With 227 miles of coastline on the island of O’ahu, finding a beach “off the beating path” is possible! While the secrets are out on a lot of great spots, there are certainly a handful of hidden local beaches. I personally love finding these hidden gems, as you get to interact more with the locals. I feel like it really enhances your visit to the islans! Here are my top non-touristy beaches on O’ahu, Hawaii!
Kahala Beach
Alright, I realize that starting this list of non-touristy beaches on O’ahu with one that literally has a resort right on top of it doesn’t make a lot of sense, but stay with me. Kahala Beach is far enough away from the hustle of Waikiki and downtown Honolulu that it feels very secluded. The beach is frequented by many locals hosting BBQs or just getting together to enjoy the day. There is a decent sized parking lot at the adjacent Waiʻalae Beach Park, where you can then walk with your toes in the water to Kahala. The beach has large palms for laying in the shade during those hot hours. There is also a strip of grass to set your things on without the worry of them getting all sandy.
My favorite part of Kahala beach is walking out to this point. Here, you’ll get views of this adorable little island with two perfect palm trees. If you walk past that point down the beach further, you can sit at the Kahala Resort beach, which is even better. The sand is golden and soft, the water is crystal clear. It is a relatively low key spot to hang out! Remember, all beaches in the state of Hawaii are public; just because there is a resort does not mean you cannot access it. You have every right to be there!
Unethical pro tip: If you’re here when it’s not busy, you can nonchalantly help yourself to some of the resort’s beach loungers for a quick snooze.
Ka’a’awa Beach
Hands down, one of my favorite beaches on O’ahu (and relatively unknown to tourists) is Ka’a’awa Beach. Ka’a’awa is located far into Oahu’s windward side. It’s about as far away from Waikiki/downtown Honolulu as you can get. Looking down the beach, you’ll get dramatic views of the Ko’olau mountain range as they plunge directly into the sea at the Kualoa Ranch. Major Jurassic Park vibes here. This is the ultimate photo op spot and is not to be missed!
Ka’a’awa is a very small town (roughly 1,500 residents) so parking at the beach is very limited. There is no lot, but rather just a sandy shoulder off the road for about a dozen or so cars. I recommend arriving early to secure a spot (and also to take shameless selfies- no judgement here). The water isn’t the best for swimming, as there is a shallow reef not far from shore. Though a plunge up to your waist or chest is very easy and doable. If you bring your mask and a snorkel, there are some colorful fish that live in the reefs.
Makapu’u Beach Park
Despite it being close to several tourist attractions, if you didn’t know Makapu’u Beach was there, it’d be so easy to drive right by. Located right across from Sea Life Park Hawaii, and on the only road that connects the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail to the popular Waimānalo, you could say that this beach is arguably on the beating path.
Lots of locals visit Makapu’u for full days of fishing and picnics. My favorite part was the dramatic black lava rock that surround the beach. The way it contrasts with the turquoise waters and golden sand are everything. Looking behind you, you’ll have more dramatic mountain views that pictures just won’t be able to do justice. Be really careful swimming at this beach, as the waves can be intense and the lava rocks are extremely sharp. Never turn your back to the ocean or walk on the rocks without shoes- trust me!
Kahana Bay Beach Park
Kahana Bay is a great stop for when you are looking for very calm waters and dramatic views! Located just slightly north of Ka’a’awa Beach as mentioned above, Kahana Bay is a u-shaped beach along Highway 83 (the main road that runs through the northeastern side of the island connecting Kaneohe to the North Shore).
The beach is technically on what is known as the Huilua Pond, and the shape of the beach makes it super secluded. A great place to swim without the worry of huge waves thrashing you around. There are large mature trees that line the beach giving you that much needed shade in the middle of the day! An adorable wooden beach swing is located on the far side of the beach (here is an exact pin) making it the perfect place for a quick photo shoot. Walk just a little bit past the swings over to the boat launch for sweeping insta-worthy views of the bay and mountain range (another exact pin here).
ʻĀweoweo Beach
When most people drive to the North Shore, they spend their time between Hale’iwa and Laie. However, a quick drive westward will bring you to ʻĀweoweo Beach Park, a hidden little gem that rounds out the list of the top non-touristy beaches on O’ahu.
ʻĀweoweo has some of the clearest, most turquoise waters I’ve seen on the North Shore. The waves here tend to also be gentler than nearby Sunset Beach or in Waimea Valley. Honu (sea turtles) are also known to frequent this beach, so it is a great alternative to the overpopulated Laniakea beach down the road! Places to park are limited so arrive early or be patient while you wait for a spot on the street. Don’t forget your snorkel gear to explore the shallow reefs- I saw lots of crabs here!
Traveling soon? Check out my Travel Tips page to help you score good deals on flights, packing tips, tools to help you plan, and more!
No Comments