Visit These Honolulu Beaches for a Quick Dip This Summer
Some of the best beaches for swimming and frolicking are on Oʻahu’s south shore.
Want to hop in the ocean for a quick swim without orchestrating an entire beach day? If you’re staying in Waikīkī, you’ll need a beach that is close by, not too rocky and has easy parking. Here are five options right in Honolulu.
Ala Moana Regional Park and Magic Island
Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach.
Photo: Getty Images/Danita Delimont
A favorite among locals, the mile-long Ala Moana Beach has ample parking (both along the beach and at Magic Island) and calm reef-protected waters to swim in. Enter the water near lifeguard tower 1D or 1B to avoid stepping on rocks. Or head to Magic Island is manmade peninsula at the east end of the park with a shallow lagoon perfect for keiki. The mile-long trail that runs around the peninsula is great for jogging of walking, too, and there’s plenty of shade, picnic tables and benches. Ample free parking.
Fort DeRussy Beach Park
Fort DeRussy Beach Park in Waikīkī.
Photo: Getty Images/ PB57photos
Behind Fort DeRussy Park are beaches great for swimming and surfing. There’s a public access walkway on the west side of the Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort. If you can’t find street parking, there’s a paid lot at 2141 Kālia Road—$9 first hour, $5 for every 30 minutes after—or inside Fort Derussy on Kalia Road—$4 first hour, $1.50 each additional half hour. Both lots offer military discounts.
Kaimana Beach
Kaimana Beach in Waikīkī
Photo: Getty Images/Eric Broder Van Dyke
Oʻahu’s Gold Coast, located on the east end of Waikīkī near to Diamond Head Crater, is home to a little beach locals love for its swimmable waters and close proximity to Kapiʻolani Park. Sometimes endangered Hawaiian monk seals lounge here—look for posted signs and keep your distance. When you are finished sunbathing stop by Hau Tree Lanai at Kaimana Beach Hotel, just a few steps away, for an icy cocktail. Street parking is free but sparse; metered parking is available at nearby Kapiʻolani Park.
Kāhala Beach
Kāhala Beach on Oʻahu.
Photo: Getty Images/Ryan Tishken
Kāhala Beach is a often-secluded stretch of golden sand near The Kāhala Hotel & Resort, with beach access walkways within the upscale and oceanfront residential neighborhood. Better yet, park at Waiʻalae Beach Park (4925 Kāhala Ave.), which has restrooms and showers. This alcove is rarely crowded, with tranquil waters great for swimming. It’s also dog-friendly.
Diamond Head Beach Park
Diamond Head Beach Park on Oʻahu.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox
On the makai side of Lēʻahi (aka Diamond Head) is a popular surf spot—but it’s also a great beach to relax. Park along Diamond Head Road and walk down a paved walkway toward the ocean. While swimming can be tricky here—there are rocks and crashing waves—the beach is gorgeous and often empty. Walk, read or peek in tide pools here. No restrooms but showers are available.
