Place: Oahu Hawaii
Oahu's 10 Best Beaches
Renowned for its sunny weather hovering around eighty-two degrees, Oahu is Hawaii's center of commerce and population. It is also home to several top-notch beaches. Read on to learn about the best beaches for your next trip to Oahu.
1. Ala Moana Beach, which is Hawaiian for "path to the sea," extends from Honolulu's downtown area to Waikiki. This man-made beach features a yacht harbor, tennis courts, barbeque, restrooms, showers, and lots of free parking. Its shaded picnic areas are a favorite among families.
2. Waikiki Beach draws almost five million visitors a year from all around the world. This world famous beach is for many people the iconic image of Hawaii - tanned surfers and bodyboarders catch waves, while bikini-clad woman sun themselves on the sand, enjoying views of the water and the ritzy hotels that line the beach.
3. Kailua Beach is often ranked among the "Best Beaches in the World." This 35-acre beach attracts world-class windsurfers and other active travelers. Amenities include restrooms, picnic tables and barbeques, a volleyball court, free parking, and an open-air café.
4. Hanauma Bay is a marine life conservation district, so its diverse population of fish and plant life are carefully guarded. It is still one of the most beautiful and, naturally, most popular spots in Oahu. Arrive early to secure a parking spot!
5. Lanikai Beach, which is Hawaiian for "heavenly sea," lives up to its name with clear, azure-colored waters, soft sand, and picture-perfect views. This mile long beach has some of Hawaii's best swimming, and visitors also enjoy kayaking, surfing, sailing, outrigger canoeing, and windsurfing.
6. Sharks Cove is only accessible when the sea is calm and is home to a variety of tropical marine life. The second most popular shore dive on Oahu, Sharks Cove also attracts snorkelers, scuba divers, and swimmers; however, there are no lifeguards.
7. Sunset Beach Park hosts the annual Triple Crown of Surfing, one of the most competitive surfing events in Hawaii. In the winter months, waves can reach up to 50 feet! Sunset Beach is also known for excellent swimming and snorkeling during the summer.
8. Waimea Beach also features spectacular waves (up to 50 feet) during the winter months. Summer tends to bring gentler waves, perfect for swimming, surfing, and bodysurfing. Amenities include restrooms, picnic areas, phones, and showers.
9. Bellows Beach features pristine white sand, spectacular views of the Koolau Moutains, and shallow water, making it ideal for beginning surfers. Located on the southeastern side of Oahu, it's also popular for swimming, picnics, and family gatherings.
10. Sand Island Beach offers restrooms, barbeques, swimming, and fishing, but it is not guarded by lifeguards. Located near the entrance to Honolulu Harbor, this beach offers lots of parking and is seldom crowded.
Susan Johnston is the copywriter for Go Oahu Card, which offers over admission to over 25 Oahu attractions, activities, and more on one easy-to-use smartcard. Numerous of the attractions listed above are included with the Go Oahu Card.
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