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What makes Honolulu’s beaches special?
- Honolulu is home to some of the most famous beaches, not just in
Hawaii, but in the entire world.
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How close are Honolulu’s beaches to the city?
- One of the best features of Honolulu’s beaches is their convenient location.
- They are all situated close to the city, allowing easy access for visitors.
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What amenities are near Honolulu’s beaches?
- Near the soft sands of each beach, visitors can find:
- Exciting nightlife spots
- Varied stores for shopping
- Fine dining restaurants
- And much more, all within walking distance.
Best Time to Visit Beaches in Honolulu, Hawaii
- April to October – Best overall time for warm weather, calm surf, and ideal beach conditions.
- June to August – Peak summer with sunny skies, perfect swimming, and bustling beach vibes.
- April, May & September – Fewer crowds, pleasant temps, and great snorkeling and paddleboarding.
- November to March – Cooler, breezy season with big waves—great for surfing and whale watching.
- December Holidays – Popular time with festive events and busy beach scenes—book early!
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1. Sunset Beach
Watch epic waves and enjoy breathtaking sunsets.
© tobago77/stock.adobe.com
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How does the experience at Sunset Beach change throughout the year?
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As with many Honolulu beaches, Sunset Beach can offer a very different experience depending on the time of year you happen to be visiting.
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What is Sunset Beach like in the winter?
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If you're at this beach in the winter months, you'll be able to sit back and admire the skills of some of the world's best surfers riding some crazy waves.
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What is Sunset Beach like in spring and summer?
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If you're at Sunset Beach in spring or summer, the waters are much gentler and ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
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What activities can visitors enjoy at Sunset Beach?
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The 2-mile beach offers a lot of space for beach games, picnics, and relaxing sunbathing sessions too.
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Is Sunset Beach a safe place to visit?
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It is also one of the safest beaches in the area, with lifeguards on duty all through the year.
2. Ke Iki Beach
Walk along golden sands and admire powerful winter waves.
© Galyna Andrushko/stock.adobe.com
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What makes Ke Iki Beach special?
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The golden sands and shimmering waters of Ke Iki Beach are beyond breathtaking. If you try to imagine a perfect beach in your mind, it probably looks a lot like this one.
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What activities can visitors enjoy at Ke Iki Beach?
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With captivating views in every direction, Ke Iki Beach is highly popular for both surfing and swimming, depending on the waves.
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Does Ke Iki Beach have amenities?
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Ke Iki Beach is one of the most untouched beaches of Honolulu, without any amenities. This means you'll need to bring your own food and beach equipment.
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Are there stores or restaurants near Ke Iki Beach?
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While the beach itself has no amenities, there are some stores and eateries just a short drive away if you need them.
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Is Ke Iki Beach a good place to watch the sunset?
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Ke Iki Beach is one of the best places in all of Hawaii to watch the sunset.
3. Waimea Bay
Swim in calm summer waters and watch daring cliff jumpers.
© Jeff/stock.adobe.com
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What makes Waimea Bay famous?
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Up on the north shore, Waimea Bay is one of the most famous beaches in the world. It attracts the planet's most talented surfers and is known for some of the craziest waves in all of Hawaii.
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When is Waimea Bay best for surfing?
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In the latter months of the year, when the waters are choppy and the waves are high, Waimea Bay is best-suited for surfing.
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Is Waimea Bay safe for swimming?
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In the summer months, the water gets much calmer and can be great for people of all ages to paddle, waddle, swim, and splash around.
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What kind of atmosphere does Waimea Bay have?
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Waimea Bay is a beautiful beach with golden sands and a lively atmosphere.
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Does Waimea Bay have amenities?
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Yes, there are some good amenities here, including clean showers, restrooms, and picnic tables.
4. Ehukai Beach Park
Surf legendary waves and enjoy exciting beach views.
© Kelly Headrick/stock.adobe.com
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What makes Ehukai Beach Park special?
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Definitely one of the most popular and well-known beaches in Honolulu, Ehukai Beach Park is perhaps most popular with surfers.
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What is the Banzai Pipeline?
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Ehukai Beach Park is home to the Banzai Pipeline, a name that any surfing enthusiast will be familiar with. It sees some mega waves on windy days.
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How big is the beach?
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The beach itself stretches out a long way in both directions, offering plenty of space to hang out with the crowds or find a more secluded spot to listen to the waves.
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What amenities are available at Ehukai Beach Park?
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Amenities include restrooms and showers, with bars and eateries only a short walk away too.
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Is Ehukai Beach Park enjoyable for non-surfers?
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Even if you're not a surfer, it's a lot of fun to sit on this beach and watch pros and amateurs alike riding the waves.
5. Lanikai Beach
Kayak to nearby islands and admire crystal-clear turquoise waters.
© Nataliya Hora/stock.adobe.com
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How long is Lanikai Beach?
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Running for around a mile in total, Lanikai Beach stands out for its warm waters and breathtaking views.
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What makes the water at Lanikai Beach special?
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The sea here is the prettiest shade of blue you could ever hope to see, and the relatively gentle waves provide perfect conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
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What activities can visitors enjoy at Lanikai Beach?
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Kayaking is also a popular activity on this beach, and there's a coral reef a short way off the shore if you're in the mood to dive down and check out the local marine life.
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What scenic features can be admired from Lanikai Beach?
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A couple of picturesque islands can be admired off in the distance, making this beach a great place to snap some photos.
6. Honolulu Map with Beaches
© lesniewski/stock.adobe.com
There are plenty of breathtaking beaches to be found all around the islands of Hawaii, but if you’re looking to enjoy the islands’ beaches while also getting an authentic taste of Hawaiian culture, cuisine, and nightlife, Honolulu is the place to be. The capital city of Hawaii, Honolulu is found on the island Oahu, on the southern coast. Honolulu is quite simply one of the prettiest cities on the planet, with a stunning skyline, mind-blowing beaches, and the warmest, bluest waters for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and more.
When the stresses and mundanity of modern life have gotten the best of you and you just need to get away from it all, there’s nowhere quite like the beach. Beaches are the simplest places on the planet, offering nothing but sun, sea, and sand, but the simplest things in life often provide the greatest pleasures, and beaches give us all we need to have a great time. There are a lot of dream beach destinations all over the world, with Hawaii standing out as one of the best. The Aloha State, made up of multiple islands of different sizes, boasts a long list of world class, picture perfect beaches for all to enjoy.
Plan Your Trip
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