When it comes to beaches, Oahu has some of the best in Hawaii. With crystal clear waters and soft sand, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to this island each year. We’ve explored all over the island to bring you our top picks for the best Oahu beaches.
Understanding Oahu’s beaches is key to finding the perfect spot for your vacation. Some beaches are ideal for surfing, while others are family-friendly beaches. Whether you’re looking to relax and soak up the sun or take part in some water sports, there’s a beach for everyone on Oahu.
Understanding Oahu’s Beaches
When it comes to beaches, Oahu has something for everyone. From the North Shore’s famous surf breaks to the calm waters of Waikiki, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your time on Oahu’s beaches.
North Shore
The North Shore is known for its huge waves and world-class surf breaks. During the winter months, the waves can reach heights of 30 feet or more, making it a popular destination for experienced surfers. If you’re not a surfer, you can still enjoy the scenery at beaches like Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay. Just be sure to check the surf report before you go, as conditions can be dangerous for inexperienced swimmers.
Windward Side
The Windward Side of Oahu is home to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches. Kailua Beach is a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, while Lanikai Beach is known for its picturesque views of the Mokulua Islands. If you’re looking for a quieter spot, head to Waimanalo Beach, which has miles of soft white sand and turquoise water.
South Shore
The South Shore of Oahu is home to some of the island’s most popular beaches, including Waikiki Beach. While it can get crowded, Waikiki is a great spot for people-watching and taking in the views of Diamond Head. If you’re looking for something a little quieter, head to Ala Moana Beach Park or Hanauma Bay, which is known for its snorkeling.
Best Oahu Beaches for Surfing
If you’re a surfing enthusiast or like me and love to watch surfers in action, Oahu is the perfect destination for you. The island is home to some of the best surfing beaches in the world! Here are our top picks:
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is a popular destination for surfers from all over the world. It’s located on the North Shore of Oahu and is known for its big waves during the winter months. The beach is home to the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, which is one of the most prestigious surfing events in the world.
In the summer months, the waves are calmer, and it’s a great spot if you’re a beginner. It’s also the PERFECT spot to watch a sunset. It’s one of my very favorite Oahu beaches.
Waimea Bay
Waimea Bay is another popular surfing destination on the North Shore. The beach is known for its massive waves during the winter months, which can reach upwards of 30 feet. The beach is also home to the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, which is a hugely popular big wave surfing competition that takes place every year and draws thousands of spectators.
Waimea Bay is an incredible location for big wave surfing but is absolutely not a surfing beach for beginners between October through March. If you visit in the summer, you’ll find much more manageable waves for paddle boarding or surfing.
Banzai Pipeline
Banzai Pipeline, also known as Pipeline, is one of the most famous surfing spots in the world. It’s located on the North Shore of Oahu and is known for its massive waves during the winter months. The beach is not recommended for beginners as the waves can be extremely dangerous from November to March.
The Pipeline is also home to the Billabong Pipe Masters, which is one of the most prestigious surfing events in the world. If you want to watch the surfing action on the Banzai Pipeline, find a spot at Ehukai Beach Park.
Mākaha Beach
Located on the west side of the island is another big wave beach. It’s the best spot for surfing out of all the leeward coast beaches. With its waves reaching 25 feet or more, it’s not for the novice surfer, but it’s perfect for watching professionals in action.
Waikiki Beach
If you’re wanting to learn how to surf, you’ll love Waikiki Beach. It’s a great beach for beginners for a few reasons: The waves are smaller, gentler waves than you’ll find on the Northshore or windward coast. You’ll have lots of options for surf schools or private instructors. And the presence of sharks is extremely low at Waikiki. It’s the perfect surf beach if you’re just getting started or even if you’re an experienced surfer.
Best Oahu Beaches for Families
When it comes to finding the best beaches in Oahu for families, there are many options to choose from. Here are three of our favorites:
Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world and for good reason. This beach is perfect for families because of its crystal clear, calm waters, soft sand, and a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained. Bring your own gear, or rent beach chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards right there.
Plus, plenty of restaurants and shops are within walking distance, so you can easily grab a bite to eat or shop after your day at the beach.
We love staying at a hotel right on Waikiki Beach, so we can easily go back and forth and not have to worry about driving or lugging our gear across downtown.
Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches on Oahu and in the entire world. In fact, its name translates to Heavenly Ocean. With its fine white sand and crystal turquoise waters, it truly looks like paradise. The water is calm and perfect for swimming with the family.
Kailua Beach
Located next to Lanikai Beach, Kailua Beach is another great option for families. This white sand beach is located on the windward side of the island and is also known for its turquoise waters. There are plenty of picnic tables and BBQ grills available, so you can pack a lunch and make a day of it. Plus, there are several playgrounds nearby, as well as restrooms and showers.
Ala Moana Beach Park
If you’re looking for a beach that has it all, Ala Moana Beach Park near downtown Honolulu is the place to go. This beach has a large grassy area, perfect for picnics or playing games, as well as a sandy beach and calm waters for swimming. There are also several playgrounds and a skate park nearby, so kids of all ages will have plenty to do. And if you need a break from the sun, there are plenty of shady areas to relax in. Plus, there are restrooms, showers, and plenty of parking available. While Waikiki is the most famous beach, Ala Moana Beach Park is a favorite among locals.
Laniakea Beach (Sea Turtle Beach)
Your family will love a trip to this beautiful Oahu beach on the windward side, famous for being the home of giant sea turtles. The rocky, moss-covered shoreline is said to draw the sea turtles in, where you can watch them bask in the sun. These incredible, endangered species are fascinating to look at, but note that it’s illegal to get close to or touch them, as they are protected species.
After looking at the turtles walk down the beach past the rocks towards Chun’s Reef, where you’ll find lots of open sand and gorgeous water perfect for enjoying in the summer months with the family.
Best Oahu Beaches for Water Sports
If you’re looking for some fun in the water, Oahu’s beaches offer a wide range of water sports activities. Here are some of the ideal beaches for water sports:
Kailua Beach Park
Kailua Beach Park is a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts. The beach is well-known for its clear waters and soft sand, making it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling. The park also offers rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, and bodyboards, so you can try out different water sports activities. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try windsurfing or sailing.
Diamond Head Beach Park
Diamond Head Beach Park is another great spot for water sports. The beach is located near the iconic Diamond Head crater and offers stunning views of the coastline. The beach is popular for snorkeling and diving, as it has a beautiful reef with a variety of marine life. If you’re into boogie boarding, the beach has some great waves for you to ride, especially during the summer months when the south shore waves are at their peak.
Makaha Beach
Makaha Beach is located on the west side of Oahu and is known for its big waves, making it a popular spot for experienced surfers. However, the beach also offers other water sports activities such as snorkeling, swimming, and paddleboarding during the summer months when the water is calm. The beach has a beautiful reef, so it’s a great spot for snorkeling and diving.
Best Oahu Beaches for Nature Lovers
If you’re a nature lover, Oahu has plenty of beaches that will take your breath away. Here are some of our favorites:
Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is a nature preserve and marine life conservation area that’s perfect for snorkeling and swimming. The bay is home to over 400 species of fish, making it a paradise for marine enthusiasts. The beach is surrounded by cliffs, which provide a stunning backdrop for your day in the sun. Hanauma Bay is limited in the number of visitors each day and requires reservations, so be prepared if you’re planning to visit!
Waimanalo Beach
Waimanalo Beach is a secluded beach that’s perfect for nature lovers who want to get away from the crowds. The beach is surrounded by mountains and is known for its soft, white sand. The water is crystal clear, and you can often spot sea turtles swimming in the ocean.
Kahana Bay Beach Park
Kahana Bay Beach Park is a hidden gem on the east coast of Oahu. The beach is surrounded by lush green mountains and is known for its calm waters and gentle surf. It’s a great place for water sports like swimming and paddle boarding. The beach is also home to a variety of sea life, including sea turtles and coral reefs.
Sharks Cove
If you’re looking for snorkeling on the North Shore, Sharks Cove is the ideal location. This reef-protected cove provides ample opportunity to enjoy marine life, like sea turtles, eels, and a variety of colorful fish, including Parrotfish and Butterflyfish. Sharks Cove gets its name for its unique shape, which resembles a shark, so you don’t have to worry about encountering any real sharks here.
Wrapping-Up
We hope this article has helped you discover some of the best Oahu beaches! Oahu has so many beautiful beaches that are worth exploring. You really can’t go wrong with whatever you choose. For a girl who grew up with Texas beaches, all of the Oahu beaches are amazing!
Whether you are looking for the perfect spot to relax in the sun with the family or an exciting place to enjoy surfing, snorkeling, or swimming, Oahu has something for everyone. We hope you get a chance to visit these incredible beaches and experience the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands for yourself.
