5 Best Family Friendly Beaches on Oahu Too Good to Ignore

Get ready to discover the top family-friendly beaches on Oahu with a local! We have been blessed to explore most of the island’s beaches and have narrowed it down to our favorite five. 

From calm waters perfect for little ones to stunning views for the whole family to enjoy, Oahu has it all. Join us as we explore some of the best beaches on Oahu!

1. Waikiki Beach

One of Honolulu’s staples, Waikiki Beach is known for its golden sands, gentle waves, gorgeous views of Diamond Head Crater, and vibrant atmosphere.

While Waikiki is the most popular beach in Hawaii, it still offers plenty of space for families to spread out and enjoy the day. If you are traveling during the busy season and want to escape the crowds, Duke Kahanamoku Beach near the Hilton Hawaiian Hotel offers a quieter experience, while Kaimana Beach south of Waikiki has fewer crowds as well. The Hilton Hawaiian Lagoon provides a haven of calm waters for families with little ones.

One of our favorite things about Waikiki Beach is the convenience. Along the beach, you’ll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and activities for families to enjoy. You can rent paddleboards, kayaks, surf boards, take surfing lessons, go on a catamaran cruise, or relax and soak up the sun.

Also, Waikiki offers a range of amenities, including showers, restrooms, and picnic areas, which is perfect because not all beaches on Oahu have these facilities. 

2. Ko Olina Lagoons

Located on the southwest coast of Oahu, Ko Olina Lagoons offer a peaceful escape from the busy city life. This series of four man-made lagoons provides a safe swimming environment, making it ideal for families with children. 

The lagoons’ calm waters are lined with fine white sand and grassy areas, perfect for picnicking or relaxing.

Each lagoon has public restrooms, showers, and parking, which is perfect especially if you have kids.

The walking path connecting the lagoons is excellent for a stroll to take in the stunning ocean views. 

While Ko Olina is part of a resort area, the lagoons are open to the public. The area also has a selection of restaurants and shops, which is very convenient.

Note: These lagoons are very popular, and parking can be tricky if you come later in the day, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a spot. We’ve also had the most luck finding parking at Lagoon Four, so keep that in mind if you plan to visit.

Also, did we mention that the Ko Olina Lagoons are some of the best places on Oahu to catch a sunset?!

3. Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay is a unique natural preserve on the southeast coast of Oahu, famous for its stunning marine ecosystem and its location inside a crater.

This bay offers one of the best snorkeling experiences in Hawaii, with crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life.

Visitors can expect to see a variety of colorful fish, coral reefs, and even the occasional sea turtle.

The bay has implemented measures to protect its fragile marine environment, including limiting the number of visitors per day and requiring all guests to watch an educational video about reef safety and conservation before entering.

Due to its popularity, reservations and an entrance fee are required for all visitors, but it’s well worth the experience. The bay also has restrooms, showers, food concession stands, masks, snorkel and fin rentals, locker rentals, gift shops, and handicap facilities.

Pro tip: We usually come here on Wednesdays since the bay is closed to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays for conservation purposes. Due to less foot traffic, we’ve found the water clarity to be the best on this day. 

4. Kuilima Cove

Kuilima Cove is a hidden gem on the North Shore of Oahu, right next to the luxurious Turtle Bay Resort. We accidentally stumbled upon it while looking for Shark’s Cove, and we’re glad we did.

This peaceful spot is ideal for snorkeling beginners due to its calm waters. A natural reef protects it from large waves, making it one of the safest spots on the island to snorkel. 

The cove’s clear waters are also perfect for families looking to spend a day in the sun with little worry about strong ocean currents.

The beach is public, and there is ample parking available. However, arriving early (before 10:00 am) is still recommended to secure a spot. 

5. Lanikai Beach

Lanikai Beach is, in our opinion, the most beautiful beach on Oahu. It’s a picture-perfect paradise with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and spectacular views.

Lanikai is located on the east side of Oahu and is often voted as one of the top beaches in the world. It’s also one of our favorite places on Oahu to watch a sunrise.

I can’t tell you how often we come here to take in the stunning views and enjoy a relaxing day on the beach.

Families flock to Lanikai for its gentle waves, which are perfect for swimming. The beach is also popular for kayaking to the nearby Mokulua Islands.

As a side note, Lanikai Beach has no facilities, so make sure to come prepared with all your essentials. Also, parking is limited and located in a residential neighborhood, so arriving early is key.

This is why we ranked it number six on this list, even though it’s our favorite place on Oahu. Not having facilities, especially if you are coming with kids, can be a challenge.

But don’t let that discourage you from visiting Lanikai Beach. The breathtaking scenery and beautiful blue waters make it well worth the visit!