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After a lot of discussions, some tense moments, and a lot of swimming over the years, here are the ten best beaches on Oahu (in our humble opinion). You’ll find secluded beaches, beaches you may have never heard of, and famous beaches that are always worth visiting when you are on Oahu.

The 10 Best Beaches on Oahu, going counterclockwise around the island, are the following:

1. Sandy Beach
2. Makapu’u Beach
3. Waimanalo Beach Park
4. Lanikai
5. Kualoa Regional Park
6. Pupukea Beach
7. Waimea Bay
8. Ko Olina Lagoons
9. Ala Moana Beach
10. Waikiki Beaches

One beach we would visit almost every weekend when we lived on Oahu, even though it was an hour’s drive away. Yes, it is that good.

Friendly reminder, all beaches in Hawaii are public so even the Ko Olina Lagoons are accessible to all, not just guests of Disney.

Read on for details like parking, toilet facilities, showers, and food nearby. We even have a video so you can get a better idea of the beach before your Oahu vacation.

The Best Beaches on Oahu

Oahu has so many beaches and so many good ones. While Maui competes with Oahu for the best beaches in Hawaii, there is only one clear winner. We think Oahu has the best beaches in Hawaii as Oahu has more beaches with calm water year-round.

Oahu also has great spots for snorkeling. Our 5 Best Snorkeling Spots on Oahu will show you where to go.

The south shore Oahu beaches are some of the best in the world and no matter what time of year you visit Oahu, you will be able to go swimming with minimal risk of drowning or an expensive rescue.

Oahu’s beaches are also well maintained. Most of the beaches on our list have clean toilet facilities, working showers, and ample, free parking. You may have to get there early, but parking is available.

As one of the older volcanic islands, Oahu has a lot of beach shorelines. Start with this list to explore the island to find the right beach for you. Then jump into our 40 Things to Do Around Oahu, Hawaii list for more things to do by area.

For your convenience and because ranking them isn’t necessary, we list the beaches going counterclockwise around the island, starting in the southeast, just north of Diamond Head State Monument.

1. Sandy Beach: Best Oahu Beach for Bodysurfing

Located at the base of Koko Crater, Sandy Beach is famous for bodysurfing. The ocean bottom drops off quickly here making for fast-breaking waves.

Be cautious, the experienced bodysurfers will make surfing these waves look easy. Lifeguards are stationed here as many a visitor tries to surf the waves only to be pummeled or pulled out to sea by the strong rip currents.

This beach is on our list as Sandy Beach is a quick drive from Waikiki. If you are looking to escape the crowds of Honolulu, then you will find a few people lounging at Sandy Beach. They are missing out as sand is perfect.

Details on Sandy Beach

• Located: East Oahu, Honolulu Click for Google Maps directions 
• Check ocean conditions at Sandy Beach
• LIfeguard: On Duty
• Showers: Yes
• Toilets: Yes
• Parking: Free public parking
• Picnic Tables: Yes
• Food: No restaurants nearby so pick up food in Hawaii Kai
• Recommended Activities: surfing, bodysurfing, fishing

2. Makapu’u Beach Park: Secluded Oahu Beach Near Waikiki

Most visitors come to the most eastern point of Oahu to hike up to Makapu’u Lighthouse. We recommend, after the hike, to venture down to a pocket of sand underneath the sea cliffs. This is a favorite of locals.

We recommend visiting this beach during the summer months when the water is calm, the beach is wider, and you don’t have to worry about rip currents. The winter surf removes a lot of the sand and makes for many lifeguard rescues. Respect the mighty Pacific Ocean.

Makapu’u Beach, like Sandy Beach, is also famous for bodysurfing. Enjoy body surfing or just playing in the waves during the summer months.

The beach is beautiful for its blue water, Makapu’u lighthouse above, towering cliffs behind, and Kaohikaipu Island views out at sea (a bird sanctuary).

As this beach is tucked under the highway, many visitors drive right by it. Perhaps this will be your favorite Oahu beach?

Details on Makapu’u Beach Park

• Located: Windward Oahu, 41 HI-71, Waimanalo, HI Click for Google Maps directions 
• Check ocean conditions at Makapu’u Beach
• LIfeguard: On Duty
• Showers: Yes
• Toilets: Yes
• Parking: Free public parking
• Picnic Tables: Yes
• Food: No restaurants nearby so pick up food in Hawaii Kai
• Recommended Activities: beach bumming, bodysurfing, fishing

3. Waimanalo Beach Park: Best White Sand Beach on Oahu

Some call Waimanalo Beach Park the secret beach of Oahu. I feel it is way past being a secret but well worth a visit. If you are looking for a three-mile-long, white sand beach with turquoise blue waters then this is the place to go.

The beach isn’t empty but the wide, long sandy beach makes running into someone here near impossible. You may feel like you have it to yourself on a weekday. Plus, Bellows Beach is just north of Waimanalo Beach which is more of the same gorgeous sand.

Waimanalo Beach Park is a 38-acre park on the windward coast of Oahu. You will find large grassy areas with Ironwood trees lining the shore. Cross the Ironwoods and you will find fluffy, white sand.

While the other popular windward Oahu beaches of Lanikai and Kailua Beach get all the attention, sleepy Waimanalo Beach is content being left out of the social media spotlight. You will love sunbathing here.

Waimanalo Bay is well protected from the waves and currents making Waimanalo Beach a good place for swimming year long. Don’t let your guard down though, click below to confirm ocean conditions and look and abide by lifeguards’ posted flags.

Details on Waimanalo Beach Park

• Located: Windward Oahu, 41-747 Kalaniana’ole Hwy, Waimanalo Click for Google Maps directions 
• Check ocean conditions at Waimanalo Beach
• LIfeguard: On Duty
• Showers: Yes
• Toilets: Yes
• Parking: Free public parking
• Picnic Tables: Yes
• Food: Take-out lunch and dinner plate lunches in Waimanalo Town
• Recommended Activities: beach bumming, swimming, beach walks

4. Lanikai Beach: Best Beach on Oahu

Lanikai Beach was our favorite beach to visit when we lived on Oahu. We would drive across the island to snorkel, swim, kayak, and play at Lanikai Beach.

We were never alone as Lanikai Beach is well known around the world as one of the best beaches in the world. We get it, it deserves the title. The sand, the view of two islands offshore (The Mokes), and the windward Oahu coastal views are staggering. This beach makes many people want to move to Hawaii.

Clocking in at half a mile long, the beach isn’t great for beach walking but then again, going back and forth with the sand and the views is pretty spectacular.

We recommend visiting early to find parking as there is only street parking.

Lucky for you, Kailua Town has a lot of great breakfast spots. See our Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary for tips on parking, where to eat, and what to do at Lanikai Beach.

Details on Lanikai Beach

• Located: Windward Oahu, Kailua Click for Google Maps directions 
• Check ocean conditions at Lanikai (Kailua Beach is similar)
• Lifeguard: No
• Showers: No
• Toilets: No
• Parking: street parking, do not block driveways, and be respectful to residents
• Picnic Tables: No
• Food: Take-out plate lunches readily available in Kailua Town
• Recommended Activities: beach bumming, swimming, kayak to The Mokes, beach walks

If Lanikai Beach is busy or you are seeking a lifeguard and beach park facilities then we recommend you visit Kailua Beach. You will pass Kailua Beach on the way to Lanikai Beach. Kailua Beach is also an award-winning beach but is now somewhat relegated to second place, making it an even better place to visit on the weekend.

Related reads:

• How Many Days Do You Need on Oahu? The Ideal Plan
• 11 Best Hiking Trails on Oahu

5. Kualoa Regional Park: Best Oahu Beach You Have Never Visited

I love this gem of a beach park for two reasons. First, the view of Mokoli’i Island (aka, Chinaman’s Hat) offshore is beautiful as it sits in Kaneohe Bay (famous for sandbar boat tour excursions). Second, this is the best kid-friendly beach on the windward coast.

Kualoa Beach is a narrow sand beach with a shallow bottom, protected by an ancient reef wall. This makes for calm water all year. The park also has an abundant grassy area to play. You won’t find a quieter beach park on Oahu.

If you are looking for a secluded beach, this is a great place to visit after exploring the Jurassic Valley of Kualao Ranch. Check out Kualao Ranch’s UTV Tours or Zipline Adventures and then come relax at Kualoa Regional Park Beach.

Details on Kualoa Beach

• Located: Windward Oahu, Kaneohe Click for Google Maps directions 
• Check ocean conditions at Kualoa Beach
• Lifeguard: On Duty
• Showers: Yes
• Toilets: Yes
• Parking: free public parking
• Picnic Tables: Yes
• Food: Take-out plate lunches readily available in Kaneohe or food stalls near Kualoa Ranch
• Recommended Activities: beach bumming, swimming, picnic, camping

6. Pupukea Beach (Shark’s Cove): Best Oahu Beach for Snorkeling

On the North Shore of Oahu, just north of Waimea Bay is a popular beach and snorkel spot. Actually, two snorkel spots as Shark’s Cove and Three Tables are both located along this beach.

Pupukea Beach is a must-stop on the North Shore when the conditions are calm (winter surf is what makes the North Shore a famous surfing mecca). You will find a sandy beach with rocks closer to shore. The main cove is Shark’s Cove which is excellent for beginner snorkelers.

Make sure to check the ocean conditions in the link below.

Details on Pupukea Beach (Shark’s Cove)

• Located: North Shore Oahu, Haleiwa Click for Google Maps directions 
• Check ocean conditions at Pupukai and Ehukai Beach
• Lifeguard: On Duty
• Showers: Yes
• Toilets: Yes
• Parking: free public parking but limited
• Picnic Tables: Yes
• Food: Food trucks available across the street
• Recommended Activities: snorkeling, swimming, picnic

7. Waimea Bay: Best North Shore Oahu Beach

Waimea Bay is just as famous for its big wave surfing as it is for its picturesque beach. Waves can reach heights of 25-feet during the winter but during the spring and summer, the waters will be nice and calm.

As you drive up the North Shore, Waimea Bay will emerge with the church tower on its far shore. The large, sandy beach is perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun.

Go explore Waimea Valley after spending time at the beach. Waimea Valley is home to a 40-foot waterfall that you can swim in and a botanical garden, managed by a Hawaiian non-profit. The ancient valley is also home to the best luau on Oahu.

We love exploring the North Shore of Oahu. See the ideas below to keep your day full.

• 10 Free Things to Do on North Shore Oahu
• Standup Paddleboard Lessons in Haleiwa Town

Make sure to check the ocean conditions in the link below for Waimea Bay.

Details on Waimea Bay

• Located: North Shore Oahu, Haleiwa Click for Google Maps directions 
• Check ocean conditions at Waimea Bay
• LIfeguard: On Duty
• Showers: Yes
• Toilets: Yes
• Parking: free public parking but limited
• Picnic Tables: Yes
• Food: Food trucks a mile north in Pupukea
• Recommended Activities: swimming, playing in the waves, beach bumming, snorkeling

8. Ko Olina Lagoons: Best Kid-Friendly Oahu Beaches

Ko Olina Resorts, home to Aulani Resort and Spa by Disney and the Four Seasons, has four man-made lagoons which are perfect for families. Blasted out of the lava rock, the protected coves are surrounded by the resorts.

With a good size beach and an average depth of 10 to 15 feet, the lagoons are nice for swimming and lounging at the edge of the water. They are like big swimming pools.

The water gets a little too murky for snorkeling, plus few fish can be found in the lagoons. Even though these are in Ko Olina Resorts, they are open to the public. All the lagoons are the same, so find the one that has the number of people you prefer.

Then, stay for a famous Ko Olina sunset and sail from the Ko Olina Marina.

Details on the Ko Olina Lagoons

• Located: Ko Olina Resorts, Kapolei Click for Google Maps directions 
• Lifeguard: No
• Showers: Yes
• Toilets: Yes
• Parking: free public parking but limited at each lagoon
• Picnic Tables: Yes
• Food: Restaurants in the resort and shopping center
• Recommended Activities: swimming, beach bumming, walking the boardwalk between the lagoons

9. Ala Moana Beach Park: Best Beach in Honolulu

The most popular beach in Honolulu. You will find locals and visitors enjoying the long sandy beach with a natural reef protecting you from big waves. Ala Moana Beach is popular for those visitors who wish to escape Waikiki Beach on busy days.

Most families enjoy the east end of the beach as it has more parking and the ocean is shallower and void of rocks.

This is also a popular surf spot as numerous breaks are found just offshore.

On the west end of Ala Moana Beach, you will find Magic Island. A man-mode, coral-dredged peninsula and now a popular beach location.

Details on Ala Moana Beach

• Located: Just outside of Waikiki, in front of the Ala Moana Shopping Center Click for Google Maps directions 
• Check conditions for Ala Moana Beach Park
• Lifeguard: On Duty
• Showers: Yes
• Toilets: Yes
• Parking: Metered public parking available
• Picnic Tables: Yes
• Food: L&L Hawaiian Barbecue located in the park, lot’s of food options in Honolulu
• Recommended Activities: swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, beach bumming, walking the park

Waikiki Beach: The Most Famous Beach in Hawaii

Waikiki Beach gets crowded at times, requires frequent sand to be added to it due to erosion, and has a lot of homeless around the shore. But, we can’t help recommend visiting this world-famous beach.

Don’t let me scare you away from Waikiki Beach. Most people who visit Oahu stay in Waikiki as it is home to the best hotels, so many things to do, nightlife, and Waikiki Beach.

Waikiki Beach is divided into eight beaches. Waikiki beach starts on the east end with Kahanamoku Beach at the Hilton Hawaiian Village and extends two miles to Sans Souci Beach near the base of Diamond Head. We love Waikiki Beach for its excellent surfing, beautiful water, and sunsets.

If you’re going to do surf lessons during your Hawaii vacation, this is the place to do them. We recommend Ohana Surf Project as we had a blast learning with them.

Every Oahu trip, we find ourselves spending most of our vacation relaxing on Waikiki Beach. You can find a quiet area to relax.

Check out our video on 10 Things That Make Waikiki Popular for more info and fun facts.

Details on Waikiki Beach

• Located: Waikiki, Honolulu Click for Google Maps directions 
• Check conditions for Waikiki Beach
• Lifeguard: On Duty
• Showers: Yes
• Toilets: Yes
• Parking: challenging to find street parking, numerous public and private parking garages in Waikiki
• Picnic Tables: Yes
• Food: Lots of options in Waikiki for dine-in or take to the beach
• Recommended Activities: swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, beach bumming, walking, snorkeling