We're turning a business trip into an extended vacation. We'll be in Oahu a few extra days. We've been there a couple of times before and as much as we love Waikiki beach, I'd really like to spend some time at a more relaxing, unpopulated beach... away from crowds. Is that possible here?? LOL

I remember driving by a beach called Lanikai Beach. I can't remember how far of a drive it was from Waikiki (where we'll be staying).

Anybody familar with this beach? Is it crowded?

Any other recommendations for an un-crowded beach around Waikiki?

Thanks.

I think Lanikai and its neighbor, Kailua, are less than 30 minutes drive from Waikiki. They're both much less populated, due to there being no hotels. Both are gorgeous.

There are many nice ones:

http://www.hawaiigaga.com/oahu-beaches.aspx

Also check out Waimanalo on the east coast.

Lanikai and Kailua beaches are both beautiful. Kailua has an extensive park while Lanikai has a series of small beaches. You can rent kayaks near Kailua, or try windsurfing. You can take a picnic lunch, buy something at Kalapawai Market, or get a nice lunch/dinner across the street at Buzz Steakhouse. Try to go during the week. The beaches get busy on the weekends, but nothing like Waikiki.

If you take a drive around the north shore and you will find many beautiful, often secluded beaches.

My favorite beach is Bellows - beautiful white sand- its part of an airforce base- and used to only be open to military but believe open to the public now-

Thank you! I'm going to check out out now. Sounds great.

We rented a house on Lanikai beach for a week in March. Absolutely gorgeous, and we had the beach almost to ourselves most of the time. The sand is wonderful, and the waves were nice for boogie boarding - but not too big.

Here are my pictures:
http://kbutler1122.zenfolio.com/p261202326

If you'd like to be in town rather than drive to the windward side ,which is where Lanikai and Kailua Beaches are, you could
go to the beaches by Diamond Head and Kahala; both are less crowded and a nice alternative to Waikiki, yet not that much further away.

A bit further away Sandy and Makapuu Beaches are also nice to sun on but would not go into the water as there are tricky undertows and not for the uninitiated.

I have not found any beach to compare to Lanikai, don't miss it, it is picture-perfect. Thanks.
althom1122, can you give me the link to the house you rented? Would love to do that next time.

We rented it through VRBO. I can't seem to find the very house we stayed in, but here's the link for houses in that area:

http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals...ast-oahu#a3066

Ours was called Pilipu, or something like that. It was 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and there was one house between us and the beach. If I find it later, I'll post again.

Regarding distance, it's about a half hour or maybe 45 minutes from Waikiki.

There is a very nice Ala Moana beach which is very close to Waikiki, only about 5 min drive or you can get there by a city bus (about 20 min). It is much less crowded, has nice sandy floor, a lifeguard station, bathroom/ shower facilities.

It is very good for swimming.

lanikai and kailua beach are beautiful however they can be very crowded on the weekends and it can be difficult to find parking.

a true gem which is not often mentioned in waimanalo beach. you can go to waimanalo bay recreation area by going on kalanianaole highway east from waikiki. you'll pass the two beaches(sandys and makapu'u)@okoshi2002 mentioned. both beaches are good for bodysurfing/boogie boarding. however its very dangerous at both beaches. my uncle fractured his neck at makapuu bodysurfing. if you go to either beach really make sure you listen to the lifeguards.

after you pass makapuu if you drive up the coast maybe 10 minutes more you'll pass polo fields on your left and you'll see a sign for waimanalo bay state recration area. its beautiful long beach with shade and plenty of soft white sand. its really my favorite beach as a local. it looks as if you're sitting in a corona commercial. if you go during the week its almost vacant.

as for ala moana beach, its ok but it can also get crowded. the sand is brown and rocky and its a bit dirty. i wouldnt recommend going to this beach unless you have no other options. on the upside there's some really good surf spots there in the summer time.