1. Waikiki Beach
Location: Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815
Recommended For: First-time visitors, beach lovers, surfers, sunbathers, photographers, and anyone wanting to experience the heart of Hawaiian hospitality.
What I Love: ♥ "On my first visit to Waikiki Beach I was in awe of the skyline views and sunset surfers. With Diamond Head rising in the background and the Pacific rolling in front of you, every moment here feels like a postcard come to life."
- Swim in the warm, calm waters or try snorkeling along the reefs near shore.
- Surf your first wave—Waikiki is famous for beginner-friendly breaks and surf schools right on the beach.
- Stroll the beach promenade with direct access to top resorts, shops, and beachfront dining.
Cost: Free public beach access; nearby parking garages may charge fees.
Best time to visit: Year-round, but mornings are ideal for calm surf and lighter crowds; sunset offers stunning views behind Diamond Head.
Local tips: Pack reef-safe sunscreen, arrive early to claim a good spot, and consider catching a beachfront hula show or sunset torch lighting ceremony.
Distance: Located directly in Honolulu; only 25 minutes from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport by car.
How to Get to Waikiki Beach: From H-1 Freeway, take exit 25B for King Street. Follow signs to Waikiki and Kalakaua Avenue. Numerous access points lead directly to the beach.
Address: Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815
Where to Eat Nearby: |
2. Ala Moana Beach Park - 5 minutes from downtown Honolulu
Location: 1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96814
Recommended For: Families with kids, beginner swimmers, paddle boarders, picnickers, joggers, and locals looking for a calmer beach alternative.
What I Love: ♥ "Ala Moana Beach feels like Honolulu’s best-kept secret. Protected by a reef and shaped by history, it’s a tranquil oasis between bustling Waikiki and the urban edge of downtown—perfect for peaceful swims and local vibes."
- Swim in calm, reef-protected waters that are ideal for kids, beginners, and leisurely laps.
- Paddle beyond the buoys—designated zones offer plenty of space for stand-up paddle boarding with ocean views.
- Stroll along the wide sandy shore or enjoy shaded areas in the adjacent park for picnics and relaxing breaks.
Cost: Free public access; parking available in Ala Moana Regional Park lots.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for peaceful swims and soft light; late afternoons for cooler temps and golden hour strolls.
Local tips: Bring beach gear and snacks—there are no major commercial vendors on the sand. The nearby Ala Moana Center offers shopping and dining just across the street.
Distance: About 10 minutes from Waikiki and 5 minutes from downtown Honolulu.
How to Get to Ala Moana Beach: Located within Ala Moana Regional Park, just off Ala Moana Boulevard. Follow park signs for beach and parking access.
Address: 1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96814
Review:★★★★★ "Ala Moana Beach Park was an awesome spot to spend the day on my honeymoon! I rented equipment and went paddleboarding. I loved walking along the beach at sunsets. "
Where to Eat: | |
Where to Stay: |
Romantic Beaches on Oahu, Hawaii:
3. Hanauma Bay State Park - 30 minutes east of Waikiki by car
Location: 100 Hanauma Bay Drive, via Kalanianaole Highway, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96825
Recommended For: Snorkelers, nature lovers, marine conservation enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a unique and educational beach experience.
What I Love: ♥ "Hanauma Bay is more than just breathtaking—it's a masterclass in preservation. Where else do you watch a video before entering paradise? From the crystal-clear bay to its reef-lined shallows, this is Hawaii at its most awe-inspiring and protected."
- Snorkel among vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish in one of the most pristine marine preserves in the U.S.
- Learn about ocean safety and marine life conservation through a mandatory educational video before entry.
- Explore a sunken volcanic crater, now reborn as a golden-sand beach and underwater park with limited daily visitors to protect the ecosystem.
Cost: Entrance fee required; reservations recommended. Parking fees apply. Hawaii residents enter free with ID.
Best time to visit: Early morning for calmest water and best visibility. Avoid weekends and holidays for a quieter experience.
Local tips: Closed every Monday and Tuesday to give marine life a break. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and your own snorkel gear to avoid rental lines.
Distance: About 30 minutes east of Waikiki by car.
How to Get to Hanauma Bay State Park: Take Kalanianaole Highway (Hwy 72) east from Honolulu. Watch for signs just past Hawaii Kai. Paid parking is available on-site but fills quickly.
Address: 100 Hanauma Bay Drive, Honolulu, HI 96825
Where to Eat: |
4. Kailua Beach - 30 minutes northeast of Honolulu
Location: 526 Kawailoa Road, Kailua, Oahu, HI 96734
Recommended For: Swimmers, kayakers, beach lovers, families, adventure seekers, and anyone looking for a laid-back alternative to Waikiki.
What I Love: ♥ "Kailua Beach is Hawaii’s postcard perfection—powdery white sand, turquoise waters, and breezy vibes. Whether you’re paddling to offshore islets or sipping shaved ice in the shade, it’s paradise made personal."
- Swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, perfect for all levels of experience.
- Kayak to nearby islets like the Mokulua Islands for a mini island-hopping adventure.
- Picnic under the palms on grassy lawns with ocean views and bites from nearby local eateries.
Cost: Free public access and beachside parking available; rentals may require fees at nearby shops.
Best time to visit: Mornings for calm surf and fewer crowds; trade winds pick up in the afternoon—great for kite and wind sports.
Local tips: Rent kayaks or paddleboards from local shops and don’t miss trying some island-style shaved ice after your swim.
Distance: About 30 minutes northeast of Honolulu by car.
How to Get to Kailua Beach: From Honolulu, take the Pali Highway (HI-61) through the mountains to Kailua. Turn onto Kailua Road, then left onto Kawailoa Road toward the beach park entrance.
Address: 526 Kawailoa Road, Kailua, Oahu, HI 96734
Family Beaches on Oahu, Hawaii:
5. Lanikai Beach - 35 minutes from Honolulu
Location: Lanikai, Kailua, Oahu, HI 96734
Recommended For: Sunrise lovers, kayakers, couples, photographers, and those seeking postcard-perfect views.
What I Love: ♥ "Lanikai means 'heavenly sea'—and it lives up to the name. With golden sands, turquoise waters, and views of the Mokulua Islands, it’s one of the most photogenic beaches in all of Hawaii."
- Access this half-mile stretch of paradise through small walkways between residential homes—worth the effort for the views alone.
- Kayak to the nearby Mokulua Islands, but remember: only the larger island is open to visitors—the smaller is a protected bird sanctuary.
- Capture stunning photos, especially at sunrise when the light hits the sea and islands just right.
Cost: Free public access; no parking lot—street parking is limited and heavily enforced in residential areas.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings to avoid crowds and catch the sunrise in peace.
Local tips: No restrooms, showers, or lifeguards—come prepared. Be respectful of the residential neighborhood and follow posted parking rules.
Distance: About 35 minutes from Honolulu; 5–10 minutes from nearby Kailua Beach Park.
How to Get to Lanikai Beach: From Kailua, follow Mokulua Drive into the Lanikai neighborhood. Look for public beach access paths between private homes along the roadside.
Address: Lanikai Beach, Kailua, HI 96734
6. Makaha Beach Park - 1 hour northwest of Honolulu
Location: 84-369 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI 96792
Recommended For: Surfers, bodyboarders, experienced swimmers, divers, and beachgoers seeking a local vibe with fewer crowds.
What I Love: ♥ "Makaha Beach Park is raw Hawaiian beauty—golden sand, serious surf, and just enough seclusion. Whether you’re chasing waves or underwater caverns, it’s a wild slice of Oahu’s leeward coast."
- Surf the northern reef break, famous among experienced locals—but be cautious of shallow, sharp reef.
- Swim in the calm summer months, especially near the center of the beach where the reef parts for easier access.
- Dive offshore at the renowned Makaha Caverns, a favorite underwater site for scuba adventurers.
Cost: Free public access; roadside parking available.
Best time to visit: Summer for calmer waters and swimming; winter for expert surfing and dramatic wave watching.
Local tips: Conditions can change quickly—check signs and consult lifeguards. Bring shade, water, and snacks, as amenities are limited.
Distance: About 1 hour northwest of Honolulu by car.
How to Get to Makaha Beach Park: From Honolulu, take H-1 West to Farrington Highway (HI-93) and follow it all the way to Waianae. The beach is located just before the road ends on the leeward coast.
Address: 84-369 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI 96792
Unique Beaches on Oahu, Hawaii:
7. Makapuu Beach Park - 40 minutes east of Honolulu
Location: Makapu?u Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Recommended For: Bodysurfers, bodyboarders, lighthouse hikers, photographers, and travelers seeking dramatic coastal scenery.
What I Love: ♥ "Nestled beneath the cliffs of Makapu?u Point, this stunning beach is a wave-chaser’s paradise. With its powerful surf, black lava rocks, and the iconic lighthouse above, it’s a must-see for both thrill-seekers and sightseers."
- Bodyboard or bodysurf on the beach’s right side, where locals ride consistent and powerful waves.
- Explore the black lava rock formations and enjoy panoramic views up toward Makapu?u Lighthouse.
- Photograph the dramatic coastal scenery—fine golden sand, crashing surf, and high cliffs make it a visual standout.
Cost: Free public access; parking available near the beach entrance.
Best time to visit: Morning for softer lighting and fewer people; winter brings larger surf for watching skilled bodysurfers in action.
Local tips: Always check with the lifeguards before entering the water—currents can be dangerously strong, and the shore break is intense.
Distance: About 35–40 minutes east of Honolulu by car.
How to Get to Makapu?u Beach: Drive east on Kalanianaole Highway (HI-72) past Sea Life Park. Look for Makapu?u Beach Park parking area just beyond the Makapu?u Lookout.
Address: Makapu?u Beach, Oahu, HI
8. Malaekahana Beach - 1 hour north of Honolulu
Location: 56-335 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie, HI 96762
Recommended For: Surfers, nature lovers, beach walkers, campers, and those seeking a quieter, scenic shoreline experience.
What I Love: ♥ "With its mile-long stretch of soft white sand and a laid-back vibe far from the crowds, Malaekahana Beach feels like your own slice of untouched Hawaii—especially when you spot green sea turtles sunning on nearby Goat Island."
- Surf or bodyboard winter waves, or simply enjoy long walks and beach games along the wide, sandy shore.
- Explore Goat Island (Moku?auia) just offshore—walk or wade across at low tide to discover pristine sand and marine life.
- Relax in the peaceful setting, ideal for sunbathing, nature spotting, and low-key outdoor recreation.
Cost: Free public access; parking available at Malaekahana State Recreation Area. Camping permits required for overnight stays.
Best time to visit: Winter for surfing; year-round for beachcombing and scenic views. Weekdays are especially quiet.
Local tips: No lifeguards—exercise caution when swimming. Bring your own water, snacks, and sun protection. Goat Island's center is a protected bird sanctuary—stay on the beach areas only.
Distance: About 1 hour north of Honolulu by car.
How to Get to Malaekahana Beach: Take Kamehameha Hwy (HI-83) north from Honolulu or south from Kahuku. Look for signs for Malaekahana State Recreation Area between Laie and Kahuku.
Address: 56-335 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie, HI 96762
If you are a photographer, don't miss:
9. Pokai Bay - 1 hour from Honolulu by car
Location: Waianae Valley Rd, Waianae, HI 96792
Recommended For: Families with children, beginner swimmers, paddlers, picnickers, and cultural travelers.
What I Love: ♥ "Pokai Bay is a calm-water haven tucked away on Oahu’s west side—perfect for kids learning to swim and families spreading out for beach picnics. Add an ancient heiau nearby and you’ve got sun, serenity, and story all in one spot."
- Swim safely in the calm, buoy-marked areas protected by a breakwater—ideal even during winter surf season.
- Picnic on grassy lawns with shade trees and a nearby playground that makes this beach a local family favorite.
- Visit Ku?ilioloa Heiau at Kane?ilio Point for a cultural moment with sweeping ocean views.
Cost: Free public access; ample parking available nearby.
Best time to visit: Year-round for swimming and paddling; weekends for local cultural events and a lively family vibe.
Local tips: Bring beach chairs or a mat for lounging under the trees. Watch for canoe launches and consider visiting early in the day for the calmest water and best photo light.
Distance: About 1 hour from Honolulu by car.
How to Get to Pokai Bay: Take H-1 W from Honolulu to Farrington Hwy (HI-93) into Waianae. Turn onto Waianae Valley Rd and follow signs to Pokai Bay Beach Park.
Address: Waianae Valley Rd, Waianae, HI 96792
Plan Your Trip