Summary
Beaches on Oahu offer more than sunbathing and people watching on powder white sand in the embrace of warm Hawaiian sun rays.
With more than 125 beaches on Oahu, ranging from the powerful, pounding winter waves of the North Shore to the gentle shore break of Waikiki, there exists a beach ideal for every visitor, from sunbathers to athletic windsurfers.
Moreover, with water temperatures ranging from 75°F to 80°F year-round, it’s easy to see why locals and visitors alike are regularly drawn to the clear azure waters of Oahu.
Many of Oahu’s beaches are handicap accessible. The City and County of Honolulu has an excellent website with more information.
South Shore Beaches
The South Shore coastline is renowned for its family-friendly beaches, highly suitable for activities such as snorkeling, tide pooling, and swimming. These recreational activities are perfect for local families who enjoy picnicking along the shore.
- Ala Moana Beach: This is the most popular beach among locals. During weekends, holidays, and summer months, the bustling 76-acre park attracts tennis players, joggers, rollerbladers, large groups of picnickers, kite flyers, fishermen, sunbathers, swimmers, and surfers.
- Waikiki Beach: Spanning one-half mile wide by two miles long, Waikiki Beach consists of a collection of contiguous beaches, each featuring unique characteristics popular for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and beginner-level surfing. Kuhio Beach, with its low retaining wall to prevent sand erosion, is a highlight.
Southeast Shore Beaches
Two of Oahu’s most popular beaches are located on the southeast coast of the island.
- Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve: Known for its scenic white sandy beach stretching 2000 feet, this crescent-shaped bay is lined with coconut trees, offering a safe haven for swimmers and snorkelers, making it ideal for beginners eager to enjoy vibrant sea life.
- Sandy Beach: This beach is one of the premier bodysurfing spots on Oahu. Measuring 1,200 feet long, it boasts a significant depth change just offshore, leading to steep, hard-breaking waves. On days with massive waves, which are common in summer, strong backwash can occur.
North Shore Beaches
The North Shore is famous for its world-class surfing, with winter swells reaching heights of 25 to 30 feet. In contrast, summer months offer calm, flat waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
- Ehukai Beach Park: Access to multiple surfing areas, including the renowned Pipeline and Banzai, makes this location a favorite among surfers and bodyboarders alike. World championship surf competitions are often hosted here due to the strong surf conditions.
- Pupukea Beach: This beach boasts popular diving, snorkeling, and surfing spots, with Shark’s Cove attracting divers for its underwater caves and Three Tables offering abundant snorkeling opportunities.
- Sunset Beach: Known worldwide for its massive surf, with waves peaking at 15-20 feet from September to April, this beach is a hub for local surfers, sunbathers, and visitors.
- Waimea Bay: Famous for its enormous waves in winter, this beach captivates bodyboarders and experienced surfers, while offering tranquil waters during summer months for leisurely swims.
East Shore Beaches
The East Shore (windward side) features lush tropical beach settings that attract wind, kite, and sailing enthusiasts. Northeastern tradewinds provide a cooling breeze 90 percent of the year.
- Kailua Beach: Voted the number one beach in the U.S. by Dr. Beach in 1998, Kailua Beach is perfect for family activities. Offering a 30-acre public park, it provides numerous opportunities for picnicking, sailing, volleyball, diving, swimming, snorkelling, and surfing.
- Lanikai Beach: A mile-long beach excellent for swimming, sailing, and windsurfing, with the tiny islands of Mokulua offshore, popular among kayakers.
- Waimanalo Beach: Stretching over three-and-a-half miles, this is the longest beach on Oahu, ideal for various beach activities cherished by locals and tourists alike.
- Makapuu Beach: Renowned for bodysurfing and bodyboarding, this beach is unique as both activities can be enjoyed together. Its 1,000-foot-long sandy shore attracts swimmers and divers, while winter surf offers challenging bodysurfing conditions.
West Shore Beaches
The West Shore (leeward side) features many stunning beaches. The leeward coast is noted for its offshore fishing spots, with winter months showcasing large waves that can exceed 15 feet.
- Makaha Beach: While its challenging waves during winter attract adventurous surfers, the summer brings a return of peaceful beach conditions ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
- Nanakuli Beach: This beach is split into two sections, offering calm waters for swimming during summer and deeper areas suited for divers and snorkelers.
