Honolulu Beaches

The world famous Waikiki Beach is the most well known of the Honolulu Beaches and it is beautiful but Honolulu has other stunning beaches to visit while you're here. Most all of the beaches on Oahu are public which means you don't have to stay at an expensive beachside hotel to enjoy the beach.

There are beaches all over the island of Oahu and the ones in Waikiki are the most touristy. Most have restrooms, showers, concessions or restaurants nearby and places to rent and buy everything you need to have fun at the beach.

Don't forget: this is salt water so remember to rinse off if you aren't heading straight back to your room for a shower. If you don't you can get quit itchy and uncomfortable very soon!

List of Honolulu Beaches

Waikiki Beach
This world famous beach is stunning and offers many activities for both adults and kids.

Ala Moana Beach and Park
Across from the Ala Moana Shopping Center and Ward Center, you'll find a large beach area next to a relaxing park.

Kapiolani Beach and Park
A nice beach across from a very large park.

Kuhio Beach
Breakwalls give this beach gentle waves, perfect for kids and unsure swimmers. The bottom is much less rocky than other beaches.

Queens Beach
Between Kuhio and Kapiolani Beaches. Very popular place to bodyboard.

San Souci Beach
A lovely smaller beach down towards Diamondhead.

Fort DeRussy Beach Park
An impressively long, wide sandy beach next to a large park.

Kahanamoku Beach
A smaller beach whose water is a bit sheltered for calmer waves.

Beach Activities

You will always find people sunbathing, surfing, body boarding, swimming or just playing around in the warm water. If you want more gentle water for younger children or for easier swimming, head for the parts of the beaches with break walls. Otherwise, expect some exciting waves for surfing, body surfing and body boarding!

If you don't know how to surf but want to try, Honolulu Beaches are the right place to start because the waves tend to be calmer than those on the North Shore. It's a good idea to take a lesson but beware: the instructor will make it look easier than it really is. It's fun and definitely exhilarating when you get it right, but expect to have some sore muscles afterward. Of course, nothing a visit to the day spa can't sort out.

Whether you're taking lessons or just heading out on your own, you can rent surfboards and body boards on the beaches or from shops along the beach.

If you're not in the mood for the more strenuous water sports, have a nice stroll along the beach or stop off at one of the restaurants along the beach. Most of them have an open air patio right next to the beach. Perfect for having a relaxing lunch with a stunning ocean view. If you don't see a menu that suits you or if you're looking for something more affordable, we have some suggestions for you on our Honolulu Restaurants page.

Beach Entertainment

On the weekends, you can enjoy free concerts, movies and other entertainment on Kuhio Beach which is near the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium. There is usually a schedule posted at the beach of the upcoming events or you could just wander by.

The Waikiki Shell is across the way in Kapiolani Park and hosts some concerts as well, though they are not always free.

And of course, the very popular daily sunsets are always free of charge, courtesy of Mother Nature.

Beach Safety

When you watch the locals out there surfing and body boarding, it's easy to forget how rough the water is. Have fun but be safe and never swim alone. If you have any questions or concerns, you can always talk with the lifeguards.

Periodically, Honolulu Beaches have an influx of jellyfish making the water dangerous. During this time, Jellyfish Warnings are posted and it is recommended beach goers stay out of the water.

There is so much to do at Honolulu Beaches you can't help but have fun so come to Honolulu and enjoy some of the most stunning beaches in the world.

We'll see you at the beach!

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