There are all kinds of beaches on Oahu for every flavor of outdoor activities, whether you're interested in surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle-boarding, or just soaking up the sun. But sometimes, there's nothing more refreshing than a good dip in the ocean. Here are our top picks for places to go for a swim on the island:
1. Waikiki Beach
Waikiki is a classic for a reason. With beautiful crystal blue water, long stretches of beach, and plenty of food, drinks, and stores nearby, Waikiki has something for everyone. The water here is calm and inviting, and while the beaches are narrow and can get crowded, it's a great place to come for a morning or evening dip in between other activities.
Location: South Shore (Honolulu)
Amenities: Restrooms, nearby restaurants and shops
Free parking: No
Recommended activities: Swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, sunbathing
2. Ala Moana
Located just across the canal from Waikiki, Ala Moana Beach Park is a wonderful beach that attracts families, visitors, and locals alike. This manmade beach features calm water that's great for swimming, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and more. Best of all, there's abundant free parking right next to the water. This beach is a great place to come for sunset - bonus points if you get some takeout from L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, which is right across the street.
Location: South Shore (Honolulu)
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
Free parking: Yes
Recommended activities: Swimming, paddleboarding, snorkeling, sunbathing
3. Magic Island
Magic Island is right next to Ala Moana, separated from the main beach by a lush park full of banyan trees, picnic tables, and a series of paths for walking, biking, and running. The beach itself is smaller than Ala Moana, but tends to be a bit less crowded, especially during peak times. The beach is protected by a rock wall from the surging waves beyond, so the water is calm and suitable for swimmers of all ages and comfort levels.
Location: South Shore (Honolulu)
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
Free parking: Yes
Recommended activities: Swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing
4. Kailua
Located on Oahu's east or windward side, Kailua is famed for its sparkling blue waters and natural beauty, so much so that it routinely makes the list for the prettiest beaches in the world. Waters are typically calm here, suitable for swimming and kayaking. This beach is also a popular spot for wind surfers! There's free parking beside the beach, but the lot can fill up fast on holidays and weekends.
Location: Windward (East) Side
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables
Free parking: Yes, fills up fast
Recommended activities: Swimming, kayaking, windsurfing, sunbathing
5. Lanikai
Right around a bend in the coast from Kailua, Lanikai is another stunning beach, with white sand and bright blue water. There's no parking lot for this beach, which means that you'll have to park elsewhere and walk. However, this also means that the beach is less crowded.
Location: Windward (East) Side
Amenities: None
Free parking: None
Recommended activities: Swimming, sunbathing
6. Bellows
Located inside the Airforce base, Bellows beach is open to the public. Similar to Kailua and Lanikai, this beautiful beach is ideal for swimming, or just bringing a picnic and soaking up the sun.
Location: Windward (East) Side
Amenities: Restrooms, camping
Free parking: Yes
Recommended activities: Swimming, sunbathing
7. Waimanalo
Waimanalo Beach is also located on Oahu's windward side. This beach tends to be slightly wavier, but still suitable for swimming. Depending on the time of month, there may occasionally be jellyfish and man-o-wars present in the water. That said, this beach has free parking, long stretches of pristine white sand, and some of the most stunning scenery around.
Location: Windward (East) Side
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables
Free parking: Yes
Recommended activities: Swimming, sunbathing
8. Malaekahana
Located near the northeastern tip of Oahu where the windward side transitions to the north shore, Malaekahana is a great beach for swimming during the summer months, although water can be a little rougher during the winter surfing season. There are cabins and campground spots for rent nearby, making this a great spot for an overnight camping trip. Wake up to the sound of the waves and jump directly into the ocean!
Location: Windward (East) Side/North Shore
Amenities: Camping
Free parking: Yes
Recommended activities: Swimming, surfing, camping, sunbathing
9. Waimea Bay
Located on the north shore of Oahu, Waimea Bay is a scenic bay that's great for swimming during the summer months. In the winter, it's also a popular surfing location. There's free parking, but the small lot fills up fast, so plan to get there early to ensure a spot.
Location: North Shore
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables
Free parking: Yes, lot fills up fast
Recommended activities: Swimming, surfing, sunbathing
10. Ko Olina Lagoons
Located on Oahu's leeward (west) side, the Ko Olina lagoons are composed of four man-made lagoons adjacent to a string of luxury hotels, including the Four Seasons, Aulani Disney Resort, Beach Villas, and Marriott. These peaceful lagoons are perfect for swimming for the whole family, and are free to the public even if you're not staying at one of the on-site hotels.
Location: Leeward (West) Side
Amenities: Restrooms
Free parking: Yes
Recommended activities: Swimming, sunbathing
Ocean Safety on Oahu
Oahu is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but they can be hazardous for inexperienced swimmers. If you're planning on swimming on the island, you should be mindful of the water and only swim in areas where you feel confident of your abilities. Oahu's wave patterns change seasonally, so some beaches may only be suitable for swimming for part of the year. Hawaii Beach Safety's beach map is a great resource to check out for regularly updated beach conditions and hazard levels.
You should also pay close attention to the safety and warning signs posted at many beaches on Oahu. These signs will warn you of hazards like strong shore breaks, riptides, jellyfish, and more. While you can still choose to swim at beaches with these signs present, you should be fully aware of the dangers when entering the water. If you're concerned about swimming on Oahu, look for beaches with lifeguards, and stay out of the water when in doubt.
