Beaches near Honolulu

Spoiled for choice. That's really the best way to describe the experience of looking for beaches in Hawaii. This archipelago state is a series of tropical islands, each of them ringed by absolutely gorgeous beaches. So even in the capital, Honolulu, you're never far away from a glorious stretch of sand where you can swim in the warm waters and enjoy the local wildlife.

Honolulu is a great base for your Hawaii vacation, offering the best encounters with traditional Hawaiian culture, the best restaurants in the state, and still providing access to one beautiful sandy beach after another. In fact, there are so many beautiful beaches of soft warm sand and gentle waves near here that you're going to have to be selective. Whether you want a lively beach with tons of activities and amenities, a top-notch snorkeling spot like Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, or surfing on the west coast at Mākaha Beach, you can easily find it here, so think about what your ideal beach day looks like. Chances are, you can have exactly that here.

Driving is generally the best way to get around Hawaii, but rental car companies know they have a captive audience on these islands, so it can be expensive. Luckily, it's possible to reach some famous beaches even by public transit from Honolulu itself, though it is important to remember that if a beach is accessible by transit, it is likely to be busier than the ones you have to drive to.

The 3 best beaches near Honolulu

Truthfully, this article could be thousands of words long and still never mention all the great beaches there are in the area. You really can't go wrong here, so feel free to explore and find your own favorite. Still, if you're looking for some guidance to get you started, here are some of the best beaches to check out.

Waikīkī Beach

Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world, located on the southern shore of Oahu in Honolulu in front of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. It’s just a short drive from Honolulu’s city center and easily accessible by car, bus, or on foot if you're staying nearby. The beach is a major tourist destination, known for its vibrant atmosphere, iconic skyline, and the breathtaking backdrop of Diamond Head Crater.

Waikiki Beach stretches for about two miles along the coastline, offering soft golden sand, clear turquoise waters, and gentle waves, making it an ideal spot for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and water sports. The beach is divided into several sections, with Kuhio Beach Park, Queen's Surf Beach, and Fort DeRussy Beach Park as the most popular areas.

Waikiki Beach has the perfect balance between relaxation and activity. The calm, shallow waters make it a great spot for beginner surfers, and there are numerous surf schools and rental shops offering lessons and equipment. The gentle waves also make it an excellent destination for paddleboarding and outrigger canoe rides, which are traditional Hawaiian activities.

You can't miss the stunning view of Diamond Head, the extinct volcanic crater that provides a dramatic backdrop to the beach. Feeling energetic? Hike to the top of Diamond Head for panoramic views of Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean.

The beach is well-equipped with amenities, including lifeguards, restrooms, showers, and beach equipment rentals. There are also plenty of beachside cafes, restaurants, and bars where you can grab a meal or a refreshing drink, often with live music or traditional Hawaiian performances.

Beyond the beach, Waikiki offers tons of activities and attractions:

• Waikiki Beach Walk: A vibrant promenade filled with luxury hotels, shops, and restaurants, perfect for dining, shopping, and entertainment.
• Duke Kahanamoku Statue: Located at Kuhio Beach, this statue honors the legendary Hawaiian surfer and Olympian who popularized the sport of surfing worldwide.
• Catamaran Cruises: You can book a catamaran cruise right off the beach for sunset sailing, whale watching, or snorkeling tours along the coast.
• Snorkeling at Queen’s Surf Beach: The calm waters here are a great spot for snorkeling, where you can see tropical fish and sometimes sea turtles in the reef just offshore.

Waikiki Beach is also famous for its lively nightlife, with a variety of bars, lounges, and live music venues along the shore. Many of the beachfront hotels offer Hawaiian luaus, where you can experience traditional Hawaiian food, hula dancing, and live music in an open-air setting.

One of the great things about this beach is how easily accessible it is from the city. Depending on where you're staying, it may even be possible to walk here. To make things easier, leave your bags behind with a Bounce luggage storage in Honolulu and pick them up once you're ready to return to town.

Diamond Head Beach Park

If the view of the famous crater from Waikiki Beach isn't enough, you can go to the source. Diamond Head Beach Park is somewhat of a hidden gem located on the south shore of Oahu, just beyond the famous Diamond Head Crater. Unlike the more crowded beaches in the area, this beach has a more serene and secluded experience, making it a favorite spot among locals and surfers. The beach is easily accessible by car, with parking available along Diamond Head Road, followed by a short walk down a trail to the shoreline. Public transportation is a different story. You can get within a little less than two miles of the beach using bus #2 towards Waikiki from Honolulu, but you'll have to walk the rest of the way.

When your idea of the perfect Honolulu beach day includes rugged beauty, this is the place to be. Featuring a mix of soft sand, rocky areas, and tide pools, the beach is more natural and less developed compared to other south shore beaches, giving it a peaceful and untouched feel. The shoreline is lined with lava rocks and coral formations, so beachcombing should be on your to-do list. The waves here are larger than at some of the other beaches near Honolulu. Bring or rent a surfboard to full take advantage!

As you might expect, the beach offers stunning views of the ocean with Diamond Head looming close by. It’s an excellent place to watch the sunrise or simply enjoy a quieter beach day away from the crowds of Waikiki. Due to its more rugged nature, the waters at Diamond Head Beach Park are best suited for surfing and bodyboarding rather than casual swimming, though there are calmer areas closer to shore for those looking to wade in the water.

More than just a beautiful sandy beach, this is a great place for beachcombing and surfing. If you plan to stay active, it's a good idea to leave your things behind with a Bounce luggage storage. That way, your belongings will be protected from water and sand while you have fun.

Ala Moana Beach Park

Ala Moana Beach Park is one of Honolulu’s most popular and beloved spots, located between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki on Oahu’s south shore. It offers the typical Hawaiian laid-back vibe while still being close to the hustle and bustle of the city. The park is easily accessible by car, bus (take bus #40 to the Ala Moana Center and walk less than a mile), or even a short walk from nearby neighborhoods, with plenty of parking available around the park.

Ala Moana Beach Park is known for its wide, protected beach, which stretches over half a mile with soft golden sand and calm, turquoise waters. The beach is protected by an outer reef, making the waters inside extremely calm - perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and wading. Unlike the busier beaches of Waikiki, Ala Moana Beach is quieter and less crowded, attracting a mix of locals and visitors who are looking for a more relaxed beach experience.

The beach’s calm conditions mean this is a favorite for families with children and for those who enjoy swimming without worrying about large waves. It’s also a great spot for novice paddleboarders, with rentals available. The gentle slope of the beach into the water and the absence of strong currents create a perfect setting for leisurely swims.

Beyond swimming and sunbathing, Ala Moana Beach Park offers a wide range of activities for beachgoers:

• Picnicking and BBQs: The park is filled with grassy areas and picnic tables, perfect for a family picnic or barbecue. There are also several BBQ pits available on a first-come, first-served basis, making it a popular spot for gatherings and parties.
• Walking, jogging, and biking: Ala Moana Beach Park features a scenic walking path that runs along the shoreline, perfect for getting active with views of the ocean and Diamond Head in the distance. It’s an ideal place for a morning or evening stroll, especially as the sun sets over the water.
• Water sports: This spot has the perfect beach conditions for paddleboarding and kayaking, thanks to the calm, protected waters. Rentals for boards and kayaks are available near the park, making it easy to get out on the water.
• Surfing at Magic Island: Located at the eastern end of the park is Magic Island, a man-made peninsula that offers a sheltered swimming lagoon and is a popular spot for local surfers. While the lagoon is great for kids and families, the outer reef creates good surf breaks for experienced surfers.
• Snorkeling: While not as famous for snorkeling as other spots on Oahu, including the north shore beaches, the calm waters at Ala Moana are clear enough for casual snorkeling along the rocky areas near Magic Island.

This beach is close enough to the city that you could enjoy a day of shopping, then head to the ocean. Leave your shopping bags behind with Bounce, where your new purchases will be safely looked after until you're ready to pick them up. We can help you store any unneeded items while you spend time on the golden sands at any of the beaches we've mentioned and multiple other popular beaches like Laniakea Beach, Kūhiō Beach, Queen's Surf Beach, and beyond.