From the powerful, pounding waves of the North Shore, to the gentle break in Waikiki - whether you enjoy the crowds or prefer isolation - there is a beach on Oahu waiting for you. Snorkel next to schools of tropical fish at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, voted Best Beach in America for 2004. Learn to ride the same waves as ancient Hawaiian chiefs did along Waikiki Beach at one of Oahu's fine surf schools. Watch in awe as the world's best professional surfers carve up the North Shore's massive waves every winter. Bringing the whole family to Oahu? Numerous beaches around the island have picnic areas that are near the beach and facilities to accommodate the keiki (children).

Families

KAIMANA BEACH – Located between the World War I memorial Natatorium and the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel, Kaimana Beach is a quaint, family-friendly beach. The soft white sand beach leads to calm waters perfect for children to frolic in. Swimmers and kayakers can access open water through a small channel that leads out from Kaimana Beach.

ALA MOANA BEACH PARK – With ample parking, large grassy areas, necessary amenities, and a wide sandy beach with calm waters, Ala Moana Beach Park is ideal for families to enjoy Oahu’s outdoor beauty. Picnic under a shade tree then dive into calm, clear waters and enjoy Ala Moana Beach with your family.

KO OLINA LAGOONS – With four lagoons to choose from, your family is sure to find a spot for their own at Ko Olina. Grassy picnic areas can be found between the lagoons along with showers and restroom facilities. The waters are calm and perfect for keiki learning how to swim. The wide, sandy beaches are ideal for sunbathing and building sandcastles.

Kayaking

LANIKAI BEACH – The picturesque Lanikai Beach is ideal for practically every beach-type of activity there is. From snorkeling to windsurfing, from picnicking to kayaking, Lanikai Beach presents many opportunities to enjoy one of Oahu’s best beaches. Kayak from Lanikai Beach out to the twin Mokulua Islands. The distance isn’t too long and the ride isn’t too bumpy. Once on the island, people usually go exploring or share a lunch together before paddling back.

Picnicking

ALA MOANA BEACH PARK – A wide expanse of grass, tennis courts, trees, and streams make Ala Moana Beach Park. The park isn’t crowded on the weekdays, but the weekends are quite the opposite. Although not heavily crowded, finding a quiet spot to picnic might pose a slight challenge. Set up a picnic area, light up the barbeque, and kick back and relax for the rest of the day.

Romance

KAILUA BEACH – The wide, long stretch of sand combined with the beautiful surroundings and the gentle ebbing of the tides create a tropical bliss and an ideal place for a romantic stroll. If you’d both rather relax on the beach, kick back on a beach chair and let the soothing sound of the ocean relax your mind and soul.

KO OLINA LAGOONS – Choose from 4 lagoons for some quality time with your loved one. Dine at one of the restaurants in the nearby JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa, then hold hands and stroll along the lagoons. Find your own place in the sand and watch the magnificent sunset, then watch the stars appear out of the night sky.

Sunrises/Sunsets

WAIMANALO BAY BEACH PARK (sunrises) – As the sun peeks above the horizon, its rays first hit the Eastern side of Oahu, making Waimanalo the perfect place to catch the day’s first light. Enjoy the warm Hawaiian sun as it rises to greet the islands for another gorgeous day in paradise.

MAGIC ISLAND/ALA MOANA BEACH (sunsets, green flashes) – At the end of day, as the sun slowly creeps below the horizon, the sky becomes a gorgeous blend of orange and blue. Just as the sun disappears below the horizon, a ‘green flash’ occurs and can be seen for only a split second. An amazing sight when seen, the ‘green flash’ is a great way to end the daylight hours and start the exciting nightlife that Oahu has to offer.

Surfing

LESSONS – WAIKIKI BEACH – Learn how to ride the waves just like the professionals! Pick any one of Oahu’s fine surf schools and learn the ancient sport of Hawaiian chiefs and one of the world’s most exciting sports. Waikiki Beach has always been a favorite spot to surf, even ancient Hawaiian chiefs used to flock to Waikiki and glide along the waves.

FAMILIES – WHITE PLAINS BEACH – Located on the southwest corner of Oahu, White Plains Beach fronts Kalaeloa Point, the former Barber Point Naval Air Station. Picnic areas, a snack bar, showers and restrooms along with gentle surf and soft sand make for an enjoyable time for the whole family.

EXPERTS – SUNSET BEACH – Sunset Beach on Oahu’s North Shore is famous for its annual winter waves that pound the area. Unlike the Banzai Pipeline, the surf break down the road, the wave at Sunset has more of a shoulder to carve, rather than the fast, hollow tube at Pipeline. However, the wave size can greatly increase at Sunset, with wave heights reaching 20-plus feet on some days. If you can handle the huge waves at Sunset, you will be rewarded with some of the best rides in the world.

Snorkeling

HANAUMA BAY NATURE PRESERVE – Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is the best place on the island to snorkel along with a myriad of tropical fish and other marine life. Along with major restoration to Hanauma Bay, which included a newly opened Marine Educational Center, other tactics have been put in place to further preserve the area for future enjoyment. Tactics such as closing the bay every Tuesday and educating visitors on preservation have kept Hanauma Bay pristine and a must-do activity on Oahu.

SHARK’S COVE, PUPUKEA BEACH PARK – A large tide pool along the rocky shoreline offers great snorkeling and swimming opportunities. Experienced divers come to explore some of the most interesting cave dives on the island.

Windsurfing/Kite Boarding

KAILUA BEACH PARK (tradewinds) – The cool Northeasterly tradewinds that blows through the Hawaiian Islands make Kailua Beach Park a perfect place to windsurf or kite board. The flat, calm Kailua Bay makes it enjoyable for beginners and veterans alike.

MAUNALUA BAY (Kona winds) – Maunalua Bay fronts the beautiful town of Hawaii Kai, located on the southeast side of Oahu. When the winds come from the south, called Kona winds, Maunalua Bay becomes a popular place for windsurfers and kiteboarders to glide along the calm surface of the bay.