Oahu Beaches

Each side of the island has its own unique landscape, seascape, and surf pattern. Whether you're looking for a snorkel spot on the West side or North shore or a more relaxing spot with smaller waves on the South shore or East side, there are plenty of beach options here! During the winter months, huge swells slam the north shore of Oahu, bringing in the famous big waves, perfect for watching surf competitions and experiencing the raw power of the Pacific Ocean. I highly discourage tourists from getting near the water during this time unless you are a VERY STRONG SWIMMER. Even experienced swimmers have lost their lives by underestimating the strength of the ocean here, locals included. The lifeguards will usually let you know to stay out of the water if you look like someone that won’t make it out without their assistance, but use your best judgement from the start. Signs will also be posted when the current is stronger than usual.

When in doubt, DON’T GO OUT.

If you are looking for calm waters or sun bathing, stick to the popular Waikiki beaches or take a scenic drive over to Kailua where the waves are also much smaller. Check out my breakdown of each island area to make a beach wishlist for your next trip! Remember to pick up after yourself, and do one better… pick up any rubbish you see anyway! With the influx of tourists the beaches have gotten trashed even more - locals and wildlife will appreciate it.

North Shore
Ka'ena to Kahuku

Mokuleia Beach Park

"Mokes" is located just after the small town of Waialua on your way to Ka'ena Point, a beautiful stretch of secluded shoreline next to Dillingham airfield. This beach is relatively quiet and is a popular spot to get away from the busy surf spots further East. The common onshore winds can make this part of the island fairly windy quite often, so check the wind report before heading this way. On a calm day you can expect beautiful blue water, sleeping sea lions and turtles (don't wake them/go near them) as well as a picturesque back drop of the stunning Waianae Mountains. Parking is along the road, many spots will have quite a few cars. There are also a lot of people living out of cars back this way, make sure not to leave valuables in your vehicle. You can take this road out towards the point where the beach will become a bit more rocky. There are a few nice swimming holes along the way. There is usually a lot of trash along the beach up this way, bring a bag and try to clean up to help out, It won't go unnoticed!

Ali'i Beach Park - Haleiwa

Ali'i is a small beach located just northwest of the boat Harbor in Haleiwa town. This is a popular surf spot for beginner surfers on calmer days. During the winter months the surf swell increases massively, and pro surfers from around the world come to catch close waves at the local contests. This beach is a little more rocky toward the left side in front of the lifeguard building, but has plenty of room to lay out for a nice beach day. In between Mokes and Ali'i beach are a few scattered beach stretches as well, and while small are still popular for their seclusion. The lifeguard building at Ali'i was actually the filming location for Baywatch Hawaii, so may look familiar to some. Getting in the water here is pretty reefy and rocky just to be warned.

Haleiwa Beach Park

Located just after the iconic Rainbow Bridge and just next to the oldest surf store on the island, Surf and Sea, Haleiwa Beach park is a popular spot to watch the sunset. I often see lots of sea turtles coming up around this beach. The water and sand aren't great, I wouldn't call this anywhere near a favorite beach to swim. It is near the mouth of the harbor so it can get a little stinky sometimes. However, lots of people enjoy a dip here.

Pua'ena Point Beach Park - Haleiwa

Pua'ena is a small beach leading to a cool rocky point on the eastern end of Haleiwa town, just past the large open field oceanside. There is a long drive to a small parking lot next to the ocean and a bathroom and shower area. This lot is frequented by thieves, car break-ins and car thefts so make sure your belongings are locked up, out of site, and do not leave your keys hidden anywhere on the beach! Otherwise this is a nice little break for surfing and to take a scenic stroll. It is very nice for sunset and is normally a pretty quiet beach.

Papaʻiloa Beach

Papaʻiloa Beach (also known as Police Beach) is a secluded, uncrowded white-sand beach on Oʻahu’s North Shore. Famed as a primary filming location for the TV show LOST, it is now known for its tranquil atmosphere, nesting Hawaiian green sea turtles (Honu), and upscale residential neighborhood. The beach was famously used for the camp scenes in LOST after the crew relocated from Mokulēʻia Beach. Parking is highly limited (only about 10 public stalls) at the end of Papailoa Road. The narrow public access path is located right across from the parking. Because it is located in a quiet residential area, visitors are encouraged to be mindful of noise, respect private property lines, and avoid blocking driveways.

Laniakea Beach

"Lani's", also known as "Turtle Beach" is a longer strip of beach located about 5-10 minutes heading east from Haleiwa (traffic depending). This beach has become a hot-spot for tourists and tour companies in recent years and usually accounts for a majority of the North Shore traffic during the afternoons. Turtles are known to frequent the rocky beach to the right side, however, turtles frequent MANY beaches on the North Shore, so don't get stuck thinking you will only see them here. This is a really fun spot to longboard and foil. The beach is so/so for hanging out on, it is usually pretty rocky with not overly calm water. I would suggest going further east for a relaxing beach.

Chun's Beach

Just past Lani's, you will hit Chun's Beach. This is a super fun surf spot, one of my favorites when I was just starting out. It can get pretty reefy on the inside whitewash, so try to avoid getting drug in there. The beach stretches for a couple miles to the East so there is plenty of room to spread out, snorkel, relax, tan, beach walk, or surf. This beach is very tide dependent. It can be flat as a lake, or impassible with high surf swell.

Leftovers Beach

A couple miles past Chun's Beach, connected via the beach, sits Leftovers. You cant really see the beach portion from the road, but there are a few beach access points along Kam Hwy. There is a small parking lot oceanside that usually has a few cars parked overlooking a rocky trail down surrounded by dragon fruit cactus. It's a short walk to a nice secluded strip of beach. This is a popular surf spot as well.

Waimea Bay Beach Park

Sitting adjacent from Waimea valley sits "The Bay". Waimea Bay is one of the most popular beach parks on the North Shore, and for good reason. This beach is huge in size, and is normally packed with people. Parking can be a nightmare, but if you get lucky there is lots to enjoy at this beach. During winter months the swell can be monstrous, and during the summer the bay is as calm as the Caribbean. To the western end of the beach sits a collection of massive rocks jutting out from the shore-break, named lovingly the "jump rock". Kids and adults of all ages leap from different heights into the water below, and if you're into diving, on calm days you can see the hidden holes tunneling through the rocks, enabling you to swim from one side to the other. During summer holidays swarms of boats pack the bay, resembling a flotilla party. Check out Waimea valley if you are in the area, another beautiful pit stop!

Three Tables

Across the street from the Catholic church overlooking Waimea bay sits Three Tables. This small beach got its name from the three "tables" of coral and rock peeking out from the water offshore. This is a fun place to snorkel, and many people start shore Scuba dives here as well for the easy entry and exit. You can swim around the rock wall to the left into Waimea bay or snorkel along the reef to Sharks Cove to the right. The beach can get a little busy on the weekends but is relatively quiet. Parking can be a little difficult at times but usually isn't a problem if you get there early. There is a small stretch of parking along the oceanside, a lot next to the fire station, and also on the road along Kam Hwy. You can't park at Foodland, they usually have a guard sitting in the parking lot and will tow your car.

Pupukea - Sharks Cove

Just past Foodland and the Fire station (heading east) you'll come across a small beach next to a tidepool. This area is commonly mistaken as sharks cove, but that is actually just over an additional rock wall to the right. The tidepool provides a protected area for lounging and snorkeling, but the water is usually pretty brackish with not the best visibility. If you are looking for much better snorkeling and diving I would go about 200 ft further to shark's cove. This cove doesn't have much for a beach, there is a small rocky area on the east side and a small sandy area on the right, both of which you can get into the water from. There are lots of fish and sea turtles to see here. Just be mindful of the coral and clean up your trash when you leave. There is always litter in this area. There is a small stretch of parking along the oceanside, and also on the road along Kam Hwy.

Ke'iki's

Keiki's is a big stretch of beach just past the lava rock field east of Shark's Cove. This break can be very calm, but can also be very dangerous on high swell days. Whenever I hear of tourists getting sucked into a rip current or pulled out by a big wave, it's usually here. Be mindful of the waves and always listen to lifeguards and posted signs. There is usually a pretty tidepool to the left, which can be a beautiful spot to watch sunset and get some nice photos. Parking is on the road along Kam Hwy.

Rockpiles

As the name suggests, this area of the beach is clearly marked by a large pile of black, lava rocks sitting in front of the lifeguard stand up the hill. This beach is nice because it is rarely crowded, and is large enough to sit alone just about anywhere you would want. I like walking this stretch of beach to look for shells. Swimming here isn't the greatest, there is usually a strong current, so unless you are a very strong swimmer I wouldn't go to far out unless it is a very calm day. Parking is on the road along Kam Hwy.

Ehukai (Banzai Pipeline) Beach Park

Ehukai Beach Park is just across the street from Sunset Elementary. It has a small parking lot, but quite a lot of street parking in the area as well as a school lot across the street. Pipeline is one of the most iconic wave breaks in the world, and is a major hub for water sports year round, but especially during the winter months and surf tour season. This beach varies in shape and intensity depending on the swell and time of year. On flat days, the beach can be massive, stretching out wide and scattered with child-friendly sandbar tidepools. During the winter, the beach can be almost non-existent with the strong waves crashing high on the sand, pulling it into the shallow reef.

Pupukea/Gas Chambers

Gas Chambers is a beach located on the North Shore of Oahu about a 1/4 of a mile north of Ehukai Beach Park and 1/2 a mile west of Sunset Beach Park. This spot is home to a fast, hollow and shallow point break type of wave. It is a high performance wave that is well-suited for the average to pro level surfer.

Rocky Point

Rocky Point is a flat, curving reef that is about 250-yards wide and perhaps the most consistent wave on the North Shore, breaking up to double overhead. As the name suggests, during the winter months the swell shifts most of the sand in this area out to see, exposing the sharp, jagged and unforgiving lava rock normally blanketed by the soft sand. This spot has a great little cove for family's on smaller days and is a beautiful spot to lay out when you can find a patch of sand.

Sunset Beach

nice sunsets

V-Land

hidden

Kawela Bay

hidden gem

Turtle Bay

hotel beach, and bonus better beach

East Side
Kahuku to Hawaii Kai

Malaekahana Beach Park

Malaekahana (mā-'lā'e-kā-hā'nă): an ancient traditional queen of Koolauloa. Land section, Koolau. This wooded beach park is a is a hidden gem between Laie and Kahuku on O'ahu’s northeastern coast. Known for its soft sand and tranquil waters, this beach is a favorite among locals rather than tourists, making it a great place to experience the relaxed North Shore vibe. With swimming, bodysurfing, beach-related activities and shore fishing, there are lots of activities to choose from. Picnicking and camping are also available at Kalanai Point section and Kahuku section.

Rockpiles

Malaekahana Beach Park

it gets rocky

Goat Island

it gets rocky

Laie Point

it gets rocky

Pounder's & Bathtubs

it gets rocky

Kokololio Beach Park

it gets rocky

Hau'ula Beach Park

it gets rocky

Southeast Coast (Hawaii Kai to Waimanalo)

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve: World-class snorkeling inside a protected volcanic crater. Reservations are required for all non-residents.

Halona Beach (Cockroach) Cove: A secluded, picturesque cove tucked between lava rocks. Best for sightseeing and experienced swimmers on calm days.

Sandy Beach Park: Famous for its powerful shorebreak. A favorite for experienced bodyboarders, but dangerous for casual swimming.

Makapuʻu Beach Park: Located just below the Makapuʻu Lighthouse trail. Great for bodysurfing and scenic views.

Makapuʻu Tidepools: Located just below the Makapuʻu Lighthouse trail. Great for hiking and sunbathing on calm days.

Waimanalo Bay Beach Park: A sprawling, uncrowded, 3-mile stretch of powdery white sand and turquoise waters. Great for long walks and picnics.

Windward Coast (Kailua to Kualoa)

Lanikai Beach: Frequently rated among the best beaches in the world. Famous for its fine sand and calm, stunning blue waters.

Kailua Beach Park: A spacious, 2.5-mile crescent of white sand offering amenities like restrooms, showers, and equipment rentals for kayaking and windsurfing.

Kalama Beach Park: A slightly less crowded extension of Kailua Beach, perfect for kitesurfing and bodysurfing.

Bellows Field Beach Park: Located on an active military base, open to the public on weekends. Features a beautiful pine-tree-lined shore.

Kualoa Regional Park: A scenic park directly facing the iconic "Chinaman's Hat" (Mokoliʻi island). A great spot for kayaking and relaxing on the grass.

North Shore Beaches

East Side Beaches

South Shore Beaches