Best Beaches in Oahu

A holiday in Hawaii is guaranteed to be fun because of the many things to see, do and enjoy on Oahu. However, amidst so many possibilities, it can sometimes be difficult to prioritise the important ones and although tastes can vary greatly depending on the type of traveller you are, it's almost certain that everyone who visits Oahu will want to enjoy a few hours of fun at sea.

Are you looking for beaches close to the city of Honolulu or perhaps you're looking for a quiet family day out; are you looking for beaches for swimming and snorkelling or do you prefer the adrenaline rush of surfing? Whatever your answer, Oahu has a tropical paradise-like setting for you to do just that!

Considered one of the best beaches in Hawaii due to its crystal clear waters that allow you to see marine life and fish swimming close to the shore. Some of the water sports available here include windsurfing, sailing and of course snorkelling!

The beautiful scenery, with the islets of Nā Mokulua as a backdrop only add to the charm of the place. Visitors looking to see some wildlife can hire a boat to explore the area and check out the bird sanctuary.

Where to find us and how to get there

Lanikai Beach is located in the small coastal town of Kailua. Getting to this area of the island is easy: take the 671 bus and get off at the "Mokulua Dr + Opp Haokea Dr" stop, a 5-minute walk from the beach.
If you are travelling in a private vehicle, be aware that parking may be limited, so I recommend arriving early, especially on weekends and during peak tourist seasons.

Kailua Beach is a great place for a day of coastal fun. In addition to a beautiful white sand beach ideal for swimming, diving, snorkelling and other water activities, you'll find a 30-acre public park, a picnic area, public restrooms, volleyball courts and dozens of food stalls offering a diverse range of cuisine.

The best part about visiting Kailua is that, if you're travelling during the week, the beach is practically empty, so you can count on privacy and tranquillity during your Hawaii holiday.

Where to find us and how to get there

The beach is located in the coastal town of the same name, just a 30-minute drive from Honolulu. If you use public transport on Oahu, there are two bus lines that stop nearby: 67 and 671.

Waikiki is one of the most famous beaches not only in Hawaii, but in the world that I recommend to all my friends who are going to Oahu for the first time.

With a tourist flow of over 4 million people a year, you'll love the Waikiki location not only for its white sand and crystal clear waters, but also for the stunning views of the Diamond Head volcano, which make for spectacular scenery.

When planning your visit to Waikiki, keep in mind that this area actually includes several beaches and several luxury resorts and 5-star hotels. In addition, you will find numerous restaurants with a varied and delicious gastronomic offer.

Where it is and how to get there

Located in the coastal city of Honolulu, in the southwestern part of the island, getting to this area of Oahu by public transport is really simple. You can take any of the following bus lines: the 2, the 20 or the 42 to get off at the "Kuhio Ave + Lewers S" station located a 3 minute walk from the entrance to Waikiki.

Another famous destination in Hawaii that I recommend visiting at least once during your holiday. The beautiful Waimea Bay is known for its gigantic waves, which can be seen every year in the season from October to April.

If you visit Oahu in the summer, however, you'll find a quieter beach perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

If you like surfing or are curious about the sport, be sure to visit Waimea! Even if you don't surf, there are many local and international competitions such as Vans Triple Crown Surfing. Nearby is one of Oahu's most famous attractions, the famous Waimea Waterfall.

Where to find us and how to get there

Waimea is located on the North Shore of Oahu; if you are travelling by public transport you should take the number 60 bus and get off at the "Kamehameha Hwy + Opp Iliohu Pl" stop, a 10 minute walk away. Parking is available at the beach but be sure to arrive early, especially on weekends.

The beautiful Sunset Beach is one of those places in Hawaii where it is possible to see celebrities lounging and sunbathing.

This beautiful wide beach is ideal for swimming and snorkelling, especially if you visit the archipelago during the summer holidays. However, the surf can get rough in the winter months so if you visit during the winter months I don't recommend swimming here unless you are a very experienced swimmer.

At times the swell in this area has reached an astounding 15 to 20 feet high, making Sunset Beach a favourite for surfers looking to have fun on the waves.

Where to find us and how to get there

Sunset is located on the north shore of Oahu and is easy to get to. If you use public transportation there are several bus lines that will take you to this area of the island, including bus numbers 20, 23 and 42.

The closest stations are "Kalakaua Ave + Mccully St" and "Kalakaua Ave + Mccully St" both 3 minutes away and "Ala Moana Bl + Hobron Ln" and "Kalakaua Ave + Kapiolani Bl" both a 4 minute walk away.

If you decide to go by private car, parking is readily available at most times of the year, with the exception of days when surfing competitions are being held.

Makapuu Beach Park is possibly one of the most picturesque and different places in Hawaii, a white sandy beach and blue waters surrounded by a black mountain that offers spectacular photographs.

To my friends visiting this beach for the first time I recommend a leisurely stroll to the picturesque Makapuu Lighthouse at sunset.

Makapuu is also one of the favourite beaches for surfers who come to Oahu on holiday in search of adventure. In the summer season and again in the winter season the waves are perfect for surfing.

If your intention is to swim and you visit the islands during these months I would recommend going to Makapuu to admire the scenery and the surfers, but save the swimming for a quieter beach.

Where to find us and how to get there

It is located at the eastern end of the island. You can reach this area of the island by public transport, specifically buses 23 and 69; the bus stop called "Sea Life Park" is only a 4 minute walk from the entrance.

If you're on your own, the beach is one of Oahu's hidden gems and parking is easy to find.

Pokai Bay is Oahu's almost hidden treasure where you can swim, snorkel and enjoy some privacy. The waters are extremely calm even in the winter season when most of Oahu's beaches have aggressive and more dangerous surf.

Pokai Bay is a great place to visit if you' re visiting Oahu with kids and want a fun time and a place to have a family picnic. Also, if you snorkel Pokai Bay offers calm waters full of beautiful coral to admire.

If you decide to spend a day in the area take a moment to visit Kane'ilio Point where you'll find an ancient Hawaiian rock temple called Ku'ilioloa Heiau.

Where is it and how to get there

It's located on the Wai'anae coast on Oahu's west shore. To get there by public transport you will need to take the route C bus, the nearest stop is "Waianae Valley Rd + Farrington Hwy" a 3 minute walk from the beach.

Sandy Beach is a favourite beach for bodyboarders and surf travellers due to the big waves and nearby surf break. If you're looking for an escape from the crowds of Waikiki and a place to hike or take long walks, don't hesitate for a second!

Sandy Beach is an Oahu beach with lifeguards. If you want nothing my recommendation is to ask a lifeguard on duty if the beach is safe at the time of your visit.

Be aware that the waves break close to the water and that even in the summer season the surf can be high. Many non-surfing tourists head to Sandy Beach just to soak up the sun and get some privacy.

Where to find us and how to get there

Sandy Beach is located directly in Honolulu, only a 15-minute drive away and parking is available. If you are travelling by public transport you will need to take the 23 bus, the nearest stop is "Kealahou St + Opp Kuanalu", a 20 minute walk from the beach.

If you're going to Hawaii as a family, Bellows Field is a beach you won't want to miss. Famous throughout Oahu for its white sand and dreamy scenery, the breakers are smaller than at Sandy Beach, making it a great option for kids to play in the water.

If you want to swim or snorkel with the kids I recommend heading to the east side of the park, which is protected by a reef making it an ideal area for swimmers.

On the other hand, Bellows Field beach has many shaded areas which makes it the ideal place to have a day at the beach with a picnic included; in the area you will find showers, toilets, table area and lifeguards on duty.

Where to find us and how to get there

Bellows Field Beach is located on the east coast of Oahu and the best way to get there is by private transport, as it's about a 25-minute drive.

You can get there by public transport by taking bus number 67 and getting off at the "Kalanianaole Hwy + Opp Tinker Rd" stop, the downside is that the beach is about a 30 minute walk.

Ala Moana Beach Park is one of Oahu's man-made enclaves created in the mid-20th century. The beach, which stretches along a mile of coastline, is a less touristy alternative and is heavily used by locals.

To all my friends who visit Hawaii at peak times and don't want to deal with the crowds of Waikiki, I recommend making a detour to Ala Moana for calm waters, white sand and bright sunshine. If you're going to Oahu with kids and want to improve their swimming skills, Ala Moana is the ideal place to practice.

Where to find us and how to get there

Ala Moana Beach Park is located in Honolulu itself so getting there is quite simple. From the city centre you can take several buses including bus 20, bus 23, bus 42 and bus E; the nearest bus stop named "Kona St + Opp Keeaumoku St" is only 3 minutes away from the beach.