Honolulu is defined by its shoreline. On the south shore of Oahu, the city meets the Pacific Ocean with a string of beaches that are as diverse as the neighborhoods surrounding them. From calm, protected lagoons designed for toddlers to world-famous surf breaks that challenge professionals, the coastline here offers a distinct experience at every stop.
Choosing the right beach depends entirely on what you want from your day. Some visitors crave the energy of a crowded, iconic stretch of sand, while others need a quiet patch of grass under a palm tree with easy access to a gentle swim. The good news is that Honolulu’s compact geography means you are never more than a short drive from a completely different coastal atmosphere.
This guide focuses on the practical details that matter. You will find information on water conditions, parking realities, and the specific activities that make each location unique. Whether you are traveling with small children, planning a romantic sunset, or looking to catch your first wave, the right beach is waiting for you.
Water safety is a crucial part of planning any beach day in Hawaii. The ocean is powerful, and conditions can change within hours. Always swim at beaches with lifeguard towers, check the daily surf report, and never turn your back on the waves. Understanding the difference between a calm lagoon and a shore break can prevent a vacation from turning into a rescue situation.
Local etiquette also matters. The beaches here are shared public spaces, not just tourist attractions. Respect the sand, pack out what you pack in, and give locals space to enjoy their home waters. If you follow the unspoken rules of the shoreline, you will find that Honolulu’s beaches offer some of the most accessible and beautiful coastal experiences in the United States.
Below is a curated list of the best beaches in Honolulu, organized by the experience they offer rather than just their popularity.
Waikīkī Beach
| Address | Waikīkī Beach, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
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Waikīkī Beach absolutely lived up to its legendary status for me. The location was unbeatable, situated directly across from the Hyatt Regency where I was staying, making it effortlessly accessible any time of day.
Yes, it's true that the beach gets quite crowded during peak hours, but don't let that deter you. The vibrant energy is part of its charm. I found my own moments of peace by taking long, leisurely strolls along the shoreline. The water is a stunning, crystal-clear turquoise that is even more beautiful in person.
My favorite moments were the tranquil evenings spent sitting on the sand, watching the spectacular sunset while surfers tested their skills on the waves far out in the distance. It’s a truly mesmerizing sight.
The amenities here are excellent. Having access to showers to wash off the sand was incredibly convenient after a day at the beach. Furthermore, with numerous stores just across the street, you can easily pick up anything you might have forgotten or need.
While Waikīkī is undoubtedly touristy, its beauty and convenience are undeniable. I enjoyed every minute of my time here and would return in a heartbeat.
Waikiki beach is beautiful! It's been one of our faves! Sunset is amazing. What I appreciate most is the section that has a barrier which helps to keep the waters calmer. It's been perfect for my family, especially my daughter. We're able to swim without any worries. Lifeguards are on duty during the day. There's a place for umbrella and chair rentals, although they were out of umbrellas when we went - they did have chairs but you had to be in a certain area to use the chair. Driving by one day it seemed like there's a concession stand further down. There are several shops and restaurants across the street too.
Waikīkī is one of the world’s most iconic beach destinations, known for its white sand, gentle waves, and the unique blend of oceanfront relaxation with a lively urban setting. Once a wetland retreat for Hawaiian royalty, it later transformed into the birthplace of modern surfing and a global symbol of Hawaiian culture.
Its popularity comes from this rare combination of cultural heritage, beginner‑friendly surf, and city convenience. Waikīkī offers long, rolling waves ideal for first‑time surfers, while also providing easy access to restaurants, luxury boutiques, and entertainment. The area’s history as a royal playground adds depth to its modern appeal, making it more than just a beach, it’s a cultural landmark.
Reaching Waikīkī from Honolulu Airport (HNL) is straightforward. Budget travelers often take TheBus W line for around $3, with a travel time of about an hour. Taxis and rideshares offer a faster trip. Walkable district filled with dining and shopping options.
Historically, Waikīkī, meaning “spouting waters”—was a landscape of fishponds, taro fields, and streams before becoming a favored royal retreat. Its transformation into a tourism hub began in the early 1900s with the opening of the Moana Hotel. Much of the modern shoreline is man‑made, with imported sand used over the decades to maintain the beach. Today, Waikīkī stands as a blend of ancient roots, royal legacy, and modern resort life.
Nice but the beach is pretty crowded! There were also a few events going on when I was there.
Great location though as it’s on the strip, so you defo won’t run out of fun or drinks
A beautiful beachside that's easy to access from the public, open 24/7 (though night-swimming is not allowed). Anybody living by the beachside will get to experience seeing the ocean waves, while others living nearby can easily walk over to the beach. A lot of activities happen here, from bathing in the sun to swimming, surfing and more! Though it can get quite crowded during busy afternoons, and especially on weekends, there's always a nearby lifeguard on watch, which is good. Do stop by Waikīkī Beach - it's a must when visiting the island!
Sandy Beach
| Address | Sandy Beach, Honolulu, HI 96825 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
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Visited on a Thursday in March. Good toilets and showers available. Plenty of free parking. Plenty of space on the sandy beach for relaxing. Easy wading up to the ankles, but difficult above the knees due to breaking waves. Lots of fun if you're a good swimmer. Probably not for children. There were some surfers a little further out catching waves. One food truck with a decent selection. Accepted credit cards. Seem to be more locals than tourists. We enjoyed this beach a lot.
This beach is fantastic with huge waves ideals for surfers. The waves break at shore. Gorgeous beach with amazing vibe.
Amazing beach with beautiful waves that will you breathless (literally). They are huge so be careful (the bigest was 5m tall last time i was there).There isn't much around the beach so it's more a place to go chill and enjoy the waves and the sunset. I would suggest to bring towels, umbrella, and lots of suncream!
This is one of my favorite places in the world, an excellent place to watch the waves. It is a bit chaotic for body surfing or boogie boarding here; surf if you’re brave enough. I will say it’s a local beach, but just be nice and everything’s Gucci. The shorebreak is no joke; I’ve seen many injuries, but just be careful and enjoy the ride.
Stay for sunset, and it’ll be one of the most beautiful things you’ve ever seen if the day is right. This place is what made me fall in love with Hawaii.
Beautiful, super soft sand, water was amazing, great waves but strong current almost a riptide but we can’t control the weather! Still worth going!
Laniakea Beach
| Address | 574, 61-574 Pohaku Loa Way, Haleiwa, HI 96712 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
This is my second time visiting this beautiful beach recently. It’s definitely a tourist favorite because of the green turtles! I’ve just learned during the trip that the green turtles are no longer considered as endangered…great news! However, let’s be careful and mindful and respect their spaces. At times I feel like humans, children and grownups alike are getting too close to them. Some friendly reminders/signs maybe needed just to make everyone aware.
Beautiful! Kind of hard to reach the beach. Parking is tough to find and you have to walk along a narrow road next to traffic. But the view is amazing and where else can you see turtles! Made my trip seeing them.
Arrived at 10:30am on Monday and the parking lot was full. We did get lucky and got someone's spot as they left, but you would probably have to wait a while if you don't come early.
The beach is relatively small but very nice. Gets a bit crowded at certain points, but people come and go pretty quickly. From what we saw that day, the turtles started hanging out off shore around 12-4pm, with most of them just swimming near shore and not actually coming up onto the shore (one came up onto shore for ~30min). The turtles often stick their heads or flippers out from the water and are pretty easy to spot. There are guides/volunteers that hang around on the beach, answering questions and making sure that visitors are not getting too close to the turtles. Swimming and snorkeling seems to be perfectly fine here as long as you're not getting too close to any turtles in the water.
It was an overcast day with a bit of rain. Parking is rough here, but worthwhile to go as it is very calming..
We were lucky to see a turtle that, according to two wildlife officials next to us, was a newcomer to the area and approximately 8 years old; videos have been attached.
For any potential visitors, please be respectful to these amazing creatures and follow the rules to all signs in the area
This place is beautiful be mindful that this is a sensitive habitat.
The Honu (turtles) rest and feed here.
You have to give them the respect they deserve.
You have to stay about 10 feet away from them.
These turtles are protected and usually arrive around 11AM.
Highly recommend to stop by and enjoy the views
Ala Moana Beach
| Address | Ala Moana Beach, Honolulu, HI |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Ala Moana Beach is a peaceful alternative to Waikiki Beach, offering a quieter and less crowded atmosphere. It is the perfect place for a morning walk, especially if you are staying near Prince Waikiki, as it is conveniently close by. Walking along the soft white sand while listening to the gentle sound of the waves is incredibly relaxing and healing for the soul. The calm environment makes it easy to fully enjoy Hawaii’s natural beauty without the busy crowds. In the evening, the beach transforms into a breathtaking spot to watch the sunset, with stunning colors filling the sky. Whether you visit in the early morning or at dusk, Ala Moana Beach provides a beautiful and soothing experience that makes every visit memorable.
Had one of the best relaxing sunset view through my trip in Oahu. Not so crowded. Great for a morning/evening walk. Looks like a good place to swim as well. Highly recommended if you just need a place to relax.
Great shallow beach for kids. Plenty of free parking spaces (for a weekday). Sand had some small stone but overall safe.
Beautiful beach with a gorgeous cityscape backdrop. Close to the shopping center. View of Diamond Head and Magic Island for sunsets and picnics. Free parking. My fav spot in Honolulu.
It's really centered, calm and not crowded. Great for picnics, quiet time, peace of mind and rebooting.
Kahanamoku Beach
| Address | Honolulu, HI 96815 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 768-3003 |
Kahanamoku Beach is one of the most enjoyable spots in Waikiki for a relaxing walk by the ocean. The beach offers countless beautiful places to pause, take in the scenery, and enjoy the gentle Hawaiian atmosphere. Walking along the shore is an emotional experience, with stunning views, refreshing sea breezes, and unforgettable moments at every turn. A perfect destination to slow down, recharge, and appreciate the natural beauty of Hawaii.
Best Friday spot!
Highly recommend coming here on a Friday around 5 PM. You can go for a nice swim, watch an absolutely beautiful sunset, and then stay to watch the fireworks entirely for free. Such a great experience!
This beach was the perfect place to experience a New Year’s morning and afternoon. There was plenty of space and a lot less crowded than Waikiki Beach. There are restaurants and shops nearby. We got amazing tans Thanks to the cloudless sky and beaming sun!
Beautiful beach! There's a rental booth there to get chairs & umbrellas which was super convenient. Bring beach shoes if you get them there's some small rocks & shells in the water but overall a beautiful location!
This is a great beach in the hwart of Wikiki area. It has a good amount of sandy beach and offers a variety of entertainment, bars, food and drink plus has room for surfing, swiming and so on. There are multiple bar areas around the beach that have seats available with good drink options. There is a good amount of area for you to set up volleyball courts, badminton and so on. There is also a fireworks show every Friday which is great to watch. The downside is that the beach is usually super crowded.
Sand Island Beach
| Address | Sand Island Beach, Sand Island Pkwy, Honolulu, HI 96819 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:45 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:45 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:45 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:45 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:45 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:45 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:45 PM |
| Phone | (808) 587-0290 |
Sand Island Beach is an urban mostly locals coastal park with a sandy beach, picnicking, and fishing with views of Diamond Head and Honolulu Harbor. Less crowded than popular tourist spots but sits within an industrial area near the airport, providing a unique vantage for watching cargo ships and aircraft.
Features picnic tables and restrooms. Great for walking/running. Weekend-only camping is available, but a permit is required.
This is a hidden gem. An explorers paradise. It is secluded on an island 20 minutes outside of the main tourist area.
Diverse Waterfront Options: If you like calm sandy beaches this place has it. If you like big waves landing on a rocky shoreline this place has it. There’s even a calm harbor on the far side that probably has good snorkeling/fishing. The main beach is protected by a man made sea wall and even has a man made lagoon perfect for little kids (see photos).
Plenty of amenities: There is ample free parking, a lot of picnic tables and benches, there are bathrooms and shower stations. The bathrooms were locked when I was there however I suspect I was just there before they opened them. There were portable toilets available as well. There were a bunch of trees for shade spaced out however I have seen other beaches with more shade.
Wildlife: It’s the only place I’ve seen the Indian mongoose in Hawaii and there were a bunch of them on the airport side of the island. There were also so many birds for the birdwatchers out there. I also noticed a bunch of cats on the island.
Planes and Ships: The island is in the departure path of the islands international airport a plane spotters dream. This island is also at the inlet for a major international shipping port so you can observe the occasional large ships coming and going.
This place also has a lot of history with so remaining infrastructure.
This place has so much to offer:
-Diverse Waterfront
-Ample Amenities
-Wildlife
-Planes and Ships
-History
Great beach! A lot quieter than alamoana, but just as large with picnic tables, BBQ pits, toilets, showers, fields, and plenty of parking. It's a lot more run down than others areas, but it's worth it for lesser crowds. The beach is pretty rocky, and you may have to walk or drive down further west to go swimming. Nice quiet surf spot, too, with not that far of a paddle.
Decent little beach located on the south end of Sand Island. Lots of history down in this area. There are also local fishermen, homeless, and stray cats. Most of which kind their own but some of the cats enjoy attention. As for the beach itself, there are a good amount of rocks surrounding that fend off the larger waves, making this location good for snorkeling. There is a good amount of coral that comes and goes with the tide so some reef shoes would be helpful but are not completely necessary. All in all, it’s a nice place to get away.
Hidden gem. This may ruin it for those of us who enjoy a peaceful uncongested beach experience. Parking is always good, bathrooms are in service, and it's the only place I've seen monk seals. My first choice for a chill beach day.
Kailua Beach Park
| Address | 526 Kawailoa Rd, Kailua, HI 96734 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 768-8980 |
What a beautiful beach! First time visiting and we were quite surprised by the beautiful big beach. Plenty of views. Lots of places to swim, sun yourself, take out your canoe and kite surf too. We will most definitely be back soon.
KAILUA BEACH PARK 🌊☀️
This beach… just feels easy.
Soft sand, turquoise water,
a gentle breeze — everything about it is calm and cozy.
Not too crowded, not too loud…
just the kind of place where you can truly relax.
You walk along the shore,
watch the waves, feel the sun —
and suddenly there’s nothing else you need.
Perfect for a quiet moment,
a swim, or just doing nothing at all.
Simple. Beautiful. Peaceful.
One of those beaches you instantly fall in love with.
Beautiful beach with clear waters, white sand, and a fun little lagoon area with small fish and crabs. The lagoon made a great spot for the little ones and they loved seeing the small wildlife.
Parking gets crowded, but didn't take long to find a spot.
Outdoor showers and easy access to restrooms.
Great family beach.
Great spot to take the kids , go for a stroll , enjoy the beautiful water or attend a canoe meet. Relatively safe beach with lifeguards in attendance. Not too busy on the weekdays and plenty of shade to be found. Overall one of those beaches j come back to.
Absolutely stunning.
Took outrigger canoes to spread my step-dad's ashes from this beach. He grew up on this island and was in love with it.
Its a terribly awesome place to snorkel as well. You can find all kinds of sea life in this area, from turtles to sea horses! The beach was also rather clean as opposed to others.
Ala Moana Beach
| Address | Ala Moana Beach, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Beautiful, quiet beach with a nice mix of locals and tourists. You’ll find locals bbqing under tents or setting up in the parking lot. Water is calm, great for swimming or floating. Lifeguards on duty and washroom facilities.
A beautiful turquoise beach with a breakwater so it's calm without big waves and great for swimming. Fine sand, gradual entry into the water, so suitable even for small children. It is next to a large free parking lot. Unlike crowded Waikiki, there aren't as many people here and it's generally more relaxed.
Nice walk, beautiful view. Had to take a swim and watch the sunrise from the water. What a wonderful start to the day. The water was a spectacular turquoise and the perfect temperature.
Very quiet water, not too deep, not crowded. This beach is not have handicap access, as parking is far, you need to walk some. The park behind the beach has benches, bathrooms and is nice overall.
The most gorgeous, secret, private, magical beach/lagoon. Absolutely stunning, great for families too since the lagoon is protected with rock walls. My fav spot in all of Honolulu!
Kahanamoku Beach
| Address | Kahanamoku Beach, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
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On a Friday night summer 2026 we watched fireworks at Duke Kahanamoku Beach - one of the best free activities for visitors. The show is short—about 10 minutes—but the atmosphere is lively, with plenty of people gathering along the beach to enjoy the evening.
The walk there is part of the experience. There are shops, restaurants, and resorts along the way, making it easy to turn the fireworks into a pleasant evening stroll.
The biggest downside is the crowd. Expect a lot of people, especially on weekends, and finding a prime viewing spot can take some planning. The show itself is brief, but for a free beachfront fireworks display in Hawaii, it’s definitely worth seeing at least once.
4.5 stars.
This is a less crowded beach compared to Waikiki Beach, the waters here are calm and it gets busy on Friday nights as people search for the perfect spot to watch the spectacular fireworks display.
We easily found a spot along the beach and were able to rent an umbrella and beach chair from the Hilton booth at a reasonable price.
There was a day that it poured down rain and the beach was emptied in minutes.
Nice fireworks display on Fridays at 745 pm. The show lasts about 5 minutes.
Very nice beach, calm waters, mostly clean. Friday nights can get quite busy when the Hilton Hawaiian Village has fireworks. Keep in mind that this is a public beach, so even if you're staying with the Hilton you will be sharing the beach with non-guests. Also, there are some palm trees that will provide you with some shade, but not enough, so either bring your own umbrella or spend a hefty price renting one.
The beach is mostly clean, with soft white sand that can leave a powdery residue on your feet (unlike the adjacent beach). The water is calm and ideal for swimming, and you’ll often see many visitors from the nearby Hilton resort enjoying the area.
Waimea Bay Beach Park
| Address | 61-031 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
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A very beautiful beach, picnic areas, restrooms, and running water to wash the beach off at the end of the day. I am told on calm days it is a great place for swimming. The day we came the waves were massive, it was amazing to watch, we just sat there mesmerized as the thunder of the crashing waves rolled through our bodies, my picutres do not do it justice. Parking is though if it is busy.
It's a beautiful beach. The beach has a steep slope, and the water depth increases abruptly. However, once you enter the water, the slope becomes gentle and the waves are mild, making it a great place for swimming. There are cliffs suitable for diving, as well as restrooms and showers for rinsing off seawater and sand. The only downside is the very limited parking space, which makes parking difficult; visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon is recommended.
Great beach! Plenty of picnic tables and restrooms on site. Also running water to wash off after spending the day at the beach. Parking can be an issue. I did see some people Uber in and out. Nice sandy beach. Caution as the waves and currents are strong
The water is fantastic, the parking is not. Get here early or lucky(I chose luck and it paid off) the sand is hot and almost zero shade so bring your own, that being said great swimming and tons of room for grilling etc. There is also rocks on the west you can jump off and a light house on the east side(don't know if you can go in).
Parking is awful. We got there by 8am, luckily found a spot by 820. The day before we went 3 times circling the lot forever, and finally gave up. The waves were very intense, only recommend for advanced swimmers. Absolutely stunning views, watching the people jump off the rocks was fun!
Ala Moana Regional Park
| Address | 1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 768-4611 |
Its close to home and the water is calm. Great place to BBQ swim and watch the fireworks on Friday at 7:45 pm. There's bathrooms there and 2 L&L restaurants to get something to eat. Exercise bars and plenty of room there grass for days. I love it there.
Great walking paths, free parking, restrooms, and tons of outdoor shower stands. Beautiful sunrise and sunset.
Gentle waves before the break, great for kids. Can be rocky in certain areas so watch your feet or wear swim shoes. Great surfing waves past the break. Good for stand up paddleboarding!
The only thing to watch out for is sometimes there are homeless on the beach, but they generally they won’t bother you.
Very nice walk around the perimeter of the water with views of the ocean, city, and marina.
There was one large public restroom. One walk up, "take out" food place with the basics to hold you over.
A large park with lots of room. The lagoon at the end makes for a pleasant swim, skin dive, even beginning scuba.
Great place to picnic make sure you checkout the botanical gardens and eves apple tree point panics is beautiful as well watch for satellite dishes wired in the women’s restroom ie scrambler internment
Kaiona Beach Park
| Address | 41-575 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI 96795 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (808) 259-9106 |
Family friendly beach where the party happens. We snorkeled in the evening and the waves were too harsh for clarity. On a calmer day it would be a great snorkel location. Excellent swimming, great views, saw turtles. Parking can be a challenge.
Great little beach with fine sand and a wide variety of coral. A tiny parking lot, but a lot of parking along the road. There is a walled area for kids and it's fairly calm (in summer) Bathrooms and rinsing station available too! Super shallow, so be careful to avoid damaging the coral.
We love this beach for its solitude and beautiful water. But you need to be there early to find parking then a bit of a hike to get to a great spot on the beach. And the beach isn't huge so be prepared for passers-by walking within a few feet of your set up.
This is a hidden gem, seemed like a spot preferred by the locals, the ancient turtle/fish pond is amazing for little kids. To get there from kaiona beach you do have to walk in the water it can get tricky when the tide is high.
Very Nice Beach Park. White sandy calm beach turquoise water. Great swimming and snorkeling, fish and turtles.
Restrooms, showers.
35 minutes West of Honolulu, easy drive.
Waimānalo Beach Park
| Address | 41-741 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI 96795 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
If you’re dreaming of the kind of beach that belongs on a postcard—but without the crowds—Waimānalo Beach might just be your paradise. Stretching for nearly three miles of powdery white sand, this beach feels endless, like your own private slice of the island. The water is that perfect shade of turquoise-blue you see in travel ads, and with the dramatic Koʻolau Mountains rising behind you, every angle is jaw-droppingly beautiful.
Unlike busier spots like Waikīkī or Lanikai, Waimānalo keeps a laid-back, local vibe. Weekends often bring families setting up tents, grilling, and playing music under the ironwood trees, but because the beach is so massive, you’ll still find plenty of space to spread out. It’s the kind of place where you can take a long walk on soft sand, watch fishermen casting their lines, and then dive into gentle rolling waves for a swim or boogie board session.
The waves here change with the season—sometimes calm and perfect for floating, other times just lively enough for a bit of fun in the surf. Either way, the water is crystal-clear and refreshing. The pine and ironwood trees along the shore provide natural shade, making it easy to escape the sun without having to pack a beach umbrella.
Practical bonus: Waimānalo has ample parking, restrooms, and showers, so it’s easy to spend the whole day here. Pack a picnic, bring a beach blanket, and don’t forget your camera—sunrises here are legendary, painting the sky pink and gold as the day begins.
What makes Waimānalo truly special is its mix of scenery, space, and spirit. It’s stunning without being pretentious, lively without being chaotic. If you want to experience the natural beauty of Oʻahu while soaking in the local atmosphere, Waimānalo Beach is the spot where you’ll end up staying way longer than you planned.
This a a beautiful beach. Soft light beige sand and nice surf for boogie boards. It is very scenic here. You get nice shade from the mountains in the late afternoon. Clouds roll in off the mountains at times, almost looking like a mist. No debris in the water. The restrooms are old and need updates. Plenty of parking.
Waimanalo Beach is only about 30 minutes from Honolulu and feels like a slice of paradise. The beach and park area are gorgeous, with plenty of parking—although it can fill up, there’s an extra lot or you can wait a bit for a spot. The water is stunning, showing off so many shades of blue, and the islands in the distance make the view even more magical. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing family day on Oahu’s East side.
5 Stars – A Peaceful Paradise Just 30 Minutes from Honolulu
Waimānalo Beach Park is a true gem on Oʻahu’s east side. The drive from Honolulu along the coast was absolutely stunning, with plenty of scenic pull-offs to enjoy (like the blowhole lookout and other breathtaking spots).
When we arrived—on Memorial Day, no less—parking was crowded, but I still managed to find a spot. The walk to the beach takes you through a grassy area that opens up to incredibly soft, powdery sand.
The view from the beach is something out of a postcard: lush green mountains behind you, a small rocky outcrop just offshore, and a refreshing ocean breeze that makes everything feel calm and peaceful.
I loved it so much, I’m heading back tomorrow just for a quiet walk and to take more photos. If you’re visiting Oʻahu, this beach is a must-see. It’s only about 30 minutes from Honolulu, but it feels like a whole different world—less crowded, incredibly scenic, and deeply relaxing.
Nice beach. You can chill on the sand or on the grass in the shade. Lots of parking
Ala Moana Beach
| Address | Ala Moana Beach, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Excellent beach with very few people. The water is amazing—so clear and refreshing.
Very different from Waikiki, which is usually crowded every day of the week. We came on a Wednesday and it was perfect.
Highly recommended if you’re looking for a quieter, more relaxing beach experience!
Beautiful spot to hang out or run along the boardwalk. Lots of activity going on and a great place for a stroll early morning or at sunset.
Water was too murky while we were there, but turtles were surfacing. We had a fun time. Great beach! We had barbecue for lunch!
I went two days in a row. I’ve only been on weekday afternoons but it was never crowded. The water was clear and the beach was clean. Definitely a great place for families or those with trouble swimming. No big waves just the beautiful ocean.
Easy spot for parking with fewer crowds, has toilet facilities, popular spot for local families on the weekends to bring picnics. Not as deep of a beach but very beautiful for a sunrise run!
Kāhala Beach
| Address | Kāhala Beach, Honolulu, HI 96816 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
This was my favourite beach on Oahu (that I visited to swim and tan at).
It was windy, however a little quieter than the other beaches especially Waikiki & wasn’t too far from there.
We had the hotel facilities for lunch but it was so picturesque!
This is a gem of a local park. It is tucked away down a quiet access street. Huge washroom, changeroom and showers. A beautiful growth of overhang tree / shrubs covers a large picnic table area that is perfect shade for the hot days. We did not swim but there were families in the water and several fishermen further down the stretch of beach. The park area for activities is huge. I would imagine that the locals must pack this place on holidays and special occasions. Bring a book, relax and just enjoy the quiet!!
A stunning, peaceful beach! Close enough to Waikīkī in terms of travel, far enough to get away from the crowds!
A local gem!!! I stumbled on it being that it was the closest beach to where I was staying. In the morning- tons of dogs of leash, enjoying life! And barely anyone during the week. Peaceful, quiet. At night it's great for a beautiful color sky but leave once sun sets because a lot of homeless folk come out to camp for the night. I was always there alone during mornings or evenings and never had a problem 🙂 clear water, decent snorkeling, great for paddle boarding if you have.
Located at a dead end street, so less crowded than other nearby beaches. As noted by other reviewers, the sand was coarser than other nearby beaches. There were a parking lot and street parking spaces. There was a restroom, shower and many picnic tables, some under the shady arbor. The place was quiet and most people were just chilling. The waves were fairly gentle and suitable for young children. There was a river that divided the park into two sections. The only downside was the lack of food nearby.
Tips for Visiting Honolulu Beaches
A little preparation goes a long way when you are navigating Oahu’s coastline. Traffic, parking, and sun exposure can turn a perfect beach day into a frustrating one if you are not ready. The following tips are based on local knowledge and will help you maximize your time on the sand.
Arrive before 9:00 AM or after 3:00 PM. Parking lots at popular spots like Hanauma Bay and Ala Moana fill up early. Arriving late morning often means circling for a spot or walking long distances with your gear. The early hours also offer calmer winds and softer light for photos.
Check the surf report before choosing a beach. A beach that is calm in summer can have dangerous shore break in winter. Use local resources like the Hawaii Beach Safety website to check for high surf advisories, box jellyfish warnings, or brown water advisories after heavy rain.
Wear reef-safe sunscreen. Hawaii banned sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect the coral reefs. Look for mineral-based options with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Apply it at least 15 minutes before entering the water so it absorbs into your skin rather than washing directly into the ocean.
Pack more water than you think you need. The tropical sun and saltwater dehydrate you quickly. Bring insulated bottles with ice water, and avoid drinking alcohol without balancing it with plenty of hydration. Heat exhaustion can sneak up on you even on a breezy day.
Never leave valuables in your rental car. Car break-ins at beach parking lots are a well-known problem across Oahu. Leave passports, wallets, and electronics at your hotel or accommodation. If you must bring a phone or keys, use a waterproof pouch and keep them with you in the water.
Respect the reef and marine life. Do not stand on coral, touch sea turtles, or chase fish. Hawaiian green sea turtles are protected by law, and harassing them can result in heavy fines. Observe from a distance of at least ten feet and let marine life behave naturally.
The joy of Honolulu’s beaches is that you can visit several in a single day. You might start your morning snorkeling in a protected cove, spend your afternoon bodyboarding at a wave-heavy shore break, and end your evening watching the sunset from a quiet stretch of sand. Each beach has its own rhythm, and part of the fun is discovering which one matches your mood.
Before you leave, take one last look at the ocean. The water that touches Honolulu’s shores has traveled across the Pacific, and it will be here long after the beach umbrellas are folded and the footprints are washed away. Treat it with care, and it will welcome you back every time you return.
