Best Beaches in Oahu for Water Sports, Sunsets, and Family Fun

Looking for the best beaches out of all the beaches on Oahu?

Then this is the place to be. During the years I lived on Oahu, I visited all the beaches I knew about. And then I’d learn about others and visit those.

I’m not much for lounging. I’d spend hours walking with my dogs, snorkelling, swimming, and kayaking. Included here are my own favourite beaches, and the favourites of friends.

🏝️ If you’d love to have everything arranged for you, I’ll let you in on a secret: the best private tour on the island. The local company will customize a day just for you. If you like, you can just visit beaches – sunshine and sand, all day. Or not!

There are also beaches that are especially great for kids, perfect for surfing, or watching the sunset.

That’s what you’re going to find below. Check it out!

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Best Oahu Beaches

Best Beaches for Snorkelling

These are all personal favourites!

✔️ Hanauma Bay (Southeast Oahu)

Hanauma Bay is a protected marine life conservation area and underwater park set in a volcanic cone. This is a great place for snorkelling it’s full of marine life – it’s also a marine life conservation area.

You’ll find lots of colourful fish and coral, and often sea turtles in the clear, calm waters, and visibility is usually excellent. It’s close to Honolulu, making it easy to get to and is close to other attractions and amenities.

🐢 Important Tip: Federal law states that you must stay at least 3 metres, or 10 feet, away from sea turtles. No touching!

The bay itself has facilities like restrooms, showers, a snack bar, and an education centre. It’s about 18 km from Waikiki.

Visiting Hanauma is a bit regimented. You’ll pay for parking and to enter the bay. There is a limited number of people permitted at a time, and it’s a good idea to reserve your spot ahead of time.

🛑There are several websites that claim to be “official” Hanauma Bay websites. Unfortunately not all of them are entirely trustworthy. There have been issues with things like booking transportation through “recommendations” on these sites.

Your safest bet is to stick to the Government of Hawaii site. Not as pretty, but reliable.

✔️ Shark’s Cove (North Shore)

Shark’s Cove on the North Shore of Oahu has some excellent snorkelling opportunities. This is especially true during the summer months when the waters are calmest.

It’s part of the Pupukea Marine Life Preserve. This means you’ll get to see a variety of marine life, including colourful tropical fish and interesting lava rock formations.

One great thing about Shark’s Cove is that it’s located near other famous surf spots and food trucks. There’s plenty to do and eat after snorkelling.

But, it’s worth noting that the area is full of rough coral and rocks. Use caution getting in and out of the water, and what for

✔️ Electric Beach (West Coast)

Electric Beach, also known as Kahe Point, is a popular snorkelling spot on Oahu’s west coast. It’s known for its exceptionally clear water thanks to the warm water outflow from a nearby power plant. (Electrical power that is. No two-headed fish.)

This warm water attracts an amazing selection of marine life. You can see colourful tropical fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional spinner dolphin.

One of the big pluses of snorkelling here is that the marine life is plentiful and easy to spot. On the other hand, the currents can be strong due to the water outflow, so it’s best suited for more experienced snorkelers.

The beach itself has bathrooms, showers, and lifeguards during certain hours, but no nearby stores. It’s just a short drive from other local attractions and eateries, though.

Best Beaches for Kids

✔️ Ko Olina Lagoons (West Coast)

The man-made lagoons at Ko Olina have calm waters that are perfect for young swimmers. Swimming here is a fantastic family activity, and lifeguards are present.

The four lagoons—named Koholā (#1), Honu (#2), Nai’a (#3), and Ulua (#4) – are public, open to everyone. Each has public parking lots, though these can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.

Each lagoon has sandy bottoms and protected waters, making them all great options for families with kids. The lagoons are part of the Ko Olina Resort, so you have access to excellent amenities like clean restrooms, showers, and nearby dining options.

All the lagoons are suitable for kids, but #4, Kohola, is particularly great. That’s due to the rock barriers that shelter it, keeping its waters shallow and calm.

It’s also conveniently located near the major resorts, like Aulani and the Four Seasons. You get easy access to the restrooms and dining options.

The lagoons are also close to other attractions in the resort area. You’ve got an easy, full day of activities beyond the beach, right at hand.

✔️ Ala Moana Beach Park (Honolulu)

A day at Ala Moana Beach Park is a great choice if you’re planning a day out with the kids. The park has a protected lagoon area with calm waters, so it’s an ideal spot for young swimmers.

While you might spot some smaller reef fish and occasionally sea turtles, the marine life isn’t as varied as some other spots on the island. But it has one big plus – the accessibility and facilities.

Ala Moana is very close to downtown Honolulu, so you have easy access to shops, restaurants, and other city amenities. It can be crowded, though, especially on weekends.

The beach park itself is well-equipped with showers, restrooms, and picnic areas. There are lifeguards on duty, too, as an added safety measure for the kiddos.

✔️ Kuilima Cove (North Shore)

The cove’s waters are protected by a reef, making them calm and shallow, perfect for little ones to swim and snorkel. It’s located by the Turtle Bay Resort, so it’s well-equipped with the necessary amenities.

You’ll find lifeguards, restrooms, and showers. Plus, the proximity to the resort means there are several dining options and facilities within easy reach. Perfect!

Best Beaches for Launching a Kayak

Kahana Bay

A favourite of mine, the park has a beautiful, sheltered beach ideal for kayaking. The bay is surrounded by the lush green mountains, providing a really stunning backdrop as you paddle.

The waters here are generally calm, making it a safe choice for both beginners and more experienced kayakers. You can even veer away from the ocean and paddle up the Kahana River for a change of scenery.

He’eia State Park

Another favourite, He’eia State Park is a fantastic spot to launch a kayak. It’s on the calm and protected waters of Kaneohe Bay, and has a convenient boat ramp and plenty of space for parking. It’s straightforward to get your kayak into the water.

From here, you can explore the gorgeous settings of nearby islands and coral reefs. The views of the spectacular Ko’olau Mountains from the bay are absolutely stunning, too.

It’s also an easy paddle out to Coconut Island (Moku o Loʻe), of Gilligan’s Island fame. Landing on the island itself is restricted due to its use as a marine research facility.

But you can enjoy paddling around its perimeter, exploring the rich marine environment and the protective reef surrounding it. The shallow turquoise waters here are mesmerizing.

Kailua Beach

This was my “home beach”, and I love it. Located on the Windward side of Oahu, Kailua Beach is covered in soft white sand and has clear, deep blue waters. It’s an island favourite for kayaking.

The beach has a straightforward launch into the calm waters, perfect for paddling to nearby islands like the Mokulua Islands. They’re visible offshore and are a popular destination for a day trip.

And if the canal is open, you can paddle up and explore some of the residential areas of town.

Best Beaches for Surfing

✔️ Waimea Bay (North Shore)

Waimea Bay is one of the top surfing beaches on Oahu. It’s famous for its massive winter waves that attract experienced surfers from around the world.

It’s also home of the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, or simply “the Eddie”, a prestigious winter surf competition.

If you’re just starting out, the summer months offer smaller, more manageable waves. This is a good time for beginners to hit the water.

The beach is near the historic town of Haleiwa, so there are plenty of dining and shopping options. As for amenities, Waimea Bay has lifeguards, restrooms, showers, and a large parking area.

And it’s right across the road from the incredible Waimea Valley.

✔️ Sunset Beach (North Shore)

Sunset Beach is renowned for its incredible surfing conditions. Especially during the winter months, the waves are large and challenging, perfect for advanced surfers.

In the summer, the waves tend to be much smaller and gentler, making it suitable for mere mortals to surf.

This beach is just a short drive from the iconic town of Haleiwa. Here you can find a variety of local eateries and shops.

Amenities at Sunset Beach include lifeguards, restrooms, and parking.

✔️ Makapu’u Beach (Southeast)

One of the best off-the-radar beaches for surfing on Oahu is Makapu’u Beach. On the southeastern tip of the island, Makapu’u has powerful waves that are perfect for experienced surfers.

But that’s in the winter. If you’re still learning, summer is the time for you. This beach tends to be less crowded than the famous North Shore spots, so you’ll have a quieter experience.

Makapu’u is also known for its stunning natural scenery, including dramatic cliffs and clear blue waters. It’s close to the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail.

The beach does have basic amenities like restrooms and parking But it’s a bit more rugged and less developed than more popular surfing destinations, which is a big part of its charm.

Best Oahu Beaches for a Long Walk or Run

✔️ Waikiki Beach

This famous beach stretches over 3.2km (2 miles). It’s great for a run or a walk with views of Diamond Head in the backdrop.

✔️ Kailua Beach

My personal favourite, it has a long expanse of soft sand, perfect for a morning run or a relaxing walk along the shore. It’s about 3.2km (2 miles) each way of uncrowded, sandy bliss.

✔️ Waimanalo Beach

Not far from Kailua, but a bit more off the beaten path. Waimanalo’s long sandy beach is perfect if you want to walk or run without too many interruptions. It’s about 5km (3.2 miles) long.

Best for Sunsets

✔️ Sunset Beach

Living up to its name, this spot on the North Shore is one of the best places to watch the sun go down, especially during the big wave surf season.

✔️ Waikiki Beach

Here, you can watch the sunset over the ocean, often with sailboats passing by. One of the best spots in Waikiki is the House Without a Key at the Halekulani Hotel.

This iconic venue has the quintessential Hawaiian sunset experience, complete with live Hawaiian music and hula performances.

✔️ Ko Olina Lagoons

The man-made lagoons are a quiet and beautiful spot to watch the sunset on the West Coast.

Best Beaches for Sunrises on Oahu

✔️ Lanikai Beach

This is a fantastic place for sunrise views, with the early morning light coming up over the Mokulua (Twin) Islands just offshore.

✔️ Sandy Beach (“Sandy’s”)

On the southeastern coast, this beach is a prime location for sunrise watchers who enjoy dramatic landscapes.

✔️ Makapu’u Beach

Near the scenic Makapu’u Lookout, this spot not only has great sunrise views. You also have a chance to spot humpback whales during the winter. Watching from a kayak on the water is phenomenal.

What You Need for the Beaches in Oahu

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Oahu has hundreds of beaches – this is just a small sample of them. But they are some of the best. And if you’re here for just a couple of weeks, I hope you get to explore several of them!

Happy travels!

Read more about Oahu:

🌴 9 Oahu Botanical Gardens that Prove Paradise Can Get Even More Beautiful
🚙 Shaka Guide App: What You Need to Know About the App on Oahu
🐡 Best Oahu Airport Shuttles: How to Get to Your Hotel in 2025
🪼 Oahu Beaches and Jellyfish: Here’s What You Should Know