Top 10 Beaches on Oahu
Waimea Bay
The home of big wave surfing, Waimea Bay is located on the famous 7-mile-miracle stretch of coastline on the North Shore. The bay has two faces. It can be as smooth as glass in the summer or a violent onslaught of gigantic waves in the winter. Regardless of the time you visit, there is always something to do at Waimea. Whether you’re watching the Eddie Aikau or mustering up the courage to leap from the jumping rock, Waimea Bay never disappoints.
Waimea in the summer; as calm as a lake.
Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach is rated as one of the top beaches in the world by some magazine that I’ve probably never read. While it is a beautiful beach, I think that’s a pretty bold statement. Hanalei Beach in Kauai currently holds that title for me. Lanikai beach is located on the east coast in the town of Kailua. The beach has beautiful views of the “twin islands” and Molokai on a clear day. The water is warm, clear and usually quite calm. It’s the perfect beach for floating in the water or laying out if you just want to relax. There are ocean kayak rentals available in the area. If you’re like me and can’t handle doing nothing for any long period of time, rent a kayak and venture to the outer sand bars and islands. There’s not much in the way of surf at Lanikai Beach. So, if you’re unfamiliar with currents, tides and the power of the ocean this will likely be the perfect beach for you.
Diamond Head Beach
A hidden gem in the Honolulu area. Diamond Head beach is just minutes from Waikiki and is a stark contrast to the crowded sands of Waikiki Beach. In order to reach the beach, you must hike down a small but steep path. Most visitors don’t want to hike to the beach or don’t even realize it’s there. This is my personal favorite beach on the south shore of Oahu. It’s beautiful, uncrowded and when it’s good, Diamond Head is home to some of the biggest and best surf on the south shore. The beach is heaven to townie wind and kite surfers because of the strong trade winds that wrap around Diamond Head. Also, if you want the chance to see an extremely rare and endangered animal, there is a Hawaiian monk seal that frequents the beach. He can often be found sun bathing on shore or even splashing surfers in the lineup.
Playing fetch with my doggies at Diamond Head Beach. They love the sand and water almost as much as we do.
Makaha Beach
If you want to escape the tourist scene on Oahu, this is the beach for you. Makaha Beach is located on the west side of Oahu near the town of Waianae. It’s one of the hottest and driest locations on the island, so keep yourself hydrated. The beach is perfect for an abundance of great activities including snorkeling, spear fishing, surfing, body boarding and much more. The surf here is epic and localized. As an outsider, visit Makaha beach with respect for the aina and people. If you’re not respectful, you will not be welcomed here. The beach is also home to some of the most beautiful sunsets on the island.
Waikiki Beach
Chances are, you’ve heard of Waikiki beach. This is the beach where thousands of tourists and locals alike enjoy the sand, water and waves every day under the shadow of Diamond Head. There is a ton of stuff here, way too much to list. Here are a few common things you may witness at Waikiki beach: free hula shows and performances on the beach; creepy old business men hitting on 18-year-old girls in bikinis; homeless people sleeping under palm trees and collecting tourist rubbish; beautiful sunsets shared with thousands of friendly, happy people holding Mai Tai’s; every type of transportation imaginable (bikes, skateboards, electric tricycles, scooters, scooter type go-kart thingies, segway’s, etc.); a plethora of street performers at night (some talented, some funny, some college students earning their tuition); professional longboard and outrigger canoe competitions; prostitute’s strutting their stuff in front of the police station; a crazy guy adorned in palm leaves and kukui nuts with a boom box strapped to his chest jogging to White Zombie’s, “More Human Than Human” — I couldn’t make this stuff up. Waikiki is total chaos, and I love it.
The sand, sun, surf and bazillions of people at Waikiki beach.
Sandy’s Beach
Also known as “the beach where your cousin dies,” Sandy’s is a fun beach park on the southeast side of Oahu. However, when the surf is up, the onshore waves can turn violent and treacherous. It’s a very popular bodyboard location, and an awesome place to watch them ride 15-foot waves just a few feet from the shore. Unfortunately, the thrill often comes at a price, and I see the red and white helicopters flying that direction all too often when I’m out in the water. Despite the power of the waves in dangerous conditions, Sandy’s is a large and fun beach along one of the most beautiful coastlines in Hawaii. Just use caution and pay attention to the warnings when entering the water.
Sandy's is awesome, just don't do anything foolish.
Makapu’u Beach
Makapu’u is a short drive from Sandy’s Beach with large bodyboarding waves as well. This is my favorite bodyboarding location on the island, and in my opinion, the prettiest beach on Oahu. It’s a very romantic setting to watch the sun rise. The beach is located on the far southeastern tip of Oahu. When approaching the beach, the road opens up to a breathtaking view of Rabbit Island with Makapu’u Beach beckoning below. The beach is also near Sea Life Park, and a must-see beach should you be planning to visit the attraction.
The sunrise at Makapu'u is a wonder to behold.
Haleiwa Beach
Haleiwa beach is located on the North Shore in the town of Haleiwa, obviously. The beach is host to several major surf competitions including the first event of the coveted Triple Crown. It’s also a great location for a picnic and spotting sea turtles. The beach isn’t very big, and it’s not exactly a great snorkel location, but there seldom are crowds, and it’s close to the shops and restaurants of Haleiwa town.
Pro surfer Taj Burrow after a session at Haleiwa Beach.
Bellows Beach
Bellows Beach is a beautiful beach on the east coast of Oahu between the towns of Kailua and Waimanalo. The beach is restricted to only military access during the week. However, it’s open to the public during the weekends and holidays. The beach is a great beginner surf location and is safer from theft than most other beaches on Oahu. Camping is also available on the beach with reservations, but they go fast. Visit the Bellows Beach website for more details on reservations and information regarding closures.
Ko Olina Lagoons
The Ko Olina Lagoons is a stretch of four man-made lagoon beaches near the Ko Olina Resorts on the southwest side of Oahu. The lagoons are beautiful, peaceful and safe from currents, waves and theft. There are plenty of lifeguards on duty, as well. Although I do feel some guilt for including man-made fake beaches in this list, I can’t deny that the lagoons are a great location for people uncomfortable with the power of the ocean. We had a friend from Minnesota visit us on Oahu. Needless to say, she did not have a lot of exposure to ocean currents, waves and even swimming. The Ko Olina lagoons are perfect for those who may have a fear of the ocean, but still want to get their feet wet.
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