10 Gorgeous Oahu Beaches You’ll Adore (& 9 of Them Aren’t Waikiki!) ๐ŸŒบ๐Ÿ–๏ธ

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Kailua Beach Oahu Hawaii

These beautiful beaches prove there’s so much more to Oahu than just Waikiki Beach. I live on Oahu, here are my favorite beaches to visit!

It’s no secret that the Hawaiian islands are a true paradise for beach lovers. 

From soft white sands to volcanic black sands and everything in between, you’ll have no trouble finding a dozen beaches in Hawaii to love. 

When it comes to beaches in Hawaii, most people immediately think of Maui’s magical sands. But with over 125 beaches stretching across 112 miles of coastline, the island of Oahu is also home to plenty of world-class beaches. 

And I should know. I live in Waikiki and I love getting out of the city to explore all of Oahu’s lovely beaches. 

Whether you’re looking for a calm lagoon to snorkel, a surf spot with big waves, or a picture-perfect white sand beach to soak up the sun, this island has it all. From the bustling shores of Waikiki to the laid-back vibes of the North Shore, Oahu’s beaches are some of the best in the world.

Today, Iโ€™m sharing 10 of my favorite beaches on Oahu to help you plan your perfect beach day. So grab your reef-safe sunscreen and let’s get started!

1. Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach Diamond Head Oahu Hawaii
Waikiki Beach

Okay, let’s start with the elephant in the room… world-famous Waikiki Beach. It’s the iconic image of Hawaii and you can’t come to Oahu without at least a quick visit to this postcard-worthy crescent of white sand framed by Diamond Head crater and high-rise resorts. 

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will likely blow on mai tais, poke, and shave ice.ย  All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you.ย 

Read More: The 7 Absolute Best Things to Do on Oahu (if time is short!)

Contrary to popular belief, Waikiki Beach isnโ€™t just one beachโ€”itโ€™s a series of connected beaches stretching for nearly two miles along Oahuโ€™s south shore. 

Each section has its own vibe, from the calm lagoon-like waters ofย Kahanamoku Beachย near the Hilton Hawaiian Village to the classic surf breaks in front of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.ย 

Kuhio Beach, with its protective breakwater, is a popular spot for swimming, while atย Queenโ€™s Beachย andย Kaimana Beachย you’ll find a more laid-back atmosphere away from the busiest areas.

But just because this is Oahu’s busiest beach, doesn’t mean you won’t spot some of Hawaii’s incredible wildlife here.

My favorite part of the beach for wildlife spotting is right in front of Steak Shack onย Fort DeRussy Beach. Here, it’s common for Hawaiian monk seals to swim right up to sun themselves on the beach (helpfully assisted by beach attendants who quickly cone them off to maintain the required 50′ distance).ย 

Monk Seal Fort Derussy Beach Oahu Hawaii
A monk seal resting in Waikiki

Tip:ย The stone jetty right in front of Steak Shack is a great place for spotting sea turtles and watching the Friday Night Fireworks! (Also, don’t forget to grab a bite at Steak Shack, it’s one of my favorite cheap eats on the island.)

Read More:ย The 10 Best Cheap Eats in Waikiki (#1 is a beachfront gem!)

Need to Know

Waikiki Beach has numerous public access points, but parking is limitedโ€”your best bet is to use nearby garages or stay within walking distance. The entire stretch is lined with lifeguards, restrooms, showers, and gear rental stands. Plus tons of restaurants and shops.

2. Lanikai Beach

Lanikai Beach Oahu Hawaii
Pack a picnic for Lanikai Beach

Tucked away in the upscale residential neighborhood of Kailua on windward Oahu, Lanikai Beach is not just one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii, it’s been named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.ย 

Read More: 15 Amazing Beaches to Add to Your Hawaii Bucket List

With its soft, powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water, itโ€™s perfect for swimming, kayaking, or paddle boarding. Or just relaxing with a view of the iconic Mokulua Islands offshore. Lanikai is small and serene, offering a peaceful escape from the crowds.

Need to Know

Thereโ€™s no designated parking lot for Lanikai Beach, so youโ€™ll need to park on nearby residential streets (or better yet, just park at the handy parking lot for the next beach on this list and walk over).

If you do score a street parking space, just be respectful of local residents and watch for no-parking signs. There are no lifeguards, restrooms, or facilities here, so plan accordingly and pack out what you pack in. Arriving early is key to securing parking and enjoying the beach at its quietest.

3. Kailua Beach Park

Kailua Beach Oahu Hawaii
Beautiful Kailua Beach

Less than a mile from Lanikai, Kailua Beach Park is a larger, family-friendly destination with everything you need for a perfect beach day (including plenty of parking!). The long stretch of soft white sand, gentle waves, and lush surroundings is perfect for swimming, kayaking, windsurfing, and picnicking.

With plenty of space to spread out, itโ€™s a more accessible alternative to its smaller neighbor, Lanikai Beach.

Need to Know

Kailua Beach Park has a spacious parking lot, so it’s much easier to access than Lanikai. The park is well-equipped with lifeguards, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and shaded areas.

4. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Hanauma Bay for Snorkeling Oahu Hawaii Waikiki
Hanauma Bay, Oahu’s best snorkeling

Hanauma Bay is a stunning marine sanctuary located on Oahuโ€™s southeast coast. Famous for its vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life, this crescent-shaped bay is the best place for snorkeling on Oahu. With calm, shallow waters and breathtaking views, itโ€™s an ideal destination for anyone wanting an up-close look at Oahuโ€™s underwater beauty.

Need to Know

Hanauma Bay requires an entry fee, and reservations are mandatory to limit crowds and protect the reef. Parking is available, but it fills up quickly (even if you have a reservation!), so plan to arrive early.

Read More:ย The Foolproof Guide to Hanauma Bay for Snorkeling

The preserve has lifeguards, restrooms, and a small snack bar. All visitors must watch an educational video about reef preservation before entering. Snorkel gear is available for rent, or you can bring your own.

The preserve is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays to allow the ecosystem to recover.

5. Waimanalo Beach

Waimanalo Beach Oahu Best Beaches
Waimanalo Beach

Waimanalo Beach, located on Oahuโ€™s windward side, is a tranquil, three-mile stretch of pristine white sand with a backdrop of lush ironwood trees and the Koสปolau Mountains.

The calm, turquoise waters and gentle waves make it ideal for swimming and boogie boarding. Itโ€™s a favorite among locals and a beach day here is a more peaceful experience than at its famous neighbors.

Need to Know

Waimanalo Beach has multiple public access points with parking available at Waimanalo Beach Park. There are also restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and lifeguards. Thereโ€™s plenty of shade along the tree line, but itโ€™s a good idea to bring your own beach umbrella if you plan to stay all day.

6. Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach North Shore Oahu
Sunset Beach

Located on Oahuโ€™s North Shore, Sunset Beach is a must-visit for its golden sand and epic surf. In the winter, itโ€™s a hotspot for watching world-class surfers tackle massive waves, while summer brings calmer waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

True to its name, this beach is also one of the best spots on the island to catch a breathtaking sunset.

Need to Know

There is a small parking lot across the street from Sunset Beach, along with some roadside parking, but it fills up quickly. Lifeguards are on duty, and there are restrooms and showers nearby. Be cautious of strong currents during the winter surf season.

Tip: Visit during summer for the calmest conditions, and grab a spot on the sand around 6 PM for nature’s best show.

Read More:ย 15 Canโ€™t-Miss Stops on a Day Trip to Oahuโ€™s Iconic North Shore

7. Waimea Bay Beach Park

Waimea Bay North Shore Oahu
Waimea Bay – North Shore, Oahu

Also located on the North Shore of Oahu, Waimea Bay is famous for its stunning beauty and seasonal extremes. In the high surf winter months, the bay attracts top surfers from around the world to ride its massive waves.

In the summer, you’ll find calm, clear waters perfect for swimming. Thrill-seekers love jumping from “The Rock” – a large boulder on the bay’s right side.

Get there before 9 AM to score a free parking spot, and pair your beach visit with a trip to Waimea Valley’s botanical gardens and waterfall.

Read More: Hiking Waimea Falls: Oahuโ€™s Easiest Waterfall Hike

Need to Know

Waimea Bay Beach Park has a small parking lot that fills up quickly, so arriving early is essential (overflow parking is available across the street at Waimea Valley for a fee). Lifeguards are stationed at the beach, and there are restrooms, showers, and picnic tables available.

8. Ala Moana Beach Park & Magic Island

Magic Island Ala Moana Beach Park Honolulu Hawaii
The protected lagoon at Magic Island

Located just west of Waikiki, Ala Moana Beach Park is a favorite among locals and a laid-back alternative to bustling Waikiki Beach.

The reef-protected lagoon creates perfect conditions for lap swimming and paddleboarding, while the grassy areas behind the beach welcome family picnics under shady palm trees.ย 

The calm lagoon waters at Magic Island, a man-made peninsula within the park, are perfect for families with kids or anyone looking for a relaxing swim. With stunning views of the downtown Honolulu skyline and Diamond Head, itโ€™s also a favorite spot for picnics, paddleboarding, and sunset walks.

Need to Know

Ala Moana Beach Park has ample parking, but it does get busy on weekends and holidays. The park is well-equipped with lifeguards, restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and walking paths.

The park is close to shopping and dining at Ala Moana Center, so itโ€™s easy to combine a beach day with other activities.

9. Bellows Beach

Bellows Beach Oahu Hawaii
Bellows Beach

Located just down the road from Waimanalo on Oahuโ€™s windward side, Bellow Beach is a hidden gem and my favorite beach on Oahu.

Known for its soft white sand and turquoise waters, this quiet beach is part of a military base but is open to the public on weekends and holidays. If you have military access (like we do) it’s ideal to visit during the week when you’ll have it practically all to yourself.

The calm waves at Bellows make it a great spot for swimming, boogie boarding, and beach picnics, especially for families looking for a laid-back beach day.

Need to Know

Public access to Bellows Beach is available only on weekends and federal holidays, so plan your visit accordingly. There is ample parking, along with restrooms, showers, and picnic tables. While there are no lifeguards, the beach generally has gentle surf, though itโ€™s still important to stay aware of conditions.

10. Ko Olina Resort Area

Ko Olina Lagoon 4 Best Free Things to Do Oahu Hawaii
Ko Olina Lagoon 4

The Ko Olina Resort area, located on Oahuโ€™s west side, features four beautifully landscaped man-made lagoons that are perfect for swimming and relaxing. The calm waters of these protected lagoons are ideal for families with young kids.

With luxury resorts like Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, and the Four Seasons Resort Ko Olina nearby, the area also offers a polished, resort-style beach experience.

โ€‹All of the lagoons are open to anyone but Lagoon 4 (the only one without a resort attached to it) is the easiest to visit if you’re not staying in Ko Olina.

Need to Know

Free parking is available next to Lagoon 4 but it’s very limited, so arrive early to secure a spot. There are no lifeguards, but the lagoonsโ€™ design keeps the water calm and safe. Restrooms, showers, and grassy picnic areas are available at each lagoon, and nearby restaurants offer dining options.ย 

So go hit the beach on Oahu!

Oahuโ€™s beaches offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for watersports, tranquil lagoons, or stunning scenery. Just remember Hawaii’s 3 golden rules when it comes to beaches:

  1. Check conditions:ย Always check the surf report and heed any warning signs or flags. Oahuโ€™s waters can change quickly, especially on the North Shore in the winter.
  2. Respect the ocean:ย If you’re not a strong swimmer, avoid entering areas with rough surf, strong currents, or undertows.ย 
  3. Leave no trace:ย Pack out all trash, use reef-safe sunscreen, and avoid stepping on or touching coral to help preserve Hawaiiโ€™s natural beauty.

From the iconic Waikiki Beach to the serene shores of Lanikai, these 10 beaches showcase the incredible diversity and beauty of Oahu. No matter which beach you choose, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable day in paradise.

Looking for more great beaches in Hawaii? Start Here:

5 Unforgettable Maui Beaches (Donโ€™t Leave Hawaii Without Seeing #3)

These 7 Kauai Beaches are Simply Too Gorgeous to Ignore

Images of six picturesque white sand beaches around Oahu with clear turquoise water including Waikiki Beach Ko Olina Lagoons, Lanikai Beach, Sunset Beach and Hanauma Bay. Text reads Oahu 10 Epic Beaches You Can't Miss.
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