It’s no secret that the island of Oahu in Hawaii has been a top-tier vacation destination year after year. One of the biggest draws is the world-class beaches, but with so many to choose from, which ones are the best?
Well, you’re in luck because I will answer that question by covering the 11 best beaches in Oahu, Hawaii, including valuable tips, a list of amenities, and location information.
Some of my earliest childhood vacation memories include the beaches of Oahu. I also recently spent over a year living on the island, experiencing everything it offers, including its wide assortment of incredible beaches.
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Best Beaches in Oahu Table of contents
Where to stay in Oahu?
But first, before we get to the best beaches in Oahu list, we must find somewhere to stay!
How to Get to the Best Beaches in Oahu
Now that we have somewhere to stay let’s cover the best way to get around the island. Oahu does have a public transportation system, but the coverage is limited, and the schedules could be more flexible.
Taxis and Uber ride services are available on Oahu, but the costs can add up quickly, and it can be challenging to catch a lift in the more rural parts of the island. You don’t want to get stranded.
So, to fully experience everything the island offers and access the best beaches, you will want to rent a car. For the complete details and the best type of car to rent in Oahu, check out everything you need to know about renting a car in Hawaii.
Now, let’s get to it!
Best Beaches in Oahu, Hawaii
The beaches in Oahu are diverse. Each one offers something unique, which I’ll detail below. Also, this list is not necessarily in order of my preference because it is subjective.
But it most certainly includes the best beaches in Oahu that you need to visit.
Waimea Bay Beach
If you visit only one Oahu beach, ensure it is Waimea Bay Beach! Located on the North Shore, Waimea Bay Beach is famous for its massive waves in the winter months, attracting some of the world’s best surfers.
But don’t worry; during summer and shoulder seasons, Waimea Bay transforms into a much calmer swimming beach. The water is crystal clear, and the views of the surrounding cliffs are breathtaking.
Be sure to check out “Jump Rock,” where you can do some cliff jumping into the deep blue waters of Waimea Bay.
Also, it has yet to be well known, but on calm days, Waimea offers some pretty incredible snorkelling on the backside of Jump Rock.
You will find adequate restrooms and shower facilities. What could be better is the parking situation. Make sure to arrive early to give yourself the best chance at snagging one of the limited spots.
Things to Know About Waimea Beach:
- Visitor volume: High
- Accessibility: Easy to moderate
- Showers and restrooms on site? Yes and yes
- Good for swimming? Yes, during the summer months. No during winter wave season.
- Are drinks and snacks available on-site? No
Waikiki Beach
Located on the south shore of Honolulu, Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous and iconic beaches in Oahu. This beach offers the best beginner long-boarding surf on the island. Board rentals and surf lessons are readily available.
Waikiki is not the beach you’re looking for if you are after space and seclusion. It is by far the busiest beach on Oahu, and it sometimes can be challenging to find a piece of sand to set up.
However, the energy is unmatched, the views incredible, and its proximity to restaurants, from fine dining to food trucks, is as good as it gets. Waikiki also offers restrooms and shower facilities.
Stick around for later because Waikiki Beach offers some pretty epic Oahu beach sunset views.
Things to Know About Waikiki Beach:
- Visitor volume: High
- Beach Access: Easy
- Showers and restrooms on site? Yes and yes
- Good for swimming? Yes
- Are drinks and snacks available on-site? Yes
Lanikai Beach
Voted as one of the top beaches in the world, Lanikai Beach is one of the best beaches in Oahu, Hawaii. Located on the island’s windward side, this beach offers powdery white sand and crystal-clear blue waters.
Lanikai Beach is best viewed from one of the best easy hikes in Oahu, the Lanikai Pillbox, and is often the natural destination to cool off after the hike.
A reef protects the beach, so the snorkelling is fantastic year-round. Many coral balls are teeming with marine life.
Be sure to wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate ecosystem.
There are no restrooms or showers, and parking can be tricky, so arrive early and plan accordingly.
Things to Know About Lanikai Beach:
- Visitor volume: Medium to high
- Accessibility: Moderate
- Showers and restrooms on site? No, and no
- Good for swimming? Yes
- Are drinks and snacks available on-site? No
Kailua Beach
Continuing along the windward side, we come to Kailua Beach, another famous and beautiful beach on Oahu. It is similar to Lanikai in terms of powdery white sand and crystal-clear blue waters but is more accessible, offering more space, less walking, and better parking.
The reef also protects the beach, making great swimming and an excellent friendly option for kids. It can be a bit windy, attracting windsurfers and kite surfers.
Kailua Beach Park has excellent facilities, including bathrooms, showers, and BBQ grills. You can also rent water sports equipment like kayaks or stand-up paddleboards.
Things to Know About Kailua Beach:
- Visitor volume: High
- Accessibility: Easy
- Showers and restrooms on site? Yes and yes
- Good for swimming? Yes
- Are drinks and snacks available on-site? No
Makapu’u Beach
Off the beaten path and many people’s radars is the stunning Makapu’u Beach. Located on the southeast tip, Makapu’u might be the prettiest beach on the island.
Unlike Kailua and Lanikai, the waves can get fierce, so hang on to your littles. But, for the stronger swimmers, Makapu’u is an excellent beach for body surfers and boogie boarders.
The beach is also adjacent to the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail, a beautiful and easy hike leading to panoramic views of the coast.
There are decent restrooms, shower facilities, and parking spots at Makapu’u Beach Park.
Things to Know About Makapuu Beach:
- Visitor volume: Medium
- Accessibility: Moderate
- Showers and restrooms on site? Yes and yes
- Good for swimming? Good for strong swimmers
- Are drinks and snacks available on-site?
Sunset Beach
Another famous spot on Oahu’s North Shore is Sunset Beach. During the winter months, this beach lives up to its name with epic sunsets and massive waves that attract surfers worldwide.
However, just like Waimea Bay, during summer and shoulder seasons, the waves mellow out somewhat, and Sunset Beach can become swimmable. The shallow waters are great for kids to play in and even spot some turtles.
Sunset Beach Park has restrooms, showers, and parking spots across the street.
Things to Know About Sunset Beach:
- Visitor volume: Medium
- Accessibility: Easy
- Showers and restrooms on site? Yes and yes
- Good for swimming? Good in summer months
- Are drinks and snacks available on-site? No
Hanauma Bay
One of the most popular beaches on Oahu is Hanauma Bay, located on the southeastern coast. This beach is not your typical sandy beach but a sheltered cove with calm waters that make perfect snorkelling.
Hanauma Bay is home to various colourful fish and even some sea turtles. Because of its popularity and the impact that we as humans have on this special place, fees and reservations are required. Plan ahead and look up the most recent processes here at Hanauma Bay for reservations and payments.
Restrooms, showers, and parking are available for those who arrive early with reservations.
Things to Know About Hanauma Bay:
- Visitor volume: High
- Accessibility: Easy
- Showers and restrooms on site? Yes and yes
- Good for swimming? Yes, and great for snorkelling.
- Are drinks and snacks available on-site? Yes
Pounder’s Beach
Back to the North Shore, we go for this beach gem. Pounder’s Beach, located at Laie Beach Park, is a local favourite known for its non-touristy vibe, epic views, and body-boarding waves.
Pounders Beach gets its name from the waves that pound up against the volcanic cliffs, making for a fascinating display of power. You can even hike up to the cliff edge to witness this stunning scene from above.
The beach is spacious, and the lush trees and vegetation create seclusion and a picturesque backdrop.
There are no restrooms, but you will find some picnic tables and showers for convenience.
Things to Know About Pounders Beach:
- Visitor volume: Low
- Accessibility: Easy
- Showers and restrooms on site? Showers, yes; restrooms, no.
- Good for swimming? Good in the Summer months.
- Are drinks and snacks available on-site? No
Three Tables Beach
Another must-experience beach on the North Shore is Three Tables, named after the three flat-topped rocks that sit offshore and provide protection from the waves.
This beach is perfect for kids, snorkelers, and beginner surfers, as the reef creates a calm lagoon. You can even rent equipment nearby if you need to get your own.
There are only a few facilities here, but you will find restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and a basketball court next door at Sharks Cove. Also, many food trucks offer excellent grinds across from Shark’s Cove.
Things to Know About Three Tables Beach:
- Visitor volume: High
- Accessibility: Easy but limited parking.
- Showers and restrooms on site? Not on site but close by at Shark’s Cove.
- Good for swimming? Yes
- Are drinks and snacks available on-site? Nearby at Shark’s Cove
Kawela Beach
Next up is Kawela Beach, located on the north shore of Oahu near Turtle Bay. You will hear a few locals talking about Kawela Beach in hopes of keeping it a secret.
Its calm waters are rare for the North Shore but make for excellent swimming and paddleboarding. I love the beautiful, lush tropical forest that keeps this beach hidden. You’ll even find a giant Banyan tree that has been the setting of many films.
Kawela also offers excellent snorkelling opportunities, with plenty of colourful fish and sea turtles swimming around. We have Kawela on our list of the top Oahu spots to snorkel with turtles.
Unfortunately, this beach has no facilities, so you should plan accordingly.
Things to Know About Kawela Beach:
- Visitor volume: Low
- Accessibility: Moderate
- Showers and restrooms on site? No, and no
- Good for swimming? Yes
- Are drinks and snacks available on-site? No
Ehukai Beach (Pipeline)
Last but certainly not least is Ehukai Beach, aka Pipeline. The “Pipeline” is known worldwide in the surf community and is home to some of the biggest competitions.
It’s a great beach to set up and watch the surfers take on massive waves, but it’s also a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.
When the waters calm in summer, the beach becomes more family-friendly and offers some swimming opportunities. However, always use caution, as pipelines are known for their powerful and unpredictable waves.
This beach has no facilities, so plan accordingly and bring your supplies. And, as always, be cautious and respectful of the ocean and its inhabitants.
Things to Know About Pipeline Beach:
- Visitor volume: Mid to high
- Accessibility: Moderate
- Showers and restrooms on site? No, and No
- Good for swimming? OK, in the Summer months.
- Are drinks and snacks available on-site? No
FAQ: Best Beautiful Beaches in Oahu, Hawaii
If you could only choose one to spend the day at, it has to be Waimea Beach on the North Shore.
The clearest water on the island can be found at Lanikai Beach, which makes for some great snorkelling and stunning views.
Locals like to frequent beaches off the beaten track, tucked away from the tourist masses, and usually near parks. Makua and Nanakuli on the west side fit the bill, and Pounders on the North Shore is popular with locals.
You can swim on many beaches in Oahu during Summer when the waves are mild. Year-round, the best beaches for swimming are on the south and west sides.
Ala Moana Beach, Hanauma Bay, and Kailua Beach have calm waters that are great for kids.
Both islands have incredible beaches, but Maui gets the edge mostly because there is more space and fewer people, making for better beach experiences.
The most well-known beach on Oahu is Waikiki Beach, located in Honolulu. It’s easily accessible, full of energy, and an ideal spot to learn to surf longboard.
Laniakea, or “Turtle Beach,” is the best beach to spot sea turtles in Oahu. It’s not uncommon to see turtles napping right up on the sand.
Wrapping Up: Best Beaches in Oahu, Hawaii
To wrap it all up, Oahu is truly a paradise for beach lovers. With various experiences, from quiet, hidden gems to world-renowned surf spots, there’s a beach for every taste and interest. Remember, each beach has unique charm and characteristics, so consider what you’re looking for on a beach day before heading out. Whether you’re an adventure-seeker, a family with kids, a snorkelling enthusiast, or need some relaxation, you will find your perfect beach escape in Oahu, Hawaii. Enjoy the sun, sand, nature and surf; remember to respect the environment and local customs. Happy beaching!
Guest Author Griff Christensen is a former marketing manager who ditched his high-stress lifestyle for the world. In 2019, he sold everything and set out on a full-time travel adventure around the globe with his crew, The Runaway Family.
