Best Beach in Oahu

"Lanikai Beach offers soft, white sand and fantastic views of the Mokulua Islands State Seabird Sanctuary, a couple of offshore islets full of Hawaiian birdlife. Neighboring Kailua Bay has a long stretch of sand with mountain views and beachside parks with facilities. Just a few miles up the road, the large Kaneohe Bay has a huge sandbar and a triangular islet known as Chinaman’s Hat that you can paddle out to. He’eia State Park and Kualoa Regional Park are both on the bay."

"Instead of Waikiki, head over to the less-crowded Lanikai Beach, which is often ranked one the best beaches in Oahu. The bright white sand beach and endless blue water is definitely a reminder of why many people call Hawaii “paradise.”"

"A wide arc of sand drapes around the jewel-colored waters of Kailua Bay, with formidable volcanic headlands bookending either side and interesting little islands rising offshore. It’s ideal for long, leisurely walks, family outings and all kinds of aquatic activities like kitesurfing and windsurfing. The beach has a gently sloping sandy bottom with usually calm waters; it’s excellent for swimming year-round, especially in the morning. The wind can blow any time but generally kicks up in the afternoon."

"Just up the road is another one of the most popular Instagram spots on all of Oahu; Kaiula Beach Park. Drive safely, as the road will take you up a scenic drive with views of the most inviting beach you’ve ever laid eyes on. Not becoming distracted by the siren call of Eden out your window will be one of the most difficult things you will have to do during your time on Oahu!"

"Take a 12 mile drive northeast to Kailua Beach to find exciting waterfront activities. A crescent-shaped, 2.5 mile stretch of glorious bright-blue ocean and sandy beach, Kailua Beach is the place for all sorts of sports from windsurfing to kayaking. Kayak or paddle board out to the protected seabird sanctuaries of Flat Island and the Mokulua Islands."

"Take your lover down for a roll in the sand at this sweet pocket cove made famous in the legendary wave-tossed love scene between Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr in the 1953 movie From Here to Eternity. You can peer down at the cove from the Halona Blowhole parking lot, from where you’ll just be able to make out a path leading down to the beach."

"If you prefer a small and quiet area for swimming, then the Halona Beach Cove fits the bill. A movie is known as “From here to eternity” was shot in this location. Make sure to stay away from the rock areas, given that the waves can be turbulent."

"Pro tip #1: if you’ll be spending 5 days in Oahu, I recommend starting the fifth day with a visit to the Pearl Harbor Museums, followed by either a walking tour of downtown Honolulu (Chinatown, Aloha Tower, Kawaiahao Church, Aliiolani Hale, Iolani Palace, St. Andrew Cathedral and Punchbowl) or a road trip up the more remote west coast of Oahu (Makaha Beach Park and Kaneana [Makua] Cave). Early risers can start with a guided visit to the Honolulu Fish Auction."

"You can’t throw a rock in Honolulu without hitting a beach, but since it’s such a popular vacation destination, it can be a challenge to find a stretch of sand that isn’t teeming with joggers, surfers and dog walkers. The good news is that the crowds haven’t overrun Kuhio Beach Park yet!. Located off the shores of Honolulu, Kuhio Beach Park is known for its calm, clear waters and laid-back atmosphere."

"If you don’t like sand and prefer to stay away from the ocean, Kaka’ako Waterfront Park is the place for you. At first it won’t seem like much, but as you walk east along the path to the very end is a great view of Honolulu and Diamond Head. This is also a great place for surfers so you might see a few wipe outs while you’re there as well."

"These icy wonders are stacked with flavorful shaved ice and topped with condensed milk, natural syrups, fresh fruit, homemade mochi, popping boba, and adzuki bean. Build your own shave ice creation with tropical flavors like passionfruit, strawberry, and lychee mint. Find Island Vintage Shave Ice outside the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki."

"This Kailua mainstay has everything you could ever want for breakfast: fluffy omelets, loco mocos, French toast and a variety of eggs Benedicts. But one of its most popular dishes is its pancakes—namely, the red velvet and guava chiffon versions. Topped with its house-made honey butter, these stacks are a must—and you’ll need a nap after."