10 Amazing Beaches on Oahu

Hitting the beach is one of our favorite things to do as a family. And like every other family on Oahu, we have our go-to spots and favorite beaches. This post has been a long time coming, but I’ve finally compiled a list of 10 Amazing Beaches on Oahu!

1. Pokai Bay

Location: West Side
Good For: Swimming, Stand Up Paddle (SUP), Kayaking, Young Children
How to Get There

Pokai Bay is a fantastic beach located on the West Side of the island. Depending on where you are coming from, it might be a bit of a drive, but totally worth it! You’ll enjoy crystal clear water that is typically very calm. Great for little ones and if you like to kayak, stand up paddle or snorkel. And keep an eye out for dolphin pods, we’ve spotted them a number of times.

Tip: After the beach, grab lunch at Coquitos, an amazing Puerto Rican restaurant right around the corner.

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2. Police (Papa’iloa) Beach

Location: North Shore
Good For: Diving, Fishing, Swimming (when conditions allow)
How to Get There

Police Beach is located on the North Shore off a residential street. There is very limited parking here so if you want to check it out, be sure to get here early to snag a spot. This beach is wildly beautiful. Its a great beach for taking long walks and spotting sea turtles. (As seen below, lol! Run Lili run!)

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3. Kualoa Beach Park

Location: Windward Side
Good For: Swimming, SUP, Kayak, Young Children
How to Get There

Located on the Windward Side, across from Kualoa Ranch, Kualoa Beach Park is fantastic for any number of water activities. Every photo you take here will be ridiculously beautiful. It’s great for little ones as the water is typically calm. Bring the floaties!

Tip: For a more secluded experience, head to the far end of the parking lot, walk towards the beach and to the right.

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4. Polo Beach

Location: North Shore/Wailua
Good For: Fishing, Swimming (when conditions allow)
How to Get There

This is another go-to beach for us on the North Shore. Polo Beach feels like raw Hawaii with its stunning landscape and wild water. We love the path leading up to the beach as well, where you can see horses grazing in the distance.

Tip: Take a left when you reach the end of the path, towards the beach. If you dare to go right you may run into some “clothing optional” individuals 😉

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5. Three Tables Beach

Location: North Shore
Good For: Tidepools, Swimming (when conditions allow)
How to Get There

Three Tables is a great beach on the North Shore. It is named for the three large flat rocks directly in front of the beach. I find this beach to be a bit more chill than some of the other Haleiwa NS beaches, although it can have its crowded moments. It is also right near Sharks Cove, which offers some great shallow snorkeling.

Tip: Check out the mini lagoons behind the fire house. Wear your slippers or water shoes, the rocks can be a bit jagged and sharp.

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6. Sunset Beach

Location: North Shore
Good For: Surfing, Swimming (when conditions allow)
How to Get There

Sunset Beach is the quintessential surfer’s beach. It’s the site of a variety of surfing competitions and on any given day will host an ample number of surfers. It’s a wide beach with a lot of space. A great beach to spend a few hours, just hanging out and watching the waves.

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7. Ko Olina Lagoons

Location: West Side/Kapolei
Good For: Swimming, Young children
How to Get There

The Ko Olina Lagoons in Kapolei are great for young children. They’re able to splash around in the protected waters with ease. There are also some grassy areas directly in front of the beach where you can catch a bit of shade under a palm tree. Also great for getting in a few laps if you’re the swimming type.

Tip: Get here early to snag a free parking spot. Head to Lagoon 4 for the best chance and if it’s parked up, expect to pay $10 flat rate to park at the marina.

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8. Sherwood Beach

Location: Windward Side/Waimanalo
Good For: Boogie Boarding, Swimming (when conditions allow)
How to Get There

It’s hard to get any more picturesque than Sherwood Beach. Mountains, ocean, islands. The beauty is undeniable. This is a super chill beach that draws a lot of local families. Enjoy the amble space and super soft sand. Can be good for swimming depending on the conditions.

Tip: Try Ai Love Nalo for lunch. A super yummy plant-based cafe walking distance from Sherwoods. Try the Medi Bowl and the Daily Dose.

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9. Lanikai/Kailua Beach

Location: Windward Side
Good For: SUP, Kayaking, Swimming
How to Get There

Lanikai is one of those Hawaii beaches that always makes a “Top 10 Beaches in the World” list. And for pretty good reason. Calm, crystal clear water, soft powder-like sand and an amazing view of the Mokes (twin islets right off the coast) It’s best to get here early in the morning to find parking.

Tip: If you strike out on parking, head down to nearby Kailua Beach for similar views and experience.

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10. Waimea Bay

Location: North Shore
Good For: Surfing, Swimming, Rock Jumping (if you dare)
How to Get There

A great North Shore beach if you can get here early and snag a parking spot. The little lot fills up fast but there is additional pay parking in Waimea Valley across the street. A great beach to play in the water if the conditions are good, which is pretty often due to the cove-like configuration.

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So that’s my list of 10 Amazing Beaches on Oahu. I believe there is something for everyone, whether you like to be active in the water or are content just basking in the sun and listening to the rhythmic lull of the waves. As always, be sure to check the surf report for whatever beach you plan to visit and remember to be extra cautious in these beautiful but sometimes dangerous Hawaiian waters. Aloha!

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