The 50 best quiet beaches in Oahu

Most beautiful beach in the world that I haven ever seen. The sand was so soft, the water is super clean and clear. The coconut trees are beautiful.

In my opinion, Lanikai is the most beautiful beach in Oʻahu. It is definitely a must-see and easily the highlight of the trip. You could happily spend the entire day there. The scenery is beautiful with calm, turquoise water, white sand, palms around, and mountains behind you. The view is unforgettable, framed by the two small islands (the Mokuluas) right out front. This beach has everything you need for a perfect Hawaiian day, must recommend.

got here by bus from waikiki and took around an 1.5 hrs. the beach is beautiful and the water is cool and not as warm but still enjoyable. the sunset had amazing pink skies

Just as beautiful as everyone says and like the photos. Also one of the hardest places to try and get parking. Water was warm and the water was so pretty.

--Most beautiful and calm beach! --my fiancee's favorite! --first time we kayaked here, then drove back the next day!

Lanikai Beach is a slice of paradise. Powdery white sand meets crystal turquoise waters. Perfect for sunrise strolls or kayaking to the Mokulua Islands. Gentle waves and lush palm trees create a serene escape. Highly recommend! 😎🌸🏝️🍍

Lanikai beach was secluded, more quiet, and way more chill than Waikiki. It’s in a residential area so there’s no public bathrooms or any amenities so be prepared for that. I recommend doing the hiking trail and then the beach because it’s right next to each other

A very powerful wave best enjoyed by those accustomed to such a surf from a young age. Boogie boarding is a thing here. Beach sand good for sunbathing, though the rays here are also strong. Lighthouse view in the distance makes for a scenic vista.

Nice spot. Water is clean. Scenery is amazing. Make sure to bring your umbrella as it can get get really hot. Plenty of parking spot. Only thing is bathroom is filthy!

Loved this beach! Great for body surfing if your not much of a swimmer. Lots of sun, perfect for sunbathing or bring an umbrella of you want some shade. There's a bathroom and outdoor shower for rinsing.

Beautiful beach, it’s not kid friendly very heavy waves. This is for experienced surfers no swimming allowed.

Beautiful scenic spot that’s not very crowded, with accessible bathrooms and an outdoor shower.

Ok, big waves in August! They definitely crash hard and pull you back in so don’t go in if you’re not used to that especially if the warning signs are up! But it’s super fun to just sit and watch body boarders enjoy the big waves :) Views are gorgeous. Never had problem finding parking. Lifeguards on watch during the day.

One of the best boogie boarding/bodysurfing beaches you can go to on the Hawaiian Islands! Waves are the perfect height, though some huge waves come in to fast, and beach isn’t crowded at all. Very scenic views of the mountains and distant islands.

Beautiful nature preservation on Oahu. Amazing location for snorkeling! Extremely busy so you have book your registration spots online 2 days in advance or visit in person before 7am the day of just to have a chance at getting in! The earlier you get in, the longer you can stay as they close at 3pm. A must visit if you can get in!

This was my first time snorkeling! Perfect place for it! You can rent or bring your own. There is so much to see undewater! The fish are unbelievable and not at all scared of you, but you have to be careful of where you step. Also, if you're coming to Hawaii for a short time & want yo bisit Maunalua Bay, make sure you visit the website at least 48 hours prior to book a reservation because it goes fast!! However it's absolutely worth seeing and the beach is gorgeous!!

Pay USD25 for tickets to get in. We went with a 'tour' for around USD50 per pax, which included hotel pickup and snorkeling equipment included, and I also added USD10 for a life vest. We arrived the earliest at 6.45 am when the park opens, but the waters were sadly too cold and we decided to enjoy by relaxing on the beach instead. The tour ends at 11:00 More visitors came at around 10:30 when the sun was stronger and a little bit more pleasant. Recommend to come on your own (totally doable) and especially if your hotel already provides snorkelling gear and beach hotels etc for free (as ours did), so you can pick the best time and leave as you wish.

Good and safe place for snorkeling. Reservations are in place, book early and on time. There is parking fee as well. Saw beautiful fishes but not much as in Shark’s cove. There is a shop to rent out snorkel gears, price ranges from 10-20$. The depth increases as you go away from the beach so it is not random.

We went there last year and it was truly a heavenly experience. It was quite a struggle to reserve a spot online a couple days in advance and we went there early in the morning (7 am) and waited in a long line of cars to get in. Everyone is directed to watch an educational video about preserving the wild life in the bay and safety. You can take trolley or walk down there (which is what we did) to meet a transcendent scene down the bay. The sand, the crescent hill surrounding the bay, the tranquil emerald/blue water and the blue sky put together a surreal scene that makes you remember this as the most beautiful place on Earth! Adding in the fish you see during snorkeling makes the experience even more vivid. There isn't much shade except for a handful of palm trees. Put ample amount of coral-safe sunscreen and multiple times if you want to be there for more than two hours. We all got sunburn despite the sunscreen we put on early in the morning, which probably got washed out as we stayed in the water. The burgers and fries in the park are pretty good and reasonably priced. The staff took good care of the visitors and managed the park very well. The beach closes at 2pm but you can stroll around on the top of the bay to take in more scenes. Definitely a must-go place if you are visiting Oahu.

The view was breathtaking. Disappointed by the amount of fish we see while snorkeling, the best place to snorkel is in Sharks Cove. You have to book to get in at 7am 2 days ahead, parking is a bit of a nightmare. The clear water makes up for it. We went in the afternoon just hours before the beach closes and it was very crowded. We managed to take a few pictures of the water without people in it and it’s just heaven on earth.

Bought tickets to snorkel here and had a blast. They brief you on what you can and can't do before you head down so just follow the rules. You can rent gear and equipment if you want. I would highly suggest getting snorkeling gear there is so much to see in the coral reef.

This beach stretches quite a bit and gives beach goers a lot of prime spaces for sunbathing. Just keeping driving towards the north end of the beach to find parking. Beach was clean and there was a bathroom where one can change. Some shaded areas were available and the view was wonderful. The waves were a bit strong and not a good place for the young ones.

Sandy Beach was intense in the best way. Big, clear turquoise waves and strong currents made swimming feel like a full body workout but it was ridiculously fun. The water was unreal and every wave came in fast and heavy. If you’re not a great swimmer, don’t go out too far. This spot doesn’t play.

May2025 Pristine sands with a sloping beach. There are fair warning signs that swimming 🏊‍♂️ in this beach is for strong swimmers so a degree of caution should always be taken. The rough waves though are pretty apparent.

Gorgeous! Crazy waves, we were only swimming but good to have a surfer with us to teach us how to properly dive underneath. Short shore break. Outdoor showers.

Sandy Beach is where the ocean shows its power and beauty. Known for its epic shore break, golden sand, and endless sunshine, it's a favorite for bodyboarders and thrill-seekers. Stunning views, strong waves, and nonstop energy make it a true Oʻahu classic. 🤠

3/2025 Another beautiful day in Hawaii.... 9/2024 Took a new friend to catch the sunrise. Was supposed to go to Makapuu Lighthouse trail, which is also beautiful, but this day at Sandy's happen to be breathtaking. It's a great spot to catch the sunrise, or people watch, check out the body surfing, or have a quick lunch. It's definitely good for the soul. Visitors beware, and I highly recommend not going in unless you consult the lifeguards first. 😉🤙✌️

This beach is clean and well policed and therefore also well maintained. Lifeguards always on duty and they ensure they keep telling you what's dangerous! Be careful of sneaker waves and unexpected undercurrents. A lovely choice of place for surfers

This was the very first beach we visited in Hawaii, and it felt like the perfect welcome. The setting is peaceful and natural, with wide open views of the ocean and plenty of space to just sit back and relax. The beach isn’t crowded at all — we were able to enjoy the sound of the waves and the breeze without distractions. One fun detail: lots of chickens and roosters wandering around, which really adds to the local island charm. The sand is soft, and it’s a beautiful spot to bring a chair, sit under the sky, and watch the water. Swimming can be tricky in some areas because of the reef, but for relaxing, walking, or just enjoying the scenery, it’s a gem. 🌴 Calm, quiet, and full of character — a great first stop in Hawaii.

A beach for explorers and surfers. This is an interesting beach for sure. The path to get here is paved with a handrail however it’s on an incline it’s not a short walk. Seems like good surfing judging by the number of surfers in the water. There’s tide pools and trees for shade. There is also a lighthouse a short walk down the beach.

This is a nice, small beach that seems to be a popular spot for surfers and some fishers. While it might not be the best for swimming, I definitely recommend visiting for sunset; it was absolutely gorgeous and made the trip worth it. You can have a great view of the Diamond Head Lighthouse from there.

A much better experience than actually hiking Diamond Head. Weekday there was plenty of street parking. Absolutely gorgeous views with sparkling diamond rocks. It was not busy from a tourist perspective, but there was a large homeless population living nearby. Very little shade, but a nice paved pathway to walk from street level down to the beach.

Great beach with great overlook. Have to walk maybe a 1/4 miles down to the beach. Paved path all the way down with handrails. Had to give -1 star just due to some spouts not working and homeless folks and stuff just lying around. They aren't in the way but it does affect a bit of the beauty of the park and overlook. If you can "overlook" that this is a must see visiting Hawaii. Just seeing locals surf in the distance and sailboat going by while with a wind blowing on you is a great feeling. Overall, check it out if you have a means of vehicle. Traveling this way on a bike or walking is tough since you do have to go uphill.

Beautiful spot. Water is nice, and the scenery is great. There was parking, which means there's something wrong.....

It’s Beautiful when we made to the top , worthy ! Long hike it’s narrow and stiff, could reserved online, bring a lot waters with you.

The speech has extra fine light colored sand, that is incredibly hard to get off of you, but does produce beautiful colored water. The water was pretty tame. I was there on a cloudy day and it was still nice

One of my favorite beaches! Beautiful views, warm water and plenty of space on the beach.

Beautiful beach and wasn’t over crowded like other beaches in the island! The water was so blue and beautiful! We could have stayed all day!

If you can’t find parking at Lanikai Beach then you should just hangout here. Beautiful water and nice sand. Decent parking as well.

Great little beach, has an outdoor shower, bathrooms. Water can be rough so maybe not here for a day with your little ones. When you park, go to the left. That’s the way to the beach. To the right goes into someone’s house 😳

Kailua Beach is a dream! With its fine white sand, turquoise water, and relaxed atmosphere, this spot is perfect for swimming, paddleball, or simply unwinding. The beach is clean and well-maintained, and the views of the surrounding islands are absolutely stunning. A must-visit when you’re on Oʻahu!

Beautiful beach with not so many people. The water is clean. Recommended.

The waves were strong and fun to play in. We saw 7 turtles and enjoyed watching from afar. My only complaint would be there is nowhere to rinse off. You need to bring your own water jugs to clean the sand off. The sand can also be a tad bit harsh on your feet.

Great beach....the sand gets very hot during day. Please use footwear to get to your spot. Not joking. I had blisters under my toes!

Today was a good day at Mokuleia beach. This beach is a great place to visit as it a little off the beaten path. However, one must keep in mind the possibility of baggler sightings exists.

Great beach to take the dogs. Beautiful views.

Great swimming area with a few rocks in places. Nice view of sunset and an overall great place to chill and hangout.

Lovely beach. Worth the trek and 100 speed humps to get there. It is a suburban area so limited parking and cut throughs but the beach has lovely shade and is super quiet. It was windy on the day we went (november) and swell was up a bit but still able to swim in the shallows and enjoy making sandcastles away from the hustle and bustle.

Not crowded and beautiful stretch of beach

I don't think there is a comprehensive review so I'll add mine for locals - phenomenal beach not very crowded, however very little shade and you'll need your umbrella. Some toilets present . For tourists: On most days, when there are waves, you will be asked not to swim in the majority of the beach. You will be sent to a small lagoon, or asked to go to another beach. While it's a great place for snorkeling, its great for a reason, there are a lot of sharp rocks where your foot can get stuck. Generally, tourists aren't encouraged to swim or stay on the beach itself by lifeguards on duty. There is no shade on the beach, so you'll need an umbrella. Sunset is phenomenal in general. Cute hike at the end. More like a walk.

Cool area to explore right off the trail. Be careful though as there are centipedes, I spotted one, and they bite (see last photo) Hurts like all heck too if they get ahold of you. Aside from that, it’s a bit rocky so if you decide to explore off the trail here, be careful as there are not a lot of means to get you medical attention, if it were necessary.

Although a long drive into the west side of Oahu..its worth the little get away. . Passing Makaha Beach into yok's The beach at the end use to be open before the pandemic. You can still walk to the beach ⛱

Definitely a wonderful spot for an unique sunset ! It’s a ling way to go, but definitely worth the ride, because you’ll have a quiet but wonderful beach that looks so peaceful. For those that went to Kauai, i’d say it has the same vibe as Polihale but without the longest bumpy road ever…

Great beach at the very end of the road on the West side. It has a mix of waves, tide pools, and hiking. Good place to spend the day and watch the sunset. Possibly be able to see whales, spinner dolphins, or main seals. There aren't any stores, so make sure to bring what you need for the day.

Very far away from the business of Honolulu. The beach is large, there's a lifeguard. It's very beautiful and a more dry than the other side of the island. Just note that it is a high theft area, so don't keep your valuables in plain sight.

Far end of the westside of Oahu but mountain view is awesome, although the last time we went kids cannot swim coz high surf.

Halona Beach Cove is a secret slice of paradise tucked between lava rock cliffs and turquoise waves. The golden sand, dramatic shoreline, and cinematic vibes make it unforgettable. Perfect for a scenic escape, photo ops, and soaking up Hawaiian beauty. A little adventure with a big reward. 😎

Halona Beach Cove 🐠🔹 This is truly one of the most unique and exciting beaches I’ve ever been to. It’s tucked away in a rocky cove and honestly feels like something out of a movie. The cliffs around it make the whole place look insane, and the turquoise water makes it almost impossible not to want to dive in. I swam out and came back since I’m a strong swimmer, but it’s definitely dangerous. The waves can slam you into the rocks and the currents are really strong, so you have to be extra careful here if you swim out. It’s not the kind of beach where you can just float around close to shore. Snorkeling was incredible. We saw so many different fish, some emitted unique opalescent colours, a lot of the schools that caught the sunlight would turn rainbow under the water. Watching that shimmer surrounded by the cliffs was something I’ll never forget. It’s a really cool place for cliff jumping and the people there are really friendly. Halona isn’t the safest spot for casual swimming, but if you’re adventurous and careful it’s one of the most fun and memorable beaches you’ll ever visit.

The best, but not safest, swimming spot we found on the whole island in our week-long trip. Waves are strong, climbing the rocks is risky and slippery, but a piece of paradise for sure.

The beauty of the beach cove is five stars, but safety was not good, so I take one star out. Yes, adults should be fine with carefully mind but kids and people with conditions should have someone to consult with them. No safeguard down here, wave is very strong. The area that has lots of rock is very dangerous, even it looks safe and gorgeous it is very slippery and sharp. The wave will suck you out easily then you have to crew back to save your life on that type of rock so YOU MUST BE CAREFUL with your jewelry! The water can suck out all of your belonging on you body if you wear to the water! I know it is sound stupid if anyone will wear jewelry to the beach but believe it or not my husband lost his wedding ring and his pinky ring at the cove. Another girl that walked down with us also lost her rings and bracelet too. I talk to a group of local who was there, one of them lost their necklace in the past at this place. My husband tried to go back but I stopped him. It isn't worth at all to risk of your life for it. It is just the object even his value for our story, but I won't trade anything for his life. It was sad and disappointed, and my husband blame himself to made that such a wrong decision, but I take it as an exchange you lost something but safe the most valuable. From the pictures you will see the area that most people are enjoy, it is the area on the right of the beach that next to the cove and the surface at the bottom is flat and only sand. The area is safer to enjoy this beach but as I mentioned about the wave, you must be mindful of your own safety. This beach is like a beautiful flower that draw the insect but also very dangerous.

The view is stunning. The blue of the sea is gorgeous and I couldn't wait to get in. There is a sign saying it is dangerous and a restricted area but people were happy to risk their lives climbing down the rocks to get to it. So worth it! There's a cave at the back too, very instagramable. The water was crazy, the waves were crashing. The cliff side was beautiful, seeing the layers of rock. We went a couple of times. It did get busy at one point.

Beautiful stopping point on your drive to beaches! Easy hike down to the beach if you would like to swim, or enjoy the view from up there.

Awesome little spot with great views. Lots of little crabs. Stay safe!

Stunning beach we drove over a hour from the windward side but it was definitely worth it the sand is very soft and the water is Crystal clear similar to places like cancun there also underwater caves and multiple tide pools

Best sunset ever, there aren’t many people here, out of the tourists reach: no drama or trash. Just a great place to go dip in the ocean read a book have a drink and enjoy the sunsets (by so be sure to bring what you need bc nearest convenience store is 10 mins away also there aren’t any bathrooms nearby)

Makua Beach is known to us locals as Pray for Sets. Sets, meaning waves. Aa the local name implies, there's hardly ever surfable waves. In Olelo Hawai'i - the native language - it is known as "Keawe Ula" which translates as "Red Belt." Makua Cave, is on the mauka (mountain) side of Farrington Hwy. It can get a little crowded on weekends when many military and local people spread out on the spacious beach. The waters are usually fairly clear, so free diving and spear fishing are pretty good there. It's one of the cleanest beaches on the We$TSidE. If you do visit Keawe Ula, please be sure to leave nothing but your footprints. This area is very important spiritually to the Hawaiian people. The "Kanaka Maoli" or the "true people." Be sure to lock your vehicles and leave the area by sunset. Mahalo nui for your cooperation.

It is a fantastic beach, unfortunately we went to see the sunset and only spent one hour there. We were lucky enough to see a rainbow over the mountains. The sea was great and warm. There are parking spaces 2 minutes away. I found the area quite safe. If you like big beaches where you can feel one with nature, this is the one!

Beautiful beach on the south end with rocks and small caves. Easy parking and not crowded. There’s some shade. The waves are strong when we were there early June. The mountain backdrop is amazing.

Makua Beach is one of the last beaches on the north west coast. We drove 1.5 hrs to the west side of the island from the northeast. Bring everything you need because there’s nothing there except a wide/long secluded beach, ocean & nature. The current was a little strong for us the day we went so we just walked the beach and enjoyed the sun. We saw people snorkeling, swimming and fishing. On the north end of the beach there are memorial markers on limestone rocks overlooking the ocean. Not sure of the history behind them? Makua Beach is supposedly a spot where you can see dolphins…we didn’t see one. We were told that you can see them early in the morning. We went back another day and got there around 8 a.m. and we still didn’t see any. I guess the early bird doesn’t always see the fins. It was still worth the visit.

It’s definitely worth the drive and the water is warm. We visited May of 2021 and we loved it. On a 5-10 minute drive into town with good local food options. Felt like a 180 from Waikiki.

Stunning North Shore spot. Clear turquoise water, fun cliff jumping, and soft sandy shore. The water is clean and the vibe is adventurous. Can get crowded so arriving early is best.

Beautiful place to watch the surfers or nature. Absolutely beautiful place to pull off the road or into the beach parking lot and spend some time on the North Shore.

Amazing little cove. Easiest snorkeling I could imagine. Plenty of fish. Water is shallow, deepest I found was 5ft. There can be some strong currents when waves break over the barrier rocks but otherwise very calm. Great for kids or anyone new to snorkeling.

Great waves, great sand. Someday the surf is too high for boogie boards, but normally perfect. Has life guards. Cliff jumping if the tide is high enough- Don't try cliff jumping if you're not sure it's safe and deep enough!!! Use reef safe sunblock!

During the summer time there are no waves and the water is so calm, you can swim out super far and see lots of fish. Good for kids 2+ years old. Bathrooms were okay. Parking get there before 9 am to get a spot. Probably my favorite beach on north shore.

Very beautiful beach with cliff jumping. The water was clear and warm. Not too long to get to the beach from the parking. It was busy parking and not enough space but you could wait in your until someone left.

Parking lot is super small and quickly fills up. Parking along the road above the beach is possible. Another solution is to park at the next beach north, then walk back using the sidewalk path (5-6min walk). If it is very crowded, then you can also park at the nearby waterfall park parking lot for $10. The rock at the south end of the beach is where people jump from. The best snorkeling is behind that rock, to the south-west.

Very chilled beach. Many people come to see the turtles resting at the beach. It's pretty awesome and relaxing. Parking is limited, and you may encounter the "Turtle Traffic " as well due to the popularity. It is better to plan accordingly.

We drove around on the north shore and ended up at this wonderful place where we saw tortoises. They were crossing over the beach into the water. There were a couple of on sight guides and helpers to make sure that tortoises were protected and we're able to reach the water safely. It was an incredible sight to see and our family loved seeing them go across and to the water. Totally recommend doing this with your family.

Too sandy for snorkeling but a nice place to relax and swim. The pillbox trail isn’t far so we did that first and got a nice panoramic view of the beach.

Amazing beach, please respect the honu though. Parking can be tough and not a good spot to swim, but surfing yes!

Stunning beach with clear waters and sea turtles! Knowledgeable and friendly staff are there to ensure turtle safety!

We came for the turtles. We saw some turtles. It was majestic watching these creatures, these big ol’ things, just lounging around, almost like they were paying rent. Highly recommended if ya’ll like turtles.

Laniakea Beach, also known as Turtle Beach, was an absolute highlight of our trip to Oahu! We were thrilled to see two sea turtles swimming gracefully in the shallow water and one relaxing right on the sand — such a peaceful and awe-inspiring experience. The beach itself is beautiful and laid-back, with soft sand, gentle waves, and a calm, natural vibe. It’s the perfect place to slow down, take in the view, and appreciate Hawaii’s incredible wildlife. Seeing these gentle honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) up close — while giving them space, of course — was something we’ll never forget. There were friendly volunteers on site helping protect the turtles and share their knowledge, which made the experience even more meaningful. Parking can be a bit limited, but with a little patience, it’s well worth it. Laniakea Beach is a must-visit if you’re on the North Shore — where else can you share the shoreline with sea turtles in their natural habitat?

This is a beautiful, sandy beach that feels very local and underrated. We really enjoyed spending time here. We were lucky to find a parking spot, and there are bathrooms and showers conveniently located just across the road. There’s also a lifeguard on duty, which made us feel safe and welcome. The waves were big, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying the refreshing water. The sunset here is absolutely stunning. Definitely worth a visit!

Beautiful, fairly quiet beach, primarily locals. We were only 15 minutes away so checked it out for a nice quiet sunset and it didn't dissapoint! Nice little tide pools. Parking and services such as bathrooms and showers available. Wonderful island breeze. One of the best beaches we've visited on O"ahu.

It’s a beautiful beach, not super crowded with soft sand and calm clear waters. It’s bit of a walk from parking to beach, especially if you’re carrying a lot of stuff, and there are no bathrooms on the beach, you have to drive like a mile or more just to get to the bathrooms at the other beach (and those did not have any toilet paper)

Soft sand, blue waters, no shade, no crowd, not much to do. Free parking and there is a lifeguard.

An underrated beach one hour away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It's beautiful, not crowded. The view was stunning, the water was not too choppy when I visited but the shore break is pretty steep if you're not comfortable swimming. The sunset was majestic and I had such a great time here. It's still a relatively popular beach for many visitors. I felt safe because there were lifeguards and the beach closes its gate at 7 pm so make sure you plan enough time to make sure your drive was worth it.

Lovely clean beach. Easy parking. Showers. Wasn’t crowded we were there on a Sunday. Seemed more of a local spot. Lots of big rocks so there were spots prohibiting swimming. Worth checking out!

I absolutely loved this beach !!! Worth the drive, not crowded

Beautiful beach with a mountain backdrop. It’s magical, but the current is pretty strong. It is one of longest beach with gorgeous mountain and island view. Beach was not crowded and saw many local’s hanging out. Definitely one of the prettiest beach in Oahu.

Yep, beautiful beach, less crowded and the locals hangout. Mahalo ;))

Beautiful beach with wonderful mountain views. Love this white sand and emerald blue water😊 but difficult to find a parking spot.

We found this during my research of beaches to stop at on a drive around the island. It has a very large parking lot so there was no issue there. The sand is soft and the beach extends a fair distance. There were many families here enjoying a picnic, boogie boarding, or throwing footballs. We walked up and down the beach as it has really scenic views looking up and down the beach both ways. We wish we had more time to spend here.

Who doesn't love a world famous beach? Plenty of parking, beautiful blue water, and lots of ironwood trees for hammocks, and on site fresh water showers. Lifeguards patrol the spread frequently. Signs are posted normally warning those not familiar with safe ocean activity engagement. Take note, there can be strong currents and even man-o-war.

If you want to get away from Waikiki for the day, this can be a place for you. It is easily accessible by car. It is also accessible by the bus, even though it takes almost 1.5 hours from Waikiki. There are a few places to grab lunch near the beach. Like going to any other beach, bringing sunscreen and a bottle of water is recommended.

Beautiful beach very friendly people enjoying the beach with their families. Lifeguards were super friendly too. Watch out for the man o wars though!

Bellows was amazing. I spent the night at the campgrounds, and the vibe was just right. Waking up to a stunning sunrise made the whole experience even better. I’ll definitely be coming back!

Heard about this spot from a friendly army fellah - spot on. The sand was nice n soft, waves surprisingly gentle for the wee ones, and the view was epic. Great spot. We came nice and early, practically had the beach to ourselves. 5 for 5 all day long. 🤙

Fantastic place to spend a beach day. Note: You need a military ID to enter or be with someone who does. Beautiful setting. Good waves for boogie boarding, body surfing. Restroom facilities as well.

Bellows Field Beach Park is a stunning destination for anyone who loves the ocean and fresh air. The beach features crystal-clear water that sparkles in the sunlight, creating a perfect setting for a relaxing swim or a leisurely walk along the shore. The atmosphere is calm and refreshing, with clean sand and plenty of open space to unwind. I truly enjoyed spending time here, as the gentle waves and natural surroundings make it easy to forget the rush of daily life. Swimming in the clear blue water was especially enjoyable—it felt both invigorating and peaceful. Whether you’re visiting for a quick dip or a full day of beach fun, Bellows Field Beach Park offers an ideal escape for nature lovers and anyone seeking pure relaxation.

Absolutely beautiful! Was a perfect day at the beach. Water was crystal clear nice waves and the beach was clean and not too busy. Normally used by the military families so it wasn’t too crazy. Definitely a go to again!

Open saturdays and sundays to the public. Went on Sunday and It was busy, but there was still a good amount of parking left. Still spacious enough to feel like you weren’t encroaching in someone else’s space. Bluest water I’ve seen in a while 🩵 so beautiful. There is a lot of microplastic in the sand so we collected some and threw it away.

One of the nicest laid back stretches of beach in Hawaii; park along the fence line and walk down to the beach plenty of spots under trees if you want shade not overcrowded, except by the lifeguard bathroom area. There are food trucks as you enter if you get hungry, local grinds.

Good spot to swim, snorkel, or look for seals. Parking was pretty full but I didn’t have to wait long for a spot. Saw two Hawaiian monk seals on the beach from 10am-12pm! There is a lifeguard that makes sure people don’t get too close to the seals.

Great little beach that is walkable from the Waikiki beach hotels. We went on a weekday morning and it was not very crowded and felt safe. There are also people snorkeling here, although I did not see many fish.

The beach is really small, and honestly, it felt a little dirty. One of the downsides is how close it is to the hotels; you'll hear all the music and noise right on the sand. Maybe it's decent when there's hardly anyone around, but if it's busy, forget it. With so many amazing beaches nearby, I wouldn't recommend Kaimana Beach.

Such a wonderful beach! Right next to the giant field, and pretty close to Waikiki. It's pretty small, I'm not sure if there's parking anywhere, but the area around is very walkable. It's also free to enter, and there were no bathrooms.

This is a hidden gem on the edge of Waikiki at the base of diamond head. Lots of sand and clear water that is not crowed with tourist. Some it is closed down due to the monk seals, but there is still plenty of beach left for everyone.

I was absolutely glad to have brought my snorkel mask . The snorkeling there is awesome , I saw tons of giant sea cucumbers, different varieties of fish including the Humuhumu.... Hawaiian fish it was such a treat.

Nice beach away from the big crowd's. Peaceful place. Very relaxing spot. Gorgeous views. Awesome sunsets.

Beautiful beach with limited parking and nice showers. Lots of lifeguards on duty as the current could get so beware!! Really there is no shade so bring an umbrella and chairs and the sand gets extremely hot and it's a very very wide beach and wide! The water is quite deep right away but it's very clear and clean.

This beach is fantastic! Parking is easy but limited. There are showers near parking. The cliff jumping is an absolute blast and there are a few little sea caves a few feet beneath the water directly below the cliff. There was plenty of life in the water. The turtles were eating and drifting back and forth in the current and stayed with us for a long time.

We loved this beach! Took our family during the summer. When we went the shore just took deep slow breaths and the water was clear. Saw lots of schools of fish. While we were swimming we saw a large seal swimming just 10ft away!

Such a beautiful beach. The waves were incredible, we could get out of the water. If you are not the best swimmer, I would recommend being aware of where the tide breaks and just look at the flags. The bathroom was under renovation when I was at the beach, but there were showers available for use.

Waimea Bay Beach – A Stunning Slice of Oahu Worth the Early Wake-Up We left Waikīkī at 6:00 AM sharp, determined to get a good parking spot at Waimea Bay, one of the most beautiful and popular beaches on Oahu’s North Shore. With some questionable speeding involved (which we definitely don’t recommend), we arrived around 7:20 AM—only to discover that the parking lot was already full! Cars were already lining the roadside before the entrance. That’s how fast this place fills up. I dropped off my family while I waited in a small line of cars, hoping someone would leave. About 45 minutes later, I finally got a spot. It was a bit of a hassle, but once we got settled in, it was completely worth it. The beach itself is absolutely stunning—golden sand, clear blue water, and a laid-back atmosphere. There’s a rocky cliff on one end, perfect for the brave souls who want to try a jump into the ocean (a popular but unofficial activity). In the water, there’s plenty to see below the surface, with schools of tropical fish swimming all around. Definitely bring your snorkel gear if you have it—it adds a whole new layer to the experience. We came prepared with a beach tent and umbrella, which were lifesavers in the strong sun. Sunscreen is a must (reef-safe only, please), and so is bringing your own lunch, snacks, and drinks—there aren’t many options nearby, and you’ll want to spend the whole day here once you arrive. And don’t forget your camera—between the cliff jumps, sea life, and ocean views, there are memories waiting to be captured. The waves were strong but manageable for adults, though if you’re visiting with younger kids, you’ll want to keep a close eye on them at all times—Waimea’s surf can be unpredictable. In short: • Arrive early (VERY early) • Don’t speed—better to be late than sorry • Be patient with parking • Bring your own food, shade, and snorkeling gear • Enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches on the island Waimea Bay is a North Shore gem—busy but breathtaking, and an unforgettable part of any Oahu adventure.

You need to buy your tickets early around 6 am. Parking and entrance is limited. I recommended an early entry to bay.

Amazing beach , beautiful place to watch the sunset. Perfect after hiking to the waterfall

Yeah, this place is epic. Sunset swimming was amazing. Relatively calm waves for the kiddos, my 6 and 8 year old did great. Good amount of parking during our visit.

Great beach for swimming!! Lifeguard on site! Amazing to watch sunset! Washrooms were not the best!

TOURISTS STAY AWAYYY!!! Quiet beach however we went to see the mermaid caves and they were nice however we went into the sea after and some local came up to us and chased us out of the water & threw my boyfriends shoes aggressively and told us to leave!! He was super aggressive and it was a scary situation that could have escalated quickly.

An amazing beach. Parking is very limited but you can park on the street around the area. (As of 12/17/2022)The bathrooms here work but the women's stall only had one stall that was fully functional. The beach is clean. Spots are first come first serve. The beach is very photogenic during the sunset hours. Overall, a very nice beach.

This is a great local beach with good sand and swimming opportunities. There is good parking and restrooms on site.

Absolutely loved this beach and this is where mermaid cove is if you're looking for it and this beach comes up. The water was wonderful and the waves were small. Lots of awesome people around. They have bathrooms and outside wster fountains and showers to rinse off at. The sand was nice and didn't feel like sandpaper walking on it. Make sure you wear filp flops because you might step on a thorn . Definitely go and visit.

This is a really nice beach. Its clean, has two bathroom and shower areas. The beach is huge and has rock cliffs on the far sides of the beach. Surf is pretty wicked over there so use caution but its definitely fun boogie boarding. The water is really clear but not much to see as far as snorkeling goes as it's only sand at the bottom, unless you swim out about 200 yards. All in all this is a really great find and I'd definitely recommend

This section of beach is ok - beautiful as are all Oahu beaches, but the section just south of this one is filled with homeless camps & tents & overflowing trash bins right now. I wouldn't recommend traveling to this part of the island for this beach. So many others feel safer and cleaner

This is definitely a local’s beach, there are 2 sections. North side is more peaceful, beach is rocky and you can just watch the waves and relax. The south side is where everybody swims and crowded. It has a huge parking area but it can get full really quick before sunset.

Turtles! Wonderful sand! No big waves. Perfect!

It was perfect for my daughter (4) as she’s still intimidated by waves, here she was able to swim out further than she’s ever been because of the calm waters. We ended our nights here while in town to catch the sunset in the warm waters. The locals use this place for a rowing league; it was nice to see them rowing and practicing every night. Totally recommend this beach if you have small children. I did a couple sunrise swims here and saw sea turtles several times, as well as seals.

Love this beach, nice and quiet,no waves, no rocks, a lot of turtles. Local people were nice, too, except for a couple of weird persons. Good place to go with family. We took the bus, 2 hrs ride from waikiki.

Good beach for families. Calm waters. However occasionally it can get big waves for surfing. When the water is clear during the summer it’s great for snorkeling. I’ve seen lots of marine life including sea turtles. Lots of sea turtles and sea lions frequent this bay. Dolphins also but usually far away. However the sea turtles like to go in shallow waters. Don’t be surprised is one swims by you or behind you. They can sneak up on you sometimes. Early morning walks on this beach are quiet and calming.

Beautiful beach. I call this the “west side Waikiki.” Lots of locals. Best place to throw a birthday party. There’s a playground for children. There’s showers and lots of places to barbecue. The bathrooms aren’t too clean but there are a lot of people sharing it so that can be expected. Great food places nearby! Would recommend to all age groups.

Sad beach. Very quiet

Great North Shore beach! Perfect place for beginner/young surfers and boogie boarders of all ages! White pristine beach, very clean, never too busy. The peninsula to the west protect it so even if the waves are big elsewhere on the north shore they are a lot calmer here. Plenty of parking, decent beach restrooms.

Beautiful beach. Be aware of some serious current.

I went to surf and it was my first time out by myself without an instructor. A couple of the locals said it wasn't the best for new surfers and I struggled a bit, but eventually got it together. A local by the name of Marcus was yelling tips to the guys like me having trouble. Right on, Marcus. Mahalo. 🤙

The park ranger went above and beyond to help us today. I didn't get his name, but we were stranded after locking a key in our car and he made sure we were okay. Sooo grateful.

Beautiful beach, white sand, great views, not very busy!

Great beach for beginner surfers! Beautiful beach!

Great spot for a relaxing beach day! Parking is free, the water was clear and calm and there were clean public restrooms. I brought goggles and had fun looking at sea urchins and a.few fish in the clear water. There are four lagoons in total with paved pathways connecting them and a park at the point. Very kid friendly!

Perfect place to learn to snorkel. Very calm waters and not too deep. You can see some fish. Great for swimming too. Lots of space on the beach to spread out. There is free parking but it’s always full with long lines. There is paid parking, $22 and so worth it. No wait at all and within a few steps you are on the beach.

Such a beautiful area to relax at! The parking was $22 for the full day, which I think is very pricey for parking but it was okay. There were bathrooms and showers, and there was a small stand selling coffee and açaí bowls, shaved ice, and a couple more items. There was plenty of space on the beach and lots of more place to walk around by the lagoon. Nice spot for a chill day!

Pay to park at the marina if you don’t arrive early enough for free parking. Site has showers and restrooms. Great for toddlers or kids who don’t swim well. The beach has limited waves due to the break. Very calm water.

This place is filled with locals and families. Great lagoon for gentle waves and somewhat protected waters. There are public restrooms and a food cart next to the restrooms serving shaved ice and hot food. Parking can be difficult in the free zone, but there is paid parking too.

Visited yesterday. This place had a nice mix of locals and tourist families. Since it's a lagoon, the water was gentle, waves very limited, and the area is somewhat. There are public restrooms close by. Parking can be difficult in the free zone, but we went after 2pm and found parking pretty easily. There is a paid parking area too.

Super calm and clean spot, perfect for a swim or just relaxing. Easy parking, soft sand, and great snorkeling with plenty of fish. Feels like your own little private lagoon.

Turtle Bay on Oahu's North Shore is an incredible destination that offers a blend of natural beauty and resort amenities, making it perfect for visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure. The beach itself is part of the larger Turtle Bay Resort, but it's open to the public, providing a beautiful spot to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and possibly spotting some of the sea turtles that give the bay its name. Kuilima Cove, located within Turtle Bay, is ideal for snorkeling, especially for beginners. The water is often calm thanks to the protective reef, and there’s a lifeguard on duty most of the time, adding an extra layer of safety. The visibility is excellent, and you can explore a variety of marine life just a few feet from the shore. Parking at Turtle Bay Resort can be a bit pricey, with a fee of around $35 per night for resort guests, but there are also some free parking options available if you’re just visiting the beach for the day. However, these spots tend to fill up quickly, so it’s advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends. One of the highlights of Turtle Bay is the array of activities available both on and off the water. Whether you're interested in stand-up paddleboarding, outrigger canoe tours, or simply lounging on the beach, there’s something for everyone. The resort itself also offers a range of dining options and cultural experiences like lei-making and ukulele lessons. Overall, Turtle Bay provides a serene and scenic experience that showcases the best of Oahu’s North Shore. Just be prepared for some parking challenges and consider the additional costs if you're planning to stay at the resort.

Good beach, soft sand and good for swimming and snorkeling. Its at the Ritz Carlton but its publicly accessible. It can be very busy but its a great place for families. There is a parking lot and showers and public restrooms.

A lovely place to go walk around. We unfortunately ended up getting caught in the rain and they're very much was no shade so we were soaked by the time we made it back to the car which is my only complaint but definitely scenic and magical. We got to see some monk seals while we were walking around including a baby

We came to Turtle Bay a month before everything changed in 2020. Fast forward to 2024 and wow, what a major improvement. The location is superb and the views both day and night make it worth the trip. All the amenities are above and beyond. Your access to options outside the resort are easy with a car. Recommend you visit the Polynesian Culture Center while staying.

This was a beautiful, quiet bay away from the huge waves on other beaches. There were tons of trees for shade, calm waves that were perfect for swimming and for kids and hiking trails around the area to explore some sights. We saw several sea turtles in the water. I wish we had more time to spend at this beach!!

As a beach compared to the rest of the world it's paradise. As a beach on Oahu i have to say this was just ok. We didn't see any turtles the day we were there and the snorkeling was just OK. We went to do many beaches with better snorkeling and sand the rest of our vacation. The beach sand was somewhat rough. The public parking was great. The Turtle Bay hotel grounds were very nice.

Beautiful beach and resort. You can visit the beach even if you’re not staying at the hotel. You can rent beach chairs, umbrellas, cabanas and snorkel gear. There’s also a few spots to grab food, so that’s convenient. Stay for the sunset...it’s beautiful here.

Did this with our 4 year old and found it to be a relatively easy hike. We went through a lot of the tracks so it felt worthwhile. It is easy to get to but I would not say the views are the best, the Makapuʻu Lighthouse trail had better outlooks, but it is still definitely worth doing. Just make sure you book early as reservations are required.

We rolled up for the hike around 7:30 AM on a Saturday, and that was definitely the magic hour because parking was a breeze—tons of spots still open right in the crater. The hike itself is a great morning workout. It’s slightly strenuous but totally manageable. You definitely feel the incline and those famous stairs toward the end are a bit of a quad-burner, but just take your time. Once you get through the tunnel and scramble up to the lookout, the effort is instantly worth it. The payoff at the top is just insane. The panoramic view of Waikiki, the deep blue ocean, and the whole coastline is absolutely breathtaking. It’s the perfect reward for the climb. We were coming back down right as the crowds were really starting to pour in, so seriously, lock in that early-morning slot. It's the best way to start your day on O'ahu!

A moderate but rewarding hike! Make sure to bring plenty of water 💧. The hike takes about 1.5–2.5 hours, and don’t forget—you need to reserve online. The view from the top is absolutely breathtaking,totally worth the effort! 🌄⛰️

Hiked the Diamond Head Summit Trail — 1.6 miles roundtrip, 560-ft climb, and amazing views of Waikiki, Honolulu & the ocean! Trail’s paved with stairs, so wear good shoes. Go early, bring water & sunscreen. Entry $5/person or $10/vehicle. Totally worth it!

What an amazing place to go. Get your reservations early and go early in the morning because it does warm up and it will take you a while to walk it if you choose to walk the whole way to the top. It’s amazing part of history and if you’re there have encouraged you to take the time and go.

Diamond Head, known as Lēʻahi in Hawaiian, is one of Oʻahu’s most iconic landmarks and a must-visit for travelers seeking both history and breathtaking views. This volcanic tuff cone, formed over 300,000 years ago, offers a moderately challenging hike that rewards visitors with a sweeping panorama of Honolulu, Waikīkī Beach, and the deep blue Pacific Ocean. The trail is well-maintained but includes steep staircases and a few narrow tunnels, so comfortable shoes and water are essential. Along the way, interpretive signs share the crater’s geological and military history, adding depth to the experience. Photographers will find endless opportunities, from capturing the unique crater walls to sunrise or sunset vistas from the summit. Whether for the exercise, the scenery, or the sense of standing atop one of Hawaii’s most famous natural wonders, Diamond Head is an unforgettable highlight of any trip to Oʻahu. --- To get on top of Diamond Head: Start at the Diamond Head State Monument Entrance Located in Honolulu, about a 10-minute drive from Waikiki. Parking is available for a small fee, but spaces can fill up quickly, so arrive early in the morning. You can also walk or take TheBus from Waikiki if you don’t have a car. Pay the Entrance Fee There’s a modest entrance fee for hikers (separate from vehicle parking). Payment kiosks accept credit cards. Begin the Hike The trail is about 1.3 km (0.8 miles) one way, with a 171 m (560 ft) elevation gain. Expect an uneven dirt path, stairs, and narrow tunnels. Follow the Switchbacks The hike starts gently but becomes steeper as you climb. There are several switchbacks that help manage the elevation gain. Navigate the Stairs and Tunnel Near the top, you’ll face a steep staircase, a 70 m (230 ft) dimly lit tunnel, and another spiral staircase. Reach the Summit Lookout At the top, you’ll find a restored military bunker and panoramic views of Waikiki, the Pacific Ocean, and the island’s coastline. Bring water, sun protection, and a camera — there’s little shade. Descent Go back the way you came, watching your step on the steep sections.

Fun must see tourist attraction. The hike isn’t particularly difficult as it is paved the whole way but it has quite an incline and many steps at the top. If you aren’t used to hiking you may need to take a few breaks but there are some nice scenic spots along the way to do so. We had no issue making parking reservations online the same day Labor Day weekend.

Beautiful park to spend time by the ocean with your family. Awesome view, fun in the waves. Showers to wash off.

I visited here with my family and it was amazing!! The waves were huge and the beach was full of cool shells. Definitely a great spot to watch the sunset, too!!

There is plenty of parking mid-morning on weekdays. It is one of the best beaches, in my opinion.

We haven't visited the North shore in years there are nice beaches with less tourists makes a nice day trip

Beautiful beach with parking. Perfect for surfers and walkers.

It’s a stunning place, just stunning, we went while pipe was on so watched that really and didn’t get to explore that much. Beautiful water, beautiful sand, just be careful if swimming as you could see that it rips hard!

Ehukai Beach Park is the home of the world famous Banzai Pipeline and probably the most famous surf spot on the North Shore. It’s a long wide beach connected to Sunset Beach. It’s a little hard finding the beach if you’re not familiar with the area. There’s a parking lot or parking along Kamehameha highway. Luckily it was early enough that we found a spot close to the beach path. Bring what you need…and leave nothing behind. It’s a nice beach to explore! The highlight was watching the surfers do their tricks.

Everything about this place is perfect except for the parking. Maybe 12 spaces. So likely have to park on the street. Quiet and calm

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kaiona Beach, tucked away on Oahu’s windward side, is one of those places that feels like a secret spot even though it’s right off the highway. The first thing you notice is how calm and inviting the water looks—shallow, turquoise-blue, and protected by the offshore reef. It’s the kind of beach where you don’t have to worry about big waves, so it’s perfect for families with kids, or anyone who just wants to float, swim, or wade without a rush of surf. The sand here is soft and golden, stretching into clear water that stays shallow for quite a distance. Lining the beach are ironwood and kiawe trees that provide plenty of natural shade, which makes it easy to spend hours relaxing, reading, or setting up a picnic without baking in the sun. The views are classic east Oahu—green mountains behind you, Rabbit Island off in the distance, and endless blue ocean in front. What makes Kaiona stand out is its atmosphere. It doesn’t feel touristy at all—it’s more of a community beach where locals come with their families, so the vibe is relaxed, friendly, and low-key. There are no major facilities (so plan accordingly), but parking is straightforward and much less of a hassle compared to the island’s busier beaches. If you’re looking for a peaceful, scenic spot that feels authentic and untouched, Kaiona Beach is the kind of place you’ll want to spend an entire afternoon. It may not have the crowds or fame of Kailua or Lanikai, but that’s exactly what makes it so special.

Really nice beach and there are benches you can sit at. We brought our lunch here and enjoyed the view.

Quiet beach park with plenty of parking space. If you are visiting Kualoa ranch then give extra 30 minutes to stop here and spend some time on the beach.

Loved this beach so much. Clear water, soft sand and I gotta see sea turtles too.

Beautiful beach! Waters were calm and clear when we went. Also loved having shade to rest under.

I loved this beach, small and there weren't a lot of people when we went on a weekday. When we drove by on the weekend - it looked packed. The parking lot is small but there is parking on the street along the fence if there isnt room in the parking lot. We were able to swim and snorkeling. There is also a public restroom and outdoor showers.

This a a beautiful beach. Soft light beige sand and nice surf for boogie boards. It is very scenic here. You get nice shade from the mountains in the late afternoon. Clouds roll in off the mountains at times, almost looking like a mist. No debris in the water. The restrooms are old and need updates. Plenty of parking.

If you’re dreaming of the kind of beach that belongs on a postcard—but without the crowds—Waimānalo Beach might just be your paradise. Stretching for nearly three miles of powdery white sand, this beach feels endless, like your own private slice of the island. The water is that perfect shade of turquoise-blue you see in travel ads, and with the dramatic Koʻolau Mountains rising behind you, every angle is jaw-droppingly beautiful. Unlike busier spots like Waikīkī or Lanikai, Waimānalo keeps a laid-back, local vibe. Weekends often bring families setting up tents, grilling, and playing music under the ironwood trees, but because the beach is so massive, you’ll still find plenty of space to spread out. It’s the kind of place where you can take a long walk on soft sand, watch fishermen casting their lines, and then dive into gentle rolling waves for a swim or boogie board session. The waves here change with the season—sometimes calm and perfect for floating, other times just lively enough for a bit of fun in the surf. Either way, the water is crystal-clear and refreshing. The pine and ironwood trees along the shore provide natural shade, making it easy to escape the sun without having to pack a beach umbrella. Practical bonus: Waimānalo has ample parking, restrooms, and showers, so it’s easy to spend the whole day here. Pack a picnic, bring a beach blanket, and don’t forget your camera—sunrises here are legendary, painting the sky pink and gold as the day begins. What makes Waimānalo truly special is its mix of scenery, space, and spirit. It’s stunning without being pretentious, lively without being chaotic. If you want to experience the natural beauty of Oʻahu while soaking in the local atmosphere, Waimānalo Beach is the spot where you’ll end up staying way longer than you planned.

Very nice beach. Water is a beautiful blue/green color. A lot of space, sand to lay out and tan. Parking lot was full but I found parking quick as a car was leaving. Also saw a bigger lot right next door, looked lile additional parking. Beach has men/woman bathrooms, not the cleanest but, will do. It has two rinse stations, and a life guard on duty. Water is a little strong, hard to swim in, lots of little waves. Noticed a lot of the people using boogie boards.

This is the perfect beach for body boarding. It's absolutely beautiful. The sand is soft. No rocks! Lots of shade. No regrets... Outside of the sunburn!

One of the best beaches we went to this week. We went on a Monday around 3pm and wasn’t crowded at all. Nice beach, soft sand but a dropped star for the hella dirty bathroom. Parking was easy around that time, found street parking pretty quick. The scenery 10/10!

Beautiful beach. Lots of warning signs. Be safe and careful. There's a life guard station. There's a playground, field, and restrooms.

Perfect location and very safe, super soft sand ideal for families Good parking with facilities very close by Food was about 1/2 mile down the road too

“Great beach with plenty of waves, perfect for surfing and enjoying the water. They offer military discounts on surfboard rentals($10 per hour, $25 daily), but beach access is open to everyone. The large parking lot makes it easy to find a spot, even on busy days.”

Will forever be my favorite surf spot. The waves aren't massive like Sandy's but I like that it's to my caliber. I've never had issues with theft but it is known for car break ins so just be aware.

A fun great surf beach on Oahu for fun waves! White Plains Beach has a little bit of everything - surfing, beach volleyball, plenty of space to spread out on the sand, and great sunset views since it’s on the west side. It can get busy, but the energy is great and it’s a solid spot for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re here to surf, play vball, or just relax in the sun, this beach never disappoints.

It is not crowded and is a very peaceful beach. This place is mainly used by locals because the water is clear. However, as there are many rocks and you may get stumped, we recommend wearing a long swimsuit and water shoes. A very beautiful and quiet beach. Highly recommended.

Surf beach. Not for swimming. Lots of locals and they don't like the tourist. Got some nasty looks from a few people just walking and checking out the beach.

clean beach yeah often see the monk seals here current can be strong sometimes yeah but overall lots of solid waves

Great place for family and beginner surfing. If you need a lesson, call Tommy Dosland who can do groups and is a classic guy to be around.

Absolutely beautiful spot. The sand is soft, water is clear there are some patches of rock in the water. The view of the mountain it stunning. There are white crabs in the sand that like to pop out.

Love this small beach. Where the ocean meets the mountains. They are doing construction to add to the beach so not great right now, but still pretty.

Sunrise Beach 🌅 Kaaawa Beach at sunrise was quiet and calm. The ocean barely moved, and the mountains behind lit up slow. No one around, just the sound of water and a soft breeze. Perfect way to start the day.

I stopped by this local beach and there was some construction, but it's beautiful. Not a lot of parking space, but definitely a place to relax and check out is you're in the area. There are public restrooms on-site.

Gorgeous beach. One of the most beautiful landscapes I've seen, plus is very quiet, not crowded at all. Free street parking. Perfect for a family picnic or reunion. Bring your own food /drinks since they are not sold in the area. Few couples doing photo shots. Bathrooms available. Water temperature depends on the season but usually is warm. Definitely a must visit if you are in Oahu. One of my favorite places in the island. Love it ⭐

Such a beautiful and clean beach ,perfect for the entire Family

We didn’t swim here cause waves were strong and it was something on the beach and they don’t have a place to shower after so it’s nice place to stay and relax. we were almost alone there.

Kid friendly beach by Turtle Bay resort, with easy snorkeling in 4-10ft water wading distance from the shore. Parking is available at Turtle Bay, beach chairs and umbrellas can be rented and restrooms are nearby. The cove is relatively sheltered from the big swells, and with a little patience one can see a fair number of fish.

This is my top choice for beach snorkeling on Oahu. I much prefer it to Hanauma Bay as it doesn't have all the troubles of registering, parking, sunscreen, etc. Convenient free parking at Turtle Bay resort, with a restaurant and showers (built into a tree🌴) on the beach. Umbrellas and chairs are also available for rental for $45 for 4 hrs or $60 for the day. My kids 5-13 loved it, and it was a highlight of our visit. FYI, it is to the Right of Turtle Bay Resort when facing the ocean. To the left would another beach for surfing.

It’s an okay beach, but snorkeling was nowhere near as good as I’d read it would be. Lots of waves churning up the sand, so you couldn’t see anything. And lots of people from the resort, so a bit busy. Parking was easy, though, which was nice.

Nice beach. Turtle Bay Resort basically backs right onto it, so a lot of resort guests. Good snorkeling considering how many people go theough everyday. Used the resort shower afterwards and was not challenged or questioned. Safe environment as this is a cove. For a more interesting experience, I re ommend snorkeling in the tidal pool at Sharks Cove, but make sure you have water shoes.

Great beach on the north shore. Free parking for public beach access located right next to the Turtle Bay resort. Beach is calm enough in the winter as probably the only safe beach for kids on the North Shore. Not the best snorkeling, but still worth coming out to. If coming from Honolulu, would be better to go through the eastern part of the island to go back.

A small yet beautiful cove for snorkeling. Not as many fish as Hanauma, but much easier to access. Drive to the north side of the island and the resort has plenty of designated beach access parking. The beach runs a long way east from the cove if you just want sun, space, and peace.

The cove is great for snorkeling and swimming. It's safe for children especially on this side of this island, waves are clam on the shore side. Please note there is no lifeguard on duty. Occasionally there are some sea animals chilling on the beach.

This is a great beach for chillin and enjoying scenic views. The tidepools are also pretty cool. There is a lot to see. The beach is located on the other side of the golf course but there is a trail for access. The waves can be pretty rough and the shore is rocky so I’m not sure how good this beach is for swimming.

Amazing place. A lot of fishing on this spots. Nice place for family and friends and relaxing. Fishing is one of the options.

It really is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Great beach, Not very busy. Please stay away from the Turtles and Seals, They like to come rest at this beach because it is not very busy unlike a lot of other North Shore beaches. When you visit please do your part and pick up any trash that you see, this beach gets a lot of rubbish washed up. Be mindful and aware of golfers while walking to the beach.

We entered through the golf course where there was bottles and trash. And homeless hanging out. Hoped to see some turtles, but nothing there. It looks like there WAS a decent beach off in the distance, but didn’t feel like sticking around

This is a great beach for clothing optional singles, couple and families of all ages. Far far away from societies illogical outlook on how God made us. Born naked unto the world we go and will forever stay. Pack out all trash. Be respectful to the ocean and its animals.

Awesome surf guide and lessons @ns.ohana. sos! Please be respectful of wildlife!

This lookout is great! Takes a while to get there though. You have to drive up some winding roads on the cliff side. But eventually you get to a small parking lot with a nice lookout! May be a bit windy/chilly, but the view is fabulous! Great place to look out at town, diamond head, the airport, sand Island, and Pearl harbor!

The finest of experiences are always the unexpected ones. This is the last minute visit before our flight back to home next morning. Sometimes the best moments come from spontaneous decisions, and this was absolutely one of them. The drive up experience was great 👍 no traffic and easy. Roads were well maintained and clean. And while at the peak, the best sunset was offered right upon arrival - unplanned but unforgettable. One of the hidden gems and it's amazing to see the city and Diamond Head from another angle. 💯♥️🫶

Tantalus Lookout – A Last-Minute Detour Worth Every Turn Our visit to Tantalus Lookout wasn’t planned—but sometimes the best moments come from spontaneous decisions, and this was definitely one of them. The drive up to the lookout is an experience in itself. It’s a narrow, winding road that snakes through lush forest and climbs steadily up the mountain. Take it slow, be cautious, and don’t worry about the cars behind you—there’s no passing, and your only concern should be your safety and the people with you. Despite the tight curves, the drive is thrilling and beautiful, with sneak peeks of the view as you ascend. When we finally reached the top and parked, the view completely took us by surprise. Stretching out in front of us was a panoramic view of Honolulu, Diamond Head, and the Pacific Ocean, all the way from the east to the west. It was quiet, peaceful, and absolutely stunning. There was plenty of parking when we arrived, and the lookout area offered space to walk around and take in the scenery. Whether you’re into photography, sunsets, or just looking for a moment of calm above the city, this spot delivers. In short: • Unplanned but unforgettable • A careful drive, but worth every curve • Incredible views from mountain to sea • A must-see gem just outside the city If you’re in Oahu and want a break from the beach crowds, Tantalus Lookout is a perfect way to rise above it all—literally.

very winding road going up so be careful especially after sunset. i also got a flat tire going up which is unfortunate. views were amazing especially at sunset. you can see mountains diamond head the ocean and the city all in one

Beautiful stop with a stunning view of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean. Definitely worth the drive up. The road wasn’t too complicated, though a bit tight on some hairpin turns, but a midsize vehicle made it up just fine. There’s also a nice picnic area nearby, perfect for enjoying lunch while taking in the aloha surroundings.

When you want to see every shade of blue, come here. It’s stunning. I could have stayed there forever. Parking is close by, easy to get to, there’s a trail on the other side that goes up to the top of the ridge.

Wonderful, peaceful spot to visit the lookout or have a picnic. Plenty of parking in the main lot with an easy 3mins walk to the lookout or a small lot available at the lookout point. For wheelchair accessiblility at the lookout point, park at the small lookout lot. Otherwise the main lot offers wheelchair accessibility to the restrooms and the rest of the park with picnic tables and grassy shady areas. All places have fantastic views of Diamond Head.

Great place to snorkel on the north shore. It is crowded particularly in the initial area which is mostly a washing pool for little kids. Saw tons of good size fish in the less crowded area to the right of the starting area.

Sharks Cove on Oahu's North Shore is an absolute gem for snorkelers and marine life enthusiasts. The cove is known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant underwater ecosystem, making it a perfect spot for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. The natural lava rock formations create a series of tide pools on the southern side, providing a safe and shallow area to explore. On the northern side, the cove opens up to deeper waters, where you can find a diverse array of tropical fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional moray eel. However, visiting Sharks Cove does come with some considerations. Parking is free but very limited, so arriving early (around 8 to 9 AM) is highly recommended to secure a spot. The cove can get crowded, especially during the summer months when the surf is calm, and the snorkeling conditions are ideal. In the winter, the waves can be quite rough, making snorkeling dangerous, so it's best to avoid the water during this season. Facilities at Sharks Cove are basic, with public bathrooms and outdoor showers available, but there are no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk. Be mindful of your belongings, as the area is known for occasional thefts, and avoid leaving valuables in your car. Overall, Sharks Cove is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Oahu's marine life. Just be sure to plan ahead and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Gorgeous snorkeling. If you get a quiet day of surf then the right side just outside the cove (facing out to sea) is deeper and allows a bit more exciting snorkelling

Beautiful quiet beach to sunbath and relax. Great for sunbathing, snorkeling, and diving. Decent amount of parking stalls. Foodland is just across the street if you did not bring along food or drinks for a picnic.

Great place to snorkel, however extremely rocky, so you will want to have snorkel/reef shoes. Parking can be difficult if you don’t get there super early. Not a beach to layout at for sure but worth seeing.

I thought this was our best snorkeling experience in the area. We arrived before 9am and were able to get a parking space right up front. Walking down to the beach you have to be careful, especially if you go to the right where there are large sharp rocks. Also the waves getting into and out of the water were a bit rough. But once you’re in the water it is fine. I recommend wearing water shoes to protect your feet from getting cuts. Overall worth it, we saw a variety of different fish and swam through some schools of fish. No turtles though. Directly across the street is a snorkel rental place and some food trucks with picnic tables.

Arrived at 8am on Sunday, by 9am the parking lot was full. First time snorkling. Amazing experience.

Wow so amazing! If you could take the time to go there, definitely do! There's a gate to fence off mongoose so it's a bird sanctuary in there past the fence. So many different types of birds that aren't afraid of people. Albatross doing mating dance, baby albatross squeaking, etc. reminds me a lot of the Galapagos. The O'ahu west coastline was also visible at the pillbox. It's such a nice spot to sit and enjoy some snacks and the sunset. It's too bad that the sun set behind the clouds, but we got beautiful views of everything. We just soaked it all in. It's the most remote part of O'ahu and it's amazing. If you don't wanna walk all the way to the west, you can drive but you'll need to apply for a permit and have a vehicle with high clearance and decent tires. It's ok without a 4wd or awd if it's not raining. It's dry mud and lots of small to medium sized rocks. The path was mostly visible with tire tracks. But just in case it rains, and it can come down heavily, it's best to go with an awd or 4wd because you can get stuck in mud, and also skid from wet mud so drive slowly so the tires have good grip of the road. Doable to drive in rainy weather and in the dark too. I did it :-) Overall fun off-roading experience! However, driving back out can be tricky as there are multiple roads sometimes. Just make sure you hug the mountain when leaving. It's so worth the visit. It didn't feel like O'ahu at all. It's a special magical place on the most populated Hawaiian island. Aloha!

A pleasant walk down a 4x4 road past local fisherman surf casting and camping. The views of the coastline and mountains was great. Once at the point it was amazing to walk among the albatross chicks and peer into the tide pools. The neatest was being able to view the North and west shores of Oahu. Very beautiful.

Beautiful location for a walk, hike, fishing, sun bathing, monk seal or arvatross watching and many more seaside. Make sure to check out the coastal trail now open which places you closest to the water but no so close you have to be wary of the ocean taking you away. The breeze, the ocean smell and the wild life magical experience. Parking lot is free however there are no bathrooms or trash cans so take it and take it out please, garbage that is.

A nice walk/hike along the coastline. It's recommended to bring water and wear a hat. You should arrive early enough as its takes a few hours to complete if you like stopping at each marker. Wear hiking and comfortable shoes as there is mixed terrain (loose sand, compact sand, rocks). If you plan on getting into the water plan appropriately. There are no restrooms along the way.

Nice beach to visit. The birds are friendly here and the sunset views are great.

Nice 6 miles hike. It feels like the edge of the world there. If you have a friend who's a flat earther, bring them here to prove them wrong, lol

Beautiful beautiful beautiful!!! Not much parking and can get very windy but definitely worth a picturesque look.

Pupukea Beach offers a stunning escape for those seeking natural beauty and ocean views. While we initially visited in hopes of snorkeling, the strong waves made the conditions unsafe. Instead, we decided to stay and soak in the breathtaking sunset, and what a spectacular choice that turned out to be! For sunset lovers, this beach is a must-visit. Although the snorkeling conditions weren’t ideal, Pupukea Beach still proved to be a rewarding destination for those who appreciate the grandiosity of nature. If you're looking for a peaceful spot to end your day, this beach is a perfect choice.

Spotted sting ray. Turtles. Plenty of fish. Good area for beginners and experienced snorkeling. Water was clear and warm... colder in the deep area. Mango trees for shade on shore but there is a climb down the rocks to the water. Bring water shoes.

Some of the best and clearest snorkeling around. Beautiful vibrant reefs and a variety of fish. Be wary of currents and conditions and arrive early for best parking. Take signage seriously and only park where allowed

Great place for snorkeling! Protected from waves by a large rock belt. Tons of fish and other sea creatures. Also, restrooms have changing areas and there is a shower near the beach. Parking can be hard to come by, so arrive early.

So, not my favorite place only because it's hell on my feet. Meaning that if you don't have water shoes don't bother trying this place out. Old coral/rock that will ruin your day if you're not careful. Really cool place though as it's pretty protected from the surf. Check it out

Went snorkeling between Sharks Cove and the park. Good shower and bathroom. Water is usually calm in the summer. Did not see lifeguard where we went in, but a lot of people were out. Families played in the shallows. Some scuba guys swam below us checking out the reef.

Cool park just outside of Shark cove. Cool lava field with pockets of tide/storm water. Watch your step as it can be disastrous with the uneven very sharp lava stone.

Sandbar is always a great time

Another awesome place to visit for swimming snorkeling or what ever you choose to do while you are there.

Stationed there for 4 years in the military. The most beautiful place on earth !!!’

First time driving through n still got lost. Went to find my cousins elementary school, Mokapu Ele.

SUP and kayaking with manta rays and sea turtles.

Love the waters at kbay for kayaking and enjoying the country side

Our visits to Kaneohe Bay were some of the best times of our lives!

Crowded but not as much as some beaches. It's a safe place to swim. It's in a protected cover, so there no real waves. The water is also pretty shallow, although it does get over head depth. Drawbacks are that the water is not that clear. It's slightly murky. Also the bottom has a lot of rocks. Not too many big ones, but smaller rocks, not pebbles. It can make walking in and out of the water slightly painful.

Great beach for quiet times! The sand isn’t as clean/soft closer to the water - it has a lot of broken shells and pebbles but doesn’t bother me. Beautiful.

Beautiful sunset, also every Friday they have fireworks 🎇 Get there 7:30pm, get a spot and enjoy the show

My family and I went for the Friday night fireworks. Crazy crowded! Still we had a good time. We walked along the beach and dipped our toes in the water once before a high tide alert sent us scurrying.

Great spot to watch the fireworks on a Friday night!

Beautiful location with nice views, but the sand is coarse and yellow, and there are many rocks in the water. Hard on the feet and not ideal for kids or elderly visitors. Good for a quick visit, but not my first choice for swimming.

This was a great beach for swimming, not bad for snorkeling, and excellent for stand up paddle boarding due to the break wall and pier controlling the chop on the water. If you like to surf, a short paddle out past the break wall gives what appeared to be very popular waves (I don’t surf.) There are several hotels right on the beach, and several others within one block of it if you’re looking for a place to stay. A little bit quieter than downtown/Waikiki area.

Amazing stay on the north shore. Turtle bay beach is nice and you can see some turtles easily. The visibility under water is not amazing though. The golf course is incredible. Beach house by roy is amazing. You cannot go wrong. Rooms are nice. The service on the swimming pool could be better. People left and there were still a lot of towers on the chairs and not a lot of space on the Adult pool.

Real Review !!! It was W O N D E R F U L !!!!!!! 100/100 by far one of the best trips I’ve taken The Ritz Carlton didn’t disappoint AT ALL the entire staff and team was amazing. I’d come back 10 more times just to stay another full week or longer. So much hospitality around the entire resort. Now the drinks and food were a bit more expensive but hey we are at The Ritz and Hawaii what do you expect? You have to be prepared to spend SOME money. All the bartenders were lovely and professional. The staff in the cafe were excellent as well. If you want something thats all inclusive minus drinks and food where you don’t have to leave and go anywhere would definitely recommend. If you plan on site seeing and not being at your hotel/resort I wouldn’t recommend it. But if you come to relax and enjoy a peaceful relaxing vacation it’s the place to be!

We’ve traveled a lot and had high hopes, especially for the Ritz, but this resort didn’t live up to the price. It felt like a standard “nice” hotel, not a true 5-star experience. No robes or slippers, which was surprising for this price point—I’ve had both at far cheaper places. The shower was basic, and the bathroom had zero privacy with slatted shutter doors. You can hear everything, which is not exactly romantic; we literally locked each other out on the balcony for bathroom breaks. Bikes were limited to 45 minutes, which isn’t enough time to explore without feeling rushed. The pool was freezing, and the beach was rocky, though we loved the small cove past the stables, even though it was rocky too. We only saw one turtle, on our last day, from our balcony. Service at the entry bar was nonexistent, we waited over 10 minutes and were ignored. Onsite dining was overpriced, and therefore did not choose to take advantage of the onsite dining, though the coffee shop’s pumpkin pie and banana bread seasonal late flavors were good. The location was convenient being so close to the food trucks, but those were also underwhelming, but there are other eateries close by. The highlight was our free upgrade to an oceanfront room. Falling asleep and waking up to the sound of the waves was incredible. Maybe Oahu’s options, especially on the North Shore, are just limited, but we’ve had far more luxurious experiences elsewhere for much less.

This review is about the Sunset Pool Bar at the Ritz Carlton O'ahu, Turtle Bay. After a long day of running around, we decided to grab some chow and a beverage at the Sunset Pool Bar. Our bartender, Dennis, was absolutely superb; a definite titan in the bartender game. The location of the bar provided super views and Dennis was spot on with his service. The Mai Tai's were absolutely incredible and set the stage for a wonderful meal of Fish Tacos, Korean Wings, and Lemon Grass Shrimp. The portions were the correct size and the flavors were amazing. What makes this Ritz Carlton so wonderful is even if you are not staying there, the other facilities and staff treat you like you are staying in their top of the line suite. On our next trip to Hawai'i, we will definitely stay at the Ritz. In addition to commending Dennis for his great management of the bar, we would also like to recognize Ms. Erika Reiter, who is the Front Office Manager. She and her crew gave us a great briefing on which rooms to specifically ask for based on our preference for view and floor. We could not have been treated any nicer. Dennis and Ms. Reiter definitely have customer service down to a fine art and you want to stay at this Ritz Carlton. Definitely looking forward to the next trip!

This is NOT a 5 star hotel. I travel monthly to resorts around the world as I’m now retired and enjoying my life. We paid the price of a 5 star hotel, but got much less. We were told this hotel was recently renovated, but it is in shambles. Furniture was worn, light fixtures were broken, the Reno job looks like it was done by an amateur, cracks in ceiling, toilet seat and fixtures look as if they were bought at Walmart. My wife is a bit of a picky eater and she starved for 3 days as the menus at the restaurants were awful. We could not even go off resort as this resort is the only thing there. I cannot say how much we were disappointed with this resort. We paid too much for what we got. We are so disappointed that we are considering getting rid of our Bonvoy card and thinking twice before we stay at a Ritz again. In the end we left the Ritz and ended up staying at the Four Season, which met all our expectations, we paid $300 less a night, restaurants were massively better. On top of this the day before we left a massive drunken party of over 600 people booked the resort, making our 3rd night even worse. So glad we left! One last thing, no fault of the staff as they were all wonderful, and did everything they could to make us feel better. They were all amazing, from servers to concierge to housekeeper. Marriott group, I felt ripped off! I do not understand how so many people can give you resort 5 stars, my only thought, they MUST be FAKE

Amazing hotel. The property is absolutely stunning and there is so much to do. The pools are amazing and the beach is also amazing with sea turtles swimming everywhere. The rooms are big and if you get one with a balcony and couch, it’s unbeatable. One of the best properties in the world in my opinion. The food is average and extremely overpriced. The hotel service is subpar for being a Ritz Carlton. Overall, this is a must stay.

It feels like The White Lotus in the best way. Amazing pool, very attentive and friendly staff, great food and drinks. We did the all day cabana which was expensive, but well worth it. The upper pool is 18+ with a hot tub which was greatly appreciated.

Nice beach park, with shower and restroom. Park has playground and swing for kids. Beach itself is clean and water is clear. Small problem was parking, street parking only... We got lucky with a spot open close by but might need to park further down into residential area if it's busy...

Small neighborhood park with bathrooms and a outdoor shower. Playground for kids as well. I walked through the brush and onto the beach. It's a short beach section with a little bit of a decline to the water. I was shaded for most of the morning. When I got into the water you have to swim out a little bit further to see some decent fish. If you find the cement pyramids that are submerged in the water, that's where I found the turtles and most of the fish to be. The water out there can be a little rougher so make sure you wear a comfortable swimmer.

Nice clean beach, water is crystal clear, great for snorkeling. People usually fish and spear fish at this beach. It can get crowded so you might be close to other people. Unless you walk to the very end of the beach. Parking is pretty bad. It's only street parking.

Beautiful beach, didn’t get pictures of the park but a lot of kids playing in the park! And alot of guys playing basketball on the basketball court. It is super clean!! Almost always busy most the time and the ocean has really shallow reefs! Careful walking on it there are a ton of Sea urchins! Definitely need water shoes of wanting to walk out there!! Not a lot of surfing going on out there..

Beautiful park with nice shade trees. The water was clear in the early morning and seeing the turtles was easy. Nice shallow water/small waves for little kids. Beautiful snorkeling opportunities. Right next to a playground and bathrooms. Showers were available. Better to get there early as there is limited parking

A regional park beach. Not crowded. Turtles tend to enjoy their swimming there. Not many fish since coral reefs are limited The waves are big, so stay safe. Please respect the law and nature and keep a safe distance from the turtles.

We saw a lot of turtles the beach wasn’t crowded at all just a peaceful atmosphere

🤙 Nicest beach I've ever been too. Quiet, low key absolutely stunning. Bright blue water with perfect white sands. An absolute GEM of oahu.

🏖️🌊 On a scale of 1 to 5, this place is a 10! If you want to escape the tourists and Spring Break crowds, just relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy some real peace—this is the spot. ☀️🏝️ Bring your own food, drinks, speaker, and just vibe out. Watch the waves, take a dip, and fully unwind. Perfect chill zone! 🤙🏿🌴🍹 Enjoy 🤙🏿

White sand beach, with adjacent forest grove providing shade options for those avoiding full sun. Be mindful of sharp cones, wear slippers when under the canopy. Views of islets and green mountains peaks surrounding light blue waters. Slightly rough waves, and strong undertow from steep decline.

One of my few favorite beaches on the east side. Pretty open most of the time. Not many tourists and you can camp here too. Beach is wide and waves great for swimming. There is a restroom area and it was clean along with the entire area. I’ve been here with only 10 people and the. Again over 100 but there is still lots of room to hang out with friends or just chill for a few hours.

Best Beach ever for chillin and boogey boarding

Beautiful tree-lined beach on the windward side. Nice breeze keeps you cool. Not crowded. Gorgeous views. Restroom facilities.

This beach is a hidden gem with waters you can comfortably swim in (compared to some of the other rougher waves at some nearby beaches). We actually ended up here twice because of the abundance of parking compared to Kailua Beach craziness, and some of the other more popular beaches that get beyond crowded on the weekend days and are impossible to park.

I mean, it’s a beach in Hawaii so it’s hard to give it less than that, but it was the rockiest of all the beaches I went to during my week on Oahu. It’s a real locals spot and not the place to go surfing, but if you want a chill day in some calm waters with some stunning views, Maunalua Bay has it.

This is a great beach and it’s rarely crowded. The views are great as well with lush in the background and volcanic on the other side. This is one of the best places on the island to watch the sunset from. Breathtaking.

Practically had the entire beach to ourselves. Warm sands and nice breeze. The surf and waves are thrashing. Be prepared for a workout swimming in the water. Watch out for the rocky areas. Surf crashes up and will sweep an adult away.

All I can say is this is one of the best beaches on the island. Water was amazing. The sand felt like you were walking on carpet. The drive from Wakiki Beach was very scenic. Amazing visit to the beach.

Who is gonna say no to such a beautiful scenic point! I feel like everywhere you go, every landscape you find in Oahu has empowered me more spiritually!

Place is nice n clean, its more of a park than a beach. Good for get togethers, BBQ or just to hangout n enjoy the scenery.. The bay itself have numerous watersports like canoeing, jetsking, kayaking, surfing,snorkeling, parasailing etc...by businesses operating from the marinas. However, the highlight of this beach park and the reason i go there besides some fishing is because I believe this is the only place during low tide that you can walk out pretty far out onto the reefs that are mostly made up of sand. I've even seen people walk with their dogs out there. Its Awesome!

Always a nice view. Not a great place to swim or sunbathe, but great to have lunch or just enjoy the atmosphere. Birds seem to be looking for food handouts, so some have gotten a bit overly friendly, but they are ready to ignore if you don't like them.

We spotted a turtle here, apparently they’re actually pretty common around this beach. The water was crystal clear, and the waves kept gently pushing me back and forth while I floated on my back in the same spot. The whole moment felt calm and otherworldly, just drifting in clear water with turtles passing by.

Love this small beach. Swim with turtles and sun bathing with them on the beach. But there is no toilet or shower. I wish I had my go pro with me there were lots of colourful fish too. It's a bit wavy I was with my 6months old baby he was a bit scared of the waves but I see other older kids enjoy the swim.

Rough water beach, very likely to drown if you're not legendary God Maui (no kidding), small and no sight of turtle anywhere, wasted our time coming to this "beach", not recommended.

Absolutely best beach around. Be careful of the water. We got all wet. Lots of the turtles 🐢

Really awesome sunset to witness. And the three times I went there were always turtles to see. The problem is the tourists (mainly kids) that don't understand you need to stay away from the turtles if you want them to come up to the beach. Otherwise they will just stay in the water. Also DON'T TOUCH THEM.

Worst beach on west side. Only 2 illegal parking spots to use, you will be towed. If you are loud or come in a large group the homeowners in the area will call cops or vandalize your vehicle. Not safe beach for adults or children. Very rocky and no more turtles because tourists scared them all away.

I would of loved to get in but unfortunately I was not prepared, but that did not stop us from checking out all of the beautiful views and all of the turtles there. I believe me and my wife finally count was 12 of them that is the most that I have seen at one beach before and we did mange to see some fish while being up on top of the rocks i can't wait to go back with my GoPro, to this hidden gem is a must see if you are in the area. The early the better as there is limited parking in this neighborhood. Look though my pictures as i left you tips to get here. I hope this helps you out and have a great day.

Hoooooly 😍😍👌 Wanted to visit since they opened back in 2011. Dream come true! Our room was 👌 a little bit chilly at night but nothing that bad. The hotel itself is stunning. All the detailes etc. The pool are is enormeous, with a lazy river, pool for babies, one with a playground, a big main one, one for adults etc. Very very nice beach area. The food is yum yum. Specially the dole wip! Meeting all the characters was super fun! They change daily so dont skip a day!! Same goes for the character dinning! (The breakfast was waaaaay nice). I just would have liked more entertainment that you dont have to pay for but hey. Thats Disney for you i guess 🤭🤷‍♀️ all in all..a great experience!! Hopefully i will get to visit again!! 🤞🤞

The rooms are gorgeous, the actual resort buildings, pools and beach/lagoon are great. The cleaning service was not up to par in our room. There was 1 "normal" restaurant amd 2 fixed price ones plus snack shacks and counter meals. The 1 restaurant had same menu lunch and dinner. Very disappointed in the restaurant options. Made it seem less of a resort especially for the price you're paying. The luau was way over priced and poorly communicated that you had to book way in advance. Concierge for that company were rude and not helpful. Concierge for Aulani were nice and helpful. Disappointed that it all seemed to shut down by 8 pm.

I am saying this myself and I’ve heard this from many other people that nobody does it quite like Disney. Personally, I love the Disney magic sprinkled all over in very subtle ways in this resort which really feels more like a Polynesian resort and only maybe 20% Disney. There’s lots of examples of how they really respect and celebrate the Polynesian culture. The service is exceptional, the rooms are fantastic and the food is great. My family and I also really enjoy the more family atmosphere compared to other Hawaiian resorts.

First time at Aulani and it did not dissapoint. The resort is beautiful, the restaraunts were good, even quick service. "Magic Bands" if you have them make everything seamless. You can swim in the pool, ocean and still get a drink at the bar without a card, and get into your room. They have lots of "pay to play activities " but dont skip the free walking tours, character meet and greets plus other shows. We stayed in a 1 bedroom DVC, fabulous. The $38 refillable mug was totally worth it. Coffee, tea, sodas, vitamin water, lemonade etc.

It’s Disney so you know it’s already better. Great atmosphere. Quality experience, fun guest activities. The sunrise sail is a MUST! I can’t recall the name, but you can get a covered two seater semi private lounge chairs for $50 for the whole day. Worth it! So why the 5 star. Every bar serves the same dadgum thing. It’s boring. Each bar should be themed with something interesting instead of the same old tired Hawaiian Mai Tai that I can get anywhere. Also, food? Mid. Go across the street to the Mexican place and down one exit to the Japanese BBQ. Also. Warm people about SurfHI, it’s not that it was a bad experience. But wow what a sketch location.

Aulani is beautiful! There’s so much to do especially with an 8 year old. There’s breeze was perfect fun pools, fish, characters, and beaches that are easy swimming. The staff were amazing so sweet and helpful! I absolutely loved our stay and I will have to do it again asap!

We stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village earlier in the week and then moved over to Aulani. We preferred Aulani—it had a more laid-back, tropical vibe compared to the hustle and bustle of the Hilton. The lagoon was calmer than Waikiki Beach, which my daughter especially appreciated. The pools were fantastic, with the infinity pool being a highlight. The water slides were also a big hit with our family. We were able to book ukulele lessons and the family animation class on the day we checked in, even though I had missed the 75-day advance booking window. Our studio garden-view room met our expectations. Dining-wise, we only ate at Off the Hook during our stay, but it was quite good. For most meals, we ventured off property. The room was expensive, but well worth it.

Such an amazing place — a must-visit when you come to Hawaii! I highly recommend trying the UTV tour. Next time, I really want to go horseback riding. After seeing so many horses in person, I really wanted to ride, but it was fully booked. You definitely need to book this place in advance. The scenery is stunning — it feels like dinosaurs could appear at any moment, with beautiful mountains and ocean views. The UTV guides were so fun and friendly!

First off, buy your tickets in advance... as far in advance as possible. The ranch is beautiful and has plenty to do. I signed up for the half day visit and it was definitely worth the visit. I will say that the lunch was not exceptionally great, but it was not bad either. (Be sure not to leave food unattended or feathered friends will take it.) The ranch cinema tour was fun but the chances to explore are very limited. Be aware that the Jurassic tour is not the same tour, so you may want to consider that when booking. (It would be nice if you could could substitute the Jurassic tour for the ocean voyage.) The tour guides were great! A special shout out to the lady who got us ready to get on the bus. She was especially friendly and really went over the top with her interactions. (I didnt catch her name) It may not be all that exciting for kids as they are not going to probably enjoy it at the same level as adults but that is not to say it is not a family event. (The kids on our tour seemed to genuinely enjoy it, they just didnt get the magnitude of what they were seeing.) In short, this is a must do if visiting the island!

We booked the ATV tours and got it with the guide which I highly recommend so that everybody gets a chance to enjoy the scenery. Having the guide was also great as they told a lot of stories while we rode along with them and they were super funny and energetic. They also drove very safely. Sites and views here were unreal. Lots of time to take photos and also time for the guides to explain the different sites. We had Malohi for our guide and he was amazing!!!

This historic ranch is nestled in the lush green mountains on the northern part of the Island. There is free car parking available here, while they also have paid shuttles for pick up from Waikiki beach area. The landscape around this area is truly magical and provides a surreal feeling. We took the 90 minute long Hollywood Movie Set tour. The tour was carried out on a modified open air truck with comfortable seats and seat belts. The boarding process was smooth and the truck driver was also the tour guide. He was very nice and kept the mood light, although at times it was difficult to understand his accent through the microphone. The guide was very knowledgeable and gave a lot of information on each topic. The tour took us through a World War 2 Bunker that has now been converted into a museum with some artifacts from that era and mostly with posters and props from various movies and TV shows that have been shot here. The stop at the Museum was 10 minutes. After that the tour moved through the farm land with both agricultural and livestock commodities. After that we passed through various filming locations where the vehicle does not stop but slows down and you hear commentary. The final stop comes at the set with plenty of replica bones and skull heads of King Kong movie on display. The stop here is again for 10 minutes. The tour takes different paths on the way out and back so a lot of beautiful scenery to be seen. Overall highly recommend this tour if you are into Holly movies and TV shows.

Nice place to visit. All the attractions require reservations otherwise you may not be able to buy tickets onsite due to limited spaces. We did the tour driving around the park in a car. There were only spots left where we rode in the backseat with the tour guide in the same vehicle. This was great because the tour guide was describing the park and we were getting a live tour and also we were able to take pictures and videos anytime. There is a cafe and gift shop at the entrance too. Even if you drive your own vehicle, you will only be allowed to follow the guide in a line.

Great stop on my recent trip to Hawaii. I found this wonderful ranch as part of the GoCity package I bought (pro tip, get it on Groupon!) and it did not disappoint. As a huge fan of the Jurassic Park franchise, it felt like we were set extras! The "secret island" was beautiful, secluded and had like 30 people so it felt very exclusive. There were a host of activities, like paddle boarding, turtle spotting, swimming, movie tours, we even made tea leaf jewelry as a wonderful keepsake of our time. Highly recommend!

We had the most amazing time on the Jurassic Adventure, 3 hour trip with our driver and tour guide Precious! She was SO amazing, the Ranch is lucky to have her. She is so knowledgeable about Hawaiian culture and all the movies filmed here, just an unbelievably talented young lady. I'm sure all the driver's/guides are good, but it will be hard to top Precious. I NEVER say this, but don't worry about the cost of this adventure, the juice is worth the squeeze!!! A hui hou, Precious!!

The only place we ever fly into or out of Oahu. The open air part of this airport is really the first thing I recognize when we are in Hawaii, it's a great feeling in that warm breeze after a long flight. Security can be long and a bit disorganized, and the signage and directions are often lacking for how to get around. Take your time, and get in the island mood for a smoother visit thru this airport. It's as good as most, and there are not many other options for this destination.

Organized and efficient but could use some modernizing. Gates are interesting to have an indoor and outdoor experience. Lots of food and stores. Not high tech charging stations all around. But overall nice and friendly and kind staff. It’s clean and not too big.

Wow, the renovations that took place since I moved from Oahu 13 years ago are incredible! I visited a few weeks ago and was blown away by how modern and beautiful everything was. Exciting to see all that construction finally come to an end. One of my favorite airports—the indoor/outdoor walking areas past security are one of a kind!

If you have extra time at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu International Airport), head to the lower level of Terminal 2 near the E Gates to find the airport’s peaceful Cultural Gardens. This quiet area features koi ponds surrounded by tropical plants and traditional Hawaiian, Japanese, and Chinese garden elements. This peaceful area features several beautifully maintained ponds filled with colorful koi and other tropical fish, surrounded by lush greenery and quiet pathways. The soothing sound of water, the gentle movement of the fish, and the open-air design make it feel like you’ve stepped into a tranquil garden—not a busy airport. The gardens have been part of the airport since the 1960s, and they’re easy to miss unless you know where to look. Just follow signs for the gardens. It’s well worth the detour!

INTER-ISLAND TERMINAL: Well, we usually travel inter-island most of the time via Hawaiian Airlines, so we know this terminal pretty well. Departures are on the second level, arrivals on the first. The passenger traffic pattern flows smoothly going both ways. There's not a whole lot of dining options in this wing compared to what you'd find at bigger airports. There is Stinger Ray's which is pricey, serving bar food and alcohol. There are fast food choices like Burger King, Lahaina Chicken and Panda Express, and of course a Starbucks. Gates are fairly close and not requiring a ride on a monorail or shuttle. US MAINLAND & INTERNATIONAL TERMINALS: Haven't really used this terminal as we usually take direct flights out of Kahului. There are more food and retail options here. If you're coming from the inter-island terminal, prepare for a long walk, and it's not a straight shot either as we had to dodge dead ends resulting having to walk outside of the terminals. RENTAL CARS: All the companies are housed in one complex adjacent to the mainland/international terminals. Look for the generic rental car shuttle that circles the terminals. RIDE SHARE: The new pick up spot in the inter-island terminal is now located on level 1, which makes more sense. SKYLINE: Oahu's up and coming mass transit has a station here, but unless you're headed west, you're out of luck for a few more years. OVERALL: Not too hard, not too soft, just right.

Honolulu International Airport offers a unique blend of local culture and modern convenience. The tropical atmosphere and open-air terminals make arrivals and departures feel welcoming. Staff are friendly and helpful, and there are plenty of shops and dining options to explore while waiting for your flight. Sometimes security lines can get a bit long, especially during peak travel times, but overall, the airport is easy to navigate and provides a pleasant experience. The views of the surrounding landscape as you land or take off are truly spectacular—a memorable gateway to Hawaii!

Pretty big airport food here and thier it's a big airport and nice weather here outside feels like you are in tropical area

Visited in late June. Beautiful from the beaches to the mountains. Water was wonderful wherever we went (mostly windward coast). We rented a car and parking was a challenge at times but if you were patient it worked out. So many beautiful beaches and hikes. I would definitely recommend getting away from the tourist traps in the Waikiki area and exploring more of the island.

Very late post but I can’t ever get over how peaceful it was. I stayed in Honolulu but flying into o’ahu was absolutely beautiful. Love Love Love! July 2022

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 – A True Paradise in the Pacific – Oahu, Hawaii Visiting Oahu was a breathtaking experience that truly captured the spirit of "Aloha." This island perfectly blends natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and modern comforts. Whether you're an adventure seeker, beach lover, foodie, or history enthusiast, Oahu has something unforgettable to offer. 🏖️ Beaches: The beaches are absolutely world-class — from the calm turquoise waters of Lanikai Beach and family-friendly Kailua, to the vibrant waves of Waikiki and the massive surf breaks at the North Shore. Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay during winter are a must-see for surf lovers! 🏞️ Nature & Views: Hiking Diamond Head Crater offers stunning views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. If you're into lush tropical landscapes, the Manoa Falls Trail and the Pali Lookout provide amazing scenery. Don’t miss the drive along the Windward Coast — it’s like something out of a movie. 🏯 Culture & History: Pearl Harbor is a deeply moving experience that gives insight into a pivotal moment in world history. Iolani Palace and the Bishop Museum provide a deeper understanding of Hawaiian royalty and native culture. 🍽️ Food: Oahu is a foodie's paradise. From local plate lunches and poke bowls to food trucks on the North Shore (like Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck), everything is fresh and full of flavor. Don’t leave without trying malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery and shaved ice from Matsumoto’s. 🛍️ Shopping & Nightlife: Honolulu offers great shopping — Ala Moana Center is huge — and a lively nightlife scene. Waikiki is full of energy, live music, and beachfront bars, but still feels safe and welcoming. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family & Safety: Very family-friendly with plenty of public facilities, clean beaches, and helpful locals. The island feels safe even in the busy areas. 🚗 Getting Around: Public transport (TheBus) is reliable, but renting a car gives you the freedom to explore more remote areas. Traffic in Honolulu can get busy during peak hours, but nothing unmanageable. 🌅 Final Thoughts: Oahu is more than just a vacation spot — it’s an experience that stays in your heart. The warm people, the diverse landscapes, and the deep cultural roots make it an island unlike any other. Would I return? Absolutely — in a heartbeat. #Oahu #HawaiiTravel #AlohaSpirit #ParadiseOnEarth #TravelReview

Tons of things to do on this relatively small island; there’s a wide diversity activity for many different interests. It’s expensive, but you will get some amazing scenery!

From above, it looks like a lost world — but this green crater carved into the cliffs is very real. Welcome to Diamond Head, or Lēʻahi, the giant 500,000-year-old tuff cone standing tall in Oʻahu like a scar from Earth's fiery past. 🌋 One eruption. One crater. A half-million years of silence... and now? It’s a place where tourists hike, history lives, and the view is out of this world. Nature doesn’t just create — sometimes it engraves a memory right into the planet.

There's a good reason why Hawaii and specifically Oahu is the most vacationed to location in the world. The weather's always perfect beaches are perfect, foods amazing, and wait till you get out of Waikiki the island is truly beautiful from every angle. Just respect the locals and they'll respect you back. Time to get your vacation on, Mahalo for reading.

This is the island I live on. It has the capital Honolulu. Waikiki Beach downtown is the place to party and enjoy nightlife. The west side (not counting the Disney resort area) tends to be a bit slummy but the beaches are less crowded. The resorts over there are extremely nice but they are separated from the island and it feels fake like Disneyland. The north Shore is pretty chill but it can also be a bit of a tourist trap. That's where I would go if I was a surfer and wanted to mix touristy with watersports. The east side is my favorite part. It is way green compared to the other parts of the island and the beaches are great! After the beach you can pop into the smaller towns and eat good food in a more relaxed yet nice area. You can typically get anywhere on the island in 1 or 2 hours traffic depending. Around Honolulu and the rim loop traffic can get atrocious!!! Be mindful of City traffic in town and tourists that are looking at the GPS instead of the road in the north shore area for example. And be prepared to pay for everything AND TIP! This is one of the most expensive places in the US. I don't care what a gallon of milk costs in Nebraska Everything costs more here! Enjoy your stay but know that people live here too.

Small tropical fish but I swam with a large sea turtle (respectfully).

Perfect for snorkeling, no waves, water is knee to waist high and so many fish to see. Not crowded at all but keep it a secret sshhh.

Secluded beach where young kids and families can enjoy the clear water with protection from big waves. No bathrooms nearby. No trash cans available. Parking lot is usually not busy. There is a break beyond the reef and probably decent spear fishing options if you go beyond the beach front. Near the base cottages, if you decide to rent a cottage.

An excellent area for snorkeling. The water is perfectly calm and the corals and fish are happy and vibrant. Time your visit when the tide is in so you can skim over the coral safely. I recommend walking out on the sandy left side of the beach, opposite the cabins. There's a hot shower outside the cabins for rinsing down yourself and your gear when you're done.

Great for kids. Great for kayaking. Heard it's great for snorkeling, but I haven't done it yet. If you're looking for waves, this is not the place. Also gets a little busy at times and is not very big.

Perfect for kids with minimal waves. Great for snorkeling at high tide. Lots of small and medium sized fish. Swam with 1 ~1+ meter turtle a couple days in a row.

First time visiting this beach after hearing so much about it. Definitely gives off those “secret” vibes as it’s tucked back in the woods a little bit after going over a janky road. There’s a small parking lot but not many people there when we visited so plenty of space. It was nice and quiet too which was great. Supposedly it’s a great place to snorkel but we never went out.

This is a great place to snorkel and swim without getting smashed against the rocks and reef. There's lots of nice people who are at the park celebrating different occasions, cooking, dancing, and having a good time. The entire park is great with great views just go check it out and thank me later with a like. Sorry I don't have any pictures of the inside of the lagoon but as you can see in my pictures the lagoon wall does a good job keeping the waves out.