Which O‘ahu beach is right for you? It comes down to the kind of day you want. Maybe that’s a leisurely swim paired with reading under the sun, or a snorkel over a reef bright with tropical fish. We’ve gathered beach recommendations around how you’d like to spend your day, with a few practical pointers to help you choose. Start close to us at Prince Waikiki or head out to explore another coast.

What You’ll Find in This Guide

• Beach recommendations for relaxed days, surf lessons, snorkeling, family outings, and time together.
• Where to go for sunrise, sunset, and a beach visit paired with a coastal hike.
• Planning advice on reservations, parking, ocean conditions, and respecting marine life.

Quick Picks for Your Oʻahu Beach Day

Have a particular kind of day in mind? Start here.

Oʻahu Beaches for Swimming and Relaxed Days

If your ideal day involves a good book, a long swim, and no schedule, you don’t have to go far. Start with these beaches in and around Waikiki, close enough to Prince Waikiki to leave plenty of the day for the sand.

• Ala Moana Beach Park. This 119-acre local favorite has a long, sheltered swimming area, wide lawns, and lifeguards on duty. Settle in with a book, take a break on the grass, or take a dip.
• Duke Kahanamoku Beach. Named for Olympic champion Duke Kahanamoku, who helped bring surfing to the world, this beach sits at the western end of Waikiki. You can spend time on the ocean beach or visit the adjoining Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, a separate, man-made swimming area.
• Kuhio Beach Park. Seawalls shelter part of the swimming area, making this a popular spot for families. Food and shops are close by when you’re ready to trade your beach towel for a lunch table.

Oʻahu Beaches for Surf Lessons and Spectators

Your first lesson and a day watching winter surf call for very different beaches. Waikiki is the place to start learning; the North Shore is where you can see why surfing has such a devoted following.

• Waikiki Beach. The long, rolling waves here are forgiving, which is why beginners and longboarders flock to them. Lessons are easy to book if you want to try it.
• The North Shore. In winter, swells can top 30 feet and draw the world’s best surfers to Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, and Ehukai Beach (home of the Banzai Pipeline). But don’t worry, you don’t have to paddle out to enjoy it. Watching from the shore is half the fun.
• Makaha Beach. On the Waianae coast, Makaha has a deep surfing history and is one of the places where big-wave surfing took hold. Winter swells here are for experienced surfers only.

Check the surf and ocean-safety information before heading out, and follow the lifeguards’ advice when you arrive.

Oʻahu Beaches for Snorkeling and Marine Life

Pack your snorkel mask if you’d like a closer look at Oʻahu’s marine life. These spots give you a few different ways to spend time beneath the surface.

• Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. With tropical fish weaving through the reef, your beach towel may feel a little neglected. A short educational program introduces the bay before you head down to the sand. Reservations open at 7 a.m. HST two days ahead; book rather than counting on limited walk-in tickets, and plan separately for parking. The bay is closed to visitors on Mondays and Tuesdays.
• Ko Olina Lagoons. Four sheltered lagoons linked by a seaside path give you plenty of reasons to stretch a beach visit into an afternoon. Pack your snorkel mask, then save some time for a stroll. There are no lifeguards, so keep little swimmers close.
• Kuilima Cove. Near Turtle Bay, this sheltered cove invites you to swap your sunglasses for a snorkel mask. See what’s happening beneath the surface, then claim a patch of sand. Your North Shore sightseeing can wait a little longer.

Prince tip: When snorkeling, enjoy the reef from above, keeping your feet off the coral. If a turtle or monk seal makes an appearance, give your fellow beachgoer plenty of room, keep its path to the ocean clear, and respect any marked boundaries.

Oʻahu Beaches for Families

A family beach day can turn on a surprisingly small detail. The sandcastle is coming along beautifully, but someone needs a restroom and the snacks have mysteriously disappeared. These beaches give you a few reasons to unpack and stay awhile.

• Ala Moana Beach Park. Shady trees, lawns, and picnic areas give everyone room to enjoy the day their own way. Swim, play on the sand, or spread out lunch on the grass.
• Kuhio Beach Park. With a partially protected swimming area and nearby food, this is a handy choice for families in Waikiki. You can fit in some beach time before a nap, with lunch close by when hunger announces itself.
• Kailua Beach Park. A broad sandy shoreline gives the family room to spread out, with picnic areas, restrooms, and showers nearby. Leave time for a meal in Kailua town afterward — an afternoon at the beach has a way of making everyone hungry.

Pack water and a generous snack supply. Keep young children within arm’s reach near the water, even when their confidence suggests they’ve already qualified for the swim team.

Oʻahu Beaches for Couples

An early alarm has its rewards, especially when it gets you a sunrise together. Prefer a slower start? Save your beach plans for sunset and make an evening of it.

• Waikiki Beach. Head out for an early walk before the shoreline gets busy. The morning light and Diamond Head views make a lovely start to the day, with breakfast still to look forward to.
• Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island. Close to Prince Waikiki, these are lovely spots for a sunset stroll. Leave time to watch the colors change before heading back for dinner. Reservations are one good reason to eventually look away.
• Lanikai Beach. Sunrise over the Mokulua Islands makes a persuasive case for getting out of bed. Plan parking ahead, use public access paths, and keep voices low in the residential neighborhood. There are no lifeguards or restrooms.
• Waimea Bay or Sunset Beach. If you’re already exploring the North Shore, save a little daylight for a final beach stop. Find a spot well back from the surf and let the evening light steal your attention.

Hidden beach with view of the Mokes aka Na Mokulua with turquoise waters on a clear sunny day at Lanikai Beach on the windward side of Oahu, Hawaii.

Beach Visits for a More Adventurous Day

For some travelers, a beach towel is only part of the packing list. These stops pair time on the sand with a coastal hike or an afternoon exploring a beach town.

• Makapuu Beach Park. Pair the beach with the nearby Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail for sweeping coastal views. Bring water and sun protection for the exposed climb, and note that the trail and beach have separate access points. Leave the powerful waves to experienced bodyboarders and bodysurfers; watching them is an activity in its own right.
• Kailua Beach Park. Give the beach the morning, then head into Kailua town for lunch and a look around. If you’d like another shoreline stop, add Lanikai Beach for views of the Mokulua Islands. Plan legal parking and public access before heading over.

Kailua Beach in Hawaii

Practical Beach Planning Tips

• Check ocean conditions first. Surf, currents, and weather change daily. Review current surf and ocean safety reports, and check in with the lifeguards when you arrive.
• Respect posted warnings. Signs and flags are there for a reason. If a beach is marked hazardous, believe it.
• Pack sun protection. Bring mineral-based sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing for time on the beach.
• Stay hydrated. Pack drinking water, especially if your beach visit includes a hike.
• Protect the reef and wildlife. Don’t stand on coral, and keep your distance from turtles and seals.
• Leave valuables in your room. Take only what you need, and don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach or in a parked car.
• Arrive early. Parking fills up at the popular spots, especially in high season.

Your Honolulu Home Base

Spend enough time on the sandy shores of O‘ahu and you’re bound to come home with a favorite beach. Maybe it’ll be the one where you caught your first wave, or where the kids spent an entire afternoon building something they insisted was a castle.

When you’ve had your fill of sand and saltwater, come back and let us take care of you. Join us for dinner at 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar, raise a glass at Hinana Bar, or put your feet up in your room or suite. You can decide on tomorrow’s beach over breakfast.

Explore our featured offers and book your stay. We’ll leave the ambitious beach itinerary—or the gloriously unambitious one—to you.

Frequently Asked Questions