shore, Leeward, and Windward sides of Oahu. You will find picture-perfect beaches, beaches perfect for snorkeling or just for having a relaxing afternoon. You will be exploring an amazing island with many wonderful things to do. Venturing out and visiting the many beaches in Oahu is a must!
If you visit the neighboring islands in Hawaii and are wondering about beaches on the other islands, you can read our blog about the Amazing Beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii. You can also read our blog posts and learn about the many incredible Things to Do in Oahu, the Amazing Things to Do on the Big Island, including the Best Things to do When Visiting Hilo and the Best Things to do at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
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