Beaches on Oahu, Hawaii

1. Waikiki Beach

• What is Waikiki Beach?
  • Iconic Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world.
• Where is Waikiki Beach located?
  • Located on the south shore of Oahu, Waikiki is the renowned upscale neighborhood of Honolulu that was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty and is today the home of Oahu’s main resorts, hotels, and restaurants.
• How popular is Waikiki Beach?
  • It attracts millions of tourists from around the world.
• How close are the hotels to Waikiki Beach?
  • The hotels are only a few blocks from the shore and the magnificent Waikiki Beach.
• What makes Waikiki Beach special?
  • With miles of fine golden sand and a backdrop of Diamond Head, another Honolulu icon, Waikiki Beach is picture perfect.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Waikiki Beach?
  • It is a perfect place for a swim, snorkel, enjoying the sun, learning to surf, and watching the endless ocean stretching to the horizon.

Kalakaua Avenuue, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815

2. Ala Moana Beach Park

• What is Ala Moana Beach?
  • Ala Moana Beach is a half-mile long man-made beach between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu.
• How does Ala Moana Beach compare to Waikiki Beach?
  • It is popular among locals and often less crowded than the more famous Waikiki Beach.
• When and how was Ala Moana Beach created?
  • The beach was created in the 1950s by the owner of the Dillingham Dredging Company, who dumped his dredged sand in the park, creating the beach.
• What makes the water at Ala Moana Beach calm?
  • Ala Moana is protected by the outer shallow reef, and the water is always calm, making the beach great for swimming, paddle boarding, picnics, and long strolls along the water.
• Is Ala Moana Beach good for kids and beginners?
  • Kids and those learning to swim love its warm, calm waters.
• Are there designated areas for different activities?
  • There are buoys close to the reef, marking the area as reserved for stand-up paddle boarders, while the swimmers should stay closer to the beach.
• Where is Ala Moana Beach located?

  • 1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96814-4205

3. Hanauma Bay State Park

• What is Hanauma Bay State Park?
  • Hanauma Bay State Park has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
• Why do visitors have to watch a video before entering?
  • It is probably the only beach in the world where you have to watch a video before you are allowed to enter.
• Why is there an educational video requirement?
  • The beauty of the beach is also its undoing, since more than 3,000 people visit it every day, and years of too much use and abuse led the authorities to enforce education via video and dole out stiff fines for people who do not follow the rules of conduct.
• What is special about the bay?
  • The magnificent curved bay – a sunken volcanic cone – and its golden fine sand is now pristine again.
• Is Hanauma Bay part of a protected area?
  • It is part of the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, an underwater park and protected marine life conservation area.
• Is the park open every day?
  • The park is closed once a week and on holidays to allow marine life a respite from tourists.
• Where is Hanauma Bay State Park located?

  • 100 Hanauma Bay Drive, über Kalanianaole Highway, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96825

4. Kailua Beach

• What is Kailua Beach?
  • Only about a half hour from Honolulu on the windward side of Oahu, Kailua Beach is often declared as one of the most beautiful beaches in the States.
• What makes Kailua Beach special?
  • With a half-mile of powder fine white sand, clear azure water, and constant gentle breezes, Kailua Beach Park is a popular locals’ getaway from the crowds of Honolulu.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Kailua Beach?
  • It is great for swimming, surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and parasailing.
• Are there places to rent sports equipment?
  • There are several shops renting out sports equipment.
• What can visitors explore nearby?
  • The nearby small islands are fun to visit with a kayak, and you can find many small restaurants offering tasty local food along the road to the beach.
• What is a popular treat at Kailua Beach?
  • Shaved ice is the most popular refreshing treat on a hot day.
• Are there picnic areas available?
  • Visitors often pick up food to eat on the grassy picnic area on the beach with a perfect view of the ocean.
• Where is Kailua Beach located?

  • 526 Kawailoa Road, Kailua, Oahu, HI 96734

5. Lanikai Beach

• What is Lanikai Beach?
  • Lanikai Beach is a small but beautiful half-mile-long strip of fine golden sand on Oahu’s windward side in Lanikai in the town of Kailua.
• How can visitors access Lanikai Beach?
  • There is a small path going to the beach between mostly upper-class residential properties.
• Is Lanikai Beach a public beach?
  • The beach is public property; it is not part of a park and has no facilities such as showers, restrooms, or lifeguards.
• Does Lanikai Beach get crowded?
  • Nevertheless, it gets very crowded, especially on the weekend.
• What makes Lanikai Beach a popular destination?
  • The view from the beach of two small islands is magnificent, and the beach is a popular spot for photoshoots.
• Can visitors kayak to the nearby islands?
  • People like to kayak to the islands but can land only on the larger one, as the smaller island is a bird sanctuary.
• Where is Lanikai Beach located?

  • Kailua, HI 96734

6. Makaha Beach Park

• What is Makaha Beach Park?
  • Located on Oahu's west coast, Makaha Beach Park is a great swimming, surfing, and bodyboarding beach.
• When is the best time for swimming at Makaha Beach?
  • The ocean is calmer in the summer, so swimming is better then.
• Is Makaha Beach safe for swimming year-round?
  • In winter, strong surf and a dangerous rip current make it suitable only for experienced surfers. There are normally signs posted about the conditions, which can change at any time, so pay attention.
• Are there lifeguards at Makaha Beach?
  • Yes, there are lifeguards on the beach, so if you’re not sure, check with them.
• Where is the best spot for swimming at Makaha Beach?
  • In general, swimming is better towards the center of the beach, where there is a break in the reef.
• Where do surfers usually go at Makaha Beach?
  • Surfers like the northern end where the surf breaks on the reef, but the reef is close to the surface, and it is sharp and dangerous.
• Does Makaha Beach have shade?
  • There is not much shade on the beach, so bring an umbrella.
• Is Makaha Beach crowded?
  • The beach is rarely crowded except on weekends when local families come to picnic.
• Are there diving spots near Makaha Beach?
  • Yes, for divers, there is the well-known site of Makaha Caverns offshore.
• Where is Makaha Beach Park located?

  • 84-369 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI 96792

7. Makapuu Beach Park

• What is Makapuu Beach?
  • Most people come to this part of Oahu’s windward side to visit the scenic Makapuu Lighthouse and are surprised to find the lovely Makapuu Beach far below Makapuu Point in a small cove with fine soft sand that cascades toward the ocean.
• What natural features surround Makapuu Beach?
  • There are dark lava rocks around the beach, and the beautiful Makapuu Lighthouse stands like a beacon almost at the top of the mountain.
• How are the waves at Makapuu Beach?
  • The waves are often large and crash with thunder onto the shore.
• What activities are popular at Makapuu Beach?
  • Experienced local bodysurfers and bodyboarders ride the waves on the right side of the beach.
• Is it safe to swim at Makapuu Beach?
  • At times, the currents become very strong, and it is a good idea to check the condition of the surf with the lifeguard before challenging the waves if you are not experienced and familiar with the area.
• Where is Makapuu Beach located?

  • Oahu, Hawaii

8. Malaekahana Beach

• What is Malaekahana Beach?
  • Over a mile long, Malaekahana Beach is located in Malaekahana Bay on the northeastern coast of Oahu between La'ie and Kahuku.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Malaekahana Beach?
  • This beautiful white sand beach is perfect for long walks, ball games, and sunning. Most of the year, but especially in the winter when the surf is up, it offers great surfing and bodyboarding.
• Are there lifeguards at Malaekahana Beach?
  • There are no lifeguards on the beach, and the currents can be strong, so enter the water with care.
• What is special about Goat Island near Malaekahana Beach?
  • On the south end of the bay, just offshore, is the small Moku'auia Island or Goat Island. You can swim to it or surf, and in low tide, the water is shallow enough to simply walk there.
• What can visitors see on Goat Island?
  • The beach on Goat Island is even more beautiful, with white sand and green turtles that can often be seen.
• Is Goat Island fully accessible to visitors?
  • The center of the island is a bird nesting area and is off limits for people.
• Where is Malaekahana Beach located?

  • 56-335 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie, HI 96762

9. Pokai Bay

• What is Pokai Bay?
  • In the winter when strong waves are pounding all other Oahu beaches, Pokai Bay beach is calm and inviting thanks to the large breakwater in front of it.
• Where is Pokai Bay located?
  • Located on the island’s west side, this wide 15-acre sandy beach is popular with families with kids, but it is also great for beginner swimmers.
• What makes Pokai Bay a good choice for families?
  • On the weekend, you will see lots of families having a picnic in the spacious grassy area next to the kids’ playground.
• Are there designated swimming areas at Pokai Bay?
  • Swimming areas are clearly marked with buoys.
• What other activities can visitors enjoy at Pokai Bay?
  • Pokai Beach is also a popular canoe-launching place.
• What historical site can be visited near Pokai Bay?
  • On one end of the bay is Kane'ilio Point, a long peninsula where you can visit the Ku'ilioloa Heiau, an ancient Hawaiian temple.
• Where is Pokai Bay located?

  • Waianae Valley Rd, Waianae, HI 96792