Diamond Head Beach

Just 2 miles southeast of famous Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head Beach is popular with beach lovers, surfers and windsurfers due to the ever-present white-crested swell that rolls in relentlessly. The surf breaks are about a quarter mile out to sea and there are multiple good spots to choose from.

Quieter than many beaches on Oahu, Diamond Head Beach is accessed from car parks on the clifftop via a couple of paved footpaths that zig-zag down the steep cliffs. The strip of light-coloured sand is bordered with leaning palm trees, making it a truly idyllic spot for photos.

Enjoy stunning views, both from the clifftop lookout and from the beach below, where the best views of the extinct volcano and multi-million dollar beach houses can be seen lining the coast. Take a walk westwards along the firm sand to Diamond Head Lighthouse and checkout the marine life that gets caught in the tidal pools on the rocky areas.

Due to the shallow reef that encroaches right up to the shoreline, the beach has shallow water making it great for watersports but not for swimming. However, the area is a top place for beachcombing for shells and other treasures.

This beach is also a great kicking-off point for hiking trails leading inland a couple of miles to the historic Diamond Head Crater with its informative Visitor Centre.