The Best Beaches in Oahu, Hawaii

While living on the island of Oahu in Hawaii I was able to enjoy hanging out at many of the beaches. Whether it was just to lie down and enjoy the sun, or catch a few waves on my boogie board there was a few beaches that became my favorites.

1) Lanikai beach (best swimming beach)- Rated by Dr. Beach as America's best beach in 1996, this beach is located a few miles from Kailua town on the leeward side of the island. No wonder it was, as the clear turquoise blue waters, soft sandy beach, and the palm trees softly swaying to the gentle breeze takes all your worries away, and reminds you that this is what Hawaii is really about. This is probably the safest beach to take little kids to as well due to the gently lapping waves (in comparison to the waves that hit the North Shore that are famous among surfers), which is a result of a natural barrier reef offshore.

Furthermore, there are two small islands a couple of miles offshore called Mokolua where you can go to by renting a canoe. Other reasons I love to go to this beach is due to it being clean, the lack of corral and other sharp objects on the beach and in the water, and finally the lack of hordes of tourists taking up all the space. One reason why tourists might not be attracted to this amazing beach may be due to the lack of public toilets and showers. So if you are looking for these amenities Kailua beach park located a couple of miles down the road will serve you better. The moonrise over this beach is also phenomenal. On a full moon night many amateur and professional photographers can be seen at the beach waiting for the moon to rise over the water. In fact one of my wife's choice moments in Hawaii was when she was swimming here with her parents one evening at dusk and watched the full moon rise slowly over the horizon.