Hawaii is known for numerous things, such as its rich and diverse culture, its delicious food, and how laid back the people can be. Many people also come yearly to escape either the melting or freezing temperatures of their homes. Among these things, there is one thing that trumps everything else. This would be the beautiful, picturesque beaches. No matter where you go in Hawaii, the beaches will not disappoint. But which are the best ones? Here we will talk about the best beaches in Oahu!
1. Waikiki Beach
A lot of locals of Hawaii heavily dislike Waikiki beach, and for many understandable reasons. It can be quite crowded, it’s not as clean, and Waikiki itself can be a hassle to find parking. But we would argue that for tourists, Waikiki Beach is a great choice!
Any hotel located in Waikiki is a few blocks away from the beach. This is a great convenience for many individuals, as they won’t have to deal with finding parking only to find out it costs an arm and a leg. You will also have the picturesque views of paradise, alongside the delightful vibes, relaxing on the beautiful coastline of Waikiki. You also have the convenience of Waikiki, being able to shop for whatever you need, from buying beach and Hawaiian apparel, having the convenience of purchasing beach gear rentals and attending lessons, getting snacks from convenience stores, or eating delicious meals from local restaurants. Waikiki Beach is the ultimate beach destination for anyone looking to have a great time with convenience!
2. Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is a state park, a nature preserve protected by the government. In 1990, the City and County of Honolulu established a plan to help restore Hanauma Bay, as it was an extremely popular tourist beach, with around half a million people visiting annually. They did this by educating people about marine life, preservation acts, and safety rules. This state park does have an entry fee of $25, with parking fees that vary, alongside a required 48-hour reservation before entering, but we would highly recommend this spot. This beach is located in a volcanic cone, where its calm waters, rich in marine life, make it a great location to go swimming and snorkeling, for all ages!
3. Waimea Bay
Waimea Bay is more of a secluded place, but not one that is unknown, as many people visit this beach daily. What makes people come to this beach a lot is that they have waves, reaching around 30 feet high during the winter season. It is known for being one of the first places where surfers began big-wave surfing. But people especially come here for the huge rock, where you can climb it and jump off of it as if it’s some diving board.
4. Shark’s cove
Shark’s Cove is a very popular spot for snorkeling for locals and tourists alike. This beloved snorkeling location is on the north side of Oahu, in Haleiwa, a more laid-back, surfing-like town, known for being a more country-like area, especially compared to Waikiki. Despite its name, there actually aren’t any sharks present within the cove, but rather the cove’s shape is similar to that of a shark! It can be a bit dangerous for beginners and kids, as there are a lot of rock areas and sea urchins, but it is still a very fun experience nonetheless. But also, the cove itself is filled with a rich ecosystem of marine life.
5. Sunset Beach
Unlike Shark’s Cove, Sunset Beach is an accurate description of what you can expect from this beach. Sunset Beach is a famous beach, known for many reasons. One of its gorgeous sunsets. But it is also known for other things, and this would be the world-class surfing competition that is held annually around November and December. This beach has become a meeting place for the best surfers and surfing enthusiasts from around the world. Waves in this location during peak season, which is around the winter, can reach up to around 40 feet tall!
6. Laniakea Beach
Laniakea Beach, also known as Turtle Beach, is another popular beach to go to on Oahu. There is an abundant amount of Hawaiian green sea turtles that tend to come up shore, nesting and resting. This Beach is located in Haleiwa, on the north side of Oahu. Many people come to this beach solely just to see turtles rather than swim.
Swimming at this location is not as good as other beaches here in Oahu, as it is a bit rocky and the conditions of the waves can vary, whether it can be calm waters or huge waves, especially during the winter. If you do visit this beach and see the Hawaiian green sea turtles, note that they are federally protected. You need to stay at least 10 feet (around 3 meters) from any sea turtle. If you go any closer and even touch them, you will receive a hefty fine.
Experiencing Beaches in Oahu
Experiencing beaches in Oahu is a must-do activity. Part of what makes Hawaii’s identity famous worldwide is its beautiful, tropical beaches. No matter where you are in Hawaii, the beaches are always worth visiting. If you are interested in learning more ways to plan your trip to Oahu, please check out our Oahu Travel guide, where we go in depth on what we recommend to make your vacation here ideal!
Looking for more beaches on Oahu’s west coast?
👉 Discover scenic west coast beaches in Oahu →
Oahu’s west coast is home not only to beautiful beaches but also to some of Hawaii’s best marine life experiences, including dolphin watching, snorkeling, and sea turtle encounters.
👉 Experience family-friendly dolphin tours on Oahu’s west coast →
From beaches and snorkeling spots to west coast adventures and family-friendly activities, there’s much more to explore across Oahu.
👉 Plan the rest of your Oahu adventure with our complete travel guide →
