10+ best Oahu beaches for amazing views 🌴 + swimming, perfect for your first trip to Honolulu Hawaii 🌴 Hawaii travel blog

ALOHA!

 

Some of the best beaches in Hawaii can be found on Oahu!

The Oahu beaches on the list below are some of the best beaches on Oahu for tourists.

So what makes these the best “for tourists”?

The main thing is that you can easily make them a part of your day while doing another nearby activity!

 

Best beaches on Oahu

 

1. Duke Kahanamoku Beach

 

Waikiki is THE tourist hotspot on Oahu.

Beaches in Waikiki are sometimes negatively portrayed because they are among the most crowded on Oahu.

But going to the beach in Waikiki can come with convenience!

It’s probably near where you’re going to be staying (most people stay in or around Waikiki), and it also comes with a good number of food options (whether that’s at a restaurant or quick and easy food at an ABC store).

Waikiki Beach stretches about 2 miles, and the different sections of beach in Waikiki can offer you something a little different.

The Duke Kahanamoku Beach is at the far one end of Waikiki, and it’s also the beach that’s right in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Swimming here means you get to swim with views of the iconic Diamond Head crater! (Well, this is one of many areas in Waikiki that you can get views of Diamond Head from the beach!)

 

Things to do near Duke Kahanamoku Beach

There’s also the lagoon that’s located right nearby, and it comes with the opportunity to rent a variety of beach toys too.

And then around here is also where the boardwalk starts so you can go for a leisurely walk with ocean views. (Once again, one of many areas you can walk with coastal views. You can actually walk almost the entire way from one end of Waikiki to the other along the beach as long you don’t mind walking in sand too. There might be a section that’s blocked off, but just a short detour is required!)

 

 

 

2. Kuhio Beach

 

This section of beach in Waikiki is basically in a centrally located area of Waikiki.

It also has a bit of a protected area which can guard a bit against some ocean waves.

You can find a couple of food spots right on Kuhio Beach where you can eat with views at an Oahu beach!

 

 

 

Things to do near Kuhio Beach

Right near this beach is the iconic Duke Kahanamoku Statue.

 

 

Kuhio Beach is also the Oahu beach where the free Waikiki hula show takes place in the evening.

 

 

You can also find a big banyan tree in Waikiki near the beach!

 

 

🌴

 

 

 

3. Queens Beach

 

This is at the other far end of Waikiki, and it’s known as one of the best snorkeling spots in Waikiki.

 

 

 

 

 

Things to do near Queens Beach

Being at the far end of Waikiki on the Diamond Head crater side, it means that this beach is among the closest to the famous Diamond Head hike that will give you iconic views of Waikiki from above!

It’s not that close that everyone will consider it walking distance (but it can be walkable!), but still, it can be a perfect day to do the Diamond Head hike in the morning, and then snorkeling at Queen’s Beach in the afternoon!

 

 

 

4. Lanikai Beach

 

For picture perfect beach views, Lanikai Beach can be one of the best beaches on Oahu! This is on the east side of Oahu, aka the windward coast of Oahu.

Lanikai Beach has even made the list of one of the best beaches in the world by a number of publications.

This is also where you can go to see the famous twin islands of Oahu, aka the Mokulua islands aka the Mokes.

 

 

One of the negative parts of going to this beach though is that parking can be a struggle.

Another down side of Lanikai Beach is that there are no proper beach facilities here.

But other than that, it can be a great white sand beach! 😉

 

 

Things to do near Lanikai Beach

You can make the Lanikai Pillbox Hike into a longer hike or a shorter hike.

The start of the trail for the shorter hike starts right near the road that runs parallel to Lanikai Beach.

For this shorter version, you hike up a little bit to the pillboxes, and then going back down.

For the longer hike, it can be a point-to-point hike basically making this a ridge trail as you walk along the mountain range. (Of course, you can also make it an out-and-back hike!) You can consider this the full Kaiwa Ridge Trail.

Either way, you’ll get those amazing views of the Mokulua Islands from above!

 

 

 

5. Kailua Beach

 

Another one of the things to do near Lanikai Beach is to go to Kailua Bay! This Oahu beach is down the shoreline and down the road.

 

 

Kailua Bay beach might be a bit more convenient than Lanikai Beach in many ways, because of the parking situation and beach facilities.

As a proper beach park, Kailua Bay has a parking lot, bathrooms, showers, and lifeguards on duty too.

You might consider parking at Kailua Bay beach park, and then walking over to Lanikai Beach too. It’s about a 15 minute walk.

PLUS…

Oahu beaches are some of the best beaches in America, and Kailua Beach is one of the reasons why!

 

 

Things to do near Kailua Bay

It’s possible to go kayaking from Kailua Bay as a guided tour, or you can rent the kayaks and head to the Mokes on your own.

 

 

Getting around Kailua town by bicycle can be a fun little thing to do!

You can also take the bikes and head to Lanikai Beach, too!

 

 

 

6. Waimanalo Beach

 

This is a beach that doesn’t get as many tourists as some of the other beaches on Oahu.

So there might be a better chance that you can get a little bit more of a quieter beach experience if you go to Waimanalo Beach.

 

 

If you’ll be driving to Kailua or Lanikai, you can make Waimanalo be on the way from Waikiki if you make it a drive along the coast (as opposed to an inland drive).

 

 

So you could stop to check it out along the way!

 

 

 

7. Hanauma Bay

 

Hanauma Bay is located at the southeastern point of Oahu.

This is one of the most popular spots for snorkeling on Oahu, so if you want to get some good snorkeling in when you’re in Hawaii, this is one spot to consider.

 

 

It’s a pretty easy drive to get here from Waikiki, and you’ll also be able to get a direct bus from Waikiki too.

 

 

Things to do near Hanauma Bay

Working for stunning views?!

Sound like a perfect Hawaii activity! 😉

Near Hanauma Bay, there are a couple of hiking trails that will get you some amazing ocean views.

The Koko Head Hike has also been called nature’s stairmaster because the hike is basically a whole bunch of stairs to reach the summit of Koko Crater.

 

 

This crater is basically right across the street from Hanauma Bay.

So, it could be perfect to go to for the hike that’s sure to get you sweating, and then cool off with a nice recovery of swimming and snorkeling at Hanauma Bay!

 

And then for some more ocean views a little bit up the road in the direction away from Waikiki, there’s also the Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail.

This is a paved coastal trail that will offer you stunning views nearly the entire way!

 

 

If you’ll be on Oahu during whale season, it could be a good place to try your luck for spotting whales from far away.

There are binoculars on the trail for you to attempt to spot whales.

 

 

Generally speaking the best time for whales on Oahu is considered to be January through March, although the season in which whales visit Hawaii are said to be from November to May.

But even if you won’t be on Oahu during whale season, the ocean views will always be there!

 

 

 

8. Sunset Beach

 

The wide stretch of sand on Sunset Beach can make for a nice area to hang out on the North Shore of Oahu.

This is one of the (nearly) white sand beaches that you can find on Oahu.

 

 

This is a beach on the North Shore that’s known for surfing in Hawaii in the winter.

 

 

Things to do near Sunset Beach

A hiking trail that will give you views of the North Shore coast from above is the Ehukai Pillbox Hike.

The starting point of this hike is at Sunset Elementary School, which is just a few minutes from Sunset Beach.

 

 

Also nearby you can refuel with a fruit smoothie bowl at the Sunrise Shack that’s located on the side of the road a few minutes from Sunset Beach.

 

 

 

9. Sharks Cove

 

This is considered one of the best snorkeling spots on the North Shore.

Outside of the winter surfing months, it’s usually possible to safely snorkel here.

It’s considered to be safer since it’s more guarded from the waves as an enclosed lagoon.

Although, it doesn’t mean that it’s completely protected, so be sure to use your good wisdom!

This snorkeling beach has a rocky beach entrance.

This means that if you won’t be wearing fins while snorkeling, you might consider wearing water shoes so you won’t be as concerned with stepping on sharp rocks and cutting your feet! (One of the top essentials to pack for Hawaii!)

 

 

Another beginner-friendly snorkeling spot on the North Shore is Kuilima Cove which is a beach in front of the Turtle Bay Resort.

 

 

Things to do near Sharks Cove

Once you’ve finished up your snorkeling, you can refuel with some food from some North Shore food trucks!

There are some food trucks located almost directly across from the Shark’s Cove snorkeling area right along the North Shore’s main road.

 

 

 

10. Waimea Bay

 

The Waimea Bay beach park is one of the beaches on the North Shore that’s considered a top spot for surfing during the winter surfing months.

During the summer when the waves are calmer, it can make a good beach for wading in the water, along with some snorkeling too.

But as with all beaches on Oahu, you will still want to be careful though.

For Waimea Bay, one of the reasons is because the shoreline can drop off quite drastically when you’re in the water.

 

 

Things to do near Waimea Bay

For some stunning views of the North Shore from above, along with a visit to an ancient Hawaiian temple, head to the Puu O Mahuka Heiau!

Not only will this give you a chance to see a bit of Hawaiian culture (heiau = ancient Hawaiian temple), you will also get some great views to go along with it!

This is a short drive just off the North Shore’s main road, and just a few minutes from Waimea Bay.

This can be a quick stop as a scenic overlook before or after you go to Waimea Bay.

 

 

And then if you’re interested in visiting botanical gardens and waterfalls, there’s also the Waimea Valley Nature Park right near Waimea Bay.

As a nature park, this can be a nice little stroll through greenery, and there’s also a Hawaiian ancient living site set up to learn about Hawaiian culture as well.

You can also consider this to be somewhat of a waterfall hike, as the end of the paved trail through the park will lead to the Waimea Falls.

 

 

This nature park can even be considered within walking distance of Waimea Bay, as some people choose to park at Waimea Valley and then walk over to the beach.

 

 

11. Laniakea Beach aka Turtle Beach

 

This is another beach on the North Shore.

Since it’s wildlife, turtle sightings can never be guaranteed, but Laniakea Beach aka Turtle Beach can be a relatively reliable beach for seeing turtles on Oahu.

There are plenty of people who have gone to Laniakea Beach and leave disappointed not having seen a turtle, but it’s a good place to test your luck.

At this beach, there are 3 to 4 of the same turtles who are regulars on this beach, and sunset or shortly before the sun goes down might be a good time to try to catch at least one of them.

 

 

 

Recap! Quick list of the best beaches on Oahu

 

1. Duke Kahanamoku Beach

Duke Kahakamoku Beach is the Oahu beach near the famous Hilton Hawaiian Village and the Waikiki Beach lagoon.

 

 

2. Kuhio Beach

Kuhio Beach is the Oahu beach in the middle of Waikiki where there is a little bit of a wave-sheltered area.

 

 

 

3. Queens Beach

Queens Beach is the Oahu beach you go to for the best snorkeling in Waikiki. See more about Waikiki Beach snorkeling spots.

 

 

 

4. Lanikai Beach

Lanikai Beach is the famous Oahu beach where you can find a picture perfect white sand beach, along with views of the famous twin islands… the Mokes!

 

 

5. Kailua Beach

Kailua Bay is one of the best beaches Oahu beaches on the east side of Oahu with beach facilities… and where you can go ocean kayaking! Kailua Beach Park is the most recent Oahu beach that has been named #1 beach in America!

 

 

6. Waimanalo Beach

Waimanalo Beach is an Oahu beach that is a quieter white sand beach with less tourists.

 

 

 

7. Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay is the Oahu beach that is the most popular snorkeling spot on Oahu.

 

 

8. Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is one of the best Oahu beaches on the North Shore where there is a wide beach. In winter, this area is one of the top beaches for surfing on Oahu.

 

 

9. Sharks Cove

Sharks Cove is one of the best Oahu snorkeling beaches on the North Shore when the water is in calmer months. You can make it a perfect day with more things to do on the North Shore nearby.

 

 

10. Waimea Bay

Waimea Bay is one of the best Oahu beaches on the North Shore with beach facilities.

 

 

11. Laniakea Beach

Laniakea Beach is one of the best Oahu beaches for possible turtle sightings, which is why it’s also called Turtle Beach!

 

And those are a few of the best beaches on Oahu perfect for your first trip to Honolulu!

 

More for planning your Oahu vacation:

• Best of hiking on Oahu
• Best of East Oahu
• Best of the North Shore
• How to visit Pearl Harbor

 

Looking to split your time in Hawaii on another island?

• Best beaches on Maui
• Best beaches on the Big Island

 

HAPPY OAHU BEACH VACATION!