37 Best Beaches on Oahu With Map & Stunning Photos

Oahu is the main island in the State of Hawaii with a land surface of just short of 600 square miles – California is 274 times bigger and the Contiguous US is 5,225 larger. Despite its modest size, Oahu is home to several of the most incredible beaches, not just in the US, but in the entire world!

I took on the exciting task of exploring all of Oahu’s beaches and create a list of the very best beaches on Oahu. During July 2015 I drove and walked for more than 30 hours, exploring Oahu’s beaches. Each beach had to fulfill 3 criteria to make it on to the list:
1) Have pristine white sand,
2) have stunning ocean colors, and
3) have a unique ‘whow’ factor, solely based on my feelings.

I knew Oahu had a lot of awesome beaches, but it took me by surprise that a whopping 37 beaches made the list of Oahu’s best beaches.

Here is a map that shows the beaches. Click on the red pin of the beach you are interested in, then click the beach name that pops up and you will be taken to a brief profile of that beach.

Here is a video that shows a short clip from all 37 beaches.
[youtube_video] n7uu2jMUxCY [/youtube_video]

I divided the beaches into 4 geographical sections – South, Windward (east), North and Leeward (west) – starting at Ala Moana Beach Park, moving anti-clockwise around Oahu, ending in Ewa Beach Park.

SOUTH SHORE BEACHES
Stretching from Honolulu in the south through Makapuu Point, which is Oahu’s most eastern point. Known for its pleasant sunny weather.

Ala Moana Beach Park

Ala Moana Beach Park
Ala Moana Beach Park

This is a 400 acre park with a pristine, man-made, white sandy beach stretching for more than ½ a mile, created in the 1950’s. The beach has a protective outer reef and the ocean tends to be calm and shallow close to shore – all year round – making it a great spot for swimmers, families with kids, beginner standup paddleboarders and beyond the reef are some of the best surf spots on the south shore. There is a swimming channel (much deeper ocean) that goes beyond the reef and the ocean depth drops quickly. There are typically no waves close to shore. The east side of the beach is preferred, because of the sandy beach bottom. The western part has a rocky bottom close to shore.
Also good to know: Lifeguard on duty, restrooms and showers available, several tennis courts available free of charge. The park is a popular picnic destination (especially on weekends and national holidays), great area for jogging and on July 4th is the well-known fireworks at Ala Moana Beach Park, which attracts thousands of visitors.

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach, or more accurately, Waikiki’s Beaches, since this is a group of beaches – read more here. In this post we will collectively name the approximate 1.5 miles of beach running from Kahanamoku Beach (west) to Queen’s Beach (east), as Waikiki Beach, which is the name most commonly used for this stretch. Waikiki used to be one of the Royal’s primary retreat (up until the last ruler, Queen Liliuokalani) and is also where the legendary Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku grew up surfing. Waikiki Beach is by far the most popular beach on Oahu for visitors and locals alike and is all year round packed with visiting families, standup paddleboarders, surfers, beach volley players, sun bathers & more. During high season – on the weekends and national holidays – it can be challenging to find a spot to place a towel and lay down on some parts of the beach. At different parts of Waikiki Beach one can also rent various beach equipment, such as surfboards, paddleboards, bodyboards, snorkeling gear & more.
Also good to know: Lifeguard on duty, restrooms and showers available, several tennis courts available to use free of charge in Fort DeRussy Park and Kapiolani Park.

Kaimana Beach (Sans Souci Beach)

Kaimana Beach
Kaimana Beach

The beach is also known as Sans Souci Beach (from the french language, which means ‘carefree’ or ‘no worries’) and is located by the entrance to the renowned Gold Coast (a small group of condos hanging on the ocean’s edge) with Kapiolani Park across the street. The beach is wide, has a very inviting feel and was actually the original start line for Hawaii’s Ironman back in year 1978. Popular among families, local lap swimmers, snorkelers, paddleboarders and surfers (snorkeling tends to be better along a reef west of a flag about 200 yards out).The beach is protected by a wide reef and close to shore the bottom is shallow, sandy and typically free from strong currents. Weekends and holidays tend to be crowded – mix of locals and tourists.
Also good to know: Lifeguard on duty and showers available. Kaimana Beach Hotel is located right on the beach (the bar serves awesome nachos).

Outrigger Canoe Club Beach

Outrigger Canoe Club Beach
Outrigger Canoe Club Beach

One of the smallest beaches on Oahu, located in front of a condo and neighbor to the Outrigger Canoe Club. Access to the beach is in between Colony Surf and Colony Beach, which are 2 condos on the Gold Coast. This beach is the take-off point for the Outrigger Canoe Club members when they go out for a canoe ride. Also very popular among lap swimmers and families. Ocean has a sandy bottom close to shore. Several boats are moored in the ocean immediately left of the beach. Outrigger Canoe Club is right next door and accessible from this beach, for its members. Typically, the current isn’t very strong close to shore.
Also good to know: Lifeguard on duty. No showers or restrooms.

Kaalawai Beach (Cromwell’s Beach Cove)

Cromwell's Beach Cove / Kaalawai Beach
Cromwell’s Beach Cove / Kaalawai Beach

The most eastern part of this beach is called Cromwell’s Cove, which is the stunning part, with something that looks like a pool surrounded by a shallow reef. Along Kaalawai Beach there is a lot of shallow reef and rocks and though swimming here is possible, it is probably more suitable for the experienced swimmer (consider using water socks if you go in the ocean). During hide tide the beach almost disappears. Popular surf spot beyond the reef. The beach connects to Kuilei Cliffs Beach Park – located immediately east of Kaalawai Beach – and the walk from Kaalawai Beach to Kuilei Cliffs Beach Park offers a picturesque backdrop with luxury Diamond Head homes located along this precious oceanfront stretch. There are normally some dogs running and playing along and in the beach. Not many tourists around.
Also good to know: No lifeguard on duty and no facilities.

Kahala Hotel Beach

Kahala Hotel Beach
Kahala Hotel Beach

A beach with very shallow waters close to shore, protected by an outer reef, and hardly ever any waves and normally no strong current. Very popular among tourists staying at the Kahala Hotel & Resort, which sits right on this beach – families enjoying splashing in the ocean, visitors getting standup paddleboard lessons & more. It is a beautiful walk east – along Kahala Beach – where one can see luxury oceanfront Kahala houses. On the west side of Kahala Hotel Beach is another beautiful walk, passing the famous Waialae Golf Course and then Wailupe Beach. In the past the beach was named the ‘Kahala Mandarin Oriental Beach’ by highly respected Oahu beach expert John R. K. Clark. Since the hotel is no longer associated with “Mandarin Oriental” I took the liberty to dub it the “Kahala Hotel Beach”.
Also good to know: Lifeguard on duty but no public showers or restrooms (nearby Waialae Beach Park has showers and restrooms).

Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay

Snorkeling, snorkeling, snorkeling! Hanauma Bay is the ultimate destination beach on Oahu to see an overabundance of fish and marine life, like no where on the island and also one of the most picturesque sites on Oahu. Supposedly there are close to 400 different kinds of fish here, including Hawaii’s State fish called Humuhumunukunukuapuaa. There are also lots of Green Sea Turtles. One can rent snorkeling equipment and less experienced snorkelers can get lessons. Popular among families and really anyone who loves snorkeling. The current is typically not very strong, close to shore, given the abundance of reef. In order to protect the marine life, visitors are required to see a 10min video upon entering and, as of writing, it cost $7.5 / person to enter for tourists who are 12 years or older (younger than 12 years as well as local residents are free of charge). Open daily 6am – 7pm, but closed every Tuesday, December 25th and January 1st.
Also good to know: Lifeguards on duty and there are showers and restrooms. Parking lot is often full (arranging shuttle service may be easier).

WINDWARD COAST BEACHES
Oahu’s east coast, stretching from Makapuu Point in southeast through Kahuku Point in north. Known to be the more windy part of Oahu.

Halona Beach Cove

Halona Beach Cove
Halona Beach Cove

Small pocket of pristine white sandy beach. On days water is calm and current isn’t too strong, this is a great place to swim close to shore for experienced swimmers. However, a big caution: Don’t swim out too far, because the current quickly gets strong and the irregular tidal changes makes it very dangerous. Parking is by Halona Blowhole lookout point (beautiful scenery) and then a short walk down some rocks.
Halona Beach Cove is the place where the love scene from the 1953 movie “From Here to Eternity” took place, between Deborah Kerr and Burt Lancester.
Also good to know: No lifeguard on duty and no showers or restrooms.

Sandy Beach Park

Sandy Beach
Sandy Beach

“Break-neck Beach” is (sadly) the nickname this Oahu beach carries, as it causes more injuries per visitor than any other beach on Oahu. Immensely popular among experienced local bodyboarders and bodysurfers, with shore breaks almost every day all year round. This is not a swimming beach and more a beach to visit and observe the local talent ‘catching waves’ right on the shore. Don’t be fooled by experts in the ocean, making it look easy to navigate the rough sea. A councilman proposed year 2014 changing the name to ‘President Barack Obama Sandy Beach Park’, because it is a favorite among the President – the proposal was shut down.
Also good to know: Lifeguard on duty and there are showers and restrooms available. The park area has picnic tables.

Makapuu Beach Park

Makapuu Beach Park
Makapuu Beach Park

Popular among experienced bodyboarders and bodysurfers. This is not a leisure swimming beach, though summer time it is sometimes possible to swim without strong currents, but be careful and watch out for changing currents. On a typical day, this beach doesn’t face as large waves as Sandy Beach. The beach and its surroundings are breathtaking with a black colored mountain in the backdrop. From the parking structure, located in the park, it is a a short walk down to the beach.
Also good to know: Lifeguard on duty and there are showers and restrooms available.

Kaiona Beach Park

Kaiona Beach Park
Kaiona Beach Park

No wonder this beach is called Kaiona, which means ‘attractive sea’. The waters at Kaiona Beach Park are normally crystal clear and shining in incredible turquoise colors, making it feel like being in a pool – a unique beach on Oahu. The ocean is normally fairly calm and therefore popular among families and novice swimmers. The reef begins not far from shore and there are lots of turtles around. What makes this the ideal family beach is the 2 man-made pools on the right side of the beach (in front of residential houses). It is basically lots of rocks stacked to make these pool, which means no waves and feels like being in a swimming pool. The mountain backdrop is not far from the beach and creates an idyllic picture-perfect landscape. This beach is a favorite among local families.
Also good to know: No lifeguard on duty. There are restrooms and showers available and a grassy area for picnics.

Waimanalo Beach Park

Waimanalo Beach
Waimanalo Beach

Year 2015, voted as the number 1 beach in the US by coastal science professor Dr. Beach. This Oahu beach has the most perfect pristine soft white sandy beach with amazing turquoise colored ocean and hundreds of towering ironwood trees, great for those who want shade. Popular among bodyboarders, since waves normally aren’t too high and break close to shore. Overall, Waimanalo Beach Park has a relatively calm ocean, though waves can on occasions get quite big and currents do get strong, so be very careful with swimming here. Few people tend to visit on weekdays, though weekends are normally fairly busy with family picnics and all day BBQ’s. Very few tourists come here. Waimanalo Beach is the entire beach running from Kaiona Beach Park through Bellows Field Beach Park – an approximate 3 mile beach stretch, making it the longest uninterrupted beach stretch on Oahu. Officially, the stretch is from Makapuu to Wailea Point, making it more than 5 miles, but this stretch doesn’t have sand all along the way. There are camping options, which requires a permit.
Also good to know: Lifeguard on duty (but beach is long, so certain beach areas may be out of sight to lifeguards). There are showers, restrooms and picnic tables.

Bellows Field Beach Park

Bellows Fields Beach Park
Bellows Fields Beach Park

Stunning beach with incredibly soft sand and a popular beach among bodysurfers and bodyboarders. The breaks are generally fairly small and nothing like Sandy Beach. Close to shore it is often very shallow and therefore also popular among families. The east part of the park is protected by an outer reef and popular among swimmers (trade winds blow a jellyfish called Portuguese Man O’war’ towards the shore, which can cause serious painful stings – so swimmers, be careful). This is a great beach to go for a stroll and absorb its beauty, which is something very unique and special. The beach offers lots of shade options from the abundance of ironwood trees. There are camping options, which requires a permit.
Also good to know: Lifeguard on duty when park is open to public. There are restrooms, showers and picnic areas. Only open to public on weekends and national holidays.

Lanikai Beach

Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach

‘Lani Kai’ means ‘Heavenly Ocean’ – no wonder! The famous Lanikai Beach has frequented been voted the number 1 beach in the US, most recently year 2014 in a ranking based on TripAdvisor reviews – see this article. Popular among families (locals and tourists alike), windsurfers, kite surfers, kayakers, swimmers and snorkelers. Lanikai is known for its incredibly soft white sand and picture perfect turquoise beach colors with a stunning backdrop of luxury homes and a mountain range. The current is typically not very strong, making for ideal swimming conditions, though ocean is rarely crystal clear, despite its beautiful turquoise colors, making for just average snorkeling conditions. There are a few sea turtles, typically on the northern part of the beach. Beach gets very crowded on weekends and national holidays and also during most weekdays during summer months.
Also good to know: No lifeguard on duty and there are no showers or restrooms.

Kailua Beach Park

Kailua Beach Park
Kailua Beach Park

One of Oahu’s more popular family beaches, locals and tourists alike, which was voted America’s Best Beach by Dr. Beach in 1998. Soft white sand with beautiful turquoise and calm water is how Kailua Beach Park can be summed up, on most days. Popular among windsurfers, kite surfers, kayakers, entry level surfers and bodyboarders (there are normally a few smaller waves around). Great beach for swimming too, without a strong current on most days. The ocean drops deep – quickly – so be wary. The water is normally not clear, so not an ideal snorkeling spot. Scenes from the TV programs Lost, Magnum PI and Hawaii Five-O were filmed here. Lots of large ironwood trees, so plenty of shade options.
Also good to know: Lifeguard on duty. There are restrooms, showers and picnic areas.

Kalama Beach Park

Kalama Beach Park
Kalama Beach Park

Located among luxury homes in a neighborhood called Beachside, which is where President Obama has stayed for his Christmas vacation multiple times. The ocean is usually fairly calm, due to the protective nature of the bay setting, thus popular among families. There is frequently some light wave action suitable for beginner surfers and bodyboarders. The backdrop is luxury Beachside homes. Similar pristine white sandy beach and turquoise ocean to Kailua Beach Park, though much more shallow waters close to shore and much less crowded.
Also good to know: No lifeguard on duty. There are showers, restrooms and a lawn great for picnics.

Kahana Bay Beach Park

Kahana Bay Beach Park
Kahana Bay Beach Park

An incredible treasure of nature in a mind-blowing setting with the beach set against a mountain range and ironwood trees towering along the beach. This is not a beach for those who are looking to get in the ocean, as the water is typically very shallow and murky. Kahaha Bay Beach Park is a place to relax and appreciate the beauty of nature, where it rarely gets crowded. The beach almost didn’t make the list, due to poor ocean colors and an average sandy beach (doesn’t fulfill the 1st and 2nd criteria outlined in the intro of this post). Because Kahana Bay Beach Park is so picturesque and mesmerizing like no where else, I decided to include the beach on this list (as the only beach on this list, which does not fulfill all 3 criteria). Camping is possible, but a permit is required.
Also good to know: No lifeguard on duty. There are restrooms and showers.

Kokololio Beach Park

Kokololio Beach Park
Kokololio Beach Park

Stunningly beautiful beach and great for swimming during many days in the summer where one can see some beautiful marine life. Winter time the beach is popular among surfers and bodyboarders. The scenario is spectacular at the beach curving at the northern end with some stunning houses located along the beach. A stone through away from Laie where there is a large supermarket.
Also good to know: No lifeguard on duty. There are restrooms and showers. Local residents enjoy camping in the park on weekends (permit required).

NORTH SHORE BEACHES
Stretching from Turtle Bay in north through Camp Erdman Beach in northwest. Known to be the cooler side of Oahu.

Kuilima Cove (Bay View Beach)

Bayview Beach
Bayview Beach / Kuilima Cove

One of the better snorkeling beaches on Oahu, ideal for the less experienced, with the cove being protected from waves by a natural reef / rock barrier, even during high-surf season on the rest of the North Shore. This is a beautiful beach with a casual restaurant located right on the beach and adjacent to the Turtle Bay Resort. Popular among families and hotel visitors. There is a large parking structure with ample parking on right hand side before one reaches the hotel.
Also good to know: There are restrooms and showers.




Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach

World-renowned big wave surfing beach on Oahu’s North Shore and home to the Triple Crown Surfing competition (part of the surfing world cup) and the Pipe Masters competition. During winter time large waves, combined with coral close to the sea surface, can make the surfing incredibly dangerous. Summer time the water is normally very calm and can make for a great swimming spot (and part of the beach for snorkeling), though not recommended for the inexperienced – currents do change and can be rather strong close to shore pulling one along or away from the coast. This is a very wide and long beach – incredible beauty of nature.
Also good to know: Lifeguard on duty. There are showers and restrooms (by Ehukai Beach Park).
Ehukai Beach Park (Banzai Pipeline)

Banzai Pipeline / Ehukai Beach Park
Banzai Pipeline / Ehukai Beach Park

The famous beach on Oahu’s North Shore, producing some of Oahu’s largest waves during winter season and attracting some of the best surfers in the world.  As wild as the ocean gets during winter months it normally stays calm during summer months, ideal for swimming (recommended for experienced swimmers, due to the depths and sometimes stronger currents). Lots of large trees along the beach, offering shade and protection from the sun. The beach seamlessly connects with Sunset Beach and together these 2 beaches create 2 miles of incredible pristine white sandy beach with stunning nature surrounding the beaches.
Also good to know: Lifeguard on duty. There are showers and restrooms.

Three Tables Beach

Three Tables Beach
Three Tables Beach

Beautiful beach in a sheltered cove alike setting with crystal clear water and a superb snorkeling spot during summer months – actually one of the better snorkeling spots on Oahu. Very popular beach for families – visitors and locals alike. Winter time there are frequently large waves and with the shallow reef it can make for a very dangerous surf.
Also good to know: No showers or restrooms available. A stone throw away is a Food Land grocery store and adjacent Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf coffee shop.

Waimea Bay Beach Park

Waimea Bay
Waimea Bay

By some considered the best swimming beach during summer months – recommended for more experienced swimmers – and by others considered the best big wave surfing beach during winter – only suitable for the absolute most experienced surfers. During summer month the current can also get strong on some days and there are frequently smaller waves breaking right on the shore. Summertime also a fantastic beach for stand up paddleboarding. Waimea Bay is home to the ‘Eddie Aikau Surf Competition’, which is only held when waves get massive (on average it only takes place about once every three years, since waves have to be huge and certain conditions are required). Summer time popular among both tourist and local families and this is truly one of the most beautiful and spectacular beaches on Oahu.
Also good to know: Lifeguard on duty. There are showers and restrooms and a grassy area for picnics.

Chun’s Reef

Chun's Reef
Chun’s Reef

Popular large wave surf spot during winter months and good longboard surfing spot during calmer summer months. Many rocky areas, but some good swimming spots in between during summer days, when the current isn’t strong. Decent snorkeling spot and on occasions one can see sea turtles near the shore. The beach is absolutely gorgeous and rarely gets crowded.
Also good to know: Lifeguard on duty.

Laniakea Beach

Laniakea Beach
Laniakea Beach

THE beach on Oahu to see Green Sea Turtles (Hawaiian honu) either taking a nap on the beach or swimming close to the shore. Laniakea Beach – nicknamed Turtle Beach – attracts lots of visitors all year round to see the turtles close up. During summer months it is oftentimes possible to take a swim, but only within a small area, due to the excessive reef and rocks. Popular spot for visitors to relax and enjoy looking at the turtles.
Also good to know: Do not touch the turtles and keep a distance (~8 ft).

Papailoa Beach

Papailoa Beach
Papailoa Beach

Stunning beach with access in between luxury houses located on the exclusive Papailoa Road. The beach is long and wide, but very few people come here, making it an ideal beach to relax in peace away from the crowds. During summer time it is oftentimes possible to splash and play in the ocean close to shore, though this isn’t a good swimming beach, due to lots of reef and rocks. Winter time typically brings large waves and is a popular beach for experienced surfers.
Also good to know: No lifeguard on duty. There are no restrooms or showers.

Makaleha Beach Park

Makaleha Beach Park
Makaleha Beach Park

From the main street (Farrington Hwy), about a 200 yard walk in between two properties with several horses fenced off, sits Makaleha Beach Park – a hidden gem of a beach. The beach is great for swimming on the west side (left side facing ocean) during calm days in the summer and snorkeling is quite good too, in this crystal clear water. The rest of the beach is rather rocky and not recommended for the inexperienced swimmer. Lots of large trees provides for ample spots to relax in the shade.
Also good to know: No lifeguard on duty. There are no restrooms or showers.

Mokuleia Beach Park

Mokuleia Beach Park
Mokuleia Beach Park

Some parts of the beach is suitable for experienced swimmers during summer months, but needs to be careful, due to rocks and reef. There is a large protective outer reef, which means some experienced swimmers will even go in the water on some days when there are smaller waves. During winter time Mokuleia Beach often sees large waves out past the protective reef. Great beach to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Also good to know: No lifeguard on duty. There are restrooms and showers.

Camp Erdman Beach

Camp Erdman Beach
Camp Erdman Beach

Located at the very end of the road on North Shore’s most western point. Camp Erdman Beach is picturesque with mountains in the backdrop and idyllic turquoise colored ocean water. Awesome swimming beach, but caution, water quickly gets deep and is only recommended for the most experienced swimmers during summer days. Winter time waves get big and is a popular spot for surfers. A fantastic place for those looking to relax on a beautiful beach away from the crowds.
Also good to know: No lifeguard on duty. There are no restrooms or showers.




LEEWARD COAST BEACHES

Oahu’s west coast, stretching from Yokohama Bay in northwest though Ewa Beach in south. Known to be the hot and dry side of Oahu.

Keawaula Beach (Yokohama Bay)

Yokohama Bay / Keawaula Beach
Yokohama Bay / Keawaula Beach

The scenery by Yokohama Bay is absolutely stunning. Summer months can offer awesome swimming conditions, but recommended for the more experienced swimmer, as currents can quickly change. Winter time can be rough with large waves crashing close to shore, making it popular for talented local bodyboarders and surfers. Rarely crowded and a popular beach to get away from the crowds, relax and enjoy the  beauty of nature.
Also good to know: Lifeguard on duty. There are no restrooms or showers.

Makua Beach

Makua Beach
Makua Beach

If you are looking an amazing scenery, soft white sand and seclusion and you can ignore the terrible parking lot with rocks, dirt and deep holes, then Makua Beach is probably worthwhile visiting. The beach is great for experienced swimmers in summer months (ocean quickly drops deep), though needs to be careful with potentially strong currents. The winter season brings some of the largest waves on the west costs, due to the lack of an outer protective reef. A great beach to relax on and there are rarely very many people here – typically just a few locals.
Also good to know: No lifeguard on duty. There are no restrooms or showers.




Makaha Beach Park

Makaha Beach Park
Makaha Beach Park

The middle section of the beach – with minimal reef – offers great swimming opportunities in the summer months when the current isn’t strong. Otherwise, this is really more of a beach for surfers and bodyboarders with waves possible during any given month, though winter is the time when the waves on occasions get huge. Waves may also break close to shore, which can be dangerous. The beach rarely gets very crowded, yet it is the most popular beach on the west coast, besides Ko Olina. Beautiful setting, stunning ocean colors and a great place to relax and have a little picnic.
Also good to know: No lifeguard on duty. There are restrooms, showers and a few picnic tables.




Papaoneone Beach

Papaoneone Beach / Turtle Beach
Papaoneone Beach / Turtle Beach

Crystal clear turquoise colored water with the most perfect white sand – that is Papaoneone Beach, tucked away behind bushes and trees, not easily found when driving. The ocean often brings large waves during winter season and during any given month – including summer months – there are also frequent waves crashing close to shore, more suitable for the experienced bodyboarders. Winter season brings excellent surf conditions on many days. Swimming during summer time can be fantastic, but be careful on days with shore breaks and changing currents. The nickname – Turtle Beach – comes from the Green Sea Turtles that like to eat seaweed from the reef at the beach – early morning is normally the best time to spot the turtles.
Also good to know: No lifeguard on duty. There is a shower, but no restrooms.

Maili Beach Park

Maili Beach Park
Maili Beach Park

Stunning beach with the possibility of camping in the park – permit required. Popular large wave surf during winter months, though waves can be seen on most months throughout the year. Winter time a good part of the white sandy beach will be under water. Summer time typically offers some great days for swimming, but be careful with the current, possible wave action and the sudden drop of in ocean depth. Surfers and bodysurfers in particular should also keep an eye out for boats coming from a nearby jetty.
Also good to know: Lifeguard on duty summertime and during weekends. There are restrooms and showers.




Nanakuli Beach Park

Nanakuli Beach Park
Nanakuli Beach Park

Some winter days offer great surf for the experienced, though most days throughout the year the ocean tends to be calm, due to a protective coral. Bodyboarders can be seen throughout the year, riding the waves breaking on the shore. The current can be very strong here, so do not be fooled by the seemingly calm ocean. Swimming can be fantastic (in the south part of the beach where the current tends to be less strong), but only for the very experienced. Nanakuli Beach Park is known as one of Oahu’s very best diving spots. There is a grassy area with some trees and picnic tables.
Also good to know: Lifeguard on duty. There are restrooms and showers.




Ko Olina Lagoons

Ko Olina Lagoons
Ko Olina Lagoons

Ko Olina’s beach is made up of 4 incredible man-made lagoons with a protective outer rock barrier, which means there are hardly any current and no waves, making it the most ideal beach on Oahu for families. This is a great place for swimming all year-round, playing in the ocean or learning paddleboarding in the calm waters. Popular among visitors and locals alike.
Also good to know: Sometimes lifeguard on duty. There are restrooms, showers and picnic tables.

Ewa Beach Park

Ewa Beach Park
Ewa Beach Park

Narrow beach with pristine white sand and a view of the Honolulu city skyline and Diamond Head in the distance. This is a popular beach for relaxing away from the crowds and swimming (suitable for experienced swimmers). There are rarely good waves to surf or bodyboard at Ewa Beach. Popular among local residents.
Also good to know: No lifeguards on duty. There are restrooms and showers.

I hope this post has inspired you to explore some of these unreal beaches on Oahu. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below – would love to hear from you.

PS! If you are keen to learn more in-depth details about Oahu’s beaches, I highly recommend you check out this book by John R.K. Clark.

Disclaimer: Oceans on Oahu can act unpredictably and going in the ocean can potentially be dangerous and you should not rely on the above descriptions of beaches and oceans in deciding whether to be on a beach or go into the ocean. There are also sharks, jellyfish and other sea creatures, which can potentially harm people who enter the ocean. It is highly recommended that you are completely aware of ocean conditions prior to entering. Enter the ocean at your own risk. Do not rely on the above descriptions either – we do not guarantee the accuracy.

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13 thoughts on “37 Best Beaches on Oahu With Map & Stunning Photos

  1. this is so very helpful. we leave in 9 days and have only 8 days – serious pruning on my bucketlist needs to be done – thank you for these pictures! sooooo helpful – <3

    1. thank you RobMay. Cromwell’s is a very special beach surrounded by some incredible homes. Actually, the house you see in the middle of the Cromwell Beach photo in this post is listed for sale at $22,000,000 – as of writing.

  2. Thanks for this fabulous post. Having lived in Hawaii, I appreciate the thoroughness of it. Going back and cannot wait!