While Hanauma Bay is obviously our favorite beach on the south shore of Oahu, and Waikiki may be the most well-known, there are lots of south side beaches worth a visit. We’ve listed, in no particular order, our top five south shore beaches.
ALA MOANA BEACH PARK
Ala Moana Beach Park stands as a favorite to both tourists and locals alike. There are large grass lawns, picnic tables, pavilions and lots of parking which make for easy beach days. The spaced out banyan trees provide shade on those particularly sunny days. There are lifeguards present, restrooms, showers and calm currents which make this beach great for children and adults.
MAUNALUA BAY
Just before you reach Koko Marina Shopping Center off of Kalanianaole Highway, you will see a beach park on your right. This spot is not ideal for swimming, as it is very shallow and rocky, but it is a great place to picnic and watch the local outriggers paddle by. Restrooms, showers, picnic tables and parking are available.
HANAUMA BAY
This volcanic crater, that we are so lucky to be able to call our work office, makes for the perfect snorkeling adventure. Hanauma once served as a beach for Hawaii’s royal families because of its unmatched beauty and abundance of sea life. Lifeguards, restrooms and showers are all available. Parking is limited; however, shuttles to and from the bay are easily available. Give us a call to learn more about our services or simply click on the RESERVATION tab above to book a session with us, complete with snorkeling equipment.
WAIKIKI
Waikiki ranks among the best beaches in the world and is actually made up of a few different spots – Kaimana, Walls, Queens, Baby Queens, Canoes, Pops, and Threes. Waikiki is known for many things, one being the beach that Duke Kahanamoku learned to swim and surf as a boy. Lifeguards, restrooms and showers are all readily available and parking can be easily found in one of the many parking garages along Kalakaua Avenue or on one of the perpendicular side streets.
SANDY BEACH
This particular beach is known for its heavy shore break. Local body surfers and boarders crowd the beach, especially when the south shore is pumping. Sandy’s, as the locals call it, is also one of the most dangerous breaks on the island. There are more lifeguards stationed at this beach than at any other on the island of Oahu. With that said, it is also one of the most beautiful beaches on Oahu. There’s lots of parking, restrooms and showers.
There you have it, our top five favorite beaches on the South Shore of Oahu. You’ve got a little bit of everything in this short list, and that’s what makes us proud to call Hawaii home. What do you think of our list? Are there any beaches we missed, let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to give us a call if Hanauma Bay is where you want your next adventure to take you, we’d love to help make your experience as stress-free as possible.