Oahu Hotels & vacation packages

North Shore Beaches

O‘ahu's North Shore is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Hawai‘i. From world-famous surf spots to secluded coves, there's a beach for everyone on the North Shore. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and more on North Shore beaches.

Sunset Beach is one of the most well-known beaches on O‘ahu's North Shore. The wide sandy beach is a prime spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Sunset Beach is also a great place to watch big-wave surfing in the winter, when swells can reach up to 30 feet tall.

Waimea Bay Beach Park is a hotspot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The bay is calm in the summer months, making it a perfect place to enjoy the water. Waimea Bay is famous for its big winter waves, which attract surfers from all over the world.

Ehukai Beach Park is home to the famous Banzai Pipeline surf spot. The waves here are among the most iconic in the world, attracting surfers from all over to test their skills. The beach also draws surfing competitions such as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing and the Billabong Pipeline Masters.

Kawela Bay is a beautiful sandy beach on O‘ahu's North Shore. The bay is home to a variety of marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.

South Shore beaches

O‘ahu's South Shore beaches are some of the most prominent in Hawai‘i. 

Waikiki Beach is world-famous for stunning views of Leahi (Diamond Head) and clear blue waters. The bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku welcomes visitors to Waikiki, where they can learn to surf or paddle a canoe.

Kuhio Beach is another well-loved spot for swimming and sunbathing, while Fort DeRussy Beach offers a more tranquil experience. Visitors will find plenty of activities to keep them busy on O‘ahu's South Shore beaches.

Westside beaches

The Leeward Coast is home to some of O‘ahu's most popular beaches. From the wide stretch of sand at Depot Beach Park to the big waves at Makaha Beach, there's something for everyone on the Leeward Coast. Keawa‘ula Beach (Yokohama Beach) is great for sunbathing and watching surfers and dolphins, and hikers should take the trail to Ka‘ena Point. For a more resort-like experience, Ko Olina Resort and Marina offers all the amenities you need for a relaxing vacation.

Eastside beaches

O‘ahu's Windward Coast boasts some of the island's most gorgeous beaches. From the white-sand Kailua Beach Park to the dramatic cliffs at Makapuu Beach Park, there are plenty of options on the Windward Coast. Looking for a place to bodysurf or bodyboard? Head to Makapuu Beach Park. If you simply want to relax and take in stunning views, Kailua Beach Park is the perfect spot. 

Hiking is a great way to see O‘ahu’s natural beauty. With many trails of varying difficulty, there's something for experienced and novice hikers alike. Diamond Head State Monument is a popular hike thanks to sweeping views of Waikiki and the surrounding area from the top. Other options include Manana Ridge Trail, which takes you through lush forest reserves, and Kaena Point Trail, which offers stunning ocean views. Whether you want a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, you'll find it on one of O‘ahu's many hiking trails.

A luau is a Hawai‘ian feast that is steeped in tradition and culture. Luaus often feature a traditional kalua pig roast alongside other Hawaiian dishes such as poi (taro) and Hawai'i-style sushi. The feast is usually accompanied by live music and hula dancing. A luau is a great way to experience the culture and traditions of Hawai‘i.

If you're looking for a unique way to explore the coastline of O‘ahu, consider an outrigger canoe ride. These canoe rides are led by experienced guides who will show you top spots to paddle and swim. Waikiki Beach is a popular spot for canoe rides, with several companies that offer them. 

During these canoe rides, you’ll see some of the most stunning scenery on the island and experience the majestic wildlife up close. Keep watch for dolphins, turtles, and even whales as you paddle your way through paradise. 

Snorkeling and scuba diving are some of the most popular activities in O‘ahu. The island is home to some of the best beaches in the world, and the clear, warm waters are ideal for enjoying the underwater world.

There are many snorkeling and diving spots, but Shark's Cove is a prime pick. Don’t be scared off by the name! This rocky bay is one of the top snorkeling and shore-diving spots in the world because of its clear, shallow waters. Shark's Cove is an excellent summertime exploration spot, but large swells make it too dangerous to visit during winter. For calmer waters, head to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, where you can snorkel among schools of tropical fish. You'll need to take a short hike into the crater of an extinct volcano to reach the preserve—but it's well worth the effort.

For an even more immersive experience, try scuba diving at one of O‘ahu's many dive sites. Beginners can opt for a "discovery dive" in shallow waters, while more experienced divers can explore shipwrecks and reefs at deeper depths. No matter where you go underwater, you're sure to be dazzled by the vibrant colors and diverse marine life that call O‘ahu home.

O‘ahu is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, so what better way to take in their splendor than from above? Parasailing and paragliding are popular activities on the island, offering visitors a chance to see the coastline from a new perspective.

If you're looking for an even more adrenaline-pumping experience, check out skydiving in O‘ahu. You'll be treated to stunning views of the island as you freefall from thousands of feet up in the air. No matter which activity you choose, you're sure to have an unforgettable time exploring O‘ahu from above.