The 5 Best Beaches on Oʻahu in 2024

When you think of Hawaiʻi, you think of beaches—and Oʻahu has some of the world’s best. From Waikīkī to Waimea Bay, here are your picks for the best beaches on Oʻahu, according to our 2024 Readers’ Choices Awards.

1. Waikīkī Beach

Waikīkī Beach
Photo: Getty Images/Douglas Peebles

Waikīkī Beach is one of the most recognizable shorelines in the world, stretching along the sunny south shore of Oʻahu. It’s so popular, in fact, it earned the top spot in this year’s Best Beaches in Hawaiʻi list in our 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. It was once the playground for aliʻi (Hawaiian royalty)—and for good reason. The aquamarine waters are perfect for swimming and surfing, and there are miles of golden sands and palm trees. There’s lots to do here, too, from riding waves in an outrigger canoe to sipping a mai tai at an oceanside bar. On Friday nights the skies over the Hilton Hawaiian Village light up with fireworks—a decades-long Waikīkī tradition.

2. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Hanauma Bay
Photo: Getty Images

Also named the best snorkeling beach on Oʻahu in this year’s Readers Choice Awards, Hanauma Bay is a protected, state-managed marine bay in East Honolulu that’s brimming with over 450 species of tropical fish. Reservations are required for island visitors, you must reserve tickets two days in advance. Tickets sell out quickly, so be ready to push the buy button at 7 a.m HST. Hanauma Bay is a great place for families since it’s protected on three sides from currents, waves and rip tides. The park is closed on Monday and Tuesday to give the fish have a break from visitors.

Read More: 12 Tips on Spending the Day at Hanauma Bay on Oʻahu

3. Lanikai Beach

Lanikai Beach
Photo: Getty Images/segawa7

Easily one of the most picturesque—and photographed—Oʻahu beaches is Lanikai Beach, thanks to its pristine waters, sparkling sands and two offshore islets, the Nā Mokulua (aka The Mokes). While not as expansive as nearby Kailua Beach (No. 4 on our list), this beach is tucked away in a swanky oceanside community, so access isn’t as easy. (It can get crowded here, though, despite the lack of parking.) The waters are typically calm—and clear—great for swimming and snorkeling. You can even kayak to the islands or hike to the pillboxes on Kaʻiwa Ridge above the beach to get sweeping views of it.

Read More: Tips on How To Get To Lanikai Beach on Oʻahu

4. Kailua Beach

Kailua Beach
Getty Images/THEPALMER

Sprawling over 2 miles long, Kailua Beach on Oʻahu’s Windward Side is nearly perfect, as far as beaches go. Crystal-clear water? Check. Golden sand? Check. Parking, lifeguards, restrooms? Check, check, check. And because of its length—with lots of public access paths along Kalaheo Avenue—you can easily find a quiet place to lounge, read a book or plunge in the warm waters.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Kailua, Oʻahu

5. Waimea Bay

Waimea Bay
Photo: Getty Images/PeterHutter

Waimea Bay on Oʻahu’s North Shore has two sides: during the winter months, waves can reach dangerous heights (after all, it is the site of the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational), but in the summer, the waters are calm and inviting. It’s about an hour drive from Waikīkī to Waimea Bay—but it’s a great excuse to head out to the North Shore and stop at shrimp trucks, tour the family-run Kahuku Farms and shop in charming Haleʻiwa town.