If you’re planning a Hawaiian island vacation, you may be wondering, “What are the best beaches on Oahu?” The answer depends on what you’re looking for in a beach vacation, but there are some popular favorites on the island. Read on to learn about Waikiki Beach, Lanikai Beach, Hanauma Bay, Turtle Bay, and more! Here are the top beaches on Oahu, ranked by popularity.

1. Lanikai Beach

You can find the beautiful Lanikai Beach in Kailua, Hawaii, on the windward coast of Oahu. The island’s windward coast is a popular surfing destination, and this beach is no exception. Kailua is a charming little town on the island’s windward side. Those who wish to get away from the rat race will find a peaceful haven in this town.

The gorgeous Lanikai Beach in Kailua, Oahu, is a beautiful spot for families to spend the day. There is plenty of parking, and the beach is relatively uncrowded, making it a popular spot for families and couples. You can take a kayak out and then enjoy the white sand and turquoise waters. The calm water of Lanikai makes it an ideal swimming spot. You can snorkel here if you like, but it’s not recommended for beginners. Also, the fine sand makes the water cloudy. 

2. Waikiki Beach                                                          

Other popular spots include the world-famous Waikiki, with its famous beaches, dining, and nightlife. Waikiki is a two-mile stretch of golden sand and exotic Oahu waters. Its high-rise hotels and restaurants provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable vacation. Visitors to the area will also find a variety of activities on the beach, including surfing, snorkeling, and swimming. Don’t forget to protect your skin with natural products! A great way to spend a day on the beach is with family. The best time to visit this beautiful island is just before the sun sets, so bring the kids along!

3. Hanauma Bay

One of the best beaches on Oahu is Hanauma Bay. This protected bay was formed on top of a prehistoric volcanic crater. Visitors will find colorful marine life and tropical fish. Several hiking trails are located nearby. It also offers spectacular views. It is a popular place for snorkeling and for being a great place for a sunrise hike.

4. Turtle Bay

One of the island’s most beautiful stretches of coastline is the North Shore, and Turtle Bay marks the entrance to the legendary ‘North Shore.’ The name of the beach is due to the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles present here. You can see them and learn about their habits as you swim in crystal-clear waters. You can enjoy the sunset while watching some of the biggest waves in the world.

5. Waimea Bay

For a quiet beach with clear water,  head to Waimea Bay on the North Shore. Waimea Bay is a popular beach in Oahu.  In winter, the waves can be enormous, bringing in some adrenaline-seekers.  This beach participates in the triple crown surfing competition in the summer and is one of the local’s favorite spots for swimming in the summer. This is an excellent place to catch a big wave and watch the spectacular Hawaiian sunset. This beach is ideal for rock climbing and cliff jumping for adrenaline seekers in the summer. So if you are looking for excitement all year round, this is the place to be.  Parking is very busy but, you can find parking across the street at Waimea Valley, avoid parking on the side of the road where it says prohibit parking because it is a lot of police in the area that will ticket you. Have safe fun under the sun on this gorgeous beach.

6. Waimanalo Beach

Waimanalo Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Oahu but, it is not commercial vehicles allowed in the area. If you ever visit this beach please be mindful that this is a local favorite

and it doesn’t cater to tourists for food or any rental equipment like Waikiki. Locals come to this beach after a long day at work to relax with their children and in the weekends they will bbq and have parties with their families. 

7. Ko Olina

One of the most beautiful beaches on Oahu is located on Ko Olina, a resort community located on the island’s southwest coast. This beach is popular with families and couples, as it is safe and offers protected swimming. Ko Olina is comprised of resorts, residential communities, and a golf club. The resorts are connected by a walking path along the beachfront lagoons. 

For those who love snorkeling, you can try snorkeling in one of the three man-made lagoons at Ko Olina.   You can enjoy scenic walks along the waterfront lagoons while soaking up the sun and the blue water. It is a beautiful place to take some amazing pictures and it is the home of the Four Seasons resorts as well as Aulani Disney Resort and Marriott resort. 

8. Yokohama Bay

Yokohama Bay, also known as Keawa’ula Bay, is the last sandy stretch of the coast. This undeveloped beach is a great spot to watch dolphins and offers good surf and a beautiful hike from Kaena Point. The best part of this beach is that it is remote and unspoiled – a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Oahu. Yokohama Bay’s high surf makes it a surfer’s paradise in winter. Moreover, the waves can be very strong. If you’re not a pro surfer, staying on the shore is better.

Conclusion:

There are many advantages to visiting the gorgeous beaches in Oahu, Hawaii, The winter months are ideal for catching some epic waves. Some of the world’s top surfers are found on the North Shore, making this the perfect time to watch them.  However, the most popular season to visit beaches in Oahu is during the summer. Also, make sure to visit these beaches to make the most out of your vacations. Always make sure to read the signs on the beach and make sure to stay close to the lifeguard station until you get comfortable with the beach that you visit. Be safe and we can wait to meet you on one of our Waikiki walking tours or any of our tours that will take you to see beautiful beaches during our Circle island tour or our North shore tour. Looking forward to meeting you and your family. Tropical Hawaiian Tours, LLC