Best Beaches on the Windward Side of Oahu

While Waikiki is a tourist's paradise, why not see what everyday beach life is like on another part of this beautiful tropical island?  Some of Hawaii's best beaches can be found on the windward side of Oahu.  If parasailing, ocean kayaking, and kite-flying are for you, check out these beaches which rank among the best on the island of Oahu's windward side. 

Forgot to pick up postcards?  Take a drive to the windward side and visit Lanikai Beach to snap some pictures.  Picture-perfect blue water and sand so soft that it welcomes your feet highlight this beauty of a beach.  Sit and admire the view, or rent a kayak and paddle out to one of two visitable offshore islands.  If you're not feeling that ambitious, you may want to snorkel the tepid ocean waters.  Lanikai Beach is now but a half mile long, but what a perfect half-mile it is.    

Remember, they call this the windward side for good reason.  There's lots of wind, which can make the ocean a little rough.  For kayakers, it presents a fun and interesting challenge.  For parasailers, sailboarders and kite-flyers, Kailua Beach is a dream destination.  Two miles longer than Lanikai Beach, Kailua Beach allows you a little more room to stretch out.  You can reach four different offshore islands from here, but novice kayakers should probably launch from Lanikai.  (It's a shorter trip that won't leave you as sore and winded).  

When I'm feeling lazy, I drive my Jeep right up to the sand at Punalu'u Beach Park.  This stretch of beach is long and inviting and usually empty of people.  Swimmers don't have to worry about scraping their legs on reef, because most of the ocean here has a sandy bottom.  Snorkeling's okay, even though there usually aren't tons of fish.  This is the perfect beach to kick back, relax with a paperback novel, and enjoy an occasional swim.