With nearly the entire southern shoreline fringed by stunning beaches, Honolulu is blessed with over 40 gorgeous stretches of golden sand to explore. Known for its iconic crescent-shaped stretches perfect for sunset strolls, active water sports, and secluded spots far from tourists, these postcard-perfect beaches immerse you in paradise.
| Beach Name | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Waikiki Beach | Iconic crescent-shaped beach, ideal for swimming, surfing, and sunsets. |
| Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve | Fantastic snorkeling in calm inner bay, closed on Tuesdays for ecosystem recovery. |
| ‘Ehukai Beach Park | Premier surf spot in winter, calm sandy beach in summer with swimming areas. |
| Ala Moana Beach Park | Family-friendly, waveless areas for kids, jogging trails, picnic spots. |
| Kailua Beach Park | Renowned for fine sand, ideal for various water sports, and picnics. |
| Pearl Harbor Beaches | Convenient for water activities, close to Pearl Harbor memorials. |
| Sunset Beach on the North Shore | Tranquil in summer, swimming, snorkeling, and tidepools exploration. |
| Waimānalo Beach Park | Peaceful, 5 miles of shoreline, swimming, bodyboarding, and picnicking. |
| Mākaha Beach Park | Remote beauty, expert surfers in winter, calmer waters and snorkeling in summer. |
| Mokulēʻia Beach | Remote, accessible by kayaking or hiking, white sand, and solitude. |
| Mermaid Cave off Waimea Bay | Unique snorkeling experience, lava tube exploration, seasonal. |
| Laniakea Beach | Known as “Turtle Beach,” up-close encounters with sea turtles. |
From world-famous surf breaks like the renowned Banzai Pipeline to family-friendly beaches with calm protected waters, Honolulu offers sandy-bottomed bliss for every beachgoer’s bucket list. And thanks to the area’s consistently warm tropical climate and gentle offshore breezes year-round, every day offers superb beach weather for swimming, snorkeling, and all-out relaxation across Oahu.
Here are Honolulu’s 12 ultimate beaches that deserve a spot at the top of your list:
Iconic Waikiki Beach
Name and Location: Waikiki Beach, situated on the south shore of Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii.
History and Significance: Historically a retreat for Hawaiian royalty, Waikiki is now a globally recognized symbol of Hawaii, famous for its golden sands and surf culture.
What to Expect: A bustling beach with excellent conditions for surfing, sunbathing, and swimming. The area is filled with hotels, shops, and restaurants.
Visitor Information: Highly accessible and family-friendly. It’s a popular spot, so expect crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons.
No beach defines Honolulu better than stunning Waikiki Beach. Spanning about 2 miles of powdery soft white sand sloping gently into the turquoise ocean and offering perfect views of Diamond Head Crater, Waikiki Beach has it all. Relax all day on beach chairs under swaying palms or sign up for your first surf lesson in Waikiki’s mellow rolling waves. Stay until sunset when they ignite the beachfront torches, setting a romantic mood as classic Hawaiian melodies fill the air.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Name and Location: Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, located along the southeast coast of Oahu, Hawaii.
History and Significance: A volcanic crater formed thousands of years ago, now a protected marine life conservation area and underwater park.
What to Expect: Renowned for snorkeling with diverse marine life in clear, calm waters. Educational programs about marine preservation are available.
Visitor Information: Entry fee and parking fee required. Closed on Tuesdays to allow fish feeding without human interference. Snorkel gear can be rented.
Less than 15 minutes drive southeast from Waikiki Beach rests stunning Hanauma Bay, preserved within a volcanic outcropping dramatically emerging from the shoreline. This curved entrance creates a mostly calm inner bay that makes for fantastic snorkeling along underwater ledges bursting with colorful fish and sea turtles feeding in beds of green algae. On Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, access to Hanauma Bay costs just $1 per person. Note that Hanauma Bay is closed every Tuesday to give the marine ecosystem a chance to rejuvenate from heavy visits the other days of the week.
Historic ‘Ehukai Beach Park
Name and Location: ‘Ehukai Beach Park, located on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii.
History and Significance: Best known for the Banzai Pipeline, a famous surf break with large, hollow waves that provide a spectacle for surfers and spectators alike.
What to Expect: A prime spot for experienced surfers. The beach also offers beautiful scenery and a relaxed atmosphere for non-surfers.
Visitor Information: Best visited during winter for the surf scene. Limited facilities available, so come prepared.
For seasoned surfers looking to ride world-class waves, ’Ehukai Beach Park better known as the Banzai Pipeline, hosts premier surf competitions every winter. But come summer, the Pacific swells calm dramatically, revealing this picturesque beach park’s glistening pearly sands, shady ironwood trees, and gorgeous views of the outer reef break surfers still flock to regardless of season. ‘Ehukai offersdesignated areas for swimming if you avoid the areas watched by lifeguards where surfers dominate.
Family Fun at Ala Moana Beach Park
Name and Location: Ala Moana Beach Park, located just west of Waikiki in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii.
History and Significance: A popular local beach park known for its wide, sandy beach and protected calm waters, making it ideal for families.
What to Expect: Great for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The park also includes tennis courts, a yacht club, and large grassy areas.
Visitor Information: Easily accessible with ample parking, restrooms, and showers. It’s less crowded than Waikiki and offers stunning sunset views.
Conveniently located between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu, Ala Moana Beach Park spans 76 fully-equipped oceanfront acres perfect for active family vacations. Kids love splashing in waveless areas protected by floating booms offshore then building towering sand creations along the beach. Jog the scenic 2-mile trail looping the peninsula peppered with shady trees. Picnic under the palms near the beach or enjoy one of the park’s covered pavilions. With a wide sandy beach, grassy open spaces, and placid swimming areas, Ala Moana Beach Park offers something for all ages to enjoy.
Kailua Beach Park
Name and Location: Kailua Beach Park, located on the Windward Coast of Oahu, Hawaii.
History and Significance: Known for its stunning 2.5-mile-long white sandy beach and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It’s been consistently ranked among the best beaches in America.
What to Expect: Ideal for windsurfing, kayaking, and swimming. The beach park includes picnic tables, restrooms, and showers.
Visitor Information: Well-maintained facilities with lifeguards on duty. Parking can be competitive, especially on weekends.
Consistently ranking on “World’s Best Beaches” lists, Kailua Beach lies tucked away on Oahu’s eastern shoreline renowned for fine talcum powder sand stretching over 2 miles. With offshore reefs keeping the waters tranquil, Kailua Beach offers lots of room for volleyball, frisbee, stand-up paddleboarding, and kitesurfing with equipment rentals available. Plus the offshore breezes create ideal conditions for these sports. Relax on the sand with a bestseller in hand or enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade trees. No visit to Oahu is complete without a day here.
Historic Pearl Harbor Beaches
Name and Location: Pearl Harbor beaches, located around the Pearl Harbor area on Oahu, Hawaii.
History and Significance: Pearl Harbor is an iconic historical site, known for the 1941 attack that led the United States into World War II. The beaches nearby are less known but offer tranquil settings.
What to Expect: Quiet, less crowded beaches with views of historic landmarks. Suitable for relaxing and contemplative visits.
Visitor Information: Limited facilities. The area is more for historical visits, with the USS Arizona Memorial nearby.
While famous for the adjacent Pearl Harbor memorials and museums including the USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor’s beaches actually offer convenient places for water activities before paying your respects. Both USS Arizona Memorial Beach and USS Bowfin Beach provide salt-scrubbed docks to jump from, clear waters for snorkeling WWII relics, plus picnic tables, restrooms, and fast food options close by. Arrive early as parking at Pearl Harbor historic sites fills up each morning.
Sunset Beach on the North Shore
Name and Location: Sunset Beach, located on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii.
History and Significance: Famous for big wave surfing during the winter season. It’s a renowned spot in the surfing world, hosting prestigious surfing competitions.
What to Expect: A long stretch of beautiful beach ideal for sunbathing, watching surfers, and enjoying sunsets. The waves can be massive in winter.
Visitor Information: Best for experienced surfers during winter. The summer months offer calmer waters for swimming. Limited parking and facilities.
Renowned for mammoth winter waves when storms send swell charging across the northern Pacific, Sunset Beach transforms come summer into a tranquil stretch with smaller swells gentle enough for swimming and snorkeling. Walk out along the rocky “ point” or headland separating it from neighboring beaches during low tide and see small fish trapped in tidepools until the sea returns. For spectacular sunsets, wander north toward the beach park’s namesake outlook. Whether you surf its thunderous winter waves or snorkel through vivid reef fish come summer, Sunset Beach deserves a spot on your list.
Local Charm at Waimānalo Beach Park
Name and Location: Waimānalo Beach Park, located on the Windward Coast of Oahu, Hawaii.
History and Significance: A less crowded and more serene alternative to Oahu’s more famous beaches, offering a glimpse into local Hawaiian life.
What to Expect: A long, unspoiled beach with fine white sand and clear blue waters, ideal for swimming and picnicking.
Visitor Information: Facilities include restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. It’s a great spot for a more relaxed, authentic beach experience.
Far from Honolulu’s bustling crowds, Waimānalo Beach Park boasts over 5 miles of shoreline framed by soaring palms that give it a classic tropical vibe. Enjoy swimming, bodyboarding, fishing, and picnicking facilities with locals who flock here on weekends when the ironwood tree grove provides welcome shade. Or weekdays to have its several beaches nearly to yourself. With a slow-paced atmosphere and friendly community of regulars who treat this as their home away from home, Waimānalo Beach Park makes the 30-minute drive from Waikiki truly worthwhile.
World Class Surf at Mākaha Beach Park
Name and Location: Mākaha Beach Park, located on the West Coast of Oahu, Hawaii.
History and Significance: Known for its surfing history, Mākaha Beach is one of the first beaches where modern surfing was developed and popularized.
What to Expect: Famous for big wave surfing in the winter and excellent snorkeling and diving in the summer. A favorite among local surfers.
Visitor Information: Facilities include lifeguards, restrooms, and showers. The beach can be less crowded than those on the North Shore.
Located toward Honolulu’s western side an hour’s drive from Waikiki, Mākaha Beach Park surprises with its remote untamed beauty framed by majestic mountains sweeping down to the rugged sandy shore. During winter, Mākaha’s powerful waves break far offshore, creating a long rolling ride best left to expert surfers. Come summer, cliffs separate three connected beaches into distinct coves offering calmer waters for swimming and snorkeling amongst lava fingers lining the tidepools. Whether you surf or sightsee, Mākaha Beach Park never disappoints thanks to magnificent scenery in every direction.
Kayak to Mokulēʻia Beach
Name and Location: Mokulēʻia Beach, located on the remote North Western shore of Oahu, Hawaii.
History and Significance: A secluded beach known for its natural beauty and as a filming location for various TV shows and movies.
What to Expect: Ideal for kayaking, fishing, and kite surfing. The beach offers a sense of isolation and tranquility away from the more touristy spots.
Visitor Information: Limited facilities, so come prepared. It’s less crowded, making it perfect for a peaceful beach day.
For a remote beach that feels worlds away yet lies only 45 minutes north of Waikiki, visit wild Mokulēʻia Beach accessible via scenic kayaking, hiking trail, or 4-wheel drive. This isolated white sand beach features dramatic views of the distant Waiʻanae Mountain Range to the southwest and the nearly mile-long stretch often lies empty save a few local surfers floating beyond the breakers waiting to hop atop rolling set waves. Pack a lunch, bring snorkel gear, and get ready to relax on one of Oahu’s overlooked beaches in peaceful solitude listening to birdsong behind the sounds of the surf.
Mermaid Cave off Waimea Bay
Name and Location: Mermaid Cave, located near Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii.
History and Significance: A hidden cave known mostly through word-of-mouth, offering a unique and somewhat adventurous beach experience.
What to Expect: Access to the cave is dependent on the tide and can be challenging. Inside, natural light creates a beautiful setting.
Visitor Information: Visiting requires caution due to changing tides and waves. Not recommended for inexperienced swimmers or during high surf.
Adventurous types looking to discover Honolulu’s most unique snorkeling experience should head 30 miles up the coast to Waimea Bay in winter when its thundering shore pound quiets down. Swim out 100 feet northwest from the island’s most storied big wave surf break to discover the entrance to Mermaid Cave, a partially submerged lava tube you can snorkel or dive depending on the tides. Enter its underwater opening and surface inside its air-filled chamber with sunlight streaming down through holes in its rocky ceiling. An extraordinary hidden oasis worth braving Waimea’s legendary shorebreak when the timing’s right.
Sea Turtles at Laniakea Beach
Name and Location: Laniakea Beach, commonly known as Turtle Beach, located on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii.
History and Significance: Famous for the frequent appearance of Hawaiian green sea turtles, which come ashore to bask in the sun.
What to Expect: A great opportunity to observe sea turtles in their natural habitat. The beach also offers good conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
Visitor Information: Visitors are advised to keep a respectful distance from the turtles. Limited parking available, and the area can be quite busy.
This completes the coverage for all the headings you provided. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to know about these locations!
Nicknamed “Turtle Beach” thanks to the green sea turtles who haul out daily to rest on its golden sand, Laniakea Beach delights snorkelers hoping to get up close with these endearing creatures in their natural habitat. Located on Oahu’s legendary North Shore about 1 hour 15 minutes drive from Waikiki, Laniakea Beach charms despite its chronically over-crowded tiny parking lot thanks to magnificent mountain backdrops making it one of Hawaii’s prettiest settings. Get there early to secure parking along its roadside strip before settling in to watch sea turtles riding waves into the shallows.
Conclusion
With so many stunning beaches lining Honolulu’s sun-drenched coastline, deciding the best ones to visit takes serious consideration. From world-renowned surf breaks at Pipeline and Sunset Beach to family-friendly beach parks perfect for picnicking and swimming, beach bums won’t run out of beautiful sandy stretches across Oahu’s South Shore. And those craving isolated shorelines far from crowds will fall hard for beaches like Waimanalo tucked away on the eastern coast. Whether you seek legendary waves, underwater adventures, or pure relaxation, Honolulu’s beaches deliver on island perfection all year long for creating priceless Hawaiian getaway memories.