6 Oahu Beaches Too Beautiful to Ignore
Oahu is home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches, and we have been lucky enough to visit almost all of them. From the busy Waikiki Beach to the spectacular Lanikai Beach on the windward coast, there is something for every beach-goer on this island.
In this post, I will share the top six must-visit beaches on Oahu and what makes them unique.
Since we live on the island, we have insider tips and tricks to help you make the most out of your beach experience.
Map of Oahu’s 6 Most Beautiful Beaches
1. Lanikai Beach (Windward Side)
We know this is a bold statement, but Lanikai Beach is hands down the best beach on Oahu. We might even argue that it is the best beach in Hawaii, and yes, we know, that is another bold statement.
Located on the windward coast, Lanikai has crystal clear blue waters and a soft white sand beach. It has been consistently ranked as one of the top beaches in the world, and for a good reason.
The views here are absolutely stunning, with the Mokulua Islands standing majestically in the background.
One of our absolute favorite things to do on Oahu is to watch the sunrise at Lanikai Beach. The sunrises here are magical and a great way to start your day. We ranked Lanikai Beach as the best place on Oahu to watch the sunrise and we stand by that rating!
The beach is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. The calm waters make it ideal for families as well.
Be sure to arrive early, as this beach can get crowded quickly, especially on weekends. Parking can also be a challenge as it’s in a residential neighborhood. You can also park at Kailua Beach and walk for about 15-20 minutes to get to Lanikai.
As a side note, the famous Lanikai Pillbox Trail is just a short walk from the beach and offers stunning views of Lanikai Beach and the Mokulua Islands. It’s worth checking out if you’re up for a short hike.
How busy is it?: Can get packed, but it’s pretty empty at sunrise.
Parking: In a residential neighborhood. Pay attention to parking protocols because you will get a ticket if you park illegally.
Facilities: None, but Kailua Beach is close by and has facilities
Swimming conditions: Excellent
Lifeguard on Duty: No
Activities: Swimming, kayaking
2. Kailua Beach Park (Windward Side)
Right next to Lanikai Beach is Kailua Beach Park, another beautiful stretch of white sand beach perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Several travel publications have voted it one of the top beaches in the world, and we agree.
First off, the color of the water is simply breathtaking. The crystal clear, turquoise waters also make it perfect for swimming. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try windsurfing or kiteboarding.
Another popular activity is kayaking to the nearby Mokulua Islands, also known as the “Twin Islands.” These small islands offer a secluded escape from the crowds.
But Kailua Beach Park isn’t just about water activities. The park also has a large grassy area perfect for picnics. We come here once a week for a picnic, and it’s always a great time.
One of the main reasons we love Kailua so much, and sometimes a little more than Lanikai, is because it has facilities. There are showers, restrooms, picnic tables, parking, etc. The park is generally less crowded than Lanikai Beach, so you’ll have more space to spread out and enjoy the beach.
How busy is it?: Busy, but plenty of space to spread out.
Swimming conditions: Excellent
Parking: Lots of free parking available
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables
Lifeguard on Duty: Yes
Activities: Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, bodyboarding, and kite surfing
3. Hanauma Bay (Southeast Coast)
Hanauma Bay needs no introduction. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular beaches on Oahu, and for good reason. This picturesque bay is a protected marine life conservation area and nature reserve, making it one of the best places to snorkel on Oahu.
The calm waters of Hanauma Bay are home to over 400 different fish species, making it an underwater paradise. The shallow reefs make it easy for beginners to explore and discover the colorful marine life.
Due to its popularity, Hanauma Bay can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist season. Reservations are now required to enter the bay (unless you have a Hawaii I.D.), but it’s worth the effort for a chance to snorkel or spend the day at the beach.
Tip: We usually come here on Wednesdays since the bay is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for conservation purposes. This is a great day because the water is clearer after two days without swimmers.
We also always come early in the morning to beat the crowds.
The park opens at 7:00 a.m., and the earlier you make your reservation, the better your chances of enjoying the beach before it gets super busy.
How busy is it?: Busy, but reservations help control the crowds.
Parking: $3.00 parking; there is also a $25.00 entrance fee per person
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, food concession stands, mask, snorkel, and fin rentals, locker rentals, gift shop, and handicap facilities
Lifeguard on Duty: Yes
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling
4. Sunset Beach (North Shore)
If the north shore of Oahu is on your bucket list, then Sunset Beach is a must-visit. This beach is famous for its massive waves during the winter, attracting professional surfers worldwide.
However, during the summer, the water calms down and makes it perfect for swimming, and of course, it’s one of our favorite places on Oahu to watch a sunset.
Sunset Beach also has a long stretch of golden sand perfect for long walks along the shore. I can’t tell you how often we have come here to watch the sunset, take a dip in the ocean, and walk along the beach under a beautiful sky.
Aside from watching the sunset, we also love to come here during the winter months to watch experienced surfers tackle the huge waves.
While there, don’t forget to walk across the street to the Sunrise Shack for some delicious acai bowls or smoothies.
How busy is it?: Busy but not as bad as Lanikai or Kailua.
Parking: Free parking along the street or at nearby beach parks
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables
Lifeguard on Duty: Yes
Activities: Swimming, surfing (experienced surfers only)
5. Waikiki Beach (South Shore)
Waikiki Beach is the most famous beach in Hawaii, offering a vibrant mix of natural beauty and luxury.
Known for its soft, golden sands and clear waters, Waikiki is the perfect destination for beginner surfers and tourists looking to soak up the sun.
It also has the iconic view of Diamond Head Crater in the distance, making it a photographer’s paradise.
My favorite thing about Waikiki Beach is its convenience. With numerous beachfront hotels, restaurants, and shops, everything you need is within walking distance. But the views here are also some of my favorites, especially with Diamond Head in the background!
While we come here less than we do Lanikai and Kailua, it’s one of those places where you have to take your family when they come visit you on the island.
There is so much to do here in terms of activities. Like many others, we learned how to surf here because the waters are much more forgiving than those on the North Shore.
Waikiki Beach is also the perfect beach for families with smaller children, as the waves here are much calmer, making it ideal for swimming.
How busy is it?: Very busy, as it’s one of the most popular tourist spots on the island.
Parking: Free parking is available (Fort DuRussy Beach Park, Queens Beach, San Souci), but you won’t need it if you are already staying in Waikiki.
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, beach chair and umbrella rentals, surfboard rentals, beachside bars and restaurants, barbecue grills & tables
Lifeguard on Duty: Yes
Activities: Swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, bodyboarding
6. Waimanalo Beach Park (Windward Side)
Last but certainly not least, we have Waimanalo Beach Park. Located on the east side of Oahu, this beach is popular among locals due to its quiet and secluded atmosphere. The beach stretches over three miles and offers stunning views, turquoise waters, and white sand.
The water here is perfect for swimming and bodyboarding, but it can get rough during certain times of the year, so always check with lifeguards before entering.
Waimanalo Beach is also known for its beautiful sunrises, so if you’re an early riser like us, make sure to catch one during your visit.
Tip: Watch out for the Portuguese man o’ war, a stinging jellyfish sometimes found in the waters of Waimanalo Beach. We always check the sand and water before entering just to be safe. You can always ask the lifeguards on duty for potential hazards, as well as check the warning flags.
Warning about the wind: Waimanalo Beach is on the island’s windward side, so it can get quite windy. Compared to other east Oahu beaches, the sunlight here tends to disappear around noon as it makes its way over the Ko’olau Mountains. This is why we like coming here in the morning or before noon since it tends to be calmer.
How busy is it?: Not busy
Parking: Free parking
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, camping by permit, pavilion
Lifeguard on Duty: Yes
Activities: Swimming, paddleboarding, bodyboarding
