We may only have 2 days our of our 10-day trip to hang out in the beaches of Honolulu and was wondering what would you recommend? We have done the Hanauma snorkeling thing, as well as the Ko Olina beach. Wanted something different. I was reading about a certain beach on one of these threads, but then I forgot which one it was!

We will probably bring a picnic lunch and veg the rest of the time. Any suggestions?

My favorite Oahu beach is Kailua Beach Park. Gradual drop off, nice sand, lovely aqua water. There is a lifeguard,plus showers, restroom, and picnic tables. Enough people around to feel comfortable, but not crowded. Fun to watch the kayakers and kite boarders. Morning is best, before the sun drops over the mountains and the winds pick up.

Make sure to go to the North Shore to Pipeline and Sunset Beaches. The waves are awesome.

Oahu's best beaches:

Waikiki Beaches - Waikiki Beach, Kuhio Beach, Queen's Surf Beach, Ft. DeRussy Beach, Sans Souci Beach

Ala Moana Beach Park

Kailua & Lanikai These are separate beaches, but in the same area

Waimanalo Bay Recreation Area & Bellows Beach right next to each other. Bellows is open to the public on weekends

Kualoa Regional Park - Chinaman's Hat

North Shore Beaches:

Waimea Bay - Most scenic

Sunset Beach

Ehukai (Banzai Pipeline)- Omly a thin strand for a beach, but great to watch surfing especially winter

Pupukea (Shark's Cove)- Great for snorkeling in the summer

Lanikai!!!
Streetside parking is tight, bring& picnic lunch.
Also checkout windsurfers @ nearby Kailua Park.

thanks for all your suggestions! We are narrowing down to Lanikai. We will be in Waikiki with rental cars--what is the best way to get there? I forgot to mention that we have children with us 3 to 7 years old--who will focus on sand and shore. I guess this beach is appropriate for them?

thanks so much!

My fav was Lanikai & Turtle Beach just after Chun's beach on the North Shore (Chun's had a sign, but I don't think Turtle Beach did...this was also DH's fav!

Kailua beach or Kahana Bay beach park
Aloha!

Reply to vicki2201,
Although Lanikai beach is the most worthy beach we have been to on Oahu, it is noteworthy to mention since you are bringing keiki, that there are no facilities there, however nearby Kailua Beach Park does have facilities and is worth considering.

There are many ways to get there and back, depending on whether you want a coastal view route H1 to 72, or more direct Pali (61) tunnel route, or combination of above:
http://www.driveguidemagazines.com/o...e_makapuu.html

More info. in guidebook "Oahu Revealed" www.wizardpub.com

agree with JohnD and OSB that Lanikai is arguably the best beach on Oahu; IMHO, it's probably the nicest beach in all of Hawaii. the semi-white, powdery sand; shallow, turquoise waters; two picturesque islands to view offshore; gorgeous sunrise

my other Oahu fav is Bellows, which doesn't have quite the terrific sand and water quality that Lanikai and Kailua does, but it's got the fab views of the surrounding Ko'olau cliffs; only open to the public on weekends

Bellows is great. You can drive your car right up onto the beach and there are small waves perfect for boogey boarding.

just a quick note... I live in lanikai and please make sure you park completely off the road/bike path. They have been ticketing alot lately and the fee is steep. soon to go to $500.00 Have fun

Makapu'u