Lanikai Beach
This has to be the prettiest beach on Oahu! Beautiful white sand that seems to go on forever, and further along in some areas a rocky shoreline! The colors of the ocean are a beautiful palette of blues and greens. The Mokulua Islets are just offshore affording a very tropical setting to this lovely beach. Good swimming and snorkeling year round. No facilities.
Public access to the beach is clearly marked between private residences.
Kualoa Beach
This beach is frequented by local families, and is the perfect place for an outting. There's a grassy area with picnic tables. There's a shallow and calm area for young children. Restrooms and shower facilities.
One of this beach’s features is the view of Mokolii Island, also known as Chinaman’s Hat.
Sandy Beach
This 1,200 stretch of sandy beach is considered to be Oahu's best for body surfing fanatics. Facilities include restrooms, showers, public phones, vending trucks, nearby picnic area, and lifeguards. Be aware of the strong waves and undertow. There is a blowhole to visit nearby.
Sunset Beach
Located past Kahuku town. A nice long, wide stretch of sand. This beach has good surfing conditions so it is frequented by surfers and locals alike. There are no facilities but lifeguards are present.
Banzai Pipeline
This is the famed spot for surfers wanting to experience the ultimate. It's just a tiny area off Ehukai Beach where this phenomen occurs, creating a pipeline effect with the waves where surfers ride inside the tube.
Banzai pipeline is found 100 yards past Ehukai Beach.
The best beaches in the Waikiki and beyond:
Waikiki Beach
The very famed Waikiki beach is two miles long is actually a series of beaches that begin at Diamond Head and end at Ala Wai Canal. Many popular hotels are located along Waikiki Beach so of course it gets very crowded. Facilities include showers, restrooms, public phones, snack stands, and lifeguards. It's the place to see and be seen on Oahu.
Ala Moana Beach
A large 100-acre family beach park with safe swimming for children. Facilities include restrooms, showers, public phone, and picnic areas.
Kapiolani Beach
This beach park is the site for many activities and scheduled events. It is also a popular jogging park. It has many facilities beside the basic restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and public phones. It's also the home of
the popular Waikiki Shell Stage, where local events are held weekly. A must visit beach.
Hanauma Bay
The high cliffs surrounding Hanauma Bay provide for a great vantage point over the beach. The beautiful blue water has a coral reef close to shore which allows for fantastic snorkeling. Many agree that it's the best spot on Oahu!
Facilities include showers, restrooms, picnic area, food stand, public phones, snorkeling equipment rentals (mask, fins, and snorkel tube can be rented for $6), and lifeguards. To descend to the beach take the trailhead near the parking lot.