Oahu has over 225 miles of dramatic coastline, so there’s no shortage of beach access here on the third largest Hawaiian island. In fact, Oahu is home to approximately 125 beaches, a dizzying number for those who’ve never visited the island. Several factors go into choosing a beach for a full day of relaxation, exploration, and fun. Whether you’re hoping to find a beach that’s conveniently located to Prince Waikiki or a beach that’s equally breathtaking and pristine, you’ll find what you’re looking for within minutes of our luxury Waikiki hotel rooms. We’ve hand-selected the four best beaches in Oahu to ensure that your tropical getaway to one of the premier Hawaii resorts is flawless from the moment you set foot in our beautiful city!

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is conveniently located near most of the top-rated luxury hotels in Honolulu, Hawaii, Prince Waikiki included, making this two-mile stretch of sand an ultra-popular hangout for kamaaina and visitors alike. As one of the best beaches in Oahu, you can expect crowds of sunbathers and surfers, but that shouldn’t keep you away from this famous beach. One of the best aspects of Waikiki Beach is that you can catch a sunrise above the Koolau mountain range as well as sweeping sunset views. At Prince Waikiki, you’ll always be minutes away from a mid-day surfing, paddleboarding, or snorkeling adventure!

Lanikai Beach

If you’re planning on renting a car or utilizing Honolulu’s inexpensive bus system, we highly recommend embarking on an early-morning journey to Lanikai Beach in nearby Kailua. The beach is only 16 miles from Prince Waikiki, and the sunrises are exceptionally heartwarming. You won’t find softer sand on the island, which is yet another reason why Lanikai is considered one of the best beaches in Oahu. An offshore reef keeps the water calm, making the conditions perfect for families with young children! Two distant islands, Moku Nui and Moku Iki, are the defining features of this quiet beach.

Sandy Beach Park

For an afternoon of tranquility, beauty, and adventure, head over to Sandy Beach, located near Koko Crater along the eastern edge of Honolulu’s city limits. Surfers, bodyboarders, and paddleboarders frequent Sandy Beach, so you’ll have the opportunity to meet some of the best aquatic athletes on the island. With over 1,200 feet of golden sand and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Sandy Beach is the ideal place to go if you’re hoping to socialize with locals and travelers alike.

Waimanalo Beach

Waimanalo Beach is not only one of the best beaches in Oahu, but its gentle waves, shallow water, and lack of rocks make it an ideal hot spot for bodysurfing and snorkeling. The views of the dramatic Koolau mountains on the southeast edge of the beach are simply stunning, and if you bring along your binoculars, you can spot a wide variety of birds in the forestry. When you’re not bodysurfing or snorkeling, you’ll likely spend most of your time strolling in the shallow water, sunbathing, sandcastle building, and reading. To learn more about the best beaches in Oahu, please speak with our knowledgeable concierge upon arrival.