It’s no secret that the North Shore of Oahu encompasses some of the state’s – if not the world’s – best beaches, and it may be difficult to decide which one to go to. A good place to start is Waimea Bay Beach. Famous for its twenty-foot-high rock, Waimea Bay Beach offers surf, sand, and sun perfect for a day trip to the beach.

Since it is on the North Shore, the waves are somewhat rough, compared to other beaches, such as Lanikai and Kahala. You’ll immediately understand why surfing competitions are held on this side of the island. However, this does not mean you have to be a hardcore surfer to enjoy Waimea, especially during the calmer months. For not-so-experienced swimmers, it can be fun simply wading close to the shore and feeling the waves push and pull you across.

Although somewhat short in length, the beach goes fairly far back and provides space for Frisbee or informal volleyball game. If you came to relax, lie on a beach towel and stare out into the unobstructed, endless crystal blue waters. Waimea is a beautiful spot to watch the sun set.

Best for:

• Surfing (during winter season)
• Swimming
• Jumping into the ocean
• Tanning

Tips:

• If you plan on jumping off the rock, try to fall with your legs extended downward and avoid landing on your bottom; otherwise, it will hurt.
• Come early to find parking in the small lot and a preferable spot on the beach.
• Before you come to Waimea, stop by Storto’s in Hale’iwa to pick up a sandwich and eat it on the beach. Don’t forget to throw away your rubbish! After you leave the beach, return to Hale’iwa to enjoy some shave ice at Matumoto’s or Aioki’s.

Directions from Waikiki:

1. Head west on Ala Wai Blvd.
2. Turn right onto McCully St.
3. Sharp left onto Metcalf St.
4. Take the ramp onto I-H-1 W.
5. Slight right to stay on I-H-1 W (signs for Interstate H1 W/Airport/Hickam AFB/Pearl Harbor)
6. Slight right onto I-H-2 N.
7. Take exit 8 toward Wahiawa.
8. Merge onto HI-99 N/Kamehameha Hwy.
9. Continue onto HI-83 E/Joseph P. Leong Hwy.
10. Parking lot will be on left.

Parking: Free. Small lot.

Dog friendly: Yes

Kahala Beach is a small, relaxing beach located in Kahala, an upscale residential neighborhood about a ten-minute drive from Waikiki. It offers clear views of Portlock and Koko Head on the left, and Diamond Head on the right. Since there are barely any waves, and it is almost always sunny on this part of the island, this is the perfect beach for swimming (or wading, since it’s pretty shallow here due to the reef), tanning and perhaps standup paddling.

Despite its proximity to Waikiki, Kahala Beach is almost unheard of by tourists. However, a number of locals know about this place, so, since the beach is quite small, it can sometimes be difficult to find a spot to spread out and tan, depending on the time of day. For a greater chance of finding a desirable spot, avoid coming during high tide; the water rises and the beach gets even smaller.

There are quite a few coconut trees sporadically placed along the beach. These trees provide shade but also leave dead branches and coconuts onto the sand and into the water. Like Lanikai, another beach that caters more to the tanning-and-relaxing crowd, Kahala Beach has clear waters and a beautiful view. You can see stunning views of Portlock and Koko Head on the left and Black Point on the right. However, unlike Lanikai, Kahala Beach is much smaller and rockier. It is best thought of as an alternative to Lanikai when you do not want to make the drive all the way to Kailua, or if the Windward side is pouring, as it often is.

You can park in the residential neighborhood and look for one of the blue public beach access signs on Kahala Avenue. These signs are usually opposite an intersection and signify the entrance to a path that leads to the beach.

Best for:

• tanning
• wading
• standup paddling

Tips:

• Come early to beat the high tide and after-school crowd

 Directions (from Waikiki):

1. Head east from Waikiki on Kalakaua Ave
2. Make a slight left onto Poni Moi Rd
3. Take the second right onto Diamond Head Rd
4. Continue onto Kahala Ave. Beach will be on the right.

Parking:
Free. Any of the residential streets.

Pet Friendly:
Yes