10 Stunning Beaches on Oahu You’ll Want to Explore

Hello Everyone! I am back on Oahu, and I’ve been having a lot of beach days lately. There are a ton of beautiful beaches on Oahu, but these ten you will definitely want to explore. Without further ado, here is my guide to my ten favorite beaches on the island.

I would also like to preface this post by saying the ocean conditions in Hawaii can be very dangerous, and not all of these beaches have lifeguards on duty. Please do your research on ocean conditions and safety before visiting any of these beaches, you can also click here to learn more about ocean safety in Hawaii!

10. Makapu’u Beach Park

Makapu’u Beach Park is a beautiful beach located on the windward side of the island. For locals, this is a popular spot for bodyboarding and it’s very fun to watch. There are also restrooms, showers, and lifeguards on duty at this beach.

9. Mokuleia Beach Park

Mokuleia Beach Park is a gorgeous beach on the north shore of Oahu. When the water is calm, this is a fantastic spot to snorkel. I’ve also seen many people kite surfing and fishing at this beach. There is plenty of parking and picnic tables here as well.

8. Halona Beach Cove

This beach is also referred to as Eternity Beach and Secret Beach. It is located right next to the Halona Blowhole, which is another cool spot to check out. This is not the best swimming beach due to strong currents and rocks, but it is stunning and a great place to explore.

7. Lanikai Beach

Lanikai Beach is without a doubt one of the most picturesque spots on Oahu. I recommend arriving early to find parking and doing the Lanikai pillbox hike, which offers beautiful views of the ocean and “The Mokes,” before hitting the beach. I also recommend paddling to the larger Moke, Moku Nui, while visiting.

6. Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach on the north shore of Oahu is a world-famous surfing spot. During the winter months, you can watch the big waves and several different surf contests here. There are also restrooms, showers, and lifeguards on duty at this beach.

5. Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is always buzzing with excitement. It’s just steps away from a ton of great restaurants and shops and provides a beautiful view of Diamond Head. There are also a ton of different activities you can do in Waikiki, like a sunset cruise, snorkeling, surfing, and an outrigger canoe ride.

4. Keiki Beach

Keiki Beach is another wonderful north shore beach you are sure to love. It is a gorgeous, secluded beach, making it the perfect place to relax. This beach is also a great snorkel spot when the water is calm, so make sure to bring some gear.

3. Electric Beach

Electric Beach, on the west side of Oahu, is by far the best snorkeling/dive spot on the island (in my humble opinion). Although you can relax on the beach, I recommend spending most of your time here in the water. There are also restrooms, showers, and lifeguards on duty at this beach.

2. Makua Beach

Makua Beach, also known as Pray for Sets/Sex, is located on the west side of Oahu. This is another more secluded beach that offers breath taking views of the mountains on the west side. This is honestly one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve been to, and it’s a great snorkel/dive spot.

1. Waimea Bay

Coming in at number one is Waimea Bay on North Shore, Oahu. Waimea Bay is a beautiful beach with crystal clear water. It can get pretty busy here, so try to come early to snag a parking spot. My favorite thing about Waimea is the rock at the end of the beach you can jump off of.

Thank you so much for reading! If you are looking for some more of my favorites on Oahu, you can click here.