An island state, Hawaii has some of the finest and most exotic beaches in the world. Almost all of the islands that make up the state of Hawaii are blessed with white sand beaches that are thronged by millions of tourists from all over the world every year. It is a paradise for those who look forward to a great fun filled vacation and seek complete peace of mind. However, among all the islands of Hawaii, the one island that stands head and neck above every other island is the Oahu Island, which is home to some of the finest beaches that Hawaii has to offer.
Also known as "The Gathering Place", Oahu has a plethora of majestic beaches, 125 to be precise, that offer a lot more to vacationers than just swimming and sunbathing. Its pristine beaches, turquoise blue waters and unparalleled natural beauty has helped Oahu carve out a niche place for itself. Every beach is unique in its own way with features and services that aim to make every moment spend on the beach special and entertaining.
Presented here is a compilation of some of the very best beaches among the numerous that make Oahu stand out from the rest. After all, if you plan to be on a vacation to Hawaii, you surely won't settle for anything but only the best.
The South Shore is where you will come across some of the most convenient beaches of Oahu. Stretching from Waikiki right up to Diamond Head, the sandy beaches at South Shore is known for its complex formation and provides a rich array of amenities that make it ideal for family outings. From snorkeling to swimming in the clear waters with colorful tropical fishes, you can have it all at the South Shore beaches. The two beach that qualify for the best at South Shore are:
Waikiki Beach
A tropical nirvana that stretches for two miles, this white sandy beach at Waikiki is one half mile wide and can easily be mistaken as one single beach; though in reality it is a combination of different beaches each characterized by features that is unique to it. Things that can be done best at this beach include diving, sunbathing, snorkeling as well as surfing for beginners.
Ala Moana
Stretching for half a mile, this beach at Ala Moana is frequented by locals and vacationers alike. It's a fun filled beach where the water is calm and shallow, which makes it safe for everyone to enjoy. This beach is a great place for jogging, picnicking, kite flying and is teeming with fishermen, surfers and tourists as well as locals.
Situated on the leeward side of Oahu are the spectacular beaches of the West Shore. The sea is calm during the summer months, so it's best to indulge in swimming, fishing and diving. During the winter months, the beaches are taken over by some of the best surfers from around the world to make the best of the huge waves that lap against the sandy beaches. The waves can even reach higher than 25 feet, so its best to be on your guard to ensure things end on a joyous note as it should always be. Some of the best beaches that you will come across along the West Shore are:
Makaha Beach
During summer, the waves are gentle making it ideal for diving and snorkeling. However, during winter, the deep rumbling Pacific produces waves of monstrous proportions, which sometimes can reach higher than 25 feet. This is when the beach becomes a happy hunting ground for professional surfers from across the world.
Nanakuli Beach
Made up of two beaches, the Piliokahe and the Kalanianaole beach, with the Hawaiian home ridge in between. The Piliokahe beach is situated on a sea cliff while the Kalanianaole beach is better known for its diving spots that are ideal for beginners and children.
Yokohama Bay
Also known as Keawaula or Puau Beach, the Yokohama Bay provide facilities for picnicking, hiking and fishing. It is a great destination for snorkeling, diving, shell collecting and swimming during the summer months when the sea is calm and the waves gentle.
Hanauma Bay
This beach once featured in an Elvis Presley movie, the Blue Hawaii. It is a glorious white beach lined with coconut and banyan trees and stretches for 2000 feet. Here you can indulge in snorkeling and is ideal for beginners and children with the crescent bay protecting them from the deep waters, which can turn out to be dangerous.
Sandy Beach
What makes the Sandy Beach different from the rest is that this beach is pounded by some big waves during the summer months, which is much unlike others. This makes it one of the most sought after destination for body surfing.
So if you intend to travel to Hawaii, you'll do well if you include the above beaches in your tour itinerary, as do most of the vacationers who travel to Hawaii. However, what has to be kept in mind is that Oahu constitutes just a small portion of Hawaii. There are a number of other island that make up the state of Hawaii and each of them have beaches that rank among the best in the world. And who knows, you might well find solitude in any of these beaches among the numerous others that has made Hawaii famous. All you have to do is to keep exploring.