Oahu has numerous beautiful beaches to choose from. Makapuu Beach, Kailua Beach, and White Plains are among the most popular, but you may want to explore more if you have more time. Read on to find out which beaches are the best in each category. And if you aren’t sure where to go, check out this guide to the best beaches on Oahu!
Makapuu Beach
One of the best beaches in Hawaii is Makapuu, a secluded cove below the point of the same name. Black lava rocks surround the beach, and its waves crash with thunder. The park offers a lighthouse and complete facilities. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or lounge on the soft white sand. While it is smaller than some other beaches in Hawaii, Makapuu is still one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
Visitors to Makapuu Beach can enjoy a long stretch of powdery sand and endless views of the cerulean ocean. The beach is also home to friendly lifeguards who can assist in an emergency. This is an ideal place for snorkeling, bodyboarding, and surfing, or you can relax and enjoy the sun. While the middle section of the beach is the most popular, the northern portion offers more giant waves for surfers.
Visitors can enjoy the ocean by hiking up the Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail. This paved trail covers about two miles round trip. The elevation gain is about 500 feet. It took about 70 minutes to complete. You may also want to check out the Makapuu Reef, one of Oahu’s natural wonders. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, Makapuu Beach is worth a visit.
Kailua Beach
If you’re looking for a beautiful Oahu beach with plenty of watersports activities, Kailua is a great choice. Kailua’s fine, powdery sand is a good option for bodyboarding or snorkeling, but the water visibility is low, so you’ll probably be disappointed. For a more relaxing day at the beach, rent a boogie board and spend an afternoon lying on the shore. Hawaiian Watersports provides rental equipment and lessons for those looking for a fun, active vacation.
Known for its crystal clear waters, Kailua Beach Park is an excellent choice for families. The beach was voted America’s best by Dr. Beach in 1998. While it’s not a perfect snorkeling spot, it’s an excellent spot for kids. There’s plenty of space for picnicking, and you’ll rarely see other people on the beach. You’ll find plenty of picnic tables and food stands along the coast. Plus, there aren’t too many tourists at this Oahu beach.
Kailua is a windward side beach with pristine white sand. Compared to other famous Oahu beaches, it’s less crowded and more of a neighborhood hangout. You’ll find it quieter than nearby Waikiki, but it’s still an excellent choice for families. Kailua’s mellow shore break is great for kids, and you can also rent snorkeling gear and kayaks. Another plus: Kailua Beach Park features hiking trails, picnic tables, restrooms, and food stands. Many water sports are available here, including scuba diving, windsurfing, and sailing. Even if you’re not an experienced surfer, Kailua’s sands are also great for snorkeling, boogie boarding, or just.
White Plains
If you’re planning a visit to Hawaii, you must know where to go on your first trip – and that place should not be White Plains, Oahu. This town has a lot to offer its visitors – and the beach in White Plains is one of them. White Plains Beach is a favorite among locals, especially during the weekends. It was formerly a part of the Barbers Point Naval Air Station but is now open to the general public. Its above-average features make it especially popular with military families living on Oahu.
The former Barbers Point Naval Air Station is a famous beach for surfing and swimming. The waves are small enough for beginners to catch and play with. This beach is also a great place to gather with friends and family. A day at this beach isn’t complete without frolicking in the sand and basking in the Hawaiian sun. While it may be far from the most famous beach in Oahu, it’s certainly worth checking out!
Makaha Beach Park
A famous surfing beach on the west coast of Oahu, Makaha Beach Park is a great place to try your skills. Its long, sandy shores and warm water make it an excellent spot for swimming and surfing, but be aware that there can be dangerous rip currents. It is recommended that those who aren’t comfortable surfing the open ocean stay on the shore. Lifeguards are on duty, and signs will tell you about the water conditions.
Makaha Beach Park offers restrooms and showers for those who prefer to stay on shore and snorkel. There are also shady areas to relax. While swimming, be sure to wear flip-flops and bring a hat if you plan to get wet. It would help if you also used reef-safe sunscreen as Hawaii banned chemicals that cause coral reef damage in 2018.
If you want a more intimate environment, consider visiting Malaekahana Bay, located on Oahu’s northwestern coast. The bay is ideal for swimming, although you’ll need water shoes to navigate nearshore waters. You’ll find plenty of shade and cabin rentals nearby. During the winter, no lifeguards are on duty, so you might want to bring a book to read.
Waimanalo Beach Park
The beautiful white sands of Waimanalo Beach Park make it one of the most popular Oahu beaches. Its gentle waves make it an excellent choice for families with small children and those who want to enjoy a refreshing drink while relaxing on the beach. This beach is on the island’s windward side, so that it can get breezy sometimes.
If you want to relax and enjoy the sun, visit the three-mile-long Waimanalo Beach. The azure blue water and soft white sand make the perfect combination for a relaxing day. The Koolau Mountains stand in the background, helping to block the sun earlier than other Oahu beaches. You can also find shade from the ironwood trees lining the shoreline.
This beach is home to some of the most interesting archaeological treasures in the state. While most historians believe Kauai was the original Hawaiian landing site, archaeologists have found artifacts from the area. It is therefore essential for Hawaiian culture and history. If you are interested in exploring Hawaii’s account, you can visit Waimanalo Beach Park, located on the right side of Kalanianaole Highway.
A paved trail runs along the ocean fronting this park. This trail is easy to access the sea and provides a spectacular view of Oahu’s windward coast. With powdery white sand, clear water, and a vantage point overlooking two offshore islands, Lanikai is a famous beach on Oahu. While the park offers some shade, it is still trendy, especially on weekends. Remember to lock your valuables inside your vehicle when you arrive, as break-ins have occurred in the parking lot.
Banzai Pipeline
You might be surprised to learn that the North Shore of Oahu is a surfing haven. Featuring 7 miles of shoreline, this area is the site of some of the most renowned surfing competitions, including the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Some of the best beaches here include Waimea Bay, Ehukai Beach, Sunset Beach, and Banzai Pipeline.
The waves at Banzai Pipeline are barrel-shaped, hollow, and roaring. The roaring currents are accompanied by surfer laughter and hunks blown out of the water. You won’t find any commercialized luaus or tourist traps here. Instead, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery and the thrill of seeing the world’s best surfers.
If surfing is your thing, you can’t miss the Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu. World-class surfers come here to test their skills, and the perfect waves are often tube-packed. The best way to enjoy the world-famous Banzai Pipeline is to sign up for one of the many surfing competitions.
The surfing at Banzai Pipeline is famous worldwide. Professional surfers and beginners alike make their home on the North Shore. Despite its reputation, Banzai is one of the best Oahu beaches for surfing. During the winter, this island region is notorious for its treacherous waves. However, the oceans are calmer in summer, so don’t forget your surfing gear!
