Beaches in Oahu

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• Waimea Bay Beach Park

  Haleiwa, Oahu

  This famed North Shore beach is an easy-to-find true Hawaiian classic. Abundant white sand and deep turquoise blue waters with no reefs or submerged rocks create a picture-perfect beach paradise. Located at the mouth of the Waimea Valley and stream, this beach is spacious, with over 300 yards of sand blanketing the bay front from end to end. The width varies according to season and surf, but in the summer it is easily 100 yards wide. Conditions vary greatly from calm in the summer to da

• Lanikai Beach

  Lanikai, Oahu

  Lanikai Beach is the beach you are envisioning when you think tropical paradise. Lanikai literally means "heaven ocean" in the Hawaiian language, and though it is not the longest beach on the island, it is amongst the most beautiful. The sand is soft, brilliant white like powdered confectioners' sugar and clings on your skin after a refreshing swim in the warm aquamarine blue ocean. Nestled between two bays on the east side of Oahu, it is only accessible through a small neighb

• Kapiolani Beach Park

  Waikiki, Oahu

  The first public park in Hawaii, dedicated in 1877, this park's 300 acres of green space feel like a tropical "Central Park", only oceanside. The south end of the park fronts the beach and ocean at the eastern end of the high-rise district of Waikiki. This is the gentler end of Waikiki Beach, with coarse white sand and very little wave action, making it beginner swimmer-friendly. If driving into town, this park has plenty of curbside parking spots. For those staying in Waikiki

• Pupukea Beach Park

  Haleiwa, Oahu

  A sweet little beach and snorkel area that is often overlooked as it sits between two much more popular parks on Oahu's North Shore. Pupukea is also referred to as "Three Tables" because of the 3 flat rock formations a short distance out in the ocean. This beach is seldom crowded due to the larger and more popular beaches of the North Shore drawing the crowds.AT A GLANCE: HIGHLIGHTS: Lesser known and not very crowded beach, with

• Makapu'u Beach Park

  Waimanalo, Oahu

  Wild and scenic Makapu'u beach sits at the foot of the towering cliffs and hosts all the natural elements in abundance. It is easy to get blown away here, especially when the north-eastern "trade winds" are strong. The wind currents spiral upward overhead, and frigate birds and their human glider counterparts make use of the updrafts to soar high overhead. White crests of the shore breakers and two islets on the horizon complete the sweeping panorama.

• Waialae Beach

  Kahala, Oahu

  Located next to the Waialae Country Club, this gorgeous beach is just a short drive from the chaos of Waikiki, making it the perfect retreat for those looking to avoid the crowds. AT A GLANCE: HIGHLIGHTS: When you set foot onto this gorgeous stretch of beach, you won't even know you're just four miles from Waikiki. It is quiet and peaceful, with plenty of space for sunning, picnics, or throwing a Frisbee. The grassy park area is extensive

• Polo Beach

  Waialua, Oahu

  Located across from Dillingham Lodge and right next to the Polo Club, this is one of the most secluded and unique beaches on Oahu. Horses are pastured on both sides of the long sandy path leading down to the beach, giving the lucky animals a beach view. Having horses on the beach adds an "old Hawaii" feel, and although it is a bit out of the way, this beach is definitely worth the trip.AT A GLANCE: HIGHLIGHTS: The path leading from the r

• Kaena Point (north side)

  Waialua, Oahu

  Located at the very westernmost tip of Oahu, Kaena Point is the only part of the island inaccessible by car. Steeped in ancient Hawaiian legend, it is considered to be a very spiritual place and is a protected sanctuary for endangered plants and wildlife.AT A GLANCE: HIGHLIGHTS: This 2.5-mile hike features breathtaking views up and down the coast, abundant wildlife, and a variety of endangered plants. Since there is no road, it has a very