Top Things to do in Oahu
Top 10 Beaches in Oahu, Hawaii (HI)
The Hawaiian island of Oahu is a surfer’s paradise, with swelling waves that can reach epic heights. No wonder, then, that it’s the site of one of the world’s premier competitions, the Triple Crown of Surfing. If hanging ten isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the beautiful beaches – particularly famous Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. Art connoisseurs will appreciate the annual Hale'iwa Arts Festival, a celebration of local crafts, painting, jewelry, sculpture, dance, and music.
Restaurants in Oahu
1. Makai Research Pier
2. Pupukea Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
This location is great for children to swim.
Reviewed By 896ricn
Pupukea tide pools to the left, Shark's Cove to the right. Pools are not deep, mostly walkable - but bring water shoes. Shallow, and barefoot can hurt. Can be hard to maneuver in Snorkel gear. Saw the prettiest little Snowflake eel here, about 18 inches, lots of endemic fish. Really a great spot for kids and little ones. Shark's Cove is to the right of the restrooms. Better depth here and therefore better to Snorkel, or dive. Fish were incredibly abundant: some massive schools of 500 (or so), Green Sea Turtles, eel, and a nice array of Parrot Fish. Visibility to about 60 feet. Visited Thanksgiving week and were told to select a day with little to no surf, as it can make swimming difficult, reduce visibility and possibility cause injury. Picked the right day apparently as it was absolutely fantastic... One of the best I've experienced in the Islands. Notes: go early to get a decent parking spot. The small lot fills up early, by 10am or so. Across the street are several eateries, and a market just next door.
3. Kane'ohe Bay
4. Waimanalo Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 715 reviews
A large beach in Oahu.
Reviewed By gbmir3 - Houston, United States
Incredibly beautiful beach, with soft sand, great waves and beautiful clear blue water. Plenty of room, very uncrowned even on State holiday.
5. Kailua Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,987 reviews
Reviewed By Vladimiramirela - Mississauga, Canada
For less experienced and brave swimmers, this is a perfect setting. Close to washroom facilities, with lots of parking within convenient distance and many shaded spots under the trees, this beach offers enough room for everybody to sit or walk around, without feeling crowded, even during the weekend days. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, with nearby rock formations, and amazingly turquois water. As the slope into the waves is not too steep, even when the ocean is pretty rough, swimming is quite safe. The villages of Kailua and nearby Lanikai also offer many places to eat, have a good coffee or browse for souvenirs. Excellent location!
6. Makaha Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
A popular beach for surfing.
Reviewed By ladytattoo7 - Honolulu, United States
We live close by and this is our beach of choice on the Leeward side. Lifeguards are awesome, saved my brother's life one day. RESPECT the ocean at all times but esp here. Never turn your back to it! Gorgeous views, lots of local talented surfers!
7. Makapu'u Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 320 reviews
Stretching more than 1,000 yards of sandy shoreline, this spot is considered the premier bodysurfing beach in Hawaii.
Reviewed By momoftwoboysnc
Enjoyed body surfing the big waves and exploring the area surrounding the beach, water shoes are a must.
8. Sandy Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 376 reviews
A popular surfing beach with dangerous waves.
Reviewed By kathrynsE9441PB
I went to university in Hawaii and have recently gone back to visit this month. Sandy beach is one of my absolute favorite beaches, more of a locals beach than many that visitors normally go to. The sun here is much stronger so make sure to pack on the sunscreen. You get great views of people body surfing as it’s a beach break meaning the waves crash on the sand instead of out far. Only go in the water if you are a very experienced swimmer. Lots of times the lifeguards will require everyone to wear fins while swimming. Currents can be fast and surf sets can come up out of nowhere. Best to stay on the beach and enjoy the view which is still great if your not a strong swimmer!
9. Banzai Pipeline
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 396 reviews
Reviewed By psudino - Weehawken, United States
We drove past the southern end and stopped at the Northern end of the pipeline at Sunset Beach. The entire length of the pipeline is residential and the beach looks untouched. On the day we visited it was rainy so the waves were actually smaller because the wind was blowing the out, according to our tour driver. Either way, the beach was untouched and beautiful.
10. Sunset Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 903 reviews
Reviewed By travelcentric103 - Los Angeles, United States
Sunset Beach is stunning and beautiful Spend a moment watching the surfers and drive on 5 minutes to Pipeline - all the beaches on the North shore well worth seeing
