Best Beaches in Honolulu

Honolulu, the capital city of the state of Hawaii, is known for its pristine beaches which also leads to a happening nightlife in the entire city. Whether you are a sports enthusiast or simply a sea (Read More)lover, everyone will find something or the other to do on the beaches in Honolulu. The crystal clear water and the sandy beaches attract even the people least interested in beaches. The sheer appeal of the waves lapping at your feet and the crystal clear water makes it a perfect place to be explored on your next vacation.

Here is the list of 12 Beaches in Honolulu

1. Kailua Beach, Honolulu

Kailua Beach, Honolulu

Located at a distance of 12.6 miles from the city of Honolulu, the Kailua Beach looks like a painting with turquoise blue, crystal clear water with a long stretch of soft white sand. Thousands of people come to the Kailua Beach every year which has increased its popularity. You can visit the beach with your loved ones and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the Mokulua Islands in the evening when the water reflects the hues of the setting sun. For all the sports enthusiasts, there are several options like kayaking, paddleboarding, etc. You can go for biking or hiking, explore the local dining and breweries at the beach. If you are willing to do something different, the Kailua Beach also provides you with an opportunity to serve the environment by cleaning the beach. Try out the various activities that the place has to offer.

Timings : The beach is open for 24 hours, however, the public parks can be visited from sunrise to sunset

Disability- friendly : Wheelchairs can be rented at the beach

2. Magic Island, Honolulu

Magic Island, Honolulu

Located at a distance of 2.9 miles from the city of Honolulu, Magic Island is a man-made peninsula that is located close to Ala Moana Beach Park and Ala Wai Yacht Harbor. There is a park at Magic Island where you can enjoy a picnic, Frisbee, and several other activities with your friends and family. There are festivals and drama performances that are also celebrated at the park. Enjoying the dusk at the Magic Island is a once in a lifetime opportunity where you can feel the peace after spending an eventful day at the beach with different water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, etc. Experience the magic that the setting sun creates on the peninsula and how the untouched beauty of the crystal clear water will make it a beautiful time for you at the Magic Island.

Timings : The beach is open for 24 hours but the park is open from sunrise to sunset

Disability- friendly : Wheelchairs can be rented at the beach

3. Sandy Beach, Honolulu

Sandy Beach, Honolulu

Sandy Beach, which is located at a distance of 14.2 miles from Honolulu, is one of the most popular places to spend the weekend with the locals. There are food trucks at the parking lots where you can get different variety of dishes. The beach attracts not only sightseers, but also campers, fishers, and swimmers. It is also popular among teenagers who are interested in bodysurfing and bodyboarding because of the opportunities that shore break and consistent barrels provide. If you are trying to spend some time in a calm and peaceful environment then Sandy beach is the perfect option for you as it is an isolated stretch of sandy beach where you can pamper yourself at the local eateries surrounded by greenery.

Timings : The beach is open for 24 hours however the park is open from sunrise to sunset

Disability- friendly : Wheelchairs are available for rent at the beach for $75 for 1 day, $250 for 4 days, and so on

4. Waialae Beach, Honolulu

Waialae Beach, Honolulu

Separated by a distance of 7.4 miles from the city of Honolulu, the Waialae Beach is a favourite of a number of people in Honolulu. If you are planning to spend a day filled with activities, you can definitely include this beach in your bucket list, swimming, sunning, picnics, snorkeling, walking, even running, and the list goes on. Enjoy a beautiful day with your loved ones at the Waialae Beach away from the hustle and bustle of the city amidst a lot of greenery and forget all the stress from the professional life. Do not forget to take your camera as the nightfall is breathtaking, which you can enjoy while taking a walk along the sandy beach. Give yourself a treat this weekend by spending some time in a calm and relaxing place.

Timings : The beach is open for 24 hours however the Waialae Beach Park is open from 5 am to 10 pm

Disability- friendly : Wheelchairs available

5. Kahanamoku Beach, Honolulu

Kahanamoku Beach, Honolulu

If you are in Honolulu and want to spend a day at one of the nearest beaches, you should definitely include Kahanamoku Beach in your list which is located at a distance of 3.2 miles from the city. The beach is named after Duke Paoa Kahanamoku who is popular as a surfer, for canoeing, and also as an Olympic swimmer. The long stretch also has a man-made 5-acre Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon which can definitely be explored by the visitors. When you are planning to go to the beach take some good books, good music, some lip-smacking food or just nibbles, maybe a bicycle or probably just take a walk along the beach and dive into your ocean of thoughts. Spend some quality time irrespective of whether you are on a date or on a trip with your friends or family.

Timings : The beach is open for 24 hours however the park is open from sunrise to sunset

Disability- friendly : Wheelchairs are available to be rented by people at the beach

6. Hanauma Bay, Honolulu

Hanauma Bay, Honolulu

This marine embayment formed within a tuff ring is located at a distance of 12.5 miles from the city of Honolulu. So if you are looking for a day with the marine life and exploring the bay, you can definitely plan a day at the Hanauma Bay. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the entire island and is not only a Natural Reserve but also a Marine Life Conservation District which protects more than 400 species of fish. If you are at Hanauma Bay do not forget to go for the 4 and a half hour long snorkeling tours which are $25 per person which includes transportation, guided tour to the Bay, masks, fins, snorkels, and proper guides. It will definitely be worth the money!

Timings : The beach is open for 24 hours. The Hanauma Bay is open from 6 am to 7 pm in the summers and from 6 am to 6 pm in winters

Disability- friendly : Wheelchairs available for rent

7. Ko Olina, Honolulu

Ko Olina, Honolulu

Located at a distance of 25.2 miles from the city of Honolulu. Experience the tranquillity of the beach at the time of the sunrise and the sunset which are considered to be the most beautiful time to explore the place. Snorkeling, sailing, fishing, and scuba diving are some of the activities that can be enjoyed at the beach. Ko Olina has a man-made lagoon and Ko Olina Marina. The lagoon is one of four in the 640 acres Ko Olina Resort. If you are looking for a quiet place where you can spend some time alone with your own thoughts away from the crowd after a long week, this is the place you should definitely add to your list. There is also a grassy lawn through which you can take a walk and spend hours admiring the beauty of the place.

Timings : The beach is open for 24 hours but the lagoon is open from 8 am to sunset

Disability- friendly : Wheelchairs can be rented

8. Sans Souci Beach, Honolulu

Sans Souci Beach, Honolulu

If you are in Honolulu and want to spend some time at a beach near the city, then you can definitely think of Sans Souci Beach, also known as Kaimana Beach, which is located at a distance of 5.3 miles. Spend an eventful day at the beach where you can engage in activities like swimming, fishing, snorkeling, surfing, and kayaking. Enjoy the blend of the natural beauty of the greenery and the rich culture that can be experienced at the beach. It is also considered to be one of the best family beaches by the locals so if you are planning to take a trip with your family to a beach, then Sans Souci Beach is one that should come to your mind first. Whether you are going to relax or engage in activities, you will find something for yourself at the beach.

Timings : The beach is open for 24 hours

Disability- friendly : Wheelchairs can be rented

9. Diamond Head Beach Park, Honolulu

Diamond Head Beach Park, Honolulu

Located at a distance of 16.9 miles from the city of Honolulu, the Diamond Head Beach Park is far from the crowd of the city but not very far in terms of transportation. Even if you are planning a one day trip to a beach from the city, you can easily reach this beach and enjoy the timeless beauty of the beach park. Whether you are planning to visit on the weekends with your friends or with your family, you can engage in several activities like surfing, snorkeling, excursion as well as swimming, though due to the coral reefs swimming is not a preferred activity. Do not forget to take your cameras, as this is an absolute Instagram-worthy place, and also some snaps for your memory.

Timings : The beach is open for 24 hours but the park is open from 5 am to 10 pm

Disability- friendly : Wheelchairs can be rented

10. Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu

Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu

Located at a distance of 1.7 miles so in less than 5 minutes you will reach Ala Moana Beach Park from the city of Honolulu. It is one of the most visited places and therefore it is better if you do not expect to get a calm and quiet environment at the beach. You can involve in activities like picnic, barbeque or just go for a run or a stroll at the park. It is advisable to go to the east side of the beach, as there are no reefs or rocks. There are lifeguards at the beach however you should be cautious if you are a novice swimmer.

Timings : The beach is open for 24 hours but the park is open from 4 am to 10 pm at night

Disability- friendly : Wheelchairs available

11. Makalei Beach, Honolulu

Makalei Beach, Honolulu

Located at a distance of 5.2 miles from the city of Honolulu, Makalei Beach is often overlooked as it is situated between two very popular beaches, namely Diamond Head Beach and Waikiki Beach and thus you should definitely visit if you are willing to spend some time at a quiet place and want to relax. The long stretch of white sandy beach with crystal clear water surrounded by greenery is what will fascinate you and keep you attracted to the beach. Come out from your busy life for once and enjoy a beautiful day in the lap of Mother Nature. Gift yourself a few hours of relaxation after a busy weekend.

Timings : The beach is open for 24 hours but the park is open from 5 am to 10 pm

Disability- friendly : Wheelchair available for rent

12. Pu’uloa Beach, Honolulu

Pu’uloa Beach, Honolulu

Pu’uloa Beach is located at a distance of 22.2 miles from the city of Honolulu. Involve yourself in activities like fishing, swimming, or play different games at the beach with your friends and family. Plan a sudden trip to this beach and see how the mesmerizing beach takes you by surprise. Take a stroll along the white-sand or go for a run, enjoy the fascinating nightfall, or the experience the magnificent sunrise, the sands will not disappoint you. Engage in activities that will give you happiness and will help you make memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Timings : The beach is open for 24 hours, but the park is open from 5 am to 8 pm

Disability- friendly : Wheelchairs are available for rent

These are some of the beaches that should definitely be on your bucket list if you are planning to visit the city of Honolulu. The beaches in Honolulu are one of the biggest attractions for people who visit the city. We hope this article has enough information to help you. Let us know in the comment section if it has been useful to you in finding the perfect beach to enjoy with your friends and family. Do not forget to miss the blissful sunset or the sunrise at the beaches and make memories that will be engraved in your memory.

Top Hotels In Honolulu

Related Collections

Adventure

Adventure

Snorkelling in Honolulu: 5 Amazing Sites to Dive into the Bright and Blue Pacific

Beaches & Islands

Beaches & Islands

Sunrise in Honolulu: 10 Beautiful Spots to Watch the Sunrise in Honolulu 

Adventure

Adventure

Surfing in Honolulu: 12 Best Surf Spots and Schools to go Surfing in Honolulu 

Adventure

Adventure

Scuba Diving in Honolulu: Top 10 Spots for an Exhilarating Dive Experience in Honolulu!

Beaches & Islands

Beaches & Islands

Islands in Honolulu

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Cafes in Honolulu to start your day with the finest coffee

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Airport in Honolulu for Your Hawaiian Gateway: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Nightlife in Honolulu: The 7 Best Places to Enjoy the Afterhours in the Hawaiian Islands

Experiences

Experiences

Golf Courses in Honolulu: 8 Amazing Places to Play Golf

Experiences

Experiences

Festivals in Honolulu: 14 Festivals to Experience the Local and Traditional Flavors of Honolulu

Adventure

Adventure

Camping in Honolulu: 9 Best Camping Sites to Experience The Natural Hawaii

Experiences

Experiences

Spas in Honolulu - Top 10 Spas to Pamper Yourself

Nightlife

Nightlife

Nightclubs in Honolulu - 10 Best Nightclubs to Party Through the Night

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Food in Honolulu: 14 Best Food Items and 6 Special Restaurants

Shopping

Shopping

Shopping in Honolulu: Top 15 Spots in Honolulu for the Shopaholic in You

Adventure

Adventure

Skydiving in Honolulu: The 2 Best Hawaiian Skydiving Spots

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Bars in Honolulu :15 Best Bars for an Authentic Hawaiian Experience!

Sightseeing

Sightseeing

Zoos in Honolulu

Sightseeing

Sightseeing

Museums in Honolulu

Experiences

Experiences

Golf Courses in Honolulu

Family Holidays

Family Holidays

Parks in Honolulu

Comments on this post

View Hotels