Beaches of Oahu

While Oahu is sometimes avoided by visitors on Oahu vacations because of its overcrowded appearance and abundance of hotels around the touristy Waikiki district, t is possible to have a relaxing vacation on Oahu along some of its sandy shores that form the border of the tropical island paradise. Kailua Peach Park is located on the windward side of Oahu and is famous for its excellent swimming, wind surfing, kayaking, and relatively calm waters to enjoy. Similarly, Kualoa Regional Park is known for the same calm waters but also the offshore island of Chinaman’s Hat that is just a little ways off shore.

Kahana Bay Beach Park is across from Ahupua’a O Kahana State Park on the windward side and is quite popular with those beachgoers who’d like to avoid the crowds. The secluded beach cove is one of Oahu’s best kept secrets for its calm waters and plenty of sandy beach. Ehukai Beach Park is home to the famous Bonzai Pipeline on the North Shore and in the winter months hosts some of the best surfing competitions. Surf can rise up to thirty to forty feet in the rough months, attracting the most experienced surfers from around the world. While there is rough surf at certain periods of the year, the other parts of the year are very calm and perfect for recreational swimming, surfing, and snorkeling, often times just off the beach from a beach hose of vacation rental.

Hawaiian for “Sprouting Water,” Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous and popular beaches for tourists and locals in Hawaii. Located next to dozens of luxurious Waikiki hotels, fine restaurants, and excellent shops, Waikiki Beach offers a two mile stretch of brilliant, soft, white sand, and pristine water great for swimming, surfing, boogie boarding, paddling, and sailing. Aside from all of the fun in the sun that this amazing beach has to offer, Waikiki Beach also has reef areas for snorkeling, picnic areas, concession stands, rental shops for surf boards, etc., restrooms, showers, and phones. Lifeguards are also stationed along the beach throughout the entire day. It is also possible to take surfing lessons at the beach, however, during the summer months you should use caution during high surf warnings.

Beachgoers can appreciate the warm, sunny weather that Waikiki Beach is blessed by throughout the entire year. A beautiful view of Diamond Head can also be seen in the distance. Some other great things about the beach include the open-armed statue of local hero and “Father of Modern Surfing” Duke Kahanmoku, the monthly “Brunch on the Beach” event where local chefs offer their delectable dishes for discounted prices, “Sunset on the Beach,” which is a free movie event that takes place on the beach and is viewed on a 30 ft. outdoor screen, the nearby Kapiolani Park, Waikiki Aquarium, and much more.

The Waimanalo Beach Park which is located in the middle of the seventy five acre Waimanalo Bay Recreation Area is one of the most beautiful and well liked areas in Oahu. The extended white beach attracts hundreds of visitors each year. Its a regular hot spot for locals and loved by tourists. The beach slopes partially into the ocean which provides a great area for swimming or water recreations for many. For those who are just looking to splash around or have small children this is one of the safer places for them to play.

There are many other uses for the beach including surfing and body boarding. Many travel to this area if they are just learning to surf because it offers calmer waves than some of the other surrounding areas. Most of the time this area remains calm with a mild shorebreak.

There are lifeguards on duty but unlike some of the other beaches this particular one is closed down at dark.  This area does not offer picnic areas but you can use one of the shaded areas to eat. Toss a blanket down on the sand and you will be all set. There are also showers, phones, and restrooms available to the public.

This area is also known for stinging jellyfish so you will want to be aware of them before going into the water. This area doesn’t pose as many hazardous issues as some of the other beaches but always read warning signs or danger posts.

One of the most well known beaches in Oahu is the Sunset Beach Park. Its one of the longest beaches in the area with an amazing length of two miles and close to three hundred feet wide. With beautiful white sand and extraordinary views of the crystal clear water this beach is an idea destination for a summer vacation. The beach not only offers excellent swimming and snorkeling but also has smaller tide pools that is perfect for collecting shells. This great area is also known for its wonders of nature that will make anyone gasp in awe.

With waves reaching as high as 15-20 feet during the winter its an idea place for surfing. Often this area is used for international surfing competitions because of its stability and its awesome accommodating waves. You can also find professional surfers practicing in this area during the winter.

The amenities are limited here to picnic areas. Also there are lifeguards on duty during business hours. You should be cautious about swimming in this area in the winter time due to the heights of the waves which could be deadly. Also the Sunset rip which often causes notorious riptide currents near the shore. Another thing to be aware of is the stinging limu during the months of June through September.

One of the more protected beaches is the Nanakuli Beach Park. This popular beach area has less strong surf conditions even during the winter time which makes this a haven for those who choose to vacation at this time of year. Also with a beautiful sandy beach area that’s stable year round this idea for those who enjoy swimming. The stability is due to the coral reefs that slope downward.

For those who are looking for a calmer place to surf this is a great area to use all year round. Its not only good for professionals who need a place to practice but also for beginners. Since the waves are much calmer there aren’t as many safety issues.

The Nanakuli Beach Park is a great place to spend an afternoon relaxing on the beach or just hanging out with the family. There are areas that you can enjoy a picnic while your children are running around enjoying the sun. With the lovely sandy beaches you will want to make time to build a sand castle or two.

The amenities like most other beaches include the picnic areas, restrooms, and phones. Also there are lifeguards on duty during business hours.

You will want to make sure to always read any warnings that may be posted. Also while its more rare to see over bearing waves you will want to be aware or high surf conditions or strong currents especially during winter months.

The La’ie Beach Park which is located close to the Polynesian Cultural Center is well known for its secluded area and loved by locals for its excellent fishing and surfing. This area has lovely sand beaches which also have large coral reef providing more protection from the surf tides allowing the beach to be safer for swimmers and surfers.

For those who are beginners this is a great place to have peaceful waves to play around with. This area is also loved by those who enjoy boogie boarding. Whether you are a pro or an intermediate water sports lover this is a great place to play ocean sports.

There are no major warnings that’s posted near this beach other than the typical things such as watching tides and monitoring ocean conditions.

The amenities are pretty limited in this area to shay areas and offshore reef. There are no lifeguards available or public facilities such as restrooms or picnic areas.

While there are no services or amenities provided its still a great place for individuals or families to spend the day enjoying the amazing views and calm surfs. You can always bring a blanket and have a picnic right on the sandy beaches while your children are building sand castles or playing volleyball.

The Kailua Beach Park is one of Oahu’s most loved beaches. The area is not only beautiful but also provides excellent wind surfing and swimming. This area is known for as a world first-class wind surfing destination. For those who are looking to take up a new hobby wind surfing may be for you. Renta gear and lessons can be purchased nearby. Many offshore islands create an amazing backdrop to the exotic tropical destination.

Other activities that can be enjoyed here are body boarding and kayaking. People from all over the world travel to this particular destination just to wind surf for a week or to observe the professionals that practice here. If you are looking to spend the day swimming or playing on the beach this is a great place to do so. Once you are finished you can enjoy a late evening snack in a shaded area or the desiginated picnic areas.

The Kaliua Beach Park offers several ammenities incluiding a concession stand, restrooms, showers, and phones. There are lifeguards on dut during business hours for your safety.

Make sure that you check all warnings and posts before going into the water. This area is known for Portugese Man-of War and from June through September you will need to becareful due to stinging lima. Ocassionally this area will have high surfs so you will want to avoid swimming or surfing during these times.

One of the more popular beaches located in Oahu is the Hanauma Bay Nature Park. In 1967, This curved bay was stated a protected marine life conservation area and also an underwater park. The popularity for this area has rapidly increased since it has been declared the most protected cove. This particular area offers much to those who are new at snorkeling or scuba diving. There is a large diverse population amongst the marine life located here which is amazing for anyone to witness. For the more advanced divers or snorkelers they may enjoy beauty beyond the reef in deeper water. The reef extends throughout the cove allowing those who are advanced to travel farther than those who opt to stay closer to shore.

Most find it fascinating that the bay floor is known as the crater of an ancient volcano. The volcano’s exterior wall collapsed when it was flooded creating whats now the bay area.

It provides a wonderful atmosphere for those who are looking to spend the day picnicking or sunbathing. With the breath taking views and beautiful water fronts it attracts not only tourist but locals who regularly visit. Its a wonderful place to swim or to view the marine life up close in a safer environment compared to those of other beaches.

Like always obey any lifeguard warnings and be aware of any ocean conditions that may be out of the ordinary.

The beloved Halona Beach Cove is famously known for its appearance in the movie From Here To Eternity starring Deborah Kerr and Burt Lancaster. The movie which was created in 1953 aired a romantic love scene between the two at this very location. Other than being a small but lovely sand beach the movie is what helped give its nickname, “The Peering Place”. The Halona cover is located just a bit right near the Halona Blowhole.

Those who visit this area are often those who want to take photos of the scenic view or for the peace that if offers. This is more of an appropriate place for adults and those who have experience with the more difficult areas to find. There is a steep hike to reach the beach and very rocky so its not really recommended for those with children.

There are no facilities on this beach or a lifeguard but offers great swimming when the waves are calm. If your up for a good hike then this is the place for you. Once you reach your destination you will enjoy the amazing views as well as the Blowhole Overlook.

You should not swim out of the protected cove area due to unsafe rocky areas and strong currents. Its always advised to wear shoes that are sturdy and will not collapse during the rocky hike to the beach. There are also many rock hazards posted throughout the beach area.

The Ehukai Beach Park also known as the “Reddish Tinged Water” or “Ehukai” houses the well known Banzai Pipeline. The North Shore beach can be one of the most amazing as well as most dangerous in the world for surfing. The waves break furiously off of the shallow reef in the months that cause them to be powerful and steep. During the calmer months normally in the summer and spring swimming is great near the sandbar.

This can be a great place to hang out during the day with family enjoying the views and playing near the shore. Whether your a swimmer or a surfer you will find an area to suit your needs here. Also during the winter months you will find more professional surfers in the area to test out the monstrous waves.

The Ehukai Beach Park offers picnic areas for lounging after a long day of fun. Also the more common amenities are restrooms, showers, and phones. There are lifeguards who are on duty during business hours.

This area is known for a few possible dangers such as strong currents or high surf which again is normally in the winter. Some waves may reach as high as twenty five feet Also stinging Limu may be a problem during June to September. While there are great benefits and beauty to be explored among this beautiful area make sure to do so safely. Follow any safety rules or regulations posted by lifeguards. Avoid any dangerous areas.