Top 12 Beaches to Visit on Oahu
Pineapples, Jurassic Park, beaches. That’s basically all we needed to hear to know that we wanted to vacation in Hawaii. Little did we know that the sights that we would see as we travelled across the island of Oahu would be so incredibly awe-inspiring. For anyone looking to explore the best beaches in Oahu, this list will make planning so much easier!
Photo by Matthew Sherman
This is just one of the ‘normal’ views people that live in Hawaii get to see all the time. Ka’ena Point Beach
1 - Ka’ena Point
Ka’ena Point is the furthest west spot that you can get on Oahu. Running along the coast is a semi-rugged 3.5-mile hike that was the path of a former railroad bed and old access road. The path is so beautiful because on one side, you have rocky beaches and lovely coves to swoon over, and on the other side, a pristine natural habitat filled with Albatross. Ka’ena Point is gorgeous no matter what time of the day you go, but since this beach is on the west side of the island, the sunset views you get from here are unparalleled. It was a really cool spot to be to just experience Hawaii. It is easily one of the prettiest beaches in Oahu for nature lovers.
Michael and I on Polo Beach. The water was the most perfect temperature and was so clear!
2 - Polo Beach
Perfectly located off of Farrington Highway on the North Shore, we found Polo Beach. A gay and clothing-optional hangout spot. This beach is a little tucked away, so you’ll have to look hard for this spot. The beach access is inconspicuously located right off the main road and connects you to the ocean by means of a long trail, but once your feet hit the sand and you hear the water lapping up against the shore, you’ll anchor yourself there for the day. We spent a good portion of our day here just enjoying each other's company and soaking up the sun. Polo Beach is considered one of the more popular beaches in Oahu, Hawaii, amongst gay travelers because of its extremely welcoming vibe.
3 - Waimea Bay
Waimea Bay is at the mouth of the Waimea River on the North Shore and is probably one of the more fun spots you’ll end up at. Not only does this beach offer big waves for those who want them, but it also has huge boulders that you can climb and jump off of. We definitely jumped off of some of the smaller rocks, but the big one is a bit scary! The water was so incredibly blue here. It was really awesome and we already can’t wait to go back. Waimea Bay is also a famous beach in Oahu known for its adventurous atmosphere.
4 - Secret Island Beach at Kualoa Ranch
The Windward Coast (east side of Oahu) is the best place to visit on Oahu to see the mountains and scenes that are in the movie, Jurassic Park. Secret Island is a thin, white sand beach that is rather remote. Only accessible by a long walk along the shore or by boat. This was the coolest spot to be because you obviously had a beautiful ocean in front of you, but behind you was a lake that is at the base of the Jurassic mountains. Or at least that’s what it seemed like. Regardless of how you get there or where you go on Secret Island, you’ll never want to leave once your eyes see the mountains and cliffs off in the distance. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Oahu.
5 - Kailua Beach
We spent the entire day here on Kailua Beach. Oh my gosh, the water was so blue! This little slice of heaven is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, thanks to its length of this beach. There is room for everyone, even the kitesurfers! Kailua is a must-see beach that’s just on the other side of the mountains from Honolulu, and getting there is super fun because you have the options of driving through the mountains (which I recommend) or by driving along the ocean road around the mountains (which I also recommend). For many travellers, Kailua is one of the top beaches in Oahu.
Looking at the Mokulua Islands from Lanikai Beach.
6 - Lanikai Beach
Lanikai translates to “Heavenly Ocean,” and that is not an understatement. This Windward beach was one of our favorites and is one of the top-ranked beaches in the world. The turquoise blue waters were so appealing, I didn’t even set up my spot on the beach before I jumped in. If you want a picturesque experience and some stellar photos, you should definitely check this beach out. I can’t wait to go back! No doubt, many travelers believe this to be the nicest beach in Oahu.
7 - Sherwood Beach
Sherwood Beach (aka Waimanalo Bay) is a smaller, unassuming beach that you’ll most likely have to yourself. After you park, you’ll walk through a tropical pine forest for a little bit before the white sands and blue waters yet again take your breath away. I’ll say it again, I can’t get over the color of the water that I’ve seen! Walking through the little bit of forest that you do makes this beach feel a bit more secluded and hidden, and that’s just such a great experience to be apart on this little island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It remains not only one of the best beaches in Oahu for travellers seeking quiet and beauty, but one of the most visited beaches as well.
Halona Beach Cove
8 - Halona Beach Cove
We almost missed this beach when we were driving because the cove actually sits a little bit below the road. Plus, on the other side of the road is a literal crater. Talk about distracting views (other than Michael, of course)! The Koko crater is a pretty astonishing sight to see, as is the Halona blowhole, and all of this can be seen from the Halona Beach Cove. A 1953 film, “From Here to Eternity,” was partially filmed at this location. The most memorable scene was the kissing scene, which we tried to re-enact but didn’t do so as gracefully as I’d hoped, but it was still such an amazing day! Halona is one of the most famous beaches in Oahu, with its cinematic history.
Kaimana Beach, Hawaii
9 - Kaimana Beach
Kaimana Beach is a small beach on the south side of Oahu and is super unique due to the Olympic-sized swimming pool that extends from the beach into the ocean. Off the main strip but still close to Honolulu, this beach was a great spot to dip in the water and cool off while enjoying the endless ocean views that are literally endless. It’s also just a good spot to people-watch and take in the plethora of activities that are always out on the water. For those who enjoy variety, it’s among the most popular beaches on Oahu.
Waikiki Beach
10 - Waikiki Beach
Why should you have a kiki in Waikiki? Because it’s such a hip, modern, eclectic, and rambunctious area. You can do so much here! Eat, drink, tan, shop, walk along the beach, surf, paddleboard, drink libations out of pineapples, and so much more. Michael and I, and with a few of our friends, took a catamaran boat out for an evening cruise that left from Waikiki, so the possibilities of what you can do and experience here are why we will be coming back ASAP. It is easily one of the best beaches in Oahu, Hawaii, for nightlife, basking in the sun, and adventure.
11 - Hawaiian Electric Beach Park
What this beach lacks in palm trees and beautiful white sands (compared to other beaches we visited) is made up for when you go underwater. This beach is named after the power plant that is in the background, and that power plant is the exact reason why this is a snorkeling haven. Clean, warm waters are released from the power plant into the water, making the sea life come from all over to thrive in this hyper-local sanctuary. You won’t believe the amount of fish and colors you’ll see just by swimming a few feet offshore. We had an absolute blast swimming with the prideful fishies. For snorkel lovers, it’s a great beach in Hawaii and one of the best on Oahu.
Albatross flying over their amazing natural habitat
12 - Makua Beach
Makua Beach is a perfect location to be alone. Just south of Ka’ena Point, Makua Beach sits on the western shores of Oahu and is such a perfect slice of heaven. The beaches are wide. The sand is white, and the unobstructed sunset views will cap off any day with a warm glow and salty breeze. We sat here and felt the warmth of the sun touch of skin and talked about the day. It’s such a good spot to sit and reflect, but also to play and explore. 10/10 would return. For sunsets, it might just be the most beautiful beach in Oahu.
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