Be Respectful of the Land at All Times When you're at the beach, look for signs that say it's not safe to swim or that there are animals around. The Division of Aquatic Resources in Hawaii advises keeping at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from turtles, coral, and the sharp reef if you prefer to swim or snorkel.
Walking or standing on the coral might cause the live coral polyps to die. If you're going to Oahu, bear in mind that touching or harassing any of these creatures is prohibited. Also, don't litter and take your garbage back with you to dispose of property at the hotel.
Pack Reef-Safe Sunscreen When preparing for a vacation to Hawaii, sunscreen is a necessity! Your sunscreen washes away in the water every time you go swimming. However, your favorite sunscreen may include ingredients that are harmful to the water and marine life. Unfortunately, using sunscreen that contains chemicals like oxybenzone or octinoxate can harm the coral reef, and they can also harm the marine life inside the offshore reef.
Pack Water Shoes You'll have to walk across slick rocks to get into the sea on several of Oahu's beaches. And since you likely don't have practice doing that, it can get really dangerous. There have been countless instances of enthusiastic tourists slipping and falling and badly hurting themselves. Wear reef shoes or invest in some comfy swimming shoes with a high grip instead of risking an accident.
12 Best Beaches Of Oahu If you're looking for a family-friendly beach with beautiful sunset views, you've come to the right place for Hawaii tourism. Check out our ranking of the top 12 beaches on Oahu right now.
Waikiki Beach Waikiki Beach is one of the world's most well-known beaches. The two-mile length of the white sand coast in downtown Honolulu is lined with hotels and tourist attractions. Swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and beginner surfing are all popular activities, making them ideal for families.
Why we think you'll love it:
The views from this beach are spectacular, with Diamond Head, a volcanic tuff cone, visible in the distance. It's an incredible scene. We believe it is one of Oahu's most gorgeous beaches.
Oh, and if you enjoy swimming and snorkeling, here is the spot for you. Waikiki has some fantastic beaches, and it's also surrounded by luxury resorts where you may relax with some excellent beverages and cuisine.
Address: Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Lanikai Beach We think Lanikai Beach is really special, not just because of the amazing views, but because it’s pretty isolated and yet easy to get to when you know where you’re going. The beach is located close to the town of Kailua on the Windward Coast.
Why we think you’ll love it:
This is the perfect beach if you’re trying to avoid the crowds. It’s a residential beach (one of the best hidden beaches in Oahu!), so be aware that parking isn’t ideal, but once you’re parked up and ready to relax, you’ll find fine, white sand and uninhabited islands within kayaking distance.
And yes, you can also go snorkeling, surfing, and sailing here if you like. So it really has everything you need.
Address: Lanikai Beach, Kailua, HI 96734, United States
Waimanalo Bay Found on the southeastern part of the island, Waimanalo is famous for its perfect turquoise blue water. Seriously, you have to see it to believe it.
Why we think you'll love it:
With incredible coves, water perfect for swimming and surfing, and lots of campaign, showering, and eating facilities, this is easily one of the best beaches in Oahu for families.
You can even go fishing under those perfect blue skies!
Address: Waimanalo Bay, 41-1062 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI 96795, United States
Kailua Beach Kailua Beach is only 30 minutes away from Honolulu by car. It's located on the Windward side of Oahu and is an amazing place for beach activities. You'll agree that it is one of the best beaches in Honolulu, Hawaii, for relaxing, lounging around, and soaking in the sun.
Why we think you'll love it:
We love the picnic tables, and food stands at Kailua Beach. You'll never need to pack food as there's always something delicious somewhere around the beach. And during the weekdays, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how quiet it can be – meaning you won't have to fight for the perfect spot on the beach!
If you like adventures and sports, you'll enjoy the kayaks and sports equipment available for rent.
Address: 526 Kawailoa Rd Kailua, HI 96734
Turtle Bay You’ll find Turtle Bay on the north shore of Hawaii. It’s one of the most bustling parts of the island, with amazing hotels, restaurants, and bars.
Why we think you’ll love it:
There’s so much activity in Turtle Bay that you’ll be sure to find something you’ll love. From perfect beaches to plantation-style towns, this is a tourist attraction if there ever was one!
Enjoy amazing waves for surfing, thousands of acres of land to explore, and even forest and ocean trails that keep people coming back every year. Oh, and don’t forget the golf courses, horseback riding, spas, tennis courts, and helicopter tours.
Address: Turtle Bay, Kawela Bay, HI 96731, USA
Sandy Beach True to its name, Sandy Beach is an idyllic sandy beach just beyond Waikiki. It's past Diamondhead and near the Kalanianaole Highway, so not hard to access if you're traveling by car.
Why we think you'll love it:
Like lava and volcanoes? Sure you do! This is an amazing place to explore lava rocks, enjoy body surfing, bodyboarding on the beach, Or relax on the soft sand.
And maybe bump into some celebrities along the way.
A particular favorite of former President Barack Obama, this beach has the perfect spot for anybody looking to get away from the busiest beaches on the island.
Address: Sandy Beach, Honolulu, HI 96825, United States
Sunset Beach Sunset Beach is the Oahu white sand beach found on Oahu's North Shore, and it's nothing short of a mecca for surfers and sports enthusiasts. This is big wave territory, only around 40 miles from Waikiki Beach.
Why we think you'll love it:
This is not just somewhere you can see big waves, but it's awesome for families, too. In the wintertime, surfers and crowds come to see the huge waves, but throughout the summer, it's a magical place to visit at sunset or chill during the daytime.
It's known as Sunset Beach because the sun looks so incredible in the evenings…and it's something you need to see for yourself to understand!
Address: Sunset Beach, Pupukea, HI 96712, United States
Malaekahana Beach Being number eight on the list doesn’t make Malaekahana Beach any less impressive than the best beaches on Oahu we’ve listed so far. This is a mile-long beach known for attracting hikers, people who enjoy ball games, and sun-seekers.
Why we think you’ll love it:
We think this beach is particularly attractive to those who enjoy peace and quiet. It isn’t too busy, you will rarely struggle to find the perfect spot, and the perfectly clear, blue waters are home to amazing marine life.
If you’re lucky, you’ll even see green turtles! But be sure to bring your own equipment, as there are no rental stores nearby.
Address: Malaekahana Beach, Koolauloa, HI 96731, United States
Shark’s Cove Okay, so there might not be many sharks in Shark’s Cove, but there’s a lot of fish! This beach is located on the North Shore of Oahu and is actually named because the outline of the reef looks like a shark when viewed from above.
The only sharks you’re likely to see here are white-tipped reef sharks, which pose no threat to swimmers.
Why we think you’ll love it:
Shark’s Cove is recognized all over the world for the incredible shore diving opportunities it offers, and the beautiful lava-rock sand that gives it such a unique look. And if you love fish and snorkeling, this is the place to do it.
Address: Shark’s Cove, Haleiwa, HI 96712, United States
Ala Moana Beach Park Here we have Ala Moana Beach Park. This is a man-made beach situated between Waikiki and Honolulu and, we think, one of the best beaches in Honolulu. Even if it wasn't formed naturally!
It's only half a mile long, but it's an absolute paradise filled with marine life and gorgeous reefs.
Why we think you'll love it:
You get a combination of beach and park, and it's one of the best places to take families and children. The calm water is ideal for children who are learning to swim or just for anybody who isn't looking to catch a wave.
Don't underestimate this beach – it's relaxing with great scenery and shouldn't be quite as busy as the biggest tourist spots.
Address: 1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814, United States
Waimea Bay Waimea Bay is a notable large wave surfing destination mentioned in the Beach Boys tune Surfing USA. Visiting Waimea bay tops the list for both surfers and non-surfers.
Why we think you'll love it:
Keep in mind that Waimea's legendary huge waves only appear in the winter; in the summer, the surf is relatively mild, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. During the winter, the beach may experience waves as high as 20 to 30 feet which are among the world's highest.
Waimea Bay is well-protected by lifeguards and offers minimal amenities (public bathrooms and outdoor showers). The beach is expansive, and the sand is powder smooth.
After a day of water activities, stop by one of the numerous food trucks that line the Kamehameha Highway near all of the main surf spots for a snack with the locals (including Waimea).
Address: 61-031 Kamehameha Hwy Haleiwa, HI 96712
Makaha Beach Park Makaha Beach is perfect for swimming and snorkeling throughout the summer. When strong north or west swells hit, Makaha Beach has some of the greatest waves. However, these circumstances are only suitable for experienced or professional surfers, as they may be dangerous.
Why we think you'll love it:
It's one of those idyllic spots where you can have a picnic and relax in the sun while gazing out at the awe-inspiring ocean.
Scuba diving to explore the reefs, snorkeling to discover the abundant marine life, bodyboarding, surfing, and other activities are available to keep you entertained. There are toilets, showers, and a few picnic tables.
Address: 84-369 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI 96792, United States
