The 19 Best Oahu Beaches
Which Hawaiian island has the best beaches is a matter of some debate. However, if the number of visitors to each island is anything to go by then Oahu way out in front.
With the entire 100 plus miles of coastline fringed with powdery white sand and the clear warm blue waters of the Pacific there isn't really any such thing as a bad beach on Oahu. But as this is an island with a beach for everyone we thought you might appreciate a little help finding the very best beach for you.
Fortunately Oahu has coast to suit each type of beach-lover. For the pro surfers among you, head to the North Shore, home to legendary surf spots such as Pipeline and Waimea Bay. But there are also some fantastic spots for snorkeling and in the summer theres is often little or no surf.
The South Shore still has plenty of surf and is home to the island's most iconic beach – Waikiki. While the waves might be gentler there's still plenty of action on and off the beach. Known as the town side of the island to locals this is a great place for families and those looking for a more rounded vacation.
If you are looking for an escape then maybe the Windward Coast is for you. As the name suggests, a little breezier, this coast is up to some unspoiled natural beauties such as Waimanalo, hidden gems like Ka'a'awa and the stunning Lanikai.
Oahu's west coast is known as the Leeward Coast. Less developed than the other coasts it is also more sheltered from the winds and ocean swells. Head north and you'’ll find some gorgeous, quiet stretches of white sand like Makua and Keawaula which rate among the best beaches in Oahu.
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1. Lanikai Beach
© Tomasfoto Situated on the windward coast of Oahu in Hawaii is Lanikai beach, which translates as "heavenly sea". With its fine white sand and brilliant aqua blue water this name seems quite fitting. Lanikai is fringed with palm trees and with water temperatures rarely dipping below 75° F (24° C) there is no mistaking you are in the tropics. Unlike many of Oahu's other great beaches, Lanikai is not designated a… read more »
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2. Waimea Bay
Anthony Quintano Great for:- Family
- Swimming
- Surfing
Beautiful Waimea Beach is set at the heart of the North Shore and catches all the rolling swells that attract big wave riders and pro surfers from around the world. Divided by the outflow of the Waimea River which is ideal for tubing, the golden sands are punctuated by rocks at the south end of this pretty cove, including the huge Waimea Rock which is popular for scrambling up… read more »
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3. Ehukai Beach Park (Pipeline)
Aussie Aussalt Great for:- Snorkeling
- Swimming
- Surfing
No visit to the North Shore would be complete without checking out Ehukai beach, or Banzai Pipeline as it is known to surfers around the world. Set at the heart of the "7 mile miracle" this is possibly the most famous surf spot on the planet and a veritable Mecca for surfers. However, Pipeline is a wave for the experts only; incredibly powerful and breaking over a shallow coral… read more »
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4. Sunset Beach
skyseeker Great for:- Snorkeling
- Surfing
Stunning sunsets and top surfing are some of the highlights that make Sunset Beach in northwest Oahu so popular. It's easy to reach from the Kamehameha Highway which skirts along the edge of the sandy beach providing tempting views.
In winter, it's a top place to catch big-wave surfers riding the swell, while in summer the flat waters take on a completely different alter ego. It is popular with families… read more »
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5. Mākua Beach
© backyardproduction Great for:- Snorkeling
- Surfing
- Kitesurfing
Situated at the northern end of Oahu's west coast between Ka'ena Point State Park and Makua Kea'au Forest Reserve, Makua Beach is one of the island's most undeveloped and natural. The golden sand extends for approximately 800 metres (half a mile). Backed by atmospheric mountains, Makua is sometimes called Tunnels Beach.
Its ribbon of light sand is met by verdant foliage to one side, and startlingly clear waters on the other,… read more »
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6. Hanauma Bay
© Banzai Hiroaki / CC BY Great for:- Family
- Snorkeling
- Surfing
The sandy beach of Hanauma Bay is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Hawaiian island of O'ahu. Given the wealth of beautiful beaches in Hawaii, what makes this one so special?
Well, firstly it is a bit of a stunner. The crescent of golden sand looks out onto the near circular bay formed from two sunken volcanic craters. When the bay formed it would have been completely enclosed… read more »
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7. Ko Olina
© Michelle Maria Great for:- Family
- Snorkeling
- Swimming
Ko Olina is a gorgeous 2 miles stretch of coastline with a series of sandy coves and several natural and manmade lagoons. The name "Ko Olina" means "fulfillment of joy" and was originally a fishing camp for native Hawaiian rulers.
Just a short distance from Honolulu and the North Shore, Ko Olina is a popular and beautiful beach to visit on the drier western side of Oahu. Non-resident guests are… read more »
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8. Laniakea Beach
Daniel Ramirez Great for:- Surfing
Laniakea Beach, Oahu is commonly known as Turtle Beach, and when you visit it and see the sand scattered with rocks and turtles you'll understand why!
The long narrow beach is popular so you need to arrive early to secure a coveted parking place. You then have to walk across the busy highway to reach this natural beauty spot.
The golden sandy beach is lapped with white-foam surfing waves as… read more »
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9. Three Tables
Alison and Fil Great for:- Snorkeling
- Swimming
Set on Oahu's North Shore, this pretty little beach is surrounded by some of the best known surf spots on the planet. In fact the famously huge waves of Waimea Bay break only around 100 yards away from Three Tables. But that's not why people come here.
Three Tables beach is perhaps best known as a snorkeling spot and for good reason. The name of the beach comes from… read more »
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10. Waimānalo Beach
Waimānalo Beach, on the windward side of the island of Oahu has several claims to fame; firstly it is were Magnum, P.I. resided in the 80's TV series. Second, and perhaps more importantly it is the longest stretch of sandy shore on Oahu at well over 5 miles (9km). This expanse of unbroken white sand is sandwiched between the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean and the welcome shade of… read more »
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11. Waikīkī Beach
© skeeze Great for:- Family
- Swimming
- Surfing
The calm blue waters and two miles of pristine white sands attract millions of visitors to Waikiki Beach each year. Tourists flock to the shores for the mellow ocean and year-round, nice temperatures.
Waikiki Beach offers something for everyone. Swimming, surfing, dining, shopping, and live events are just a few of the highlights.
On one side of the shore, you have the beautiful ocean while the other side is overlooked by high-rises… read more »
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12. Makapuu Beach Park
Daniel Ramirez Great for:- Surfing
Situated on the southeastern tip of Oahu, Makapu'u Beach is in the shadow of Makapu'u Point and the dramatic Lookout Point. The word Makapu'u means "bulging eye" and is thought to refer to a natural feature in the nearby Keanaokeakuapōloli Cave.
Located about a mile east of Waimanalo Beach, the gently undulating beach has masses of golden sands in a cove-like setting bordered with palm trees and greenery. The steep… read more »
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13. Yokohama Bay
Thomas Woodtli Great for:- Surfing
Head to the northern tip of Oahu and you'll reach Yokohama Bay, also known as Keawa'ula Beach at Ka'ena Point. The remote route to the beach takes about 90 minutes to reach by car from Waikiki.
Incidentally, "Keawa'ula" means "Red Bay" and it earned the name due to the squid that regularly spawned in the bay, apparently in such numbers that the bay waters turned red for a time.
It's one… read more »
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14. Shark's Cove
tdlucas5000 Great for:- Snorkeling
- Swimming
Set on Oahu's North Shore, home to some of the most legendary surf spots on the planet, is this popular little beach. Unlike neighbouring beaches, Shark's Cove is not about the surf - this is one for the snorkelers. In fact it was rated as one of the best shore dives in the world by Scuba Diving Magazine back in 2005.
Sharks Cove is part of Pupukea Beach Park. It… read more »
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15. Sandy Beach
JD Lasica Great for:- Surfing
Situated on the southeastern tip of Oahu island, Sandy Beach is a beautiful and remote spot that is far from the well-trodden tourist path.
Thirty minutes by car from Waikiki, it is just beyond the Halona Blowhole and makes a dramatic first impression for those driving along the single track road on the lava cliffs from Koko Head Crater. There is plenty of free parking at this sheltered inlet… read more »
