With families visiting from all over the world, Oahu's beaches have become very popular. They go there for reasons almost too numerous to mention: sunshine, blue seas teeming with fish and coral, crystal-white beaches, lofty mountains and volcanoes, jungles full of exotic wildlife, collectible folk art and the breathtaking remains of ancient cultures. A Oahu vacation is perfect for the family and Oahu Travel Planners offers the best Oahu vacation packages.

Diamond Head Beach

Although the beach itself may be small, the 760-foot extinct volcano tuff cone right above it makes this beach truly unique! Nestled on the lower slopes of the crater, just beyond the Diamond Head Lighthouse, you will see the beautiful Diamond Head Beach. Enjoy the spectacular views and luxurious homes that circle this area. On you walk, make sure to make time to see the surfers and windsurfers riding the waves past the reef.

Halona Beach and Halona Blowhole

A must-see when visiting the islands is the Halona Blowhole on Oahu. The blowhole is a natural occurrence formed by molten lava tubes from volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. The lava tubes run to the ocean and, when the surf is right, the blowhole shoots water up to 30 feet in the air.
Halona Blowhole, also known as Lovers Beach to the locals, is just a 10-15 minute drive from Waikiki and is a spectacular scenic stroll. Located off the Kalanianole Highway and north of Hanauma Bay, the lookout at Halona Blowhole is worth the stop.
Situated to the right of the Halona Blowhole is the Halona Beach Cove, also known as the "Peering Place." This small sandy beach at the cove is great for swimming when the surf is calm. The site is known for the famous love scene between Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr in the movie, "From Here to Eternity" (1953). If you're lucky, you can see the resident honu (endangered Hawaiian green sea turtle).
On your way down to Halona Beach stop to enjoy a picnic lunch at Halona Point. Here you will see the active Halona Blowhole and the charming Halona Cove all in one stop! The blowhole still features spouting waters and the cove is one of the long time favorites for Oahu's shore fisherman. Take the casual hike down the volcanic cliffs to the cove and then onto the peaceful beach.

Waimanalo Beach

Locals attest that the Waimanalo Beach is perhaps the prettiest stretch of pristine white beach on Oahu. This stop is located on Waimanalo Bay and is about a one-mile walk from the road to its shoreline. When you arrive to the coast, look back and enjoy the majestic views of the Ko`olau Mountain and the Koolau Range surrounding you.

Kailua Beach

This is one of Oahu's most perfect beaches on the East Shore with excellent swimming and wind surfing. The many offshore islands create a beautiful backdrop to this tropical spot. The beach has soft fine sand and is perfect for sunbathing and recreational activities. This area is also a world-class wind surfing destination. Lessons can be arranged and rental gear can be purchased nearby to enjoy the local activities

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Located on the southeast coast of Oahu (about 10 miles east of Waikiki), Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of Hawaii’s most popular natural attractions. Some 3,000 people visit this beautiful preserve each day for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing and picnicking.
Believed to be 35,000 years old, the bay itself is actually the floor of a volcanic crater that opened up to the ocean when its exterior wall collapsed. Declared a marine life conservation area and underwater park in 1967, Hanauma Bay ("Hanauma" literally means "curved bay") is sheltered from strong currents and waves, making it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. It is also the site of Elvis' film "Blue Hawaii"!

Sunset Beach

Step back onto the sands of Oahu's Sunset Beach and enjoy the spectacle of surfers catching the thrill of, at times, 30-40-foot waves. Sunset Beach is the widest two-mile stretch of beach on the island of Oahu. Ranked one of the most spectacular surfing spots in the world, it is host to international surfing championships throughout the winter season.

Laniakea Beach

Laniakea Beach is a well known surfing spot on Oahu's North Shore. The beach offers great sand and an opportunity to relax. But the best thing about Laniakea Beach is the green sea turtles.
Laniakea is without question the best place in the world to see marine turtles up close. Hawaiian green turtles crawl ashore almost daily to bask amid crowds of tourists and surfers, providing a unique turtle experience and unmatched photo opportunities.

Waimea Bay Beach

Waimea Bay Beach is home of the largest, dangerous, most spectacular, ridable surf in the world. When the surf's up in the winter months, often ten to thirty plus feet, even just the inshore break can be big - sometimes even as high as twelve feet! Summers find Waimea bay quiet and gentle-perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Ko Olina Lagoons

This newer area to the island of Oahu features seven beautiful lagoons and miles of beautiful shoreline. Located on Oahu's West Shore, the lagoons are oceanfront and offer a peaceful experience for those who have already visited the North Shore. You will find picnic areas, the Ko Olina Marina which hosts sailing, sport-fishing and snorkeling excursions, as well as an 18-hole championship golf course and the stunning Ko Olina Wedding Chapel. Unique in it's own way, the Ko Olina lagoon area is a must-see on Oahu.