Beaches in Oahu

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• Nanakuli Beach Park

  Nanakuli, Oahu

  If you're looking to get away from the city and experience a beach that is a bit more "rural Hawaii," Nanakuli Beach Park is a must-see. On any given day of the week you'll find that the majority of beachgoers here are locals and with plenty of parking, huge grassy park areas, and a long, wide stretch of beach, it rarely feels over-crowded. AT A GLANCE: HIGHLIGHTS: Nanakuli Beach Park stretches across 40 acres and features sever

• Kaupo Beach Park

  Waimanalo, Oahu

  Kaupo Beach is a beautiful, narrow stretch of coast just outside of Waimanalo on the southern tip of Oahu's windward side. Featuring soft sand, calm tidepools, and gorgeous views, it's predominantly a "locals beach" and is rarely loud or crowded. AT A GLANCE: HIGHLIGHTS: Most of the shoreline at this beach park is rocky, but there are good snorkeling areas near the Makai Research Pier (to the far left). There are also sandy-bott

• Laie Point State Wayside

  Laie, Oahu

  Offering epic views, good fishing, and great photographic opportunities, Laie Point is a must-see along Oahu's northeastern coast. It is located a bit off the main road, so often missed unless you know to look for it. AT A GLANCE: HIGHLIGHTS: The most photographed spot here is the puka (hole) in the rocky island to the left. Since the land here comes to a point, it provides amazing views of this part of the island's rugged coastline. The

• Kaneohe Bay

  Kaneohe, Oahu

  Providing a dramatic backdrop for many Hollywood Blockbusters, including Pearl Harbor, Gilligan's Island and Adam Sandler's beloved cult classic 50 First Dates, Kaneohe Bay is one of East Oahu's most idyllic areas. Not so much a beach (sand is scarce to none) as it is a breathtaking bay, this vast stretch of vibrant blue water is surrounded on all sides by the captivating Ko'olau Mountain range. Although not necessarily the spot for swimmers, kayakers, boatman and avid fishermen w

• Kaimana Beach aka San Souci

  Honolulu, Oahu

  Kaimana Beach, located on a stretch of Kalakaua Avenue known as Gold Coast and is between the War Memorial Natatorium and the New Otani Kaimana Hotel (where it gets its name from), is the go-to beach for sand, sun, and socializing. Also known as San Souci after a lodge that stood nearby in the late 1800s, Kaimana Beach is not only rich in history, it is also abundant in amenities and offerings for the kama'aina and tourists alike.

• Sunset Beach - Paumalu

  North Shore, Oahu

  This beach is wild and wonderful, with azure-colored waters near shore that expand out to meet deep-blue ocean horizon. It is home to one of the most legendary stretches of surf in the Hawaiian islands, as well as one of the most dangerous during the northern swells. Sunset beach hosts multiple surf breaks that barely show themselves in the summer, yet they swell so immense in the winter that the beach can often be closed to all but the most experienced surfers for safety reasons. Long

• Malaekahana State Beach and Recreation Area

  Laie, Oahu

  One of the most beautiful spots on Oahu's northeastern coast, Malaekahana State Recreation Area covers 37 acres of secluded beach and forest and is a popular camping destination.AT A GLANCE: HIGHLIGHTS: Malaekahana offers a variety of camping options, from tent sites to yurts, cabins, and grass shacks. It has a very remote feel and is less crowded and more spacious than some of the other beach parks that offer camping.

• Ehu Kai Beach Park - Banzai Pipeline

  Haleiwa, Oahu

  One of the world's most famous big wave surfing locations, this beach park is a mile of light sandy beach connecting to 1.2 acres of grass lands. This mecca of surfing is the center of activity during large northern swells that reach the area generally October through April. In the summer the ocean here calms, and you may snorkel out and view the very same reefs that sculpt and catapult the waves into such powerful breaks. Besides being legendary powerful, the ocean and beach here are e

• Sandy Beach Park

  Honolulu, Oahu

  This beach is on the beautiful coastline along the south-easternmost point of Oahu. It is remote and removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown Honolulu, yet just a short 25-minute drive away. On a clear day you can see the island of Molokai in the distance, and lots of open ocean The waters are often turbulent, but the beach is over 300-yards-long and lends itself well to the romantic walks or beach lounging. AT A GLANCE: HIGHLIGHTS:

• Ala Moana Beach Park

  Honolulu, Oahu

  In the heart of downtown Honolulu there is a place where city-scape meets beach-scape. A wonder of modern civil engineering, Ala Moana Beach Park consists of 100 acres of green space separating the ocean beach from the city streets. Both the land and the sea were shaped by humans, dating back to the chartering of the park in the 1930's, through land-filling of former wetlands and sand dredging to create the beach during the 1950's. Thus a star attraction was born. Grassy city park acros