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Most Beautiful Beaches in Oahu Hawaii

Are you traveling to Oahu and want to know which beaches are worth visiting? Check out these beautiful beaches in Oahu!
This list of the prettiest beaches in Oahu was written by Marcie Cheung (a Hawaii travel expert) and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.

Is there possibly such a thing as an ugly beach in Hawaii?

Most likely not, yet some are undeniably superior to others. When you walk out to swim, there are no rocks on Hawaii’s greatest beaches, and the sand is softer and the water is cleaner.

We know which ones are the most attractive and family-friendly. We, therefore, have what you need, whether you’re looking for waves to surf or sandcastles to construct. Additionally, specific beaches are simply breathtaking in comparison to the others.

You can’t go wrong with anyone since they’re all more attractive than the last. It’s time to head to the beach, so grab your swimwear and sunscreen!

Why follow my lead? I’ve explored Hawaii more than 40 times, so I’ve got lots of advice!

Discover some of Oahu’s most picturesque beaches by continuing to scroll down this page.

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu itinerary complete with daily schedules, fun activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

Oahu Travel Guide and 7-Day Oahu Itinerary by top Hawaii blog Hawaii Travel Spot

15 of Oahu’s Beautiful Beaches

These 15 most gorgeous beaches in Oahu are perfect for spending your time in and taking pretty pictures!

Several of these beaches are the most Instagrammable spots on Oahu

Lanikai Beach 

The most beautiful Oahu beach is Lanikai Beach, where its extremely clear water makes it seem like paradise. 

Image of a wide sandy beach with mountains and two islands in the background
Lanikai Beach is one of the best beaches on Oahu.

Lanikai in Hawaiian can be directly translated to “heavenly ocean,” fitting the beach perfectly. Feel the soft, white sand stretching for miles as you gaze into the tranquil, bright blue ocean.

This is also a great kid-friendly beach to enjoy swimming and playing in the ocean as the water is calm and there is no coral reef to step on. Lanikai is the perfect place to watch the beautiful sunset!

Kailua Beach

Kailua Beach is another stunning beach in the top 10 Oahu beaches, with a very close ranking to Lanikai Beach.  

Image of clear blue water and a strip of golden sandy beach at Kailua beach on Oahu
Kailua Beach is another popular Oahu beach.

The baby-soft sand stretches for over two miles. Kailua offers three spread-out parking lots to enjoy each part of this beautiful beach.

Laniakea Beach

Another stunning North Shore beach is Laniakea Beach, also known as Turtle Beach. As the name suggests, several turtles reside on this beach. Asides from the turtles, the beach is still a must-see with its beautiful sights!

Image of two Hawaiian green sea turtles on Laniakea Beach on Oahu
Laniakea Beach is one of the best places to see turtles on Oahu.

The sandy beach surrounds the rocky cove that the turtles love relaxing in. Spend time watching the brilliant view!

Waimea Bay Beach Park 

Waimea Bay Beach Park on the Oahu North Shore is another remarkable beach. You can visit this pretty beach during the summer and winter. However, it is incredibly popular for its impressive waves during the winter.

Waimea Bay on Oahu. Image of bright blue water and golden sandy beach in North Shore Oahu.
Waimea Bay is such a fun place to visit on Oahu.

You can take an excellent picture of jumping off the fun rock at Oahu North Shore beach, but make sure you do it safely!

Sunset Beach 

Sunset Beach is one of the prettiest North Shore beaches and one of the best places to watch the Hawaiian sunset.

Sunset Beach in North Shore Oahu. Image of a sandy beach with no people
Sunset Beach is a popular North Shore Oahu surfing spot.

If you visit Sunset Beach during the summer, you will find heavy surf, and you will most likely enjoy it more if you visit during the summer, as you will find that the waves are calmer.

Waialae Beach Park

Waialae Beach Park is one of the most beautiful beaches in Honolulu. The stunning palm trees outlining the beach highlight this hot spot’s beauty.

Waialae Beach on Oahu. Image of a beach on an overcast day.
Waialae Beach Park near Honolulu.

From Waialae Beach Park, you can see the incredible views of Koko Head. You can also head to the cute man-made island nearby!

Waimanalo Bay Beach Park

One of the hidden gems on Oahu is Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, three miles of pretty sand and bright waters.

Waimanalo Beach on Oahu. Image of a sandy beach with ironwood trees
Waimanalo Bay Beach is a fantastic place to enjoy sunny weather.

Waimanalo Bay Beach Park is excellent for taking pictures, especially with the Ko’olau Mountains in the background!

You have to enter the beach through the Sherwood Forest. Waimanalo Bay Beach Park is more secluded, and few people come here. It is perfect if you are looking for a more private beach, and it is close to Kailua on your way to town.

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach, one of the best beaches in Honolulu, Hawaii, is peaceful and great for all ages.

Waikiki beach at sunset. Image o a crowded beach with surfers and tourists
Waikiki beach at sunset.

Waikiki Beach has multiple sections which vary in the number of people, so if you want to take good pictures, go to a section with a lesser crowd.

Hotels and other buildings in town can be viewed in a beautiful, enjoyable light at Waikiki Beach. The sunset view from the beach is also incredible!

Kahana Bay Beach Park

Kahana Bay Beach Park on North Shore is another great addition to this list of beautiful beaches, and it is more secluded than the others. During the summer, see the beautiful view of the tranquil ocean and the Ko’olau Mountains. 

Large, beautiful ironwood trees surround the sand and provide shade at Kahana Bay Beach Park. Make sure you take plenty of great pictures at this beach!

Ko Olina Lagoons

Ko Olina is home to some of Oahu’s best beaches and is most famous for its four beautiful lagoons.

Image of a sandy man-made lagoon in front of the Disney Aulani Resort in Ko Olina Oahu
One of the many Ko Olina lagoons. Photo credit: Marcie Cheung

With tranquil waters, the lagoons are perfect for all ages. A big plus is that the beaches and lagoons are not super crowded because Ko Olina is a luxury resort area!

You can see magnificent sunsets at any of the Ko Olina lagoon locations!

Keawaula Beach

Another gorgeous Oahu beach is Keawaula Beach, alternatively called Yokohama Bay. You can get amazing pictures here because it is very secluded, and because it is on the island’s west side, many tourists do not get the chance to visit this beautiful beach.

The view of the Waianae Mountain Range from Keawuala is beautiful. However, this beach is not ideal for swimming due to its large waves.

Keawauala Beach is simply gorgeous, and it is nothing but natural beauty, as there have been no significant developments near the area.

Secret Island

Secret Island is also one of the best beaches on the North Shore of Oahu. However, it is not accessible to the public, and you must take a tour from Kualoa Ranch to arrive here.

After traveling by boat to reach the secret island, you will find the turquoise ocean and tranquil waves very attractive, as well as the glowing golden sand. This beach is secluded and very relaxing.

Activities you can do at the secret island include paddleboarding, kayaking, and entering a bottom glass boat. You are welcome to use the hammocks across the beach for further relaxation. Take lots of photos and videos on your fun beach day here!

Hanauma Bay

Yet another one of the most beautiful places on Oahu is the beautiful Hanauma Bay, where hundreds of species of fish reside. Make sure to take lots of photos and videos of you swimming with the fish. You may even spot a turtle!

Image of a coral reef in Hawaii called Hanauma Bay on the Island of Oahu with cliffs in the background
Hanauma Bay on Oahu

You can take good pictures here, as the beach is almost a complete circle. However, as one of the best snorkeling places in Oahu, the beach is crowded and not ideal for taking family pictures. But you can still get amazing pics of the natural beauty of Hanauma Bay and its marine life!

Kawela Bay

Kawela Bay, another North Shore Oahu beach, is more secluded than other beaches. It is a wonderful and gorgeous beach in Kahuku. 

The narrowness of this crescent-shaped beach causes not many people to suntan here, which is great if you want to take good pictures without a crowd. A notable Banyan tree is close to Kawela Bay Beach Park and is a must-see!

Trees border the beach, and you may want to say forever because it truly feels like paradise and separated from the real world! 

Kualoa Regional Park Beach

You can see some of Oahu’s best views at Kualoa Regional Park Beach, including the lush Koʻolau Mountains (behind you) and Chinaman’s Hat (in front of you).

Sunrise at Kualoa Beach Park on Oahu. Image of a beach with a purple sky and little island in the background
Sunrise at Kualoa Beach Park on Oahu.

You will find that at the front of the beach, there is a large, grassy section with lots of palm trees. You will also find a small, sandy strip following the grassy area. The beach’s prettiness and the mountains in the background make the spot the perfect place to take pictures.

Best Beaches in Hawaii FAQs

Which island in Hawaii has the best beaches?

Oahu and Maui are tied as the Hawaiian island with the nicest beaches. Choose Oahu if you enjoy being near people and a lively atmosphere and want quick access to beaches. If you want a more sedate time sunbathing, Maui is a perfect choice as it has some of the nicest beaches in the United States.

Does Oahu have black sand beaches?

Only beaches with a large concentration of black volcanic glass have been referred to as black sand beaches in Hawaii. When lava flows enter the ocean, they become chilly and their glassy rinds break. The black glass grains may become a beach due to waves and currents. On Oahu, there are no beaches with black sand.

Best Beaches on Oahu Wrap Up

No matter which beaches you go to, whether it is those on this list or else, you will always find white sand and a beautiful ocean on any beach you go to in Oahu.

You can also get professional photos taken of you and your loved ones, and all of these beaches have beautiful scenery to use as backgrounds! 

Looking for more things to do on Oahu? Find out the best Oahu waterfall hikes, cheap and free things to do on Oahu, hottest things to do in Honolulu at night, things to do in Haleiwa, and the best North Shore Oahu beaches.

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