A Day at the Beach
Oahu has more than 100 miles of shoreline, and a lot of that is sandy beaches. While you can find a beach on any side of the island, some are nicer than others. Here's a small selection of some of the more gentle waters.
TRAVEL TIP
The lifeguards of Oahu have a great Web site that will clue you in on the island's beaches and swimming conditions: www.aloha.com/~lifeguards. For more detailed information on the beaches of Oahu, pick up a copy of John R. K. Clark's Beaches of Oahu (University of Hawaii Press, 1985).
Waikiki Beach, of course, is nice, although often incredibly crowded. It's still a great place to sun, swim, surf, and engage in other water activities. Ala Moana and Magic Island beaches in Honolulu are both pretty tame. Around Diamond Head from Waikiki is Hanauma Bay, famous for its snorkeling and diving. West of Honolulu, there are several lovely beaches at the Ko Olina Resort and to the far west, Yokohama Bay is quite pleasant.
On the windward side, Kailua Beach Park and Lanikai are considered two of the best beaches to be found. On the North Shore, 'Ehukai is usually gentle. If you want to see some of the greatest surfers in the world challenging some of the most difficult waves in the world, Sunset Beach and Waimea Beach on the North Shore are the places to be during the winter big-wave months.
