Beaches are integral part of our every major point of travel, each time while we visit different destinations or places, surely we might get an opportunity to visit beaches or attend any beach activities. In that way, Oahu is a kind of island in Hawaii which blends some of the USA’s most exciting and charming beaches and welcomes all sorts of backpackers.
If you’re too concerned to visit beaches or looking to spend time under beautiful nature or enjoy crazy outdoor activities and simply soak in leisure atmospheres, then these Oahu beaches are a really exclusive option to you. Throughout its 112 miles of coastlines, the majority of beaches in Oahu are ideal for families since its gentle waves and family friendly swimming spots.
7 Best Beaches in Oahu
1 Best Beaches in Oahu for Surfing
1.1 Waikiki Beach- Ideal for Surf Lovers
When it comes to picking the best beaches in Oahu, Waikiki Beach consistently ranks number one beach to choose and start your beach journey here in Oahu. Located in Waikiki, often known as an ideal place to learn surfing and enjoy the breathtaking sweeping views of the Diamond Head (Lē’ahi). Today Waikiki beach is recognised as the best beach in the world as a hotspot for those who learn surfing and swimming.
If you’re going to Waikiki Beach with your family or kids, then this beach is an ideal location to help your kids learn how to surf. Birthplace of modern surfing, kids can get surfboards and go to the beach to try surfing with its small yet long lasting wave breaks. Beach stretching 2 miles where visitors could see different beach sections like DeRussy Beach or Queen Surf Beach and Kuhio Beach. Both are perfect option to try surfing.
Besides its incredible Diamond Head view or friendly surfing location, Waikiki Beach even allows play beach volleyball and sunbathing making it a great spot to enjoy your precious time with your fellow visitors or family members. Don’t miss out on choosing to shop at Kalakauna Avenue or Enjoy drinks and night life at local bars and restaurants.
1.2. Makapu’u Beach- To Enjoy Scenic Beauty and Backdrop of Sea Cliffs
You may wonder or haven’t heard about this beach, but Makapu’u Beach is often listed as one of the best beaches in Oahu for many reasons. If you are looking to spend your time to indulge in more scenic beauty, ideal bodyboarding conditions or simply admire the backdrop of a sea cliff, this beach is an ideal option to you.
Located on the Windward Coast of Oahu, the beach is well connected by the sea cliffs, a powerful shore break and rip currents beach, an ideal place for you to make your first body surfing and bodyboarding.
When it comes to natural beauty, spots allow us to see sea cliffs and enjoy more epic Hawaiian sunrise experiences. Take a little trail at Makapu’u trail to understand more about the natural surroundings such as offshore islets, Rabbit Island and Kaohikaipu and iconic sea cliff views.
However, Makapu’u Beach is a great spot to see humpback whales, those who are visiting between Decembers to May at the beach’s coastal bluff. Try to visit the top of the historic Makapu’u Lighthouse which was built in 1909 for visitors to enjoy and take sweeping views of Oahu’s surroundings.
2. Best Beaches in Oahu for Snorkeling
2.1 Hanauma Bay- Ideal for Snorkeling and Coral Reef Systems
Snorkeling is a major activity in the list of water sports, but if your primary purpose is searching for the best beaches in Oahu to do snorkelling with rich marine life, undoubtedly Hanauma Bay is eagerly waiting for you. Its friendly snorkelling location and surrounding beautiful atmospheres insist you to do other activities like swimming or find rarest marine sea life’s.
When it comes to snorkelling, Hanauma Bay is surrounded by most fish species in the entire Hawaii Island region. Once you start snorkelling here, I bet you it will allow you to see high fish populations such as monk seals, sea turtles and 450 different types of fish species. Interestingly, snorkelling even allows children to see beneath sea creatures and offers educational programs about marine conservation.
Besides its fish species, snorkelling/diving is an even great option to see vibrant colorful marine reef systems and reserves. Its shallow and crystal clear blue water helps divers to see its thriving reef systems containing over 70 species of coral. Take some precautions and start your snorkelling from the edge of the fringing reef. Make sure that visitors pay $ 7.50 as entry fees to the beach at its official Hanauma Bay Online Reservation portal
2.2 Ko Olina Lagoons- Ideal for Calm Crystal Clear Water and Friendly Swimming
Ko Olina Lagoon is a combination of a series of 4 manmade beaches primarily available to visitors at western coast of Oahu. Ko Olina Lagoon consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in Oahu for those who wish to make their dream snorkelling activity.
Each time while you take snorkelling at its lagoons, you’ll be much blessed to see and make a close touch with colorful coral reefs and diverse array of marine life. We said earlier that the beach often exhibits calm and crystal clear water and it helps snorkelers to see abundance of tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins and other rich marine systems in a very clear way.
Snorkeling in Ko Olina is more family friendly too. Major factors such as gentle waves, rich marine life and easy availability of snorkelling amenities, are directly help even children to try snorkelling.
Even with swimming you can spot major fish and marine species. Major lagoons are not more than 6 feet deep, so kids/individual visitors choose any 4 of its lagoons. Since it is a man -made one, the majority of swimming spots have gradual slopes, friendly waves and yen numbers of resorts and beach clubs.
2.3 Kailua Beach- Ideal Beach for Families and Water Sports Lovers
In the entire list of best beaches in Oahu, if your overall idea of beach expedition in Oahu is for families or enjoy more time with beach activities, then choose Kailua Beach. Located on Oahu’s eastern coastlines, just a 30 minutes’ drive from Waikiki beach. Appreciate its calm atmospheres and crystal clear water, which will make a great spot for your family/kids to do major outdoor activities.
As we mentioned, Kailua Beach is a family friendly destination, thanks to shallow waters and ample space for safe play and exploration. Compared to other Oahu’s beaches, Kailua beach witnessing less travel crowds, provides a more peaceful ambiance to visitors especially if you’d like to have free family space.
When it comes to water sports, Kailua beach is really a heaven. Try to do kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling and swimming. Thanks to gentle waves, each of these activities can be done with your families or it is ok if you’re completely a beginner to try. However, family visitors can spend their precious time at nearby cafes or restaurants and do shopping.
If you have time left, do not miss to spend time at Kailua Beach Park or kayak to Mokulua Islands and visit Lanikai Pillbox to take hiking trails to see aerial views of the picturesque views of the beach areas.
3. Best Beaches in North Shore, Oahu
3.1 Sunset Beach- Know for Winter Waves and Surfing Competitions
Offering 2 miles of pristine shoreline and friendly winter waves making it the most ideal place to attend the most interesting and challenging surfing competitions. However, compared to above beaches, Sunset Beach is even a perfect place for all sorts of backpackers, no matter whether you’re a family (not surfing), adventure lover and couples?
When we talk about winter surfing, usually held from November to February when beach swells are more friendly to surfing. Adventure seekers can expect to surf at the range of 30 feet of waves. Make sure that, if you’re a professional surfer, winter surfing is highly recommended for you, strictly not for beginners or kids, don’t try it.
Even today Sunset Beach is witnessing many surfing competitions. Try to attend surfing competitions hosted at Hurley Pro Sunset Beach and Vans World Cup of Surfing (strictly for professionals). To do surfing at Sunset it needs perfect safety and precautions, since it is witnessing some rip and big waves occasionally.
If you’re not a big fan of surfing and looking for something different in Sunset Beach, choose swimming, snorkelling or turtle watching. To do so, visit the summer season (from April to October), when the ocean is more calm. Like the name suggests, Sunset Beach is a great place to watch breathtaking Hawaiian sunset views from its golden sands. These 2 activities are perfect if you’re going with family.
3.2. Laniakea Beach- Known for its White Sand and Turquoise Waters
Laniakea Beach of Oahu is often ranked the best beaches in the World. Visiting Laniakea makes visitors more proud and feel tranquil experiences each time while walking its long stretch of white powder sands and swimming in crystal clear waters. Located in Oahu’s North Shore, beaches always invite people who are ready to dive, surf and snorkel at its turquoise water.
We recommend you to take swimming or scuba diving/snorkelling to see green sea turtles and swim with them. This creature is even more common to find here and it can live upto 100 years. There are currently 30 different turtles available for us to see, some turtles are even laid down at its shores too. In addition to that, Snorkeling to Chun’s Reef and Kayaking to Mokulua Islands are even ideal things to do in Lanikai Beach.
Beach palm trees are a really eye-catching one. If you’re not ready to divide its water, take some leisure walking amidst these palm trees and enjoy the breeze and feel the beach ambiance. Sometimes walking along its shore during sunset provides some opportunity to take photos of epic sunset views and surroundings.
Read more about USA popular Beach Articles;
1. Best Beaches in Turks and Caicos.
World’s Best Beaches;
3. Best Things to Do in Whitehaven Beach, Australia.
4. Visit Goa, India- Beaches Paradise.
For Additional References;
2. What are the Popular Waikiki Beaches?
3. Things to do in Oahu with Kids.
4. What are the Free Things to Do in Oahu, Hawaii (especially for newbies).
