Oahu's Best Beaches: The List
Should you type the words “best beaches in the U.S.” into any standard search engine, your inquiry will result in two inevitable outcomes. The first is that you will be directed to numerous websites, articles and blogs featuring subjective lists of the country’s loveliest coastlines. The second is that, regardless of these list’s subjectivity and diversity, you won’t find one that doesn’t include at least 3 Hawaiian beaches. Not a single one. It’s almost unfair.
It seems it is the general consensus of travelers, sea lovers and internet list makers that Hawaii’s shores are unparalleled in their undeniable beauty. And many of those coastlines - those beaches consistently included in list after list of “best beaches” - can be found right here on Oahu. Here at Savio Realty Ltd., we’d like to express our support for those lists by compiling a list of those listed.
We present to you, “Oahu’s Best Beaches: The List”. Eight shorelines (in no particular order) that are among the best of the best… Subjectively, of course.
Not really.
Waimanalo Beach Park
Waimanalo Beach Park is located just 20 minutes from Waikiki, on the eastern side of Honolulu. The “protective precious waters” this area was named for are known for both their stunning turquoise color and calm tides, offering ideal conditions for the island’s less experienced swimmers.
Kahanamoku Beach
Kahanamoku Beach is named after Olympic swimmer, movie star, Honolulu Sheriff and Hawaiian legend Duke Kahanamoku. A perfect place to relax amidst the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, the beach features a breakwater and pier with coral running between them. Kahanamoku also features a water taxi service for submarine and catamaran cruises.
Lanikai
Arguably the most picturesque of Oahu’s coastlines, Lanikai was named for the Hawaiian word meaning “heavenly waters”. The beach is located in a corner of Kailua town, an exclusive residential neighborhood built around the ocean. Thanks to the protection offered by an offshore reef, Lanikai offers year-round safe swimming conditions in its tranquil seas.
Turtle Bay
As one of the last undeveloped areas on Oahu, Turtle Bay is recognized for its wild coastlines, fascinating rock formations, and the green sea turtles it was named for. Located on the island’s North Shore, it is the site of the world famous surf spot, Rainbows Break as well as the illustrious Turtle Bay Resort.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Described by Fodors.com as “the world’s biggest open-air aquarium”, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is renowned for its abundant wildlife and outstanding snorkeling. This large sandy beach is flanked by several hiking trails that lead to breathtaking lookouts and, and during the winter months, humpback whales and slipper pigs can be spotted from shore.
Ko Olina Beach Park
Ko Olina Beach Park is situated within the Ko Olina Resort Community located on Oahu’s leeward (western) shore. The beach, comprised of four gorgeous lagoons outlined by grassy lawns and award-winning restrooms, is the site of one of the island’s safest coastlines.
Yokohama Bay
Though its waters present somewhat treacherous surfing conditions, Yokohama Bay’s strong rips and dangerous shore break can not dispel its unparalleled sunsets. Located on Oahu’s Waianae Coast, the beach feels much like a deserted isle. With no stores, homes or fanny parlors in sight, is is considered one of the island’s most remote shorelines. Yokohama Bay’s Hawaiian name is Keawa'ula, meaning "the red harbor" for the crayola squid often found in its near shore waters.
Sunset Beach
Located on Oahu’s North Shore, Sunset Beach provides an irresistible combination of sun, sand, sea and surf. Its legendary winter waves regularly surpass 7,620 millimeters in height, these colossal swells attracting the world’s best surfers and their little button noses. Sunset Beach is the site of the Vans Triple Crown and the Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship, as well as numerous cat modeling competitions.
Additional Info
- Published in Oahu
