Location: Honolulu
Top Things to do in Honolulu
10 Beaches in Honolulu That You Shouldn't Miss
The mere mention of Hawaii is enough to prompt visions of grass skirts and colorful cocktails with tiny umbrellas. While you will find some kitsch in Honolulu, you’ll also find art museums, bike paths, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Popular Waikiki Beach has soft sands and great surf. For majestic Oahu views scramble to the top of Diamond Head – a 350-acre volcanic crater. Historic structures like Iolani Palace and Ali'iolani Hale are worth a visit on a non-beach day.
Restaurants in Honolulu
1. Makalei Beach Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By wegelagerer
Just a short walk from Waikiki this place has a little sand beach and lots of reef great for fishing, snorkeling or a simple lunch.
2. San Souci Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
A small, uncrowded beach located at the end of Waikiki beach near Diamond Head.
Reviewed By CAfoodandwinelover - Tracy, United States
Pass on by the mass of people at Wakakiki beach and check this wonderful place. Really nice grass area with picnic tables, very large and clean public bathrooms and a good place to swim, surf and snorkel. Because this beach curves away, you can get an amazing photo of Wakakiki beach and the hotel row and Diamond Head too. There are a lot of reasons why this is a local favorite. I saw so many tropical fish just standing in the water.
3. Kapiolani Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,105 reviews
Many of Hawaii’s alii (royalty) lived in Waikiki and King Kalakaua selected a 300-acre track of land at the base of Diamond Head for a public park in 1867. Today, it is a gathering place that thrives with walkers, runners, tennis enthusiasts and picnickers. Grab lunch on Kalakaua Avenue and enjoy it in one of the shaded picnic areas scattered around this colorful park.
Reviewed By RaringtoGo8 - Toronto, Canada
Can't miss this huge park right beneath Diamond Head. Favorite location for local festivals in sesason.. Soccer team practices and matches for the kiddies. Honolulu zoo is right here.
4. Sans Souci Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Located at the Diamond Head (east) end of Waikiki, this beach is disabled accessible.
Reviewed By brocdog - Santa Cruz, United States
Great little beach just on the other side of the zoo from the main part of Waikiki beach. While certainly not undiscovered, the beach is definitely less crowded than those on the main Waikiki beach, and there is more of a local/family vibe. Sandy ocean floor and fairly shallow water makes for nice swimming, and there is a reef that starts around 20-30 yards out, extending across most of the beach, where you can see some nice fish. We snorkeled twice here, and one time was so-so, while the other was actually pretty decent— just depends on the waves/sediment factor. A Hawaiian monk seal had hauled out onto the beach the second morning we were here, so there’s a chance to see some wildlife.
5. Ala Moana Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,986 reviews
This gentle, protected beach has coarse sand and is ideal for swimming and water play.
Reviewed By okinawa1953 - Honolulu, United States
There are a lot of japanese honeymooners taking photos. The limousines bring from waikiki, and park on the diamond head side of magic island. There is a park and the beach. At the park, locals go for a walk or jog. At the beach, the water is calm because of the seawall, and you can see swimmers and stand-up paddle boarders, also beach goers in the sand.
6. Kahala Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By elizabethcN5483TA - Baarn, The Netherlands
Beautiful beach just next to a park, a few resorts and tennis club and one restaurant. Romantic in the evening during the sunset..
7. Waialae Beach Park
8. Kaimana Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 335 reviews
Reviewed By Studyhardallday - Waianae, United States
I love this beach especially strolling along the front of the war museum and strolling and taking a walk along the back of the Waikiki aquarium (-:
9. Kuhio Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 603 reviews
A great surfing beach being renovated with new sand, landscaping and the addition of a plaza.
Reviewed By franks471 - Lloydminster, Canada
This is a very popular area for hanging out at the beach, especially if you have little ones. The breakwater (wall) in the section of Kuhio Beach makes it extremely safe for kids and toddlers as you dont have to be as concerned with waves and being taken out to sea. Also the water is very calm for swimming. It is a busy area but close to numerous shops and ABC stores across the street. We enjoyed spending several afternoons in this area of Waikiki as it was close to our accomodations. Nice place to catch a gorgeous sunset! It is worth sticking around for!
