Best Honolulu & Oahu Beaches: Waikiki, North Shore - 3

Family Beaches

Oahu has a number of family-oriented beach parks that provide calm waters and full facilities, including picnic and barbecue areas. Near Waikiki, families can head to Kaimana Beach (also known as Sans Souci) in front of the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel or to Ala Moana Beach Park, a 76-acre park just west of Waikiki.

For a change of scenery, visit the Ko Olina Lagoons in the southwest corner of Oahu. These four, man-made lagoons are protected from the high surf by rock barriers—a great place for snorkeling and swimming. Parking is tricky as there is only one lot designated for free public parking. To get here, take the H-1 freeway west toward Waianae and take the Ko Olina exit. Follow the road to the security gate, and tell the guard you’re headed to the lagoons.

 

• The island of Mokoli’i (also known as Chinaman’s Hat) can be seen from picturesque Kualoa Beach.

Jennifer Hwang

Scenic Beaches

With mountain views, turquoise waters and a fine sand beach, Kailua has been ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. A next-door neighbor, Lanikai Beach, offers the same gorgeous views but no lifeguard and no facilities, making it slightly less crowded. Farther north along the highway, Kualoa Beach has postcard-worthy scenery, featuring swaying palm trees framing an ocean view of Mokoli’i Island.