Top Oahu Beaches

The island of Oahu features several of the world's most famous beaches spread throughout the island. Some of Oahu's top beaches include the world famous Waikiki Beach, Hanuama Bay, Kailua Beach, and the seven mile miracle of Oahu's north shore.

Waikiki Beach

Fronting the extinct creater of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach is arguably the most famous beach in the world. This beach is popular with visitors to Oahu due to its close proximity to Honolulu's major beachfront hotels. Here, gentle waters and white sand beaches greet its visitors and all just a stone's throw from Oahu's most popular hotels lining Kalakaua Avenue. Lifeguards are stationed throughout this long stretch of beach and on most days the waters just off shore are quite calm yet always warm.

Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay, located on Oahu's south eastern coast, is Hawaii's first Marine Life Conversation District. Hanauma Bay's reefs had received extensive damage due to overuse throughout the years. Several years ago, the City and County of Honolulu made an effort to restore the reef by reducing the amount of visitors, instituting supportive restrictions, and created an education program to teach visitors about Hawaii's fragile marine ecosystem. Hanauma Bay provides some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii so bring your mask and snorkel and get ready to swim with the fish (rentals are also available at the Bay). Visitors should plan on going to Hanauma Bay early as the parking fills rather quickly (gates to the Bay are blocked off when the parking lot is full so be prepared to drive up and down the coast while trying to get in).

Hanauma Bay Tour

Kailua Beach

Kailua Beach, situated in the beachtown of East Oahu, has been regarded by numerous travel magazines as the best beach in the world. Kailua Beach features a long stretch of powdery white sand and normally calm ocean conditions. This beach is a favorite among visitors and locals alike who are set on enjoying the warm sun and clean water with their entire family.

Sunset Beach, North Shore - Oahu

Located on Oahu's beautiful north shore, Sunset Beach offers an expansive white sand beach and is home to one of Hawaii's top surfing spots. During the summer months when the ocean is normally calmer, Sunset Beach provides great swimming, snorkeling, and diving for visitors. During winter months, the ocean at Sunset creates extremely dangerous conditions with massive waves and powerful rip currents. For those interested in viewing the spectacular surf, Sunset Beach provides a great view of the large winter swells which can break over 15 feet high. Visitors should check with Sunset Beach lifeguards before entering the water.

North Shore, Oahu Beach Tour

Ehukai Beach, North Shore - Oahu

The beach at Ehukai on Oahu's north shore is home to the world's most famous surfing spot, the Banzai Pipeline. During summer months when the ocean is calm, Ehukai provides a seemingly endless white sand beach and crystal clear waters perfect for snorkeling and swimming. When winter arrives, the ocean in front of Ehukai Beach is home to some of the largest and most powerful waves in the world. Here at Pipeline, the best surfers in the world challenge mother nature and risk their lives by riding large barreling waves (often times over 10-15 feet tall) breaking over shallow reef (3 feet deep in some areas). The beach at Ehukai provides one of the most breathtaking views for watching the surf (sand at Ehukai creates an amphitheatre) as Pipeline breaks some 50 yards from shore. Visitors should definitely remember to bring their cameras!

Oahu Circle Island Tour

Caution:

While Hawaii is known for its tranquil weather, beautiful sunsets, and breathtaking beaches, the islands' oceans can be a dangerous place. Depending on the season, large open-ocean swells can create extremely dangerous surf and hazardous conditions for even the strongest swimmers. Before you enter the ocean, here are a few general guidelines to minimize your risk:

• Swim where there is a lifeguard on duty
• Never swim alone
• Ask a lifeguard about beach and surf conditions before entering the ocean
• Read and obey all beach safety signs and symbols
• Know your limits before you enter the water
• If you're in doubt, stay out of the ocean

Beaches by Island:

Oahu Beaches
Maui Beaches
Big Island Beaches
Kauai Beaches