Beaches · Honolulu · United States
The best beaches in and near Honolulu
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: ErgoSum88, Public domain
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Waikīkī Beach (On the doorstep of Waikīkī hotels). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in January–December.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 7
- Swimming season
- January–December
- Warmest sea
- 27°C (81°F)
The beaches
On the doorstep of Waikīkī hotels · First surf lessons and people-watching
1.Waikīkī Beach
Honolulu's famous stretch of golden sand, with gentle surf for beginners and sheltered pools at Kūhiō Beach.
About 3 km west of Waikīkī · Families and lap swimming
2.Ala Moana Beach Park
A long, calm, reef-protected locals' beach with shaded lawns and the Magic Island lagoon.
About 16 km east of Waikīkī · Snorkelling
3.Hanauma Bay
A crater bay with a shallow reef full of fish and turtles; entry by advance reservation.
At the eastern end of Waikīkī · Quiet swims away from the crowds
4.Kaimana Beach (Sans Souci)
A small, calm beach at the Diamond Head end of Waikīkī, next to the Natatorium, popular with local swimmers.
About 20 km from downtown · Families and kayaking
5.Kailua Beach
A long arc of soft white sand and turquoise water on the windward coast, with kayak and paddleboard rental.
About 22 km from downtown · Sunrise and calm swims
6.Lanikai Beach
A narrow, postcard-perfect beach facing the Nā Mokulua islets, with no facilities and limited residential parking.
About 55 km from Honolulu · Summer swims and winter surf watching
7.Waimea Bay
A deep North Shore bay with calm summer swimming and giant waves in winter, when it is only for watching.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 24°C (75°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
| February | 24°C (75°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
| March | 24°C (75°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| April | 25°C (77°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| June | 26°C (79°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| July | 26°C (79°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| August | 27°C (81°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| September | 27°C (81°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| October | 27°C (81°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| November | 26°C (79°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| December | 25°C (77°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$$ · Best for first-timers, beach, families and nightlife
Waikīkī
A strip of hotels about 3 km long between the Ala Wai Canal and the sea, Waikīkī has most of Honolulu's accommodation, from the Moana Surfrider of 1901 and the pink Royal Hawaiian to simpler hotels a few blocks back. Kalākaua Avenue runs along the beach with shops and restaurants, Kapiʻolani Park and Diamond Head close the eastern end, and the water is gentle enough for beginner surfers.
- Good
- Beach, restaurants and tours on the doorstep; Huge range of hotels; Walkable and lively in the evening
- Watch out
- Crowded and commercial; Resort and parking fees add up
- Nearby
- Diamond Head, Kapiʻolani Park, Kūhiō Beach, Honolulu Zoo
Getting to the beaches
- Bus — TheBus runs frequent routes between Waikīkī, Ala Moana, Downtown, Pearl Harbor and Hanauma Bay, and slower routes around the island to the North Shore and Kailua.
- Car — A rental car is the easiest way to reach the North Shore, the windward beaches and viewpoints such as the Pali Lookout.
- Train — The Skyline elevated rail line serves the west side of Honolulu and is being extended towards downtown; it does not yet reach Waikīkī.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in January–December. The busiest of those is July, so book early.
Beach safety
Ocean conditions are the main risk: strong currents, shorebreak and high surf, especially on north-facing shores in winter, cause many visitor injuries, so swim at lifeguarded beaches and follow the flags. Car break-ins at trailheads and beach parks are common, so leave nothing in the car. Sun exposure is intense year-round. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Honolulu have beaches?
Yes: Waikīkī Beach, Ala Moana Beach Park, Hanauma Bay, Kaimana Beach (Sans Souci), Kailua Beach, Lanikai Beach and Waimea Bay.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Honolulu?
Usually January–December, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Honolulu?
Waikīkī Beach: Honolulu's famous stretch of golden sand, with gentle surf for beginners and sheltered pools at Kūhiō Beach.