10 Most Beautiful Hawaiian Beaches on Oahu
There's really no denying it: Hawaii has some pretty fantastically beautiful beaches.
Whether it's white sand, black sand, pink sand, or no sand at all that you're craving, Hawaii probably has a beach for you somewhere.
During my week on the Hawaii, I visited at least one beach every day. Sometimes multiple beaches in one day. But, I guess when a state is made up of islands that boast gorgeous coastlines, generally it means that there are a lot of nice beaches to look at and visit.
I only had the chance to explore the island of Oahu on this trip. But Oahu certainly isn't lacking when it comes to picture-perfect beaches. Whether it's the crowded yet full-of-character Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, or the more remote surf beaches of North Shore, there's a beach for all tastes and interests — and most of them public, too.
10 most beautiful beaches on Oahu
Here are 10 of the most beautiful Oahu beaches I had the chance to visit on my trip:
South Shore beaches
1. Waikiki Beach
Perhaps Hawaii's most famous beach, Waikiki Beach is located in between the Punchbowl and Diamond Head, and features an abundance of hotels and resorts on its shore. The beach itself is made up of a fine, white, powdery sand, and is usually full of people — mostly tourists — on any given sunny afternoon.
You can rent everything from beach chairs to surf boards here, and many sunset and sailboat cruises leave from Waikiki. Half the beach is reserved for surfers, and Waikiki's long, rolling waves are ideal for beginner surfers and bodyboarders.
Is Waikiki busy and touristy? Yes, it can be. But it's such an iconic Hawaiian beach that it still deserves a spot on this list!
2. Diamond Head Beach
Located at the base of (you guessed it) Diamond Head crater, Diamond Head Beach is pretty, yet also pretty dangerous. It's popular with surfers, but you have to be careful that you aren't dashed upon the rocks or bashed into the cliffs.
It's perhaps better to look at this one from above than actually get in the water here.
3. Hanauma Bay
The snorkeling beach at Hanauma Bay is one of Oahu's most popular tourist attractions. And, just simply looking out over the bay from the car park lookout, it's easy to understand why.
The horseshoe-shaped bay was formed long ago by a volcanic explosion. These days, a coral reef thrives close to shore in shallow waters, making it ideal for snorkeling with everything from tropical fish to green sea turtles.
The bay is actually a designated nature preserve, and so requires an entrance fee and a strict adherence to rules (such as not harassing or feeding the marine life). But it's definitely worth a visit. Snorkeling here was a highlight of my trip to Oahu!
4. Halona Blowhole / Eternity Beach
The Halona Blowhole is a rock formation which can turn into somewhat of a mini geyser when the seas are rough and the wind is blowing. The rocks have formed into a curved chute of sorts, and, when water is forced into the chute, it is forced up out of the “blowhole,” much like water is forced out of a whale's blowhole when it surfaces for air.
To the right of the blowhole is a spot called Eternity Bay, or Halona Cove. It was the location of a famous beach scene in the 1953 movie “From Here to Eternity” starring Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr.
Close to shore, it seemed quite calm, and people were taking scuba lessons in it when I was there. But the beach and rocks are usually off-limits for swimming, as the water here can definitely get rough!
5. Sandy Beach
Nearby the blowhole lies Sandy Beach. It sounds nice and relaxing, but it's actually a pretty dangerous spot as the waves break very close to or right on the shore.
This makes it very popular with bodyboarders (it's President Obama's favorite bodyboarding beach), but also means there can be some mean rip currents. More people are injured each year at Sandy Beach than at any other beach in Hawaii.
East Shore beaches
1. Kaneohe Coast
If you drive along Oahu's coast near the city of Kaneohe, you'll be greeted by beach park after beach park — seemingly around every corner. The coast is stunning, with mountains on one side, and the Pacific Ocean on the other.
2. Laie Point
Not exactly a beach, per se, but Laie Point still warrants a stop if you're headed up to North Shore. From here, you can see a lot of the Oahu coast, as well as a cool hole-in-the-rock formation not far off shore.
North Shore beaches
1. Sunset Beach
Perhaps one of Oahu's most popular surf beaches, Sunset Beach boasts kool-aid-blue water, curved palm trees, rich tan-colored sand, and some huge waves during the winter months. Really, what's not to love?
I missed the truly big waves that North Shore sees in December and January (when the big surf competitions are held), but Sunset Beach still put on quite a show for me in February.
On my second (and sunnier) visit to this beach, a paddle-board surfing competition was in full swing.
But, a word of warning: the pounding surf may look and sound cool, but, if you don't know what you're doing, don't get near the water at Sunset Beach! It can be super dangerous.
2. Waimea Bay
Another important spot when it comes to surfing is Waimea Bay. Waimea Beach plays host to some huge waves, too, and is home to the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. The contest has only been held a handful of times in the past 20 or so years, however, because one condition is that the waves must consistently reach 40 feet between mid-December and mid-March for it to be held.
In the calmer summer months, Waimea is popular with swimmers and those brave enough to go cliff jumping off Jump Rock.
And, Waimea gets extra points for starring in the TV show “Lost” as the beach where Oceanic Flight 815 crashed on an unknown island.
3. Laniakea Beach
I didn't actually spend much time at all at Laniakea Beach, which is a pity, because it was beautiful. But I was there long enough to get up close and personal with a green sea turtle (or honu).
Laniakea Beach is said to be great for turtle sightings, with at least one or two coming ashore daily amidst the tourists and surfers. Because of this, it's often referred to as “Turtle Beach.” So, if you really want to see/swim/snorkel with honu, this is the spot to go! (Just be sure to give the turtles plenty of space, and NEVER try to touch them.)
This, of course, is by no means an all-inclusive list. Hawaii is littered with amazing beaches — some popular and others hidden gems. Each one has its own unique features, though, so it's worth visiting as many as possible.
Have you been to Oahu? If so, which was your favorite beach that you visited?
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!
I lived on Oahu for about 2 years when my husband was stationed there. Amazing! I want to go back so bad to visit. I can only imagine the changes from 40 years ago but I’m sure the beauty of Hawaii will never change.
You’re right – I don’t think the beauty of the island will ever really go away!
Great pics. Note that Eternity Beach is actually off limits to the public now: https://lookintohawaii.com/hawaii/4188/halona-blowhole-eternity-beach-beaches-oahu-honolulu-hi
Great photos! For more on Laniakea (Turtle) Beach check out: https://lookintohawaii.com/hawaii/5249/laniakea-beach-turtle-beach-beaches-oahu-haleiwa-hi
Love the list, curious to know what you think of our Best Beaches On Oahu list: https://lookintohawaii.com/hawaii/46640/best-beaches-on-oahu-hawaii-information-oahu-hi
[…] exactly associated with beautiful beaches in the way that other South Pacific islands (like Hawaii and Fiji) are — but it actually does have a lot of sand and sun to […]
ooooooowwww my god this is really great
Lol, glad you think so!
[…] beach visited: Hawaii certainly has some amazing beaches; I can’t pick a […]
Awesome blog idea! Reading about all these beaches makes me miss Hawaii pretty bad. I’d also mention Mokuleia and Kanea Point. I’m a big fan of these because there aren’t so many people! Thanks again for the post.
Oahu has so many great beaches, that it’s hard to really pick “the best.” Thanks for the extra suggestions!
I have been to most of those beaches listed here when I worked on the cruise ship there. I also love the beaches in Kona and in Lahaina. The beach below Diamond Head is amazing!
I imagine it would be pretty awesome working on a cruise ship in Hawaii. (Or, at least, the scenery would be awesome!) I can’t wait to go back to Hawaii sometime to see more of its gorgeous beaches!
So amazing! This post just reminds me even more that I need to GET BACK to living near a beach!
Love Mr. Sea Turtle too! 🙂
I have never lived close to a beach, but I think I would love to some day!
Great photos! It’s really cool to see such a variety of different kinds of beaches on one island.
Thanks, Jo! And yes, there are all kinda of beaches in Hawaii. Mostly because it has so much coastline!
If I didn’t want to go to Hawaii before… I do now! Brilliant photos, I’m craving a goregous beach,we’ve been in S.E Asia for 6 months and have only visited one!
Only one beach in SE Asia?? Shouldn’t you like, be punished for that or something? Haha. Totally kidding! Maybe you should tack Hawaii onto your trip! Not exactly Asia… but there’s a lot of Asian influence there, does that count?