Hawaii / Oahu Beaches
Photo by David
© All Rights Reserved
Rather than spin that pointer to see which direction you head this holiday, book your round-trip ticket to Hawaii. Not only are Hawaii beaches world class, but you can visit any time of the year and get a bronzing that will turn all the heads back at the office.
To start, keep it simple. Head directly for Waikiki, the most famous beach on the planet. There's such a wealth of things to do here that it may take an entire day just to sort it out. Not to worry. You can do that from your beach mat. Of course there’s great dining - and souvenir shops - so don’t forget that Hawaiian shirt for your boss, even if he didn’t ask for one. (I'm such a troublemaker.)
Speaking of clothing, there's been a bit of debate as to whether or not Oahu beaches are Top-Op. If you decide to try it and get called on it, my advice is to adopt a foreign accent and feign ignorance.
"But, sir, I ask you frank-lay, could these innocent little puppies harm a soul? I don think zo."
If you're - how can I put this tactfully - 'center of gravity challenged' - you're on your own!
If you want to visit an authentic Hawaiian beach, head for Ala Moana just across from Ala Moana Shopping Center. Or you can dump hubby at the beach with his eyes popping out and do some serious bargain hunting at the mall - with full confidence that when you return he’ll feel so guilty he’ll approve whatever you buy.
In winter, surfers and those who like to watch surfers in various attitudes of free fall will want to head up to the North Shore and Sunset Beach, or its more famous neighbors Waimea and Pipeline. Here you’ll see dare devils tempting fate on building sized waves. Or you can head for Makaha Beach on the west shore or Sandy Beach on the south shore for similar if milder exhibitions of blind courage.
For those who prefer placid waters, stay to the leeward side of island or head for the Oahu beaches that are protected by reefs, sandbanks or breakwaters. These include Waikiki, Hanauma Bay, Kailua, Lanakai and Waimanalo. If you have tots, they will enjoy the protected man-made lagoons at Ko'Olina and Ala Moana Beach Park.
Photo © Jacom Stephens - Istockphoto.com |
| Region | Country | Best Season | |||||
| Pacific | USA | February - June | |||||
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Ala Moana, Oahu | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Active | Medium | Excellent | Fine | Required | Yes | 9 |
| This is the 'local' city beach with families gathering for picnics and outdoor fun. Relaxing spot.
Nearby Accoms: Ala Moana Hotel, Holiday Inn, Ilikai, Prince, Sand Villa. Photo by Brandon Ivey © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Hanauma Bay, Oahu | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Active | Small | Excellent | Fine | Required | Yes | 8 |
| A popular Oahu beach because it's safe for swimming and also a tourist mecca.
Good snorkling. Nearby Accoms: Aloha Beach Suites, Kahala Mandarin Oriental, Marriott, New Otani, etc. (all in Honolulu). Photo by Mee Lin Woon © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Kailua Beach, Oahu | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Relaxed | Medium | Excellent | Fine | Required | Yes | 9 |
| A family beach on the windward side of the island. Good swimming and windsurfing.
Nearby Accoms: Kanela Kai Studio, Marianne's, Papaya Paradise, Affordable Paradise or drive each day from Honolulu. Photo by David © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Ko'Olina Lagoon, Oahu | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Relaxed | Small | Excellent | Fine | Required | Yes | 9 |
| Four lagoons in all, these Oahu beaches made from the finest imported sands and protected by breakwaters. In the Ko'Olina Marriott Ihilani Resort development area. Good for a nice dip. Photo by Ken Hambleton © All Rights Reserved | $$$$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Lanikai Beach, Oahu | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Relaxed | Medium | Excellent | Fine | Required | No | 10 |
| Fronts a residential neighborhood on the windward shore south of Kailua and has a similar ambiance.
Nearby Accoms: Kanela Kai, Marianne's, Papaya Paradise, Affordable Paradise or drive from Honolulu. Photo by David © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Makaha Beach, Oahu | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Relaxed | Large | Excellent | Fine | Required | Yes | 10 |
| A surfer hangout in winter when the waves are up. For a serious beach-basking go in late spring or summer.
Nearby Accoms: Makaha Golf Resort, Makaha Shores Condos. Photo by Zevs © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Sandy Beach, Oahu | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Relaxed | Large | Excellent | Fine | Required | Yes | 9 |
| Another surfing hangout, primarily for Boogie boarders and body surfers. Waves all year.
Attracts a young crowd. Stay in Honolulu at the Aloha Beach Suites, Kahala Mandarin Oriental, New Otani, etc. Photo by Ollie_Girl © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Sunset Beach, Oahu | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Relaxed | Large | Excellent | Fine | Top-Op | Yes | 10 |
| One of the major North Shore surfing venues and the best one for bod-baking when the waves quiet down in spring.
No swimming till then. Nearby Accoms: Hale Pupukea, Ke Iki Beach, Santa’s, Turtle Bay. Photo by Steve Anderson © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Waikiki Beach, Oahu | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Active | Medium | Excellent | Fine | Top-Op | Yes | 10 |
| The reality is as magical as the name. For a city beach, only Rio's Ipanema equals it.
Stay at one of the zillion hotels along the strip including Aqua Marina, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, New Otani, Outrigger, Sheraton, etc. Photo by Dan Masters © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Waimanalo, Oahu | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Relaxed | Medium | Excellent | Fine | Required | Yes | 10 |
| Another worthy family beach on the windward coast.
You can stay in nearby Honolulu at the Aloha Beach Suites, Kahala Mandarin Oriental, Marriott, New Otani, etc. Photo by Steve Anderson © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| CLICK HERE FOR EXPLANATION OF TERMS | |||||||
| Let's keep it safe out there! Because ocean conditions change daily, follow these rules: (1) Always check with 'locals' about hazards before entering the water, (2) Obey all 'warning flags', (3) Swim inside 'safety areas' provided, (4) Never swim alone, and (5) Never swim far out. Finally, when in doubt, don't go in. | |||||||
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