20 Beautiful Beaches on Oahu For Your Seaside Hawaii Vacation

Thinking about a seaside vacation in Hawaii? Don’t miss out on finding paradise at the best beaches on Oahu. The most popular of the Hawaiian Islands, Oahu is drenched with picture-perfect shorelines and crystal clear waters backed by stunning mountain ranges and prehistoric volcanic craters.  Whether you want to try out some of the world’s finest big-wave surfing at the Banzai Pipeline or soak up the sun on Waikiki Beach, find your perfect patch of sand with this complete Oahu beach guide!

Why Treksplorer? Founded in 2011 by Ryan O’Rourke, Treksplorer provides travel recommendations and advice to millions of readers every year. Our content is rooted in our writers’ firsthand experiences, in-depth research, and/or collaborations with other experts and locals. Read more about our editorial policy.

Lanikai Beach

One of the prettiest beaches on Oahu, if not the entire Hawaiian Islands, is Lanikai Beach. The soft sand and turquoise water at Lanikai are replicated but never duplicated. The soaring green palms coat the shoreline, creating a beautiful beach scene straight out of your wildest dreams.

Lanikai Beach

A quintessential paradise, Lanikai Beach is the perfect place to laze down on the beach towel and bask in glorious sunlight. The soft crashing of the waves is as soothing as a lullaby, with the bigger swell meeting its end on the offshore reef. Being a safe spot to swim, Lanikai is also a popular beach for families.

Located on the windward side of Oahu, it’s a bit of a journey from Honolulu. This leads to it being a lot quieter than Waikiki, allowing you to fully appreciate what makes Lanikai so magical.

Waikiki Beach

With a sprawling city backdrop, Waikiki Beach delivers that paradise feeling while remaining close to all the action. If you’re staying in Waikiki or Honolulu, you’ll have a simple time making your way to the famous beach. In Waikiki, the good times flow, and the water looks the same as your blue-tinged cocktail.

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach stretches along the coast for two miles. Dozens of palm trees lead to the golden sand and exotic Oahu waters. The warm and inviting ocean is roped off in parts. Enjoy peace of mind as you float along the surface while the ropes restrict the swell.

Behind Waikiki Beach is Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. For a quieter experience and peaceful swimming, enjoy the man-made lagoon, offering all the trimmings of Waikiki.

Sunset Beach

On Oahu’s North Shore, where the big barrels roll in and brave riders surf the gnar, Sunset Beach offers a wide two-mile stretch of sand. From the overarching palms to the crashing Pacific Ocean, you can find between 200 and 300 feet of soft white sand to laze upon.

Sunset Beach North Shore Hawaii

In the summer months, Sunset Beach is calm and inviting. The open spaces are great for large groups, families, and even couples just looking for some peace among the serenity.

When winter comes around, whales meander through the Hawaiian Islands, making spontaneous appearances off the shore. The waves also grow into titans as a swell, powered by the sharp reef, surges towards the shore.

Ehukai Beach, also known as the Banzai Pipeline, lies just down the road from Sunset Beach. Famed as a top-rated beach for surfers, Ehukai offers some of the best big-wave surf in Hawaii—especially in the winter season.

Kailua Beach Park

Just down from Lanikai is another addition to the buffet of spectacular Oahu beaches: Kailua Beach Park. Known for its calm, shallow waters, Kailua Beach offers ample room to lounge about.

Kailua Beach

The 2.5-mile beach is prime for those who like long walks on the sand. Stroll by the blue-green ocean lapping the shoreline, with the water begging you to dive in for a swim.

Being on the Windward Coast of Oahu, a consistent breeze sweeps along the coastline, creating some inviting opportunities for windsurfing. The off-shore waves are great for boogie boarding and even some adventurous sea kayaking. With resorts and recreational facilities behind Kailua, you can pick up a rental on a whim.

Kailua Beach also forms part of a lush 35-acre park for a picnic away from the sand.

Ala Moana Beach Park

A popular beach for families, the calm water of Ala Moana Beach Park makes it a great place to bring the little ones on your Honolulu itinerary. The beach is set within a larger state recreation area, between the happening Waikiki and Downtown Honolulu. You can easily rock up to Ala Moana on foot.

Ala Moana Beach Park

Despite its proximity to either area, Ala Moana Beach rarely sees a large traveling crowd. One of the most beautiful beaches in Honolulu, it’s a hit with locals, who can enjoy a quieter scene with the same stunning views of Waikiki and Kualoa.

With the waves cut off by the reef, Ala Moana Beach is a lovely spot for snorkeling and a great opportunity to break out your standup paddleboard. Afterward, you can explore the Ala Moana Center, the biggest mall in Hawaii.

Sandy Beach

With the Koko Crater looming overhead, Sandy Beach is a gorgeous stretch of sand on the southeast tip of Oahu. Here, the waves roll towards the bronze sand in large sets, offering some of the best year-round surf on the island. For this reason, you’ll find cars with boards strapped to the roof heading down Kalaniana’ole Highway every morning.

Sandy Beach

From the parking lot, you’ll be greeted by a couple of food trucks selling cheap eats to beach bums, locals, and travelers. They make for a handy snack break whenever the rolling waves tire you out.

There are lifeguards on duty overlooking the enthralling Sandy Beach. It’s a glorious spot for surfing and body-boarding. With a swirling current and waves crashing close to shore, though it’s not the best beach for a leisurely swim.

Waimea Bay Beach Park

Great numbers flock to Sunset and Ehukai beaches to see the Banzai Pipeline go to work. Despite this, Waimea Bay Beach Park remains the most popular beach on Oahu’s North Shore. For good reason, too.

Waimea Bay has an aura and presence that’s rarely matched. Unique landmarks, such as the massive sea stack in the middle of the bay, provide a different sort of beach day on your Oahu trip itinerary.

Waimea Bay Beach Park

On Waimea Bay Beach, you can swim in the turquoise water with the fish visibly swimming all around you. The Rock stretches out to sea, offering cliff jumping and scenic views.

When the 30-foot waves arrive in the winter, big-name surfers take over, using this natural playground to showcase their mesmerizing skills.

Diamond Head Beach Park

Looking towards the South Shore now, Diamond Head Beach Park is a different world. With the sharp and burnt cliffs rising out from the beach beside you, the lush greens of Oahu are left behind.

Diamond Head Beach

Away from the nearby crowds on Waikiki Beach, relax on the sand while admiring the immense Diamond Head Crater hovering above. Diamond Head Beach is known for its surf, with more room for riders to move about.

When the swell dies down, the reef comes to life, offering a vibrant snorkeling experience on a colorful reef surrounded by tropical marine life. From dry land, you’ll also be able to explore the tidal pools at low tide.

Hanauma Bay

A protected bay in more ways than one, Hanauma Bay is an idyllic paradise with no equal on the island. The beach and bay were formed on top of a prehistoric volcanic crater. From there grew a spectacular reef that’s clear as day from the golden shores of Hanauma Bay.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

As it’s a part of the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, access to the crystal clear water is restricted, with only a certain amount of swimmers per day. Visitors will also have to pay a fee to enter the preserve. But there will never be a tinge of regret thanks to the range of colors that welcome you on arrival.

From there, enjoy calm swimming with the waves cut short by the immense interior reef.

Waimanalo Beach Park

One of the longest beaches on the island, Waimanalo Beach Park is a great option to escape the pack. Located on Oahu’s Windward Coast, Waimanalo Bay Beach Park covers four miles of pristine coastline. The waves are small but inviting. It’s a great spot for body surfing and getting out your boogie board.

Waimanalo Beach Park

The length of the beach is perfect for a long beach stroll, especially at sunrise when the splash of warm colors paints the eastern sky. Behind the park, you’ll have great access to amenities with designated picnic areas surrounded by towering ironwood trees.

Laniakea Beach

Also known as Turtle Beach, Laniakea Beach means wide sky thanks to the endless horizon laid out before you. Beyond the impeccable views, Laniakea is known for two things. The first is being a part of the 7-Mile Miracle, a stretch of North Shore beaches that welcomes gigantic waves in the winter. The second is its green sea turtles.

Laniakea Beach

The captivating animals call Turtle Beach home, creating memorable experiences for visitors that will be hard to replicate. As they bask in the sun, you can admire their beauty and the exciting sensation that comes with sharing this space with wildlife.

To make the most of the unique experience, sign up for a Turtle Bay snorkeling tour to swim alongside your new favorite animals.

Makapuu Beach Park

Combining epic scenery, body surfing, and some of the most spectacular Oahu hikes, Makapuu Beach Park has a little of everything. Although it’s a smaller beach than many others on this list, you’ll find 1,000 feet of bright white sand to laze on. The consistent South Shore swell and strong currents make for some enthralling bodyboarding, with surfing not allowed.

Makapu'u Beach Park

Only strong swimmers make their way into the water at Makapuu Beach Park, as the rip currents can quickly turn things for the worse. But for those who stay on the sand, you’ll bask in the amazing views over the blue water, with Makapuu Point and its red-roof lighthouse to your left.

You can also hike to the easternmost point of Oahu on the three-mile Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail.

Kahana Bay Beach Park

Located on the Windward Coast, Kahana Bay Beach Park is one of the quieter and more remote beaches on the island. The salt and pepper sands offer a rustic experience backed by ironwood trees with plenty of shade to go around.

Kahana Bay Beach Park

The water at Kahana Bay Beach is calm and shallow but doesn’t have the same clarity as other favorite beaches along the coast. This is in part because of the Kahana Stream rushing into the bay. The north end has a jetty and a great camp spot, while the bay is popular among kayakers.

If you just want to enjoy a secluded beach day with friends away from it all, you can’t go wrong with Kahana Bay Beach Park.

Keawaula Beach

With the road to Oahu’s North Shore cutting inland, very few travelers make their way to the island’s western coast and Yokohama Bay. But those who make the trip find the sparkling and empty white sands of Keawaula Beach.

Keawaula Beach

Also known as Yokohama Beach, Keawaula features turquoise waters that look as amazing as ever. There’s barely a footprint in the sand. The gorgeous coastline of Yokohama Bay remains untouched by development, with the impressive Waianae Mountain Range providing a stunning backdrop.

Often empty, Keawaula Beach can be your own private paradise. For an adventure, head to the end of the bay for a hike to Kaena Point.

Kualoa Beach Park

Away from the glitz and glamour in Honolulu, Kualoa Beach Park is yet another gorgeous beach that offers a welcome retreat from the action. Just off of the scenic Kamehameha Highway, you’ll cross an expansive beachfront lawn in order to arrive at the beach.

Kualoa Beach Park

One of the coolest places to visit on Oahu, the park has a storied past. Chiefs brought their children here to learn about Hawaiian culture. Today, Kualoa Beach Park is on the National Register of Historic Places.

From the sandy stretch of beach, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of Mokoli’l, an off-shore island also known as Chinaman’s Hat. It’s common for beachgoers to paddle out to the island, which is only 1800 feet from the beach.

Makaha Beach Park

With great swimming, surfing, and bodyboarding, Makaha Beach Park ticks all the boxes. On the Leeward Coast of Oahu, you’ll enjoy pleasant conditions protected from the winds with more blue sky days.

Makaha Beach Park

Makaha Beach Park is perfect for those who enjoy wading in the water, especially in the summer. When the winter rolls around, keep your eye out for migrating whales.

Meanwhile, however, the rip current can make swimming difficult. During the winter months, the swell picks up, with the northern end reserved for experienced surfers.

The stretch of sand is manned by lifeguards year-round. Makaha Beach comes with on-site amenities, including showers.

Nanakuli Beach Park

An international diving hotspot, Nanakuli Beach Park is home to some of the best underwater experiences on Oahu during the summer. The coral protects swimmers from looming waves while presenting abundant colorful reefs and tropical fish.

Nanakuli Beach Park

The southern end of Nanakuli Beach is particularly good for snorkeling and scuba diving, thanks to the lack of currents. Back on dry land, you’ll have access to picnic tables and large lawns to rest up before going back in for another adventure.

RELATED: Most Recommended Beaches in Hawaii

Like many beaches on the island, the winter months change Nanakuli’s personality as it becomes a haven for surfers.

Bellows Field Beach Park

Fancy some beachside camping? Zip over to the Windward Coast to spend a night under the stars at Bellows Field Beach Park. Located in Waimanalo, this stretch of golden sand sits upon electric blue waters fringed by 50 campsites.

When the ocean is calm, the warm, shallow waters at Bellows Field Beach Park are ideal for swimming. You’ll want to take care during tradewinds, however, as they can blow in Portuguese man o’ war. Hard to spot in the murky waters, these jellyfish can inflict a painful sting upon unsuspecting swimmers.

Bellows Field Beach Park is only open to the public on weekends. If you’re looking to secure a campsite, be sure to book your spots well ahead of time.

Kuhio Beach Park

Part of Waikiki Beach, Kuhio Beach Park is a lovely stretch of sand wedged between the Moana Surfrider Hotel and Kapahulu Groin, also known as The Wall. The park is one of Waikiki’s most popular spots for body surfers and bodyboarding and is home to several famous Honolulu landmarks.

Kuhio Beach

Kuhio Beach is enclosed by two concrete walls, creating calm waters that are perfect for families visiting Waikiki. Families will feel even safer with the on-duty lifeguards keeping watch.

As you walk along the white-sand beach, keep on the lookout for the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, the Stones of Kapaemahu, and the statue of Prince Kuhio, who gave the park its name.

Ko Olina Lagoons

Stretched out on the sunnier and drier Leeward Coast, the Ko Olina Lagoons are among Oahu’s finest places to work on your suntan. The four man-made lagoons string along the coastline like fine jewels with emerald-green hues.

Ko Olina Lagoons

As they’re harbored from the rough surf, the Ko Olina Lagoons offer calmer waters than most Oahu beaches and are ideal for swimming—especially if you’re traveling to Hawaii with the kids in tow. Even with the tame surf, though, keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty here.

Although the lagoons sit on the Marriott Ko Olina Resort property, one of the coolest places to stay on Oahu, you can access the sandy beaches on foot. Parking is available nearby on a first-come-first-serve basis between sunrise and sunset.

Enjoy this article? Pin it for later!

20 Beautiful Beaches in Oahu For Your Hawaii Getaway

Treksplorer

Ryan O'Rourke is a seasoned traveler and the founder & editor of Treksplorer, a fiercely independent guide to mid-range luxury travel for busy people. With over 20 years of extensive travel experience, Ryan has journeyed through over 50 countries, uncovering hidden gems and sharing firsthand, unsponsored insights on what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay. Backed by his travel experience and in-depth research, Ryan’s travel advice and writing has been featured in publications like the Huffington Post and Matador Network. You can connect with Ryan on Twitter/X at @rtorourke.

DISCLAIMER: Treksplorer is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and its affiliated international sites.

DISCLAIMER: You'll notice that from time to time I link out to recommended hotels/tours/products/services. If you purchase anything through these links, I'll receive a commission. It won't cost you anything extra, but it will help keep me trekkin' on and delivering more free (and unsponsored!) travel information to you. Thanks :)