All Articles Waikiki alternatives: Where to avoid the crowds at O'ahu's beaches

Waikiki alternatives: Where to avoid the crowds at O'ahu's beaches

Avoid the masses in favor of these less-crowded beaches.

By Maria Kanai18 Jul 2022 3 minutes read
Kahala Beach, Hawaii
Kahala Beach, Hawaii
Image: Getty Images

With their turquoise water and sparkling white sand, O’ahu’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world—but they can also get packed with tourists. Even if popular Waikiki Beach is right around the corner from your hotel, it’s worth seeking out the island’s less-crowded stretches of sand for a more relaxing experience.

Below, we’ve rounded up eight of the best beaches on O’ahu that are away from major hotels to help you discover somewhere new and make your vacation extra memorable.

Near Kailua

Lanikai Beach, Hawaii
Lanikai Beach, Kailua, Hawaii
Image: Getty Images

Lanikai Beach

One of the most pristine beaches on O’ahu, Lanikai is known for its fine sand and quiet, shallow waters that are ideal for swimming. It’s only accessible via pathways between homes, however, and there’s a $200 penalty for parking in the neighborhood. Instead, find a legal spot in downtown Kailua and make the 20-minute walk to the beach or plan to get dropped off by a rideshare service. Remember, if you see any turtles, keep your distance—they’re endangered and it’s against the law to touch them. There isn’t a lifeguard on duty here, so keep an eye on any younger swimmers.

Kailua Beach, Kailua, Hawaii
Kailua Beach, Kailua, Hawaii
Image: Courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority/Daeja Faris

Kailua Beach

Close to Lanikai Beach, Kailua boasts clear water, soft sand, and mountain views in the distance. One of the largest and most beautiful beaches on O’ahu’s west coast, it’s a great spot for water sports like kayaking, bodyboarding, kite surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Spend some time in the ocean, then take to the volleyball courts, barbecue pits, or picnic tables. There are three separate parking lots nearby but there’s usually a wait for a spot, so get there early or consider taking a rideshare service or the public bus.

Near Haleiwa

Waimea Bay

Waimea Bay, Oahu, Hawaii

Waimea Bay sits along O’ahu’s North Shore, where some of the world’s most famous surfers gather to compete on the massive waves in the winter season. Come summer, however, the water is much calmer, making the bay perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Arrive early to score parking, then spend the day lounging on the gorgeous white sand. Also on site are picnic tables, restrooms, showers, and lifeguards.

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Sunset Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Image: Getty Images

Another North Shore beach popular with surfers is Sunset Beach. Waves can reach up to 30 feet high in the winter months. Like at Waimea Bay, things settle down in the summer, and you can spend hours swimming and snorkeling in the placid water. True to its name, Sunset Beach is also an excellent spot to watch the sun go down over the ocean. There’s free parking across the street and next to the beach park, plus picnic tables, restrooms, showers, and lifeguards.

Near Kahuku

Kawela Bay, Kahuku, Hawaii
Kawela Bay, Kahuku, Hawaii
Image: Getty Images

Kawela Bay

Although Kawela Bay is near the North Shore’s popular Turtle Bay Resort, it’s actually quite secluded and serene. You can park at the resort’s public beach stalls and walk to the bay, or drive via Kamehameha Highway and park across from the farm stands selling corn, bananas, and coconuts, where a trail opening nearby leads straight to the beach. Once there, you’ll find a crescent of brilliant sand with gentle waves that are just right for swimming, kayaking, or frolicking in the water.

Near Hawaii Kai

Hanauma Bay

Located within a marine life conservation area on the southeastern coast of O’ahu, Hanauma Bay is renowned for its snorkeling. Naturally formed within a volcanic cone, the bay is now home to a diverse ecosystem, including more than 400 species of fish, green turtles, and an abundance of coral. To access the bay, you’ll need to make a reservation, pay a $25 fee per person (kids under 12 are free), and watch a nine-minute orientation video upon arrival. You’ll also need to get there on your own, as the bay recently stopped allowing tour buses to combat overtourism. Note: Hanauma Bay is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Waimanalo Beach

Located on the east side of O’ahu, Waimanalo Beach may be far from most major hotels and resorts, but it’s worth the trip for the azure waters, miles of soft white sand, and views of Rabbit Island off the coast. The chill waves invite swimming, snorkeling, and bodyboarding, and you’re likely to have them mostly to yourself if you visit during the week. Parking is usually easy to find, but pack food and drinks as there aren’t any restaurants or concessions near the sand.

Honolulu

Kahala Beach

A small sail boat floats on the crystal blue waters of Kahala Beach in Hawaii

While Kahala Beach is a local favorite, it’s still much less crowded than Waikiki. Honolulu families flock here for the calm, kid-friendly water as well as the picturesque setting amid coconut trees (it’s a popular spot for wedding and graduation photo shoots). There’s also a covered picnic area as well as bathrooms and outdoor showers. The parking lot is limited, but there are some spots along the street. Note: The shore can be rocky, so consider bringing water shoes for swimming.

House ad linking to The Big Summer Guide
Maria Kanai
Maria Kanai is a freelance journalist and editor based in Honolulu. Her writing has appeared in local and national publications including Hana Hou!, HONOLULU Magazine, Land and People Magazine, TripAdvisor, Salon.com and more. She moved from Japan to Hawai‘i for college and graduated with a Masters in Communication in 2015 from Hawai'i Pacific University. In between freelancing and being a mom, she loves reading and playing video games with her husband after their two kids go to bed.