Visiting beaches in Oahu is a year-round treat, and I made the most of it during a solo trip in January. The weather ranged from the 60s to the 80s while I was there, so nearly every day was a beach day. I visited seven different beaches in Oahu across eight days, each with its own vibe and perks.
This guide is a firsthand look at the best Oahu beaches if you're short on time and want a well-rounded experience. Whether you're seeking the clear water beaches Oahu is known for, or just want to know which side of Oahu has the best beaches, I've got you covered.
And if you enjoy this post, you'll love my Oahu hiking guide, too!
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Tips for Visiting Oahu Beaches
The gorgeous and diverse geography of the Hawaiian Islands has created different coastal pockets that are suited to different activities.
On Oahu, each side of the island has slightly different conditions that make for anything from big waves (great for surfing) to gentle waters (great for swimming and lounging). And there are beautiful areas for snorkeling with marine life.
- The east side of Oahu, called the windward side, is where you'll find beaches with calm, crystal clear water and pillowy white sand.
- And the leeward side on the west shore has its share of similar beaches, as well as good spots for whale watching, surfing, and bodyboarding.
- The North Shore is most well-known for world-class surfing, especially between October and April.
All Oahu beaches are public by law, which is a big difference from other tropical destinations where resorts and individuals can privatize beaches. There are a few exceptions for military areas, but this list includes advice for getting around that!
Copy my Oahu seven-day itinerary to make planning your trip easy breezy!
Ala Moana Beach (South Shore)
Located near a large shopping center and just across the marina from Waikiki, Ala Moana Beach is one of the most popular beaches Oahu has to offer vacationers. I visited on a weekend, and the public park was packed with families barbecuing and kids playing.
Parking can be tricky due to construction, but it's a solid beach if you're staying nearby and want a lively vibe. Despite the crowds, it's a good spot for swimming, people watching, and a local beach feel in the midst of the tourist area.
What I rate this beach for:
- People watching
- Family-friendly vibe, so it's perfect for visiting with kids
- Close to the marina for boating excursions
Bellows Field Beach Park (Windward Side)
If you're looking for quiet beaches in Oahu, Bellows Beach is it. Located in Waimanalo, this military beach sits on an Air Force base and is only open to the public on weekends due to military training during the week.
I made the drive out on a Sunday morning, and it was very low-key with a secluded and private feel--I nearly had the sand and shoreline to myself. This is one of the few beaches to camp in Oahu; just make sure to get the proper permit.
Why I enjoyed this beach:
- Low-key, private feel
- Nearby things to do
- Clean and well-maintained
Check out my list of solo things to do on Oahu for travelers!
Haleiwa Ali'i Beach (North Shore)
Haleiwa Ali'i is in one of the island's most iconic surf regions, so the beach was full of surfers chasing big waves during my visit. The water was a beautiful deep blue, and while I didn't do much more than wade here, it was really cool to watch experienced surfers ride the waves while lounging in the sand.
This beach also has a big park with public restrooms, outdoor showers, and plenty of space to picnic or rest after a day in the sun.
You'll like this beach if you want:
- Serious surfing opportunities
- Facilities to change and freshen up
- Picnic tables for enjoying a beach lunch
Kailua Beach (Windward Side)
Kailua Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on Oahu and a favorite among locals. I visited on a kayaking excursion and was struck by the contrast between the ocean in front of me and the mountains behind.
Why I rate Kailua Beach:
- Access to Popoia Island (giant coral head and bird sanctuary)
- Great for snorkeling
- Crystal-clear water
It's very picturesque--perfect for photos, for sunrise, and for just soaking in Hawaiian natural beauty. Kailua is slightly less hyped than nearby Lanikai, but certainly worth your time.
Another favorite excursion of mine was visiting Kualoa Ranch. Read my full Kualoa Ranch review before you go!
Lanikai Beach (Windward Side)
Just a short drive or walk from Kailua, Laniaki Beach is one of the best-rated beaches in Oahu, and for good reason. The sand is powdery soft and the clear water is a shimmering turquoise.
Visitors and locals alike love this beach and, although it's public, access points are tucked between residential homes, which gives it a hidden beach feel. If you're looking for a busy yet calm beach on the east coast, Lanikai is hard to beat.
Why I rate Lanikai Beach:
- Pristine sand
- Plenty of water sports and activities
- Calm, swimmable water
Waikiki Beach (South Shore)
Waikiki Beach is as iconic as it is crowded, and you'll find everything from surfing lessons to beach resorts to sunset volleyball games here. Just steps away from some of the best Oahu beach hotels and a convenient place for sunset views if you're staying nearby.
Though the beach was much more touristy and less clean than others I visited, the proximity to my hotel made it really nice for an early morning swim. As one of the most popular beaches on Oahu, it's worth a visit, especially if you're a surfing newbie looking for lessons.
What's good with this beach:
- Close to Waikiki hotels and restaurants with beachfront options
- Beach yoga classes
- Great for watching the sunset
Check out my favorite places to eat in Waikiki and all over the island!
Waimanalo Beach (Windward)
Another of the east coast Oahu beaches, Waimanalo Beach is a gem that felt almost untouched. The day I went, the wind was intense, so I couldn't lounge as I'd hoped; however, the water was still clear and bright blue despite all the waves.
Why you'll rate this beach:
- Secluded and uncrowded on weekdays
- Swimmable water
- Less touristy vibe
Parking at Waimanalo was easy, but keep in mind that the lot is lined with tents belonging to people with no place else to go, so keep in mind that you're essentially visiting someone's home when you go. If you're seeking a quiet beach in Honolulu without crowds, Waimanalo is worth a stop.
Use my Oahu women's packing list for outfit inspo, including cute bathing suits for all the beaches you'll visit!
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on what you're interested in. The North Shore is considered the best for surfing, whereas the leeward and windward sides of the island tie for calmer, beautiful beaches. The Leeward side is more residential and, therefore, treasured by locals. Travelers should be mindful and respectful of this.
I hope you'll enjoy some of these unique beaches in Oahu soon and very soon. And sharing is caring, so be sure to pin this post for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
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