Hawaii Beaches: Fun, Free, and World Famous!

Let’s face it… Hawaii beaches are probably the first thing most people think about when they dream of paradise.  That’s not without reason.  Having been to beaches on both coasts of the United States and throughout the Pacific, I have yet to discover the equal of our amazing Oahu beaches!

Maybe I’m just biased because I love crystal clear warm – but not too warm -water, pristine expanses of sand, exotic and adventurous diving, awesome surf, and fun fishing.  Or maybe Hawaiian beaches have just set the standard by which other beaches are judged.

Whether you want to experience the thrill of surfing or just lie out in the sand, it’s hard to beat a Hawaii beach vacation!  Come see for yourself…

The four shores:

South Shore Oahu: Beaches include Waikiki, Ala Moana, Magic Island, Kakaako Waterfront Park, Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, White Plains, Kahala, and more – often referred to as town beaches.

North Shore Oahu: Usually called the country, this is where you find the huge winter waves (Waimea Bay and Banzai Pipeline).  Many of my favorite beaches are located on this side of the island.

West Shore Oahu: Often called the Waianae Coast, these beaches are probably the most beautiful in Hawaii, and they stretch for miles and miles!

East Shore Oahu: Commonly called the Windward side of Oahu, this is where you’ll find Kailua and Lanikai beaches, Bellows Beach, Makapuu Beach and other popular patches of sand.

Some favorite Hawaii beaches for visitors:

Waikiki Beach:  Catch some waves or some rays on perhaps the most famous pristine white sand beach in the world.

Hilton lagoon: It’s like a hybrid between a beach and a swimming pool just below the Hilton Hawaiian Village Rainbow Tower.

Magic Island Oahu: One of the island’s most popular parks with a well-sculpted beach.  Every Friday, watch a sunset sailboat regatta.  Then stay for a fantastic view of the fireworks!

Ala Moana Beach Park: A beautiful park attached to a gorgeous white-sand beach.  This is a favorite recreation spot for many Oahu residents.

Kakaako Waterfront Park: Enjoy a picnic, watch the surfers, or go for a walk.  Bring a piece of cardboard or a block of ice, and let the kids slide down a hill!

Hanauma Bay: A spectacular underwater experience!  Swim inside the collapsed crater of a volcano, and see hundreds of exotic fish in this unique sea life sanctuary!

Sharks Cove Hawaii: In the summer, this is a world-class snorkeling spot.  The diving takes on an extreme element when you swim through the lava caves beneath the cove’s rock walls.

Three Tables: Part of the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District between Sharks Cove and Waimea Bay, this is another world-class Hawaii beach and summertime snorkeling spot.

Waimea Bay Hawaii: In the summer, you can jump off a 20-foot rock (a good beginner’s cliff jump); and in the winter, you can watch the monster surf!

Sandy Beach Oahu: The shore break is so strong that even the smallest waves can knock you off your feet!  But every single wave is a near-perfect tube – great for body surfing!

Ko Olina Lagoons: If you’re staying at the Ko Olina resorts, you’ll have nearly exclusive use of four idyllic beach lagoons.  Keep your eyes open for green sea turtles!

Popular beach activities:

Surfing in Hawaii:  The sport invented in Hawaii is still best-experienced in Hawaii.  And with year-round waves, you too can find out what the Beach Boys mean about sitting on top of the world!

Fishing in Hawaii:  A recreational fishing license is not required to fish in the ocean here.  The technique is very different from freshwater fishing; but it’s still a fun way to pass the day.

Snorkeling Hawaii:  Get up close and personal with the fish.  Look for Hawaii’s state fish – the humuhumunukunukuapua’a – and other exotic marine life!

Whale Watching Hawaii: Primarily from January to March, look for spouts or playful splashing about!  Without even trying, I’ve seen whales from land on Oahu’s north, south, and west shores.

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