More than 130 beautiful, sandy beaches encircle Oahu, Hawaii's most-visited island. But in the city of Honolulu, if for no other reason than its size, you'll find the highest quantity and diversity of beaches that rival the Waianae Coast for sunshine: world-famous and fun-loving Waikiki, actually a string of beaches; family-friendly and more laid-back Ala Mona Beach, also known as Magic Island; and the snorkeling favorite, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, with its crescent sandy beach and translucent, shallow turquoise water. It's easy in Honolulu to find luxurious and budget accommodations that overlook the ocean or are within walking distance.
At Waikiki, concessionaires and Waikiki Beach Boys are on hand if you want to rent a board or learn to surf, paddle an outrigger canoe or body board on Waikiki's long and gentle surf. Catch a day cruise, or kick back and soak up the sun and vibes with people from all around the world. Sip tropical concoctions and dance on the beach at Duke's Barefoot Bar (dukeswaikiki.com) to live Hawaiian music. When you tire of the sun, stroll the lushly landscaped grounds of beachfront hotels, which you can revisit after dark for live entertainment and dinner. East of Waikiki, visit Hanauma Bay, where you'll see swarms of colorful fish by snorkeling or wading. West of Waikiki, Ala Moana Beach sits on a peninsula across the large outdoor mall of the same name. Off the crescent beach, swim or body board protected by the breakwater. Wheelchair mats lead to the water.
On Oahu's North Shore, historical Haleiwa, a laid-back surfer and artist hamlet, buzzes with activity in winter, when Van Triple Crown world surfing competitions come to town. Watch surfers ride waves as high as 50 feet at legendary beaches like Haleiwa, Bonsai Pipeline, Sunset and Waimea Bay. In summer, when Waimea becomes a placid pond, swim in its aquamarine water and enjoy the sand. Stay at a bed and breakfast, condo or a backpackers hostel. While enjoying Haleiwa's beaches, stop by the old Matsumoto General Store (matsumotoshaveice.com) for a shaved ice, and view pictures on the rustic walls of the many celebrities who've slurped on Hawaii's variation of the snow cone here.
About five miles north of Lahaina, three miles of golden sands await at Kaanapali Beach in the resort community of the same name. Kaanapali, one of Maui's signature beaches and an alumni of the list of best beaches in America by Dr. Stephen Leatherman, aka Dr. Beach, is fronted by hotels, condos and a boardwalk leading to Whaler's Village (whalersvillage.com), with its free entertainment, museums, shops and restaurants. The hotels and concessionaires make it easy for you to enjoy the crystal blue waters via snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, diving and more. You also can play volleyball or just relax on the luscious sand, but before the sunset washes the sky with pink and orange, head to the beach's north end to watch the ceremonious torch-lighting cliff diver.
Waikoloa Village is an inland community oasis in a lava field, less than five minutes from the ocean. The Hilton Waikoloa Village (hilton.com) is what most visitors think of when they hear the name, and is a resort with shops, restaurants and free entertainment. Whether you stay in a condo in the town or at the resort, you’ll have many sandy beaches just a few minutes away, including two of Hawaii’s and the United States' most-celebrated beaches: the crescent, white sand beach called Kaunaoa that is accessed from the Mauna Kea Hotel, and Hapuna Beach, a state recreational area.
To enjoy Kauanao, arrive at the Mauna Kea Hotel's (princeresortshawaii.com) parking lot by 9 a.m. because it limits public beach parking. At Hapuna, you can swim, body board and snorkel, but when the surf's pounding, stay clear of the waves, and enjoy the beach's soft sand, picnic areas and the glorious views from the shaded path to the top of the hill and parking lots. Another popular beach in the Waikoloa area, closed to Waikoloa Village, is Anaehoomalu Bay, or A Bay, as the locals call it. It's a palm-fringed bay popular with canoe clubs, kayakers and sunset photographers.
