Waikiki Beach is Honolulu's most popular district and beach, but it's mostly overcrowded leaving you with limited activities to do. If you venture out of Waikiki, the island of O'ahu has plenty of beautiful beaches scattered throughout the island. Below are several beaches you must check out when you visit.
O'ahu Beaches: Waimanalo, Lanikai, & Kailua Beach - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSZKHB_t3x0&t=16s
Waimanalo Beach
Waimanalo Beach is located on the eastern end of the island, about 30 minutes from Waikiki. The scenery is great with amazing mountain views and crystal clear waters. The white sandy beach stretches for 3 miles and it’s perfect for couples and families as it’s not too crowded compared to other beaches on O'ahu. Enjoy poke bowls and great Hawaiian beer!
Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach is located on the eastern end of the island about 40 minutes from Waikiki, north of Waimanalo Beach. It’s considered one of the best beaches on Oahu with calm turquoise waters, white sands, and the stunning views of the Mokulua mountains. Lanikai means “Heavenly Ocean”, and it’s true to its name. Parking is located within the residential neighborhood, just be cautious with the no parking signs. The Pillbox Hike is located here and once you make it to the top, you’ll see the incredible views of the beach and the Mokulua mountains.
Kailua Beach
Kailua Beach is located on the eastern end of the island, about 35 minutes from Waikiki, about a mile north of Lanikai Beach. The beach is about 2.5 miles long and it’s famous for kayaking and paddleboarding. This is also an perfect location to catch the sunset as it's not too crowded as the Waikiki Beach sunset. You might encounter the "bird guy"!
Laniakea Beach
Laniakea Beach is located on Oahu’s North Shore, about an hour from Waikiki. It’s known as “Turtle Beach”, as you will see green sea turtles relaxing on the beach. The area will be roped off wherever the turtles are so visitors are aware. The beach is small and rocky, but also a good spot to snorkel.
Kualoa Beach Park
Located across from Kualoa Ranch, this beach is fairly empty, but worth a shot to check it out. Parking is limited as you have pull over on the side of the road. Keep an eye on the weather as the conditions were not suitable for swimming when I went. If you keep walking down the beach, you'll reach Kualoa Regional Park and Kualoa Point where you can relax at the park and see the famous view of Mokolii Island.