Hawaii Beaches: Fun, Free, and World Famous!

Hawaii Beaches Paradise

Let’s face it… Hawaii beaches are probably the first thing most people think about when they dream of paradise.  That’s not without reason.  Having been to beaches on both coasts of the United States and throughout the Pacific, I have yet to discover the equal of our amazing Oahu beaches!

Girl Swimming at Hawaii Beaches

Maybe I’m just biased because I love crystal clear warm – but not too warm -water, pristine expanses of sand, exotic and adventurous diving, awesome surf, and fun fishing.  Or maybe Hawaiian beaches have just set the standard by which other beaches are judged.



Whether you want to experience the thrill of surfing or just lie out in the sand, it’s hard to beat a Hawaii beach vacation!  Come see for yourself…


The four shores:

Hawaii Beaches Oahu South Shore

South Shore Oahu: Beaches include Waikiki, Ala Moana, Magic Island, Kakaako Waterfront Park, Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, White Plains, Kahala, and more – often referred to as town beaches.


Hawaii Beaches Oahu North Shore

North Shore Oahu: Usually called the country, this is where you find the huge winter waves (Waimea Bay and Banzai Pipeline).  Many of my favorite beaches are located on this side of the island.


Hawaii Beaches Oahu West Shore

West Shore Oahu: Often called the Waianae Coast, these beaches are probably the most beautiful in Hawaii, and they stretch for miles and miles!


Hawaii Beaches Oahu East Shore

East Shore Oahu: Commonly called the Windward side of Oahu, this is where you’ll find Kailua and Lanikai beaches, Bellows Beach, Makapuu Beach and other popular patches of sand.




Some favorite Hawaii beaches for visitors:

Hawaii Beaches Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach:  Catch some waves or some rays on perhaps the most famous pristine white sand beach in the world.


Hawaii Beaches Hilton Lagoon

Hilton lagoon: It’s like a hybrid between a beach and a swimming pool just below the Hilton Hawaiian Village Rainbow Tower.


Hawaii Beaches Magic Island Oahu

Magic Island Oahu: One of the island’s most popular parks with a well-sculpted beach.  Every Friday, watch a sunset sailboat regatta.  Then stay for a fantastic view of the fireworks!


Ala Moana Beach Park: A beautiful park attached to a gorgeous white-sand beach.  This is a favorite recreation spot for many Oahu residents.


Hawaii Beaches: Kakaako Waterfront Park

Kakaako Waterfront Park: Enjoy a picnic, watch the surfers, or go for a walk.  Bring a piece of cardboard or a block of ice, and let the kids slide down a hill!


Hawaii Beaches Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay: A spectacular underwater experience!  Swim inside the collapsed crater of a volcano, and see hundreds of exotic fish in this unique sea life sanctuary!


Hawaii Beaches Sharks Cove Hawaii

Sharks Cove Hawaii: In the summer, this is a world-class snorkeling spot.  The diving takes on an extreme element when you swim through the lava caves beneath the cove’s rock walls.


Hawaii Beaches: Three Tables

Three Tables: Part of the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District between Sharks Cove and Waimea Bay, this is another world-class Hawaii beach and summertime snorkeling spot.


Hawaii Beaches Waimea Bay

Waimea Bay Hawaii: In the summer, you can jump off a 20-foot rock (a good beginner’s cliff jump); and in the winter, you can watch the monster surf!


Sandy Beach Oahu: The shore break is so strong that even the smallest waves can knock you off your feet!  But every single wave is a near-perfect tube – great for body surfing!


Hawaii Beaches Ko Olina Lagoons

Ko Olina Lagoons: If you’re staying at the Ko Olina resorts, you’ll have nearly exclusive use of four idyllic beach lagoons.  Keep your eyes open for green sea turtles!



Popular beach activities:

Hawaii Beaches Surfing in Hawaii

Surfing in Hawaii:  The sport invented in Hawaii is still best-experienced in Hawaii.  And with year-round waves, you too can find out what the Beach Boys mean about sitting on top of the world!


Hawaii Beaches Fishing in Hawaii

Fishing in Hawaii:  A recreational fishing license is not required to fish in the ocean here.  The technique is very different from freshwater fishing; but it’s still a fun way to pass the day.


Hawaii Beaches Hawaii Snorkeling

Snorkeling Hawaii:  Get up close and personal with the fish.  Look for Hawaii’s state fish – the humuhumunukunukuapua’a – and other exotic marine life!


Hawaii Beaches: Whale Watching Hawaii

Whale Watching Hawaii: Primarily from January to March, look for spouts or playful splashing about!  Without even trying, I’ve seen whales from land on Oahu’s north, south, and west shores.




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