When you think of the beach, what typically comes to mind? Sun, fun and surfing. However, not all beaches are created equal. Some have white sand that feels like silk against your feet while others have water so clear it looks unreal. What beach is right for you may just depend on where you live, or if there’s one nearby. If you’re looking for a beach vacation getaway, here are 6 of the best beaches in Oahu, Hawaii. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax or want to catch some waves, these beaches have you covered.
(1) Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach is located in Kailua on the east coast of Oahu in Hawaii. The name Lanikai means “heavenly sea” in Hawaiian. The beach is famous for its clear blue water and white sand. It is also a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling. The beach is located on the windward side of the island, which makes it one of the best places to enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian sunsets. The beach is also home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and even whales.
It’s a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and kayaking. This beach is often referred to as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With its soft white sand and gentle waves, it’s the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.
The crystal clear waters of Lanikai beach are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. The calm waves and lack of strong currents make it a great place for beginner divers, and the abundance of coral and tropical fish make it a paradise for snorkelers. Lanikai Beach is truly a paradise on earth.
Getting there:
The beach is best accessed by cars. Follow Pali Highway westward from Waikiki to Kailua, where you will find plenty of signboards pointing to the beach.
Essential Tips:
- There is only one public walkway leading to the beach, which begins between residential homes.
- The beach is not easy to park around. Illegal parking is punishable by heavy fines.
- Weekends are usually crowded, so weekdays are the best times to visit.
- Be cautious of jellyfish and stinging limu, especially during summer. Swimmers should wear swim shoes or fins.
- There are no lifeguards at the beach.
- Check out the best hotels near Lanikai Beach
(2) Waimanalo Bay Beach
Waimanalo Bay Beach is the longest beach on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. At nearly 8 miles in length, it offers plenty of space to relax and enjoy the sun and waves. This beach is perfect for those who want to avoid the tourist crowds. It’s a bit less developed than some of the others on this list, but its unspoiled beauty more than makes up for it. TV shows like “Baywatch Hawaii” and “Magnum P.I.” were filmed here
It is famous for its turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. The beach is located on the east side of Oahu, about 30 minutes from Honolulu. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy at the beach, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking. The best time to visit Waimanalo Bay Beach is from late October to early November, when the weather is perfectly warm and sunny. Once you arrive at the beach, you will be greeted by the sound of waves crashing against the shore. As you walk along the sand, you will notice the colorful array of fish swimming in the clear waters. The beach is also home to a variety of birds, making it a great spot for birdwatching. Make sure to bring your camera, because you’ll want to capture the beauty of this beach.
Getting there:
There are two options.
- Take scenic Hwy 1 from Waikiki to Waimanalo, passing the Makapu’u lighthouse en route.
- Travel through Pali Highway 61, which merges with Kalanianaole Highway 72 in the direction of Waimanalo.
Essential Tips:
- The beach has plenty of amenities like picnic area, public washroom and showers and nice shady areas.
- Access to Waimanalo Bay Beach is easy, with plenty of parking available near the entrance.
- There are not many restaurants around to bring your food and drink.
- Sunlights usually disappear by afternoon due to surrounding mountains.
- There are lifeguards at the beach.
- Camping is allowed with permission.
- Check out the best beach cottages and apartments near Waimanalo Bay Beach
(3) Kailua Beach
If you’re looking for a beach that’s perfect for the whole family, look no further than Kailua Beach. This beach is located on the windward side of Oahu. It’s also a great spot for a picnic, and there are plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained, like building sandcastles or playing in the shallows.
Kailua beach is also one of the best beaches in Hawaii. It’s well-known for its soft white sand and gentle waves, which make it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The beach is also located in a beautiful setting, surrounded by lush green hills and mountains. This beach is long and wide, making it great for swimming, sunbathing, and paddleboarding.
There are palm trees and other tropical plants lining the beach, providing a shady spot to relax in between swims. The waves here are perfect for surfing, and you can often see people riding them into shore. In the distance, you can see the rocky cliffs that make up the coastline.
Getting there:
The beach is accessible only by cars as commercial vehicles and drop-offs are not allowed. It is a 30-minute drive from Waikiki over the Pali Highway.
Essential Tips:
- The beach has plenty of amenities like picnic tables, public washroom and showers, BBQ pits and volleyball courts.
- Access to Kailua Beach is easy, with plenty of parking available near the entrance.
- The best time to visit is during sunrise.
- Water sports enthusiasts usually enter the water near Kailua’s center and north end.
- There are lifeguards at the beach near the boat ramp.
- Check out the best beach cottages, apartments and luxury stays near Kailua Beach
(4) Waikiki Beach
Waikiki beach is one of the most popular beaches on Oahu and is a great place to enjoy some water sports and activities. Surfers can catch some waves at Waikiki beach, and there are also plenty of places to rent kayaks, paddleboards, and other water sports equipment. If you’re looking for a fun day in the sun, Waikiki beach is a great place to start.
When it comes to shopping in Waikiki Beach, there’s no shortage of options. From high-end boutiques to souvenir shops, you can find everything you need right in the heart of Waikiki. And with beachfront views and a lively atmosphere, it’s hard to beat a day of shopping in Waikiki.
Getting there:
Your best option for accessing this beach is on foot from your hotel. As this area remains heavily crowded, it’s best to use public transportation or ride share services if you’re coming from another side of the island.
Essential Tips:
- The beach has plenty of amenities like public washroom and showers, BBQ pits and food stalls.
- Parking is a nightmare here unless you want to pay hefty charges at the nearby parking garages.
- Watch out for surfers as they may not see you while swimming.
- There are lifeguards at all the beaches except Outrigger Canoe Club Beach.
- Check out the best hotels at Waikiki
(5) Sunset Beach
The long expanse of Sunset Beach is well-known for its beautiful sunsets and strong waves that make it a favorite spot for experienced surfers. It’s well known for its long right-handed waves that can sometimes reach up to 20 feet high. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beach combing here, or take a walk along the beach to explore the area.
Getting there:
Select “Sunset Beach State Park” on Google maps while driving. After passing Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach is just outside Haleiwa Town.
Essential Tips:
- The beach has plenty of amenities like picnic area, public washroom and showers and nice shady areas.
- Plenty of parking at the Sunset Beach Support Park. Street parking near the beach is a hassle.
- Be cautious of stinging limu, especially during summer. Swimmers should wear swim shoes or fins.
- Be careful at Sunset rip as the rip currents are dangerous.
- Waves rise up to 25 feet during winter.
- There are lifeguards at the beach.
- Check out the best beach cottages, apartments and luxury stays near Sunset Beach
(6) Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is a beach located on the southeast coast of Oahu. It was designated as a Marine Life Conservation District in 1967. It is known for its clear turquoise waters and abundance of marine life. It’s also a great place to snorkel, and visitors can see everything from eels and octopuses to coral and tropical fish.
The beach is sheltered and has several picnic tables and pavilions. Hanauma Bay is open every day except Monday & Tuesday when it is closed for cleaning. The beach is staffed with lifeguards and operates a paid parking lot. Prior reservation is required to visit Hanauma Bay. The entrance fee to the beach park is $3 per vehicle and $25 per person (kids 12 and under are free).
The Hanauma Bay hike is a moderate to difficult hike that rewards hikers with incredible views of the bay and ocean. The hike takes you through a variety of different landscapes, including an old coral reef, a lava field, and a beach.
Getting there:
Take Kalanianaole Highway (H1 72) east from Honolulu, then follow the signs to Hanauma Bay.
Essential Tips:
- The beach has plenty of amenities like picnic area, public washroom and showers and nice shady areas.
- Plenty of paid parking available near the entrance
- The park has a daily visitor limit of 720 people.
- There are lifeguards at the beach.
Summary
If you’re looking for breathtaking views, pristine beaches, and plenty of sunshine, look no further than Oahu in Hawaii. With so many stunning stretches of sand to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why I’ve put together a list of the six best beaches in Oahu – so you can make the most of your Hawaiian vacation. Whether you want to relax under the sun or take part in some exciting water sports, these beautiful beaches have something for everyone. Read further for my travel experiences in Hawaii and start planning your Hawaiian getaway today!
Here is a complete list of beaches in Hawaii that you can explore in addition to those mentioned here.
You can also go on guided beach trips in Hawaii. This is the perfect way to experience Hawaii’s ocean incursions and to discover the island in a whole new way.
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