10 Best Oahu, Hawaii Beaches | From Lanikai Beach to Waimea Bay to Ko Olina Lagoons to Waikiki Beach

10 Best Oahu, Hawaii Beaches | From Lanikai Beach to Waimea Bay to Ko Olina Lagoons to Waikiki Beach

89,669 View

Publish Date:
September 7, 2025
Category:
Surfing
Video License
Standard License
Imported From:
Youtube





Time to explore Oahu’s beaches! Here are our 10 favorite beaches from Lanikai Beach to the Ko Olina Lagoons to Waikiki Beach. Plus, one bonus beach cove where they film movies.

Erica, Henry, and I will take you on a drive around #Oahu to show you our favorite beaches. To make our list these beaches needed to have white or golden sand, safe surf breaks most of the year, and beautiful scenery. The water is always crystal clear so that was a no-brainer.

How do you fit these beaches into your Oahu, #Hawaii itinerary? Check out our Oahu itineraries for ways to save, tips from locals, when to make reservations, where to stay, and a step-by-step pre-travel testing video: https://thehawaiivacationguide.com/oahu/

Which Part of Oahu Should You Stay: North Shore, Waikiki, or Ko Olina
https://thehawaiivacationguide.com/which-part-of-oahu-should-you-stay/

Click here for our Hawaiian Island Cheat Sheets Free Download
https://thehawaiivacationguide.com/hawaii-cheat-sheets/

10 Best Oahu Beaches - see for directions and more details
https://thehawaiivacationguide.com/best-beaches-on-oahu-hawaii/

Oahu’s Best Beaches | From Lanikai Beach to Waimea Bay to Ko Olina Lagoons to Waikiki Beach
00:00 Intro
01:44 Sandy Beach, Windward Oahu
02:05 Makapu’u Beach, Windward Oahu
02:33 Waimanalo Beach Park, Waimanalo
03:01 Lanikai Beach, Kailua, Oahu
04:47 Kualoa Regional Park, Kane’ohe, Oahu
05:15 Pupukea Beach (Shark’s Cove), North Shore, Oahu
05:56 Waimea Bay, North Shore, Oahu
06:49 Ko Olina Lagoons in Ko Olina Resorts
07:50 Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu, Oahu
08:12 Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Oahu
09:13 Hawaii Beach Safety Tips
10:02 Bonus Beach: Halona Beach Cove

Mahalo for watching our Hawaii family #travelvlog.

Click Subscribe for more of our adventures and tips on traveling to Hawaii (plus subscribing helps us out!).
Disclaimer. Your use of the information provided in our Content, Itineraries, Site and Services is for your informational purposes only and is subject to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Your use of the information described in, your participation in activities presented in, and/or your engagement of any Travel Service Providers presented in our Content, Itineraries, Site and/or Services may carry the risk of illness, bodily injury, disability, death, or property damage. You voluntarily and freely assume all risks and dangers that may occur pursuant to your access, use, purchase or participation in any information, activity, good or service described in our Content, Itineraries, Site and Services or provided by any Travel Service Providers.
Terms of Service: https://thehawaiivacationguide.com/terms-conditions/
Privacy Policy: https://thehawaiivacationguide.com/privacy-policy/
——————————————————

Follow us on Instagram for behind the scenes content: @thehawaiivacationguide https://www.instagram.com/thehawaiivacationguide/

——————————————————

Sign up for our Hawaii Opens Update email here - https://thehawaiivacationguide.com/newsletter/

Here’s Erica’s FREE One Week Maui Itinerary with Kids - https://thehawaiivacationguide.com/the-best-adults-only-resorts-in-hawaii/

We also love to share our FREE 5-Day Oahu Itinerary - https://thehawaiivacationguide.com/5-day-oahu-itinerary/
——————————————————
OUR CAMERA GEAR (keep it simple for your vacation!):
Underwater camera: GoPro HERO 8 https://amzn.to/3wJFuYK
Use your smartphone for video but keep it smooth with a gimbal: OSMO DJI https://amzn.to/2SOIHHJ
Don’t lose your GoPro, invest in a floaty
Floaty stick: https://amzn.to/3zIoggm
Floaty cover: https://amzn.to/3j7uTD5
Vlogging camera (but use your phone for a family holiday): https://amzn.to/3h1QxpF

——————————————————
POPULAR VIDEOS

The Best Hawaiian Island for First-Timers video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niOXH...

Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit - https://youtu.be/2mIYF41vnhw

Where to Stay on Maui | Ka’anapali VS Wailea - https://youtu.be/rYZsfjlNfpo

-----------------------------------

Beach Safety Guidelines: Lifeguard Tips, Sun Protection, Water Safety, Rip Currents, First Aid & Emergency Procedures


Spending a day at the beach is a favorite pastime for many, offering sun, sand, and surf. However, ensuring safety for yourself and your loved ones is paramount. Whether you're a seasoned beachgoer or planning your first seaside adventure, understanding beach safety guidelines can make all the difference between a fun day and an unexpected mishap.

Lifeguard Tips

Always pay attention to lifeguard warnings and instructions. Lifeguards are trained to spot potential dangers early, such as strong rip currents or sudden changes in weather. They provide invaluable advice on safe swimming areas and can alert you to hazards you might not notice from the shore.

  • Observe the Flags: Different colored flags signal specific conditions. Red usually means dangerous water conditions, while green indicates safe swimming areas.
  • Heed the Warnings: If a lifeguard signals to stay out of the water, respect their authority and find an alternative activity.

Sun Protection

Protecting yourself from the sun is crucial to avoid sunburns, heatstroke, and long-term skin damage. Applying sunscreen regularly and seeking shade can help you enjoy the beach without the harmful effects of UV rays.

  • Use Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours, or more often if you're swimming or sweating.
  • Wear Protective Clothing: Hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts can provide additional protection against the sun.

Water Safety

Understanding water safety is essential for preventing accidents. Whether you're swimming, surfing, or engaging in other water activities, knowing the basics can save lives.

  • Swim Within Your Limits: Even if you're a strong swimmer, never underestimate the power of ocean currents and waves.
  • Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can impair your judgment and physical abilities, making it harder to stay safe in the water.

Rip Currents

Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of water that can pull swimmers away from the shore. Recognizing and knowing how to handle rip currents is vital for beach safety.

  • Identify Rip Currents: Look for areas where waves are breaking strongly offshore or paths of choppy, disorganized water.
  • What to Do If Caught: Stay calm, conserve energy, and swim parallel to the shore until you're out of the current, then return to the beach at an angle.

First Aid

Minor injuries can happen even on the safest beaches. Being prepared with first aid knowledge can help you address issues promptly and effectively.

  • Basic Supplies: Keep a first aid kit handy with bandages, antiseptics, and other essentials.
  • Learn CPR: Knowing CPR can be lifesaving in emergencies where someone isn't breathing or has no pulse.

Emergency Procedures

Having a plan for emergencies can significantly improve outcomes during unexpected situations. Familiarize yourself with local emergency procedures before heading to the beach.

  • Know the Location of Help: Identify the nearest lifeguard station, medical facility, and evacuation routes.
  • Stay Informed: Keep a fully charged phone or a whistle to call for help if needed.

Remember the last time you enjoyed a day at the beach without a hitch? Chances are, it was because you followed these safety guidelines. By staying aware, prepared, and respectful of the ocean's power, you can create memorable and safe beach experiences for everyone involved. So next time you pack your beach bag, make sure safety essentials are on the list—it’s a small step that leads to a big peace of mind.