Best Beaches on the Leeward Side of Oahu

Most visitors to the island of Oahu stay in the fabulous Waikiki area and plop there towels down on Waikiki Beach, unaware that the Leeward Side is packed with great beaches, all just a stone's throw away.  Here's an introduction to the some of the best beaches on the Leeward Side of Oahu.  

I'd be remiss not to start with the world-famous Waikiki Beach itself.  After all, this is where the action is, and not everyone on a Hawaiian holiday is looking for peace and quiet.  Even if it's just for an unforgettable sunset walk, you'll want to visit Waikiki Beach during your stay on the island of Oahu.  With its stunning view of Diamond Head crater, Waikiki Beach is easily one of the best beaches in the world.  Unfortunately, everyone knows it, and it can get pretty crowded.  Somehow, though, there's always room for more.  I've never had a problem finding a spot on Waikiki Beach to drop my towel on the sand.  Waikiki Beach is great for swimming (think sandy bottoms) and surfing (relatively mild but fun waves), but it's not a great snorkeling site.  Look for Waikiki Beach Center (in front of the Pink Palace, aka the Royal Hawaiian Hotel) to find the sandiest patches of beach.  I'd still recommend wearing a pair of reef shoes, so as not to cut your feet or stub your toes.  This part of Waikiki Beach can get the most crowded, so branch out from there.