Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island

1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814 808-923-1811

Description: Ala Moana Beach Park sprawls across 100 acres in the midst of Honolulu, while Magic Island comprises about 30 acres of the park. Both areas are immensely popular, and folks frequently take advantage of the beaches, picnic areas, and jogging and biking paths. Facilities include showers, restrooms, and concession kiosks. The park also offers great views of the area and is often crowded with families, locals, and tourists as a result. On weekends, it may be difficult to find parking.
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Kailua Beach Park

450 Kailua Rd, Kailua, HI 96734 808-923-1811

Description: KAILUA. Set along Oahu's windward (east) coast, this beautiful beach is ideal for swimming and for windsurfing. It affords amazing views of the area and isn't as crowded as some other island beaches. A stream bisects the park and adds another dimension to aquatic activities. Lifeguards watch over the beach, and you'll also find picnic areas, a volleyball court, restrooms and showers, food services, a bike path, and equipment rentals.
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Kuhio Beach Park

2365 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

Description: WAIKIKI. One of Waikiki's first outdoor areas to be refurbished, Kuhio was once the favorite beach of former Olympic athlete and Honolulu sheriff, Duke Kahanamoku. Nowadays, the beach is a wonderful place to catch some rays, especially since its landscaping has been added to and improved, and there are new water features and hula mounds. The Wizard Stones ­ said to have been given healing powers by ancient Tahitians ­ have gained new prominence, and a statue commemorating Duke stands near his old stomping grounds.
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Lanikai Beach

eastern coast of Oahu, Kailua, HI

Description: KAILUA. Set on Oahu's windward coast, this gorgeous beach offers incredible waters and the picturesque presence of two small, offshore islands. About a mile long, the beach varies in width, although its entire stretch provides soft sands and beautiful vistas out towards the ocean and of the Koolau Range. Along with swimming and snorkeling, kayaking and windsurfing are popular pastimes. The beach is protected by an offshore reef, making the waters calm on this quiet stretch of coastline.
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Malaekahana State Recreation Area and Goat Island

off Kamehameha Hwy, 2 miles north of Polynesian Cultural Center, Laie, HI 96762 808-293-1736

Description: LAIE. Relatively secluded, this strip of windward coastline plays host to overnight campers as well as to day visitors. Waters stretching alongside a white-sand beach make for incredible swimming, and you'll also find restrooms, showers, and picnic areas for your convenience. If you want to explore a bit, wade or swim to Goat Island (aka Moku'auia), a wildlife preserve that offers additional privacy and delightful stillness. It affords excellent swimming and lets you experience the islands as the ancients must have known them.
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Sunset Beach Park

59 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712 808-638-7051

Description: NORTH SHORE. This North Shore beach is a favorite with folks who follow the surfing circuit. During the summer, its two miles of white-sand shores are relatively safe, and you'll find swimmers and snorkelers frolicking among milder waves. Come winter, though, the surf runs high, and rip currents can be deadly. At this point, it's best to leave the imposing waves to experts and simply watch experienced folks tackle the ocean from a safe perch on the beach.
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Waimea Bay Beach Park

61-031 Kamehameha Hwy, 5 miles northeast of Haleiwa, Haleiwa, HI 96712 808-596-7873

Description: NORTH SHORE. Deceptively beautiful, this scenic cove ­ home to some of the planet's most unforgiving surf ­ can mean death to naive swimmers. That is, in winter, anyway, when the waves churn up and some of surfing's best talents take to the sea to prove their mettle. In this season, rip currents are strong, and waves can rise to thirty feet. Summer brings calmer waters, however, and even mere mortals can enjoy the beauty of Waimea. Then, they're under the protection of lifeguards and can take advantage of picnic areas, restrooms, and showers.
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