Sandcastles & Surf: Discovering 14 of the Best Beaches on Oahu

Aloha, beach-loving families! 🌴🐠 Get ready to ride the wave of excitement as we dive into the ultimate guide to Oahu’s sun-soaked shores. Whether you’re a sandcastle architect, snorkel adventurer, or aspiring surfer, this Hawaiian paradise has a stretch of beach with your name on it. We’ve combed through the coconut trees to bring you the lowdown on the best spots for building epic sandcastles, spotting colorful fishies with your snorkel squad, and hanging ten on those gnarly waves. So grab your sunscreen and sense of adventure as we set out on a quest to discover the best beaches on Oahu! 🏄‍♀️🐚

Our family has a long history with Oahu. It’s where my mom and grandmother were both born and raised. I spent many family trips growing up coming back to the island with them. But recently, we’ve been exploring other islands and other destinations. After a decade-long hiatus, we felt the time was ripe for a grand return to the island.

Thanks to my remote work flexibility and the summer break for the kids, we decided to go big and commit to spending an entire month exploring Oahu’s best kid-friendly beaches. Our extended stay in the resort community of Ko Olina gave us the opportunity to thoroughly explore the entire island. Here are our favorites!

Best Beaches on Oahu for Beginner Surfers

Waikiki Beach

Our unforgettable family adventure began with a trip to the world-renowned Waikiki Beach, one of the best beaches on Oahu for kids. Waikiki’s fame traces back to its historical ties to surfing. This beach is known as the birthplace of modern surfing. The legendary Duke Kahanamoku, an Olympic swimmer and surfing ambassador, played a pivotal role in popularizing the sport here. His statue stands tall along the shore, a symbol of surfing history.

Our oldest daughter wanted to go surfing for her birthday with the goal of finally catching her first wave. What better place to do that than the birthplace of surfing? The excitement in her eyes as she first glimpsed the azure waters was truly heartwarming, especially as the iconic Diamond Head came into view.

I took her under my wing for a special birthday surf lesson and we paddled out into the waves, just the two of us. It took a few tries of me pushing her along but she got up! The thrill of catching that first wave with her dad by her side was an unforgettable moment, etching huge grins on both our faces.

Kawailoa Beach / Chun’s Reef

The North Shore of Oahu, specifically Waimea Bay and Banzai Pipeline are world-renowned as a big wave surfer’s mecca. Unfortunately, the waves appear only in the winter – the waters are too calm even for beginners in the summer. We called around to various surf shops and asked where the best place was to take beginners. They all fervently recommended Chun’s Reef beach as the ultimate spot for kids to learn to surf.

My 9-year old son decided that he wanted to follow in his sister’s footsteps and learn to surf for his birthday as well (both birthdays coincided with our month-long adventure).This time we opted for a real surf lesson.

They eagerly joined a skilled instructor from North Shore Surf Girls. We were impressed by his patience and motivating approach, which made our kids felt at ease in the water. The instructor prioritized safety while nurturing confidence, giving the kids an experience that was both entertaining and empowering.

Chun’s Reef beach not only delivered excellent surf opportunities but also boasted a tranquil and family-friendly vibe. Our smaller kids delighted in hours of wading in the tidepools and playing in the soft sand. Our excursion to Chun’s Reef beach indelibly marked itself as a cherished memory of our Oahu journey. Chun’s Reef quickly became a family favorite. It’s easily one of the best beaches on Oahu. A real local gem.

Best Beaches on Oahu for Boogie Boarding

White Plains Beach

One of our cousin’s who lived on the island recommended White Plains Beach. He said it was their favorite place to surf with the kids. It’s a picturesque haven, blessed with golden sands and gentle waves. Truly an ideal spot for both surfing and boogie boarding. The only downside? It’s a military beach and surfboard rentals were only available to those with a military ID. Since we didn’t have our own boards, we opted simply for boogie boarding instead.

The gradual slope of the shoreline and the clear, shallow water made us feel at ease as we watched our kids enjoy the waves. White Plains Beach provided a memorable place where our children could connect with the ocean’s beauty and thrills. If you’re staying in Ko Olina, this is best beach nearby for boogie boarding and playing in the waves.

Makaha Beach

You’ve probably heard the ukulele rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Hawaiian singer Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. He also sang a cover of Take Me Home Country Road. But instead of West Virgina, it’s “West Makaha” that’s almost heaven.

Plus we had heard from locals that Makaha Beach was another good spot for boogie boarding and playing in the waves. It’s not too far from Ko Olina, so we decided to try it out.

Our children’s faces lit up with excitement as they saw local kids doing barrel rolls in the big waves. Makaha is more of a locals beach and you won’t find many tourists here. The golden sand stretched for miles, providing a spacious play area for our kiddos. We also discovered after the fact that Makaha Beach was one of the main filming locations for the inspirational movie “Soul Surfer“!

The downside is that post-Covid, Hawaii has been experiencing a major housing shortage and homelessness problem. You’ll see this firsthand on the way to Makaha. Many of the beaches along the way have been overrun with massive homeless encampments. For that reason, we recommend sticking to White Plains for boogie boarding. This part of the island didn’t feel as safe.

Best Beaches on Oahu for Calm Water

Ko Olina Lagoons

During our unforgettable family stay in Ko Olina, we spent lots of time in the enchanting Ko Olina lagoons. There are four man-made lagoons, each with perfectly manicured beaches crafted to keep waves out. The calm water makes them some of the best beaches on Oahu for little kids.

These pristine lagoons offered a perfect haven for our littlest adventurers. The calm, crystal-clear waters were ideal for our children to safely splash and play in. The gentle waves provided a mellow introduction to the ocean. And because Ko Olina is on the leeward side of the island, the weather is almost always sunny and perfect.

Our kids were thrilled to experience the joy of devouring a delicious Dole Whip and shave ice at Disney Aulani. Just a stone’s throw away from the beach, this added a sweet twist to our Ko Olina beach days. The treats aren’t exclusive to Disney guests. Anyone can walk through the grounds of the different resorts and partake of their restaurants and shops.

As parents, we appreciated the serene atmosphere that allowed us to unwind while our kids reveled in the splendors of the lagoons. Without a doubt, these lagoons will forever hold a special place in our hearts, thanks to their role in creating cherished Hawaiian memories.

Paradise Cove

Nestled among the serene community of Ko Olina, Paradise Cove emerged as one of our favorite beaches for kids. Concealed near the more famous Ko Olina lagoons, it’s a real hidden gem. Our family’s excursion to this little haven was nothing short of magical.

Glistening waters and uncrowded sands welcomed our eager young adventurers, beckoning them to explore. Little did we know that our 4-year old little explorer was about to embark on a snorkeling adventure that would leave an indelible mark on his childhood.

With childlike wonder, he donned his snorkel gear, his eyes wide with anticipation. As he waded into the crystalline waters, a world previously unseen unfurled before him. The vibrant marine life danced beneath the surface, captivating his attention. Our boy’s delighted giggles mingled with the soothing sounds of the ocean, creating a symphony of pure joy. With each encounter, his confidence grew. We watched with awe as our little boy embraced a new passion and forged a bond with nature.

Paradise Cove will forever be etched in our memories as the place where our 4-year-old discovered what will surely be a lifelong love for the ocean.

Haleiwa Beach

Haleiwa Beach Park is a hidden gem on The North Shore that deserves a place among the best beaches on Oahu. Most tourists head to Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, or Turtle Bay while Haleiwa Beach remains uncrowded. We parked right next to the beach and set up camp directly in front of our minivan.

The golden sands stretched out endlessly, providing ample space for our little ones to play. The waves were gentle and safe. We even watched locals in their outrigger canoes, gliding through the waters with grace and connecting us to the rich Hawaiian maritime culture.

But the highlight was taking turns paddleboarding from the beach over to the nearby Anahulu River. It was like a mini-adventure every time. This picturesque journey was a dream come true for both kids and adults alike. Paddling the tranquil waters under the bridge provided a serene escape and a unique perspective of the island’s natural beauty. We even caught a glimpse of a sea turtle that popped its head up near our paddleboard, as if to say “Hey there, dudes!”

Haleiwa Beach seriously had it all – chill vibes, no crowds, family fun, and friendly sea turtles. Memories of this trip will be replayed at every family gathering. We can’t wait to go back and wave at our sea turtle friends again.

Best Beaches on Oahu for Sea Turtles

Speaking of sea turtles… Once on the brink of disappearing, sea turtles in Hawaii have made a remarkable comeback thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. In the 1980s, the sea turtle population in Hawaii was critically low. Only a few hundred individuals were left.Through years of tenacious conservation initiatives, today there are thousands. You might get lucky enough to see a sea turtle on almost any beach on Oahu but one in particular is best.

Laniakea Beach, North Shore

Welcome to the captivating Laniakea Beach, tucked along Oahu’s renowned North Shore! Imagine a magical haven where you can meet some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures up close. These lovable turtles absolutely love hanging out here. Laniakea’s unique mix of volcanic rocks and nutrient-rich waters provides the ultimate turtle paradise. We saw 4 or 5 sunbathing on the beach and several more swimming nearby the shoreline.

If you’re planning a turtle expedition, mark your calendar for the prime time between 11 am and 1 pm. This is when the sun paints an enchanting scene, revealing the underwater world in all its glory. And let’s not forget about the kids – ours couldn’t get enough. We just took a quick pitstop to see them. It wasn’t enough – we had to pry the kids away and move onto our main destination. The only downside is it’s a huge tourist draw so expect a big crowd and maybe even a traffic jam.

Best Beach on Oahu for Snorkeling

Three Tables Beach

Hanauma Bay and Shark’s Cove are two of the most well-known spots on Oahu for snorkeling. But we found one we liked even more! Snorkeling at Three Tables beach on the North Shore of Oahu was an exceptional experience for our family. This hidden gem turned. out to be one of our favorite beaches on Oahu for kids. The calm, shallow waters were perfect for our little ones to explore the vibrant marine life.

The natural “tables” formed by the reef create safe and enclosed spots for them to enjoy the underwater beauty. The gentle waves provided a sense of adventure without overwhelming our kids. Colorful fish danced around the coral formations, captivating their attention and sparking their curiosity about the ocean world.

Our favorite part was taking our paddleboard out to the tables and finding ourselves once again face to face with a sea turtle. Now our kids would finally have a chance to see one underwater in their true element. They were a little hesitant at first so I had to push…er, nudge, them into the deeper water. But when they came back up for air they proclaimed it was about the coolest thing ever. Core memory formed!

The picturesque surroundings, clear water, and serene atmosphere made Three Tables beach an ideal destination for family fun. Our kids begged to go back again and again. We created lasting memories as we held our children’s hands and embarked on an underwater journey together. This beach undoubtedly earned its spot among the best beaches on Oahu. Three Tables offers a perfect blend of exploration, safety, and natural wonder.

Best Beaches on Oahu for White Sands & Spectacular Scenery

Lanikai Beach

Lanikai Beach is not only one of the best beaches on Oahu, it’s one of the best in the world. With its white powdered sugar sand and turquoise water, Lanikai is a slice of heaven tailored perfectly for families.

We first visited Lanikai in 2014 when we were new parents with one little baby. We were blown away by the beauty and were even treated to one of Hawaii’s trademark rainbows. Against the backdrop of the iconic Mokulua Islands or “The Mokes” , Lanikai Beach painted a picture-perfect scene. It will forever remain etched in our cherished memories.

We were excited to come back and show our five kids one of our all-time favorite beaches. Sadly we were thwarted by the throngs of tourists who beat us there that day. Not only has the beach exploded in popularity in recent years but there’s no designated parking lot. Double whammy! This means if you want to discover the beach for yourself, you need a bit of strategy. Go on a weekday and arrive early in the morning to snag one of the coveted street parking spots.

For this trip, however, we decided to head to an alternative beach down the road – Waimanalo Beach.

Waimanalo Beach

After getting denied at Lanikai, our quest to discover the best beaches on Oahu led us to Waimanalo Beach. We heard about this beach from locals who told us the parking situation is much better. We were able to easily find a parking place right next to a public access walkway. If you can’t find parking at Lanikai, this paradise tucked away from the tourist crowds is a solid alternative.

With one caveat – the water here might be more looking than for swimming. Depending on the season, you may want to avoid getting in the water. Or just risk it anyway! And that’s because it can occasionally turn up with some blue man o’ war jellyfish. They may be tiny but their sting packs a punch.

Nevertheless, we were enthralled by the soft, powdery sand that seemed tailor-made for building sandcastles and burying little feet. Half-burying the baby led to endless contagious giggles.

As we played on the shoreline, we even caught glimpses of the famous Makapuu Lighthouse in the distance. Our time at Waimanalo Beach, complete with its natural beauty and minor mishaps, remains a cherished memory.

Secret Beach

During our unforgettable family trip to Oahu, we explored the best beaches for kids, and Secret Beach emerged as a hidden paradise. Secret Beach isn’t much of a secret but it is generally uncrowded. That’s because the best way to access this beach is to pay for one of the tours at Kualoa Ranch. All beaches in Hawaii are public by law, so you could still access this beach by parking at Kualoa Regional Park – but it’s a long haul on foot from there.

We got there by booking a catamaran cruise with Kualoa Ranch – one of the few tours that allows infants on board. As we sailed, the sight of the iconic Chinaman’s Hat left us all in awe. This picturesque landmark ignited the children’s imaginations.The crew went above and beyond, especially with our kids. They shared insights into Hawaiian marine life and eagerly guided our little adventurers to the ship’s front “splash zone,” where we rode waves and got soaked with laughter. The cruise was a perfect blend of exhilaration and education.

Our visit to Secret Beach coupled with the exciting catamaran cruise crafted memories that will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Kailua Beach

Last but not least, Kailua Beach on the windward side of the island unexpectedly became our #1 favorite beach. And since it’s more accessible than Lanikai with ample parking, we highly recommend trying it out.

Kailua Beach on Oahu captured our family’s heart as the ultimate sanctuary. Recognized as a top-notch kid-friendly haven, the beach’s soft white sands against the majestic backdrop of the Koolau Mountains formed an enchanting playground for our little adventurers. The sight of kite surfers dancing on the waves heightened our beach outings, leaving our kids wide-eyed with wonder.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky transformed into a breathtaking canvas of colors, setting the scene for family photos and moments of serene reflection. Kailua Beach ingrained itself as the setting for our most cherished family memories.

We hope you enjoyed reading about our quest to find the best beaches on Oahu and hope it guides you on your own journey to create magical family memories. Mahalo for reading! 🤙🏻

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Our family is on a mission to experience the best affordable, kid-friendly adventures in the US help other families create lasting memories in the process. You can follow us on Instagram @theminivanbucketlist or check out our Hawaii Bucket List for a list of the top kid-friendly adventures in the Aloha State across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.