Waves, Wonders & White Sand: Why O'ahu is Hawaii’s Beach Paradise

Mar 18

What comes to mind first when you think of Hawaii? Beaches, of course! The week we spent on O’ahu, we experienced several of Hawaii’s beautiful beaches, snorkeling in its turquoise waters, and marveling at inspired sunrises over the ocean. In this article, wander with us as we share some of our favorite beach days.

We were lucky to rent a VRBO on the eastern (windward) side of O’ahu. The house on a hill featured amazing views of Koko Head, plus a full kitchen and barbecue for relaxing dinners on the lanai (patio) after a full day spent at one of the nearby beaches.

Beaches

Exploring the beaches of O’ahu is a perfectly Hawaiian thing to do. Some are rocky, others are soft, sandy expanses. Some have quiet waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling, others are renowned for big waves and brave surfers.

☞ Tip: Before heading out to swim, snorkel or surf, be sure to check weather and water conditions. Ocean and beach conditions vary greatly around the island and with the seasons.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links for products and/or services we love. If you decide to make a verified purchase through the links in this post, I will earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for choosing to wander with us. We hope your adventures are filled with as much joy and awe as we’ve experienced!

Waimea Bay Beach Park

Located on O’ahu’s north shore, Waimea Bay is one of the places to go to watch the surfers. During the winter months, waves at Waimea Bay can reach up to 40 feet, making it a prime (and challenging) spot for expert surfers. During the summer months, the water tends to be gentler and a great spot for swimming and snorkeling. When visiting, pay attention to weather alerts and posted surf flags indicating water conditions. The beach park features picnic tables, restrooms and showers; as well as parking. Across the street is the beautiful Waimea Botanical Garden.

Makapu’u Beach Park

Located on the southeastern tip of O’ahu, we found Makapu’u Beach while driving along the Kalaniana’ole Highway (Hwy 72). This beach had a beauty all its own with a combination of sandy stretches, volcanic rock and beautiful turquoise water. This area is a favorite for body surfing, but like Waimea Bay, the surf conditions can be extreme and are recommended for expert surfers only. When we arrived and laid out our towels and beach chairs, we were welcomed by the famous castaway, Wilson (the volleyball)!

From Makapu’u Beach, you can also hike the 2.5-mile paved trail to the Makapu’u Lighthouse located on the easternmost tip of O’ahu. The Makapu’u Trail offers panoramic views of O’ahu’s southeastern shoreline and a perfect spot to watch for humpback whales during their migration season, November to May.

Hanauma Bay State Park

Also located in the southeastern region is Hanauma Bay State Park, another favorite location for snorkeling. Our visit to Hanauma Bay was a highlight of my trip to O’ahu. While snorkeling around the reef among schools of colorful fish, I looked down just in time to witness a green sea turtle swim beneath me!

Unlike other beaches, Hanauma Bay is a protected area and requires advance reservations (available online). A maximum of 1,400 visitors are allowed daily and everyone entering the park is required to watch a 9-minute orientation video prior to entry. Snorkel gear is available to rent. Visitors must enter the park between 6:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.