The 20 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.
The places, most named first
From the 8 guides that rank for "best beaches in oahu"
Named by 4 of 81. Waimea BayOahu, Hawaii (North Shore), United StatesBig waves in winter, smooth and calm water in summer.On calm days, swimming and snorkeling over a reef on the right side of the bay.
Named by 4 of 82. Lanikai BeachOahu, Hawaii (Windward side), United StatesSoft sand and clear blue water, and a favorite for sunrise.Parking is very difficult because the beach is in a residential neighborhood.
Named by 3 of 83. Waikiki BeachOahu, Hawaii (Honolulu), United StatesLarge enough for the crowds, with some of the best sunsets and services like chairs and umbrellas.Fish and sea turtles can be spotted while snorkeling near shore.
Named by 3 of 8
4. Kailua Beach
Oahu, Hawaii (Windward side), United States
The largest Kailua beach, with restrooms, showers, picnic areas and a lifeguard.
Popular and often crowded, with limited parking, but clear turquoise water and soft sand.
Named by 3 of 85. Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach)Oahu, Hawaii (North Shore), United StatesGreen sea turtles are almost guaranteed here.Visitors should keep about 3 meters away from the turtles.
Named by 3 of 86. Sunset BeachOahu, Hawaii (North Shore), United StatesOne of the longest stretches of sand on the North Shore, good for sunset watching.A world-famous surf spot with winter surf contests.
Named by 2 of 87. Shark's CoveOahu, Hawaii (North Shore), United StatesA good spot for snorkeling on the North Shore.Divers explore caves, ledges and walls.
Named by 2 of 88. Mokuleia BeachOahu, Hawaii (North Shore), United StatesGood snorkeling when the water is calm.Quiet, with endless sand, good for getting away.
Named by 2 of 89. Halona Beach CoveOahu, Hawaii (southeast), United StatesNext to the Halona Blowhole, but strong currents and rocks make it poor for swimming.The cove sits below the road and is easy to miss.
10. Makaha BeachOahu, Hawaii (northwest), United StatesA long stretch of soft pale sand backed by green cliffs.Signs warn of dangerous currents.
11. Makua BeachOahu, Hawaii (west side), United StatesSecluded, with views of the western mountains.Good for snorkeling and diving.
12. Waimanalo BeachOahu, Hawaii (southeast), United StatesA large beach with blue water and white-ish sand.Green mountains sit behind the beach.
13. Kaena PointOahu, Hawaii (west tip), United StatesA 3.5-mile coastal hike on a former railroad bed, with sunsets from the west side.Sunset views are unparalleled from here.
14. Waialua BeachOahu, Hawaii (North Shore), United StatesCalled one of the best kept secrets on the island, with no hotels.Only scattered vacation rentals are nearby.
15. Malaekahana BeachOahu, Hawaii (North Shore), United StatesMost visitors to Oahu do not know about it.The beach is lined with pine trees.
16. Makapuu Beach ParkOahu, Hawaii (Windward side), United StatesA local bodyboarding spot with lifeguards, showers and restrooms.
17. Electric BeachOahu, Hawaii (west side), United StatesCalled the best snorkeling and dive spot on the island by this writer.
18. Keiki BeachOahu, Hawaii (North Shore), United StatesSecluded and good for relaxing, with snorkeling in calm water.
19. Sherwood BeachOahu, Hawaii (Waimanalo), United StatesA walk through a pine forest leads to the sand, so it feels secluded.
20. Kaaawa BeachOahu, Hawaii (Windward side), United StatesNarrow and by the road, but empty, with mountain views and swings.
Fares to Oahu from your city
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When to go
Travel guides most often name April to May and September to October as the best time to visit Oahu.
Named by 4 of 81. Waimea BayBig waves in winter, smooth and calm water in summer.On calm days, swimming and snorkeling over a reef on the right side of the bay.
Named by 4 of 82. Lanikai BeachSoft sand and clear blue water, and a favorite for sunrise.Parking is very difficult because the beach is in a residential neighborhood.
Named by 3 of 83. Waikiki BeachLarge enough for the crowds, with some of the best sunsets and services like chairs and umbrellas.Fish and sea turtles can be spotted while snorkeling near shore.
