ALOHA!
Some of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii are on the east side of Oahu.
I’ve been to a bunch of beaches on this side of the island, and here’s what you need to know!
1. 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.
There used to be a direct bus to Hanauma Bay.
You can still get from Waikiki to Hanauma Bay by bus if you don’t mind a lot of walking with your beach gear. It’s a 20 minute walk from the bus stop to Hanauma Bay.
But there’s local food near the bus stop to make up for your effort!
The bus stop you’ll get off for Hanauma Bay is near Koko Marina Center, which is where you can find local food like malasadas at the Leonard’s Bakery food truck or a Hawaiian plate lunch at Fatboy’s. (map)
IMPORTANT!!! You need a reservation to go to Hanauma Bay.
Things to do near Hanauma Bay
If you’re looking for a good workout in which you’ll be rewarded with stunning views…
DON’T miss the Koko Head Hike!
This hiking trail has also been called nature’s stairmaster because the hike is basically a whole bunch of stairs to reach the summit of Koko Crater.
But there are amazing views waiting for you at the top which could make it worth your effort!
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!
2. Lanikai Beach
For picture perfect beach views, Lanikai Beach can be one of the best beaches on Oahu!
Beach access is located in the residential neighborhood of Lanikai, and you can also make it a fun activity by looking for the different beach paths!
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.
So if you don’t mind a little extra activity…
You might consider parking at Kailua Beach and walking over to Lanikai Beach…
Or you might consider renting a bike in Kailua and then biking over to Lanikai Beach.
Another down side of Lanikai Beach is that there are no proper beach facilities here.
Things to do near Lanikai Beach
Once again if you like working for stunning views…
DON’T miss the Lanikai Pillbox Hike!
You can make this into a longer hike or a shorter hike.
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.
But more popular is to do the short version, starting on the beach/coastal side, and then going a short distance up to the pillboxes, and then going back down.
Either way, you’ll get those amazing views of the Mokulua Islands from above!
🌴
3. Kailua Beach
Another one of the things to do near Lanikai Beach is to go to Kailua Beach!
Kailua 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 Beach has a parking lot, bathrooms, showers, and lifeguards on duty too.
Things to do near Kailua Beach
If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to see the famous twin islands…
DON’T miss kayaking to the Mokulua Islands!
It’s possible to go kayaking from Kailua Beach as a guided kayaking tour, or you can rent the kayaks and head to the Mokes on your own.
And then you’re looking to be a little active without having to be too active…
DON’T miss renting a bicycle in Kailua!
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!
4. 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!
5. Makapuu Beach
Makapuu Beach is another beach that doesn’t get as many tourist visits as other beaches on Oahu.
This beach might have a bit rougher waves as it can also be considered a good beach for boogie boarding.
You can buy boogie boards in Waikiki at the ABC convenience stores for like $20.
The rougher waves also means that you’ll want to be careful a bit more here!
Things to do near Makapuu Beach
If you’re looking for more stunning coastal views…
DON’T miss Makapuu 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!
Waikiki to the east side of Oahu
Because Waikiki is a bit of a distance from the east side of Oahu, going by car can be the most convenient.
Driving time from Waikiki, although always dependent on traffic, will generally be:
- To Hanauma Bay – 20-30 minutes
- To Makapuu area – 30 minutes
- To Waimanalo area – 30-40 minutes
- To Kailua area – 30-40 minutes
But even if you won’t be driving when you’re on Oahu, you can find a bus to go to that side of the island.
You will just want to make sure you have time and patience though, because the buses aren’t as frequent.
Google Maps is good for giving you a general timetable for buses on Oahu – just type in the starting point and destination, and then select public transportation as your method of travel!
See more about taking a bus from Waikiki.
RECAP!
Here is your quick list of the best beaches on the east side of Oahu!
1. Hanauma Bay
Go here for possibly the most popular snorkeling spot on Oahu.
2. Lanikai Beach
Go here for a picture perfect white sand beach, along with views of the famous twin islands… the Mokes!
3. Kailua Beach
Go here for one of the best beaches on the east side of Oahu with beach facilities.
4. Waimanalo Beach
Go here for a white sand beach on Oahu that gets less tourist visitors.
5. Makapuu Beach
Go here for boogie boarding and to visit another beach that gets less tourists.
And those are some of the best beaches on the east side of Oahu to consider making a part of your trip to Hawaii!
Also see more of the best beaches on Oahu.
And also the best hikes on Oahu.
HAPPY EAST OAHU BEACH TIME!
Plan your day on Oahu!
- Things to do in Waikiki (for VIEWS!)
- Fun Waikiki snorkeling spots
- Free hula show in Waikiki
- Cheap way to get to the Diamond Head hike
Here are some popular activities you need to know about to get some very-Hawaii experiences! Read the reviews on the partner websites listed below!
🐢 You can swim with turtles in Waikiki!
Read the reviews for the turtle canyon tour on viator and the turtle canyon tour on getyourguide.
🌺 Eat Hawaiian food at a luau with a fire show! Have a look at the Mauka Warriors Luau or the Toa Luau.
🐠 Here are things you must consider packing for Hawaii!
You can find these things on Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate.
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel
- walking sandals perfect for Hawaii
- teva is a popular outdoor shoe brand
- teva sandals for women
- teva sandals for men
I also don't go snorkeling in Hawaii without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.