A curated list of the island’s top beaches for sun, surf, and scenery.
Located along Oʻahu’s rugged leeward coast, far from the buzz of Honolulu and the polished resorts of Ko Olina, Mākaha Beach Park feels like a different island entirely—one steeped in local rhythm, raw natural beauty, and surf culture history. With golden sands stretching wide along a crescent bay and the dramatic Waiʻanae mountain range rising just inland, this west side classic offers a refreshing contrast to the more touristed beaches of the south and east shores. The scenery alone is reason to visit: swaying palms, turquoise water, and sunsets that bathe the coast in amber light.
Above the picture-perfect sands of Lanikai Beach in Kailua, the Lanikai Pillbox Trail offers one of Oʻahu’s most iconic short hikes. Known officially as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail, it begins with a steep climb that pays off almost immediately with panoramic views of the Windward coast and the famed Nā Mokulua islets.
Tucked along the leeward coast of Oʻahu, Ko Olina Beach Park offers a refined beach experience that combines natural beauty with resort-style serenity. Located just 45 minutes from Waikīkī and adjacent to the Ko Olina Resort community, this public beach park invites visitors to enjoy manicured lagoons, soft golden sand, and calm, swimmable waters—with easy access and a tranquil atmosphere.
Just a short drive south of Waimānalo, tucked behind a swath of ironwood trees and lapped by the calm, clear waters of Oʻahu’s windward coast, Bellows Field Beach Park quietly offers one of the island’s most serene and scenic escapes. With the Koʻolau mountain range rising dramatically inland and a stretch of soft white sand unfurling toward the horizon, this coastal gem feels worlds away from the bustle of Waikīkī—despite being only about an hour’s drive from Honolulu. It’s the kind of place that invites you to breathe a little deeper, linger a little longer, and let time slow to the rhythm of the tide.
On Oʻahu’s windward coast, where the Koʻolau mountains rise like a green curtain behind quiet neighborhoods, Kailua Beach Park stretches along the shoreline as if placed there to slow people down. Just thirty minutes from the energy of Waikīkī, this two-and-a-half-mile sweep of soft white sand and calm, turquoise water offers a completely different rhythm—one shaped by trade winds, sea spray, and the steady hush of waves.
On the sun-soaked North Shore of Oʻahu, between the iconic curves of Waimea Bay and the world-famous surf at Sunset Beach, lies a lesser-known yet unforgettable destination: Shark’s Cove. During the summer months, this rugged marine preserve transforms into one of the island’s most dynamic spots for snorkeling, tidepool exploration, and scenic adventure. It’s a place where lava rock meets clear turquoise water, and every step into the cove feels like stepping into another world.