Honolulu is the capital and largest city of Hawaii, on the south shore of Oahu, known for Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, Hanauma Bay and a food scene built on Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino and Chinese influences.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Honolulu.
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- lively resort beach, family-friendly and surf-school busy
- Lifeguards daily
- Restrooms and showers
- Surf and paddle rentals
- Shaded benches
- Nearby restaurants
Waikiki Beach (Kuhio Beach)
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 9 a.m. for the most space on the sand and the calmest water.
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- local, relaxed and shaded, quieter than central Waikiki
- Lifeguards
- Restrooms and showers
- Natatorium nearby
- Shaded lawn
Kaimana Beach (Sans Souci)
Editor’s tip. Arrive early on weekends, since the small lot and street spaces fill quickly.
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- local family park with picnics and calm lagoon water
- Lifeguards
- Restrooms and showers
- Picnic tables
- Large grassy park
- Free parking
Ala Moana Beach Park
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 9 a.m. on weekends to find parking in the free lots.
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- calm lagoon, joggers and sunset watchers
- Lifeguard
- Walking path
- Restrooms and showers
- Sunset views
Magic Island (Aina Moana)
Editor’s tip. Come around sunset, but arrive early since parking fills on weekends.
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- quiet residential shoreline, uncrowded and low-key
- Public access paths
- Shallow reef-protected water
- Quiet residential setting
Kahala Beach
Editor’s tip. Parking on Kahala Ave is limited; read posted signs carefully and respect residents.
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- rocky lookout with surf watchers and sunrise photographers
- Lookout and stairs
- Free parking on the road
- Tide pools
Diamond Head Beach Park
Editor’s tip. Parking is roadside only and limited; arrive early on weekends.
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- organized, popular snorkeling preserve with a protective ethic
- Lifeguards
- Restrooms and showers
- Snorkel rental
- Education center and video
- Tram to the beach
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Editor’s tip. Reserve entry online in advance; the preserve is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
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- local bodysurfing beach with powerful, serious waves
- Lifeguards
- Restrooms and showers
- Large parking lot
- Bodysurf break
Sandy Beach Park
Editor’s tip. Heed lifeguard warnings; the shore break can cause serious neck and spine injuries.
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- scenic cliffside beach with strong, dramatic waves
- Lifeguards
- Restrooms and showers
- Tide pools
- Picnic tables
Makapuu Beach Park
Editor’s tip. Avoid entering the water in winter, when the shore break and currents are dangerous.
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- long, relaxed local beach, family picnics on weekends
- Lifeguards
- Restrooms and showers
- Picnic area
- Long white sand beach
Waimanalo Beach Park
Editor’s tip. Never leave valuables in a parked car; break-ins happen at beach lots.
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- windy, watersports-friendly and family-oriented
- Lifeguards
- Restrooms and showers
- Kayak and paddleboard rentals nearby
- Picnic area
Kailua Beach Park
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 9 a.m., as the free lot fills early on weekends and holidays.
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- quiet, scenic residential beach with calm turquoise water
- No lifeguards
- Calm turquoise water
- Kayak access to the Mokulua Islands
- Limited parking
Lanikai Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive on a weekday morning; parking is limited to residential streets and ticketed if illegal.
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- open, scenic park with big views and camping
- Campground
- Restrooms and showers
- Picnic area
- Views of Mokolii Island
Kualoa Regional Park
Editor’s tip. Bring food and water, as the park has no concessions.
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- polished resort setting, calm and family-friendly
- Four man-made lagoons
- Public restrooms
- Calm water for families
- Public parking (limited)
Ko Olina Lagoons
Editor’s tip. Arrive early, since the limited public parking lots fill quickly.
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- rugged, snorkeler-focused spot beside a power plant
- No lifeguards
- Warm-water outflow attracts turtles and fish
- Rock and ledge entry
- Few facilities
Electric Beach (Kahe Point)
Editor’s tip. Visit between May and September when the water is calmest and clearest.
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- calm summer playground, legendary big-wave bay in winter
- Lifeguards
- Restrooms and showers
- Jumping rock
- Large sandy beach
Waimea Bay Beach Park
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 9 a.m. in summer; the free lot fills early.
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- wide, scenic beach: quiet in summer, big-wave spectacle in winter
- Lifeguards
- Restrooms and showers
- Wide beach
- Surf viewing
Sunset Beach
Editor’s tip. Visit from May to September to swim; stay out of the water in winter swells.
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- local, community-centred surf beach with deep cultural roots
- Lifeguards
- Restrooms and showers
- Surf culture history
- Picnic area
Makaha Beach
Editor’s tip. Swim only from April to October; winter surf and currents are dangerous.
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Honolulu memorable.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Honolulu’s coast.
Is Kuhio Beach safe for children?
The walled pools at Kuhio Beach hold shallow, calm water and are among the most popular spots in Waikiki for young children. Lifeguards are on duty daily.
From the Waikiki Beach (Kuhio Beach) editorial.
Is there parking at Kuhio Beach?
There is no public beach parking. Visitors who drive use hotel or public garages, typically costing about $15-40 per day.
From the Waikiki Beach (Kuhio Beach) editorial.
How far is Kaimana Beach from central Waikiki?
It is about 2 miles southeast along Kalakaua Avenue, roughly a 40-minute walk or a short ride on TheBus Route 2.
From the Kaimana Beach (Sans Souci) editorial.
Is Kaimana Beach good for swimming?
Yes. The reef-protected, sandy-bottomed water is usually calm, especially in summer, and lifeguards are on duty.
From the Kaimana Beach (Sans Souci) editorial.
Is parking free at Ala Moana Beach Park?
Yes, the park lots are free, but they fill on weekends and holidays, so early arrival is advisable.
From the Ala Moana Beach Park editorial.
Is the water calm?
A reef offshore keeps the swimming area calm and shallow for most of the year, and lifeguards are on duty.
From the Ala Moana Beach Park editorial.
Is Magic Island good for swimming?
Yes. The sheltered lagoon is calm and shallow, and a lifeguard is on duty.
From the Magic Island (Aina Moana) editorial.
Is it part of Ala Moana Beach Park?
Magic Island is a peninsula at the park's western end, officially Aina Moana State Recreation Area, and shares the same entrance and parking.
From the Magic Island (Aina Moana) editorial.