Top 10 Oahu, Hawaii Beaches

Top 10 Oahu, Hawaii Beaches

Waikiki Beach is great, but if you really want to see Oahu, get out and explore all the varied amazing beaches on the island!
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Choosing the best beaches on the absolute paradise that is Oahu, Hawaii is difficult at best. You’re not going to find a bad beach on the island, but here are my top 10 from the years I spent living in Honolulu.

#10

Magic Island
@nicoleladonne
Not far from Waikiki, a much quieter spot to swim, surf, run, or people watch.
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Just west of Waikiki, this is in fact a pensinsula not an island. It is close to the action of Waikiki but with a much more relaxed vibe. There is a path for walking or jogging, and a protected lagoon perfect for kids.

#9

Kailua Beach
@nicoleladonne
Fine, white sand like flour. Picturesque. Grab sandwiches at nearby Kalapawai.
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#8

Turtle Bay
@nicoleladonne
Great family friendly beach with calm swimming. There's a very good beachside restaurant with a take away window in case you want to picnic by the water.
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Most visitors here will be staying at the resort of the same name, but don’t let them hog it to themselves! This is a beautiful swimmable beach, great for snorkelling and baby surfers. Grab lunch at the beachside restaurant or snack bar!

#7

Waimea Bay
@nicoleladonne
Great winter spot for watching surfers, wonderful calm swimming in the summer.
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In the winter months this is a high wave surfers paradise, good for people watching. In the summer the water is calm, great for swimming and rock jumping.

#6

Ko Olina Beach
@nicoleladonne
Serene and very family friendly beaches. Grab lunch at Longboards on the lagoon!
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The Ko Olina lagoons are man-made and lined with pricey resorts, but don’t let that deter you! The lagoons are large, calm, and always perfectly swimmable. Having resorts so close by mean clean restroom facilities and great restaurants and shops! Stay for sunset. The sunsets on the leeward side of the island are unbeatable!

#5

Mākua Beach
@nicoleladonne
Quiet, less touristy beach spot with an edge of the world feeling.
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It may be a bit of a drive, but this beach will have you feeling like you’re at the edge of the world. If you want a quiet, less touristy beach spot this is it. Bring provisions!

#4

Kāhala Beach
@nicoleladonne
Take advantage of the resort’s beachside cocktail bar, and the Plumeria Beach House restaurant - amazing for brunch!
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Kahala Beach in front of the Kahala Resort is meticulously maintained. Another man-made bay it is ideal for swimming or sun bathing. Take advantage of the resort’s beachside cocktail bar!

#3

Waimānalo Bay Beach Park
@nicoleladonne
This beach is stunning, but the ironwood Sherwood Forest surrounding is also a big draw!
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This beach is stunning, but the ironwood forest locally referred to as Sherwood Forest is also a major draw.

#2

Pōkaʻī Bay Beach Park
@nicoleladonne
This beach is my favorite at sunset. Grab happy hour drinks at The Beach House by 604.
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As mentioned, the leeward or west side of the island absolutely has the best sunsets! And this beach is my favorite at sunset. Grab happy hour drinks at The Beach House by 604.

#1

Kawela Bay
@nicoleladonne
This is my favorite spot on the whole island. It is quiet, tree lined for shade, hidden away, with calm water and frequent turtle spotting.
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This is my favorite spot on the whole island. It is quiet, tree lined for shade, hidden away, with calm water and frequent turtle spotting. Across the street from the forest path that’ll lead you to this beach is the best fresh fruit stand perfect for beach treats.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hello! I’m Nicole! I’m a nomadic artist, writer, and photographer and have lived in Texas, Michigan, London, Hawaii, and now Virginia. I have travelled extensively through Europe, the US, and Mexico, and am the vacation planner and tour guide for everyone I know. I love everything about travel, and can not wait to share my favorite spots (especially my favorite places to eat!!) with you. All of my guides include restaurant recommendations, markets, museums, and must-see cultural and historical sites. I will also include notes on attractions that are, in my opinion, worth paying to experience, what you can save your money on and enjoy from the exterior, and what may be skipped all together. Take a look through my guides and get in touch with me for any custom planning services!
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