Oahu BeachesWhat are the best Oahu beaches? That would really depend on who you're asking. Are you a
Fear not...there is an Oahu beach for everyone. The island has over 130 world-renowned beaches. Some are busy...others are secluded. Some are rough...some calm. Some are full of tourists...others are mainly local. Let me describe the best ones in detail for you. Hawaii is surrounded by water, so you may find your very own favorite Oahu beach somewhere off the beaten track. TIP--Keep in mind that the sun rises in the east and sets to the west. Generally speaking, the beaches on the East and North shores will be in the shade by mid afternoon. This is especially true where there are steep mountains. Oahu beaches on the South and West shores will see sun late into the afternoon.
South Shore Oahu Beaches
This Oahu beach is a favorite of locals for good reason. This park has it all within its 76 acres. It is perfect for swimmimg, surfing, walking/ It is ideal for families with children because there is plenty of sandy areas to swim which are always calm. Amenities:
Although Ala Moana Beach Park is popular with locals, it is popular with tourists as well. I would say there is a really nice mix of people here. It is much less crowded than Waikiki. This is a typical weekday.
This is probably the most famous of all Oahu beaches. It runs for miles and shares its shoreline with many world-class hotels. It is a great place to bask in the sun, walk in and out of the various resorts, learn to surf, take a canoe ride, people watch, or anything else you feel like doing. Amenities:
The water is generally calm year round, making it safe for children. It is mainly tourists here with a few locals here and there. Waikiki Beach is one of the best places to take a surfing lesson and take a canoe ride. Parking can be a problem...I usually park at the Honolulu Zoo a few blocks away. If one of my buddies is working, I park at one of the hotels on Waikiki Beach..:)
This is the best Oahu beach for snorkeling or scuba diving. There is a calm, protected area for beginners, and more advanced swimmers can venture out beyond the reef. Cost--$5 for visitors 13 years old and over. Children under 13, Hawaii residents, and military stationed in Hawaii are free. Parking is $1. There is a trolley available from the parking lot down to the beach for $1 per person one way. Hours--Generally open from 6:00 a.m. to sunset and later on Saturdays. Call (808) 396-4229 for current hours and conditions. CLOSED ON TUESDAYS Amenities:
This is a great place to snorkel and swim with fish. The water is calm so it is perfect for children too. Tip--Go early as the parking lot tends to fill up quickly.
"Sandy's" It is actually split up into three breaks. As you look out toward the ocean from the beach, to your very right toward the Halona Blow Hole is "shorebreak." A little farther left is "Half-Point." Farthest to the left is "Full Point." Because of its proximity to the eastern shoreline, the dominant tradewinds usually bring some kind of surf to Sandy Beach. For this reason, I do not recommend swimming here. I can't tell you how many ambulances I've seen here. In fact, it is ranked as the #1 beach in the nation for spinal and neck injuries. It is just too rough for the average person. Amenities:
North Shore Oahu BeachesPlease keep in mind that North Shore beaches are generally not safe for swimming in the winter (October-March). Even if the ocean looks calm or the surf looks manageable, conditions can change very rapidly. I've seen the surf go from flat to 10 feet in an hour. In the summer (May-September), these same beaches are usually calm, but there are always exceptions so check with the lifeguards or call (808) 596-SURF for current conditions.
This Oahu beach is home to three of the most well-known surfing spots in the world. The most famous one is "Pipeline", also known as the "Banzai Pipeline". As you look out at the ocean, "Pipe" is the farthest break to the right. Just to the left of "Pipeline" is "Backdoor Pipeline", which is actually the same wave but considered a different spot since it takes a different swell direction to get good. To the left of "Backdoor" is "Off the Wall", also known as "Kodak Reef". Come when the surf is good, and you will see why...the beach is packed with professional photographers. Pipeline is considered one of the premier proving grounds for professional surfers, and hosts a number of contests every year. During the winter months, this is the perfect place to watch surfing at its finest. Amenities:
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West Shore Oahu Beaches
There are four man-made lagoons in the Ko Olina Resort Area with a great walkway perfect for walking or running. This Oahu beach is popular with both locals and tourists. It is perfect for swimming and children. Amenities:
East Shore Oahu Beaches
Many consider this Oahu's best beach. It is certainly one of the most beautiful and picturesque beaches. It has perfect, fine, white sand and mostly calm waters. It is great for sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, boogie-boarding, body surfing, and windsurfing. Amenities:
Caution--Be careful for Portugese Man-of-War (jellyfish). They look like blue bubbles ranging in size from peas to quarters. You can spot them on the beach if they are present, and warning signs are usually posted.
This beach is located on the eastern most tip of Oahu right next to Sea Life Park. It is one of the most popular beaches for bodysurfing and boogie-boarding... Like Sandy's, I would not recommend swimming here...it can get quite rough. Amenities:
This beach is located directly across the street from Waimanalo Polo Fields. It is a quiet, beautiful stretch of white sand beach. It is perfect for learning how to boogie-board or bodysurf. Amenities:
Note--This is another beach where you should check for Portuguese Man-of-war.
WARNING-Respect the power of the ocean. All that energy that comes toward the shore in the form of waves has to go out somewhere. Rip currents go back out to sea in the channels between the breaking waves. For the most part, you cannot see these rip currents. Be careful...Obey all posted signs, and ask a lifeguard if it is safe to go in the water.
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