O’ahu, 44 miles long and 30 wide with over two hundred miles of shoreline and home to roughly 1 million people, is the third largest island and most populated in the state. Aptly called “The Gathering Place,” O’ahu offers some big city attractions with bustling restaurants and the world's largest open-air shopping mall. However, let’s be real -- It’s all about the beaches!
To give you an insider’s guide, or as we say in Hawaii, Kama’aina, (person of the land). For locals, the island is broken down by areas. As in, “we go east today” means we’re heading to world-famous stretches of white sands of Kailua or Lanikai.
Here’s the breakdown: The North Shore has some of the longest and prettiest stretches of beaches on the island, is world-famous for its surfing in the winter season, and is home to the quaint Hale’iwa town. The west side, the leeward side, has a hot and dry climate with less crowded beaches, some excellent snorkeling, and good chances to encounter dolphin pods. This side of O’ahu is a little more rugged than the other parts of the island. Wherever you find yourself, try and embody the spirit of Aloha, don’t honk in traffic, and be patient as the pace is a tad slower here. The east side, the windward side, is generally more wet and windy, lined by the Ko’olau Mountain range, and is home to the famous Lanikai, Kailua, and Makapu’u beaches. Even if it's a little overcast, always wear your reef-safe sunscreen. Also, on the windward side, keep your eyes out for man-of-war jellyfish eight days after the full moon; they look like little bubbles floating in the water with long blue strings for tails that will wrap around you and sting, and it doesn’t feel nice. The south shore, referred to by Kama’aina as “town” is home to Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, and fun surf year-round, but mostly in the summer months.
Pro Tip: Be Beach Ready
While packing up your beach bag and heading out to spend a day in the sunshine and salt water, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. We recommend reef-safe sunscreens, hats, and UV wear. No matter what beach you decide to post up at, the weekdays are quieter, and on the weekends expect limited parking spots and pop-up tents overflowing with beachgoers.
Safety First:
The ocean is powerful and unpredictable and sadly, too many visitors learn about this power, the hard way. To ensure a safe, injury-free experience, select beaches with lifeguard towers, and always check for and read the signs on the beach about the water's currents and conditions. Ask locals and lifeguards if you have any questions. Never swim alone, in high surf, or murky waters near river mouths. Remember eight days after the full moon to keep your eyes out for jellyfish, mostly on the east side of the island. If there aren’t any people in the water, there’s probably a reason for that. Never turn your back to the ocean, and always remember, when in doubt, don’t go out. Visit HIOCEANSAFETY.COM for up-to-date information on Hawaii's water conditions and beaches. Most Importantly! Show respect to locals, earn respect, bring plenty of water in a reusable bottle, aim for the shade, and practice malama (care for the land) as in don’t leave trash on the beach. O’ahu’s beaches are world-renowned for their beauty – Enjoy!
Surf Season:
O’ahu is world famous for pristine year-round surf, catering to every level from beginner to pro. Wintertime in Hawaii brings large swells to the north and west shores of the island. In the summer months, you’ll be able to hang ten in town. Kailua Beach, on the windward side, offers a gentle shore break which is great for beginning surfing, body boarding, and body surfing. Regardless of the time of year, or what skill level you are at, there are some waves you can ride anytime you find yourself on O’ahu.
Best Beaches for Families:
O’ahu has many family-friendly beaches. In town, Waikiki Beach is generally calm with some break waters that create safe lagoons in case the surf is up. It draws a crowd for a reason with picturesque views of Diamond Head, chair and umbrella rentals, with a plethora of restaurants and shopping steps away. Just north of Waikiki is Ala Moana Beach Park with a long stretch of sandy beach, a large breakwater, a big grassy park, and a private lagoon called Magic Island.
To the southeast is Waimānalo, a long and gorgeous white sand beach. The water is an amazing shade of blue, and you can find some quiet and serene space on this expansive stretch of beach. Just around the corner from Waimānalo is Lanikai, which is often one of the top-rated beaches in the world. It usually has calm waters and good spots for snorkeling. Next to Lanikai, is Kailua Beach Park, with easy ocean access, public restrooms, plenty of parking, and showers.
The west side is home to the beach resort Ko’Olina with a private lagoon and breakwater which is ideal for the kids. It is a safe and protected spot for swimming and snorkeling. During the summer months, the North Shore has tranquil ocean waters, Waimea Bay being the favorite with great snorkeling, picturesque views, and a big rock for cliff jumping into the ocean. Turtle Bay’s private lagoon provides safe ocean access even during the high surf of the winter months.
Best Beaches for Snorkeling:
No matter what side of the island you find yourself on, there’s a great chance you can throw on your mask, snorkel, and fins and check out some of the underwater life. A little caveat while snorkeling or swimming, if you come to a patch of reef, do not step on the razor-sharp coral or rocks, not only will it cut your skin, but also damage the already endangered reef life. Pro tips: don’t touch the fish, always have a buddy with you, choose reef-safe sunscreen, and ask a local if you have any questions!
Hanauma Bay, south of Waikiki, is world famous for its snorkeling, this protected bay offers plenty of fish and wildlife to view the moment you dip your feet into the water. This bay has both an inner and an outer reef, it's family-friendly and offers snorkeling for beginning and experienced snorkelers alike. Except to see a wide variety of fish, turtles, eels, and maybe even an octopus!
On the North Shore, a great spot for snorkeling is Sharks Cove, there's a shallow and protected lagoon or the open ocean around it, and you'll see plenty of fish here. The waters here are most approachable in the summertime, although there are some winter days when you can access the protected lagoon. Always pay attention to the surf, the tides, and the signs on the beach. Turtle Bay's protected lagoon is great for beginners but you won’t see as much wildlife here as you would in places with open ocean access.
Lanikai is the best place to snorkel on the east side, the sand here is spectacular, the views are unbelievable, and the reef is feet from the shoreline. And if you find yourself west, Ko’Olina has a private and safe beach access with a breakwater. Electric Beach may be the most famous place for snorkeling because of the number of fish and wildlife that congregate in these warmer waters but is for more experienced snorkelers.
The Best Beaches For A Long Walk:
Kailua Beach, on the east side, is great for a long beach walk, if you begin at the beach park there is parking, public restrooms, outdoor showers, and a grassy park with picnic tables. Kailua Beach is two and a half miles long, and it has stunning views of the Ko’olau Mountain Range, although always gorgeous, this walk is particularly enchanting around sunrise or sunset.
In Waikiki, you can walk through the buildings and city streets until you reach the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, from there you can walk along the ocean to Kaimana Beach at the farthest end of Waikiki. The oceanfront beach walk will take you past Kapiolani Park, The Honolulu Zoo, The Waikiki Aquarium, and The Barefoot Beach Cafe which has fresh food and live music right on the waterfront.
On the North Shore, almost any beach is a great one to take a picturesque stroll. Mokulē‘Ia is one long, remote stretch of sandy beach, often a little windy, but less crowded and extremely beautiful. Walking from the world-famous Pipeline Beach to Sunset Beach is amazing and you’ll get to check out the world's best surfers in the waters doing their thing.
No matter where you go, you’re in paradise! So, lather on that reef-safe sunscreen, pack up your reusable water bottles, and head to the beach. Remember the basics! Don’t leave your valuables in the car. Respect the ‘aina. Never turn your back on the ocean. Enjoy all that Hawai’i Nei has to offer. It’s unlike any place in the world, soak it in!
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