Where and why? Obviously excluding Waikiki area as we are looking to explore more of the island outside of Honolulu. I have driven past Kailua (I think) and it looked incredible so it is on my list, can anyone confirm my impression? Thanks in advance...

There are a number of really nice beaches on the windward coast. One of the lesser known spots is a place called "Goat Island". On the map, it officially known as Malaekahana statepark. Its close to the mormon temple in Laie. Its a beautiful area thats been spared development. It can be windy and rough, so dont swim unless its real calm. Another great spot is Bellows beach in Waimanalo. It is just as nice as the more known Kailua beach. Being a windward beach, it can be choppy and portuguese man o war can be a problem, but on calm Kona wind days its a really nice beach to swim or boogie board.

You excluded my personal favorite

Near Kailua, Lanikai, is our favorite.

Though crowded we also enjoy Hanauma Bay for the great snorkeling.

When surf is rough elsewhere on Oahu we enjoy the tranquil Ko`Olina lagoons.

Kailua Bay is my favorite place in the world so far, let alone Hawaii.

Sunset Beach on the North Shore follows close behind -- but in the summer months, when the water is calm. I'm not a surfer, so I don't think it would be quite as relaxing in the winter!!

Makapu'u

Bellows..great beach IF you are allowed to drive onto the base.

Definitely Kailua or Lanikai, Any one can go to Bellows on the weekend; during the week you need military ID.

On the North Shore, stop at Laniakea beach and check out the big turtles. Do not fee or touch them though...just look. You can swim out in the water too.

Lanikai, great beach, beautiful blue waters!

"Any one can go to Bellows on the weekend"

For years, that was my assumption also.

But, evidently it is not open to the public on weekends. Recent article in Honolulu Advertiser:

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/ar...60332/-1/RSS02

But, Waimanalo Bay Recreation Area has a nice beach that is right next to Bellows.

Waimea Bay & Hanauma Bay have nice beaches.

Dusty, It was my understanding that the stretch that is closed is between Waimanalo Beach and the section of Bellows that is the "beach". In other words, you can't walk from Waimanalo to there at any times, but you can still drive in the gate and go to "the beach" on weekends.

Or maybe I'm wrong?

Evidently you are wrong. I was also.

None of Bellows is open to the public on weekends.

They just don't have the first gate manned on weekends. Only the second (inside) gate is manned all seven days. But according to the article, the area is still off limits.

I'm as surprised as anyone else that thought the area was open on weekends and now learn its not.

I'm sure there will be some public discussion about it and/or the first gate will also be manned on weekends.

Many thanks to every one who has replied. I have actually added an extra day in Oahu because all these beaches look so amazing, plus I had forgotten how much Oahu offers. We usually just use it as a jumping off point for travel to the other islands but have never really spent time with our kids there. All of my family is getting more excited about the trip each day. Thanks again...

If you get a chance, and if you are in the North Shore area, take a ride down Farrington Road. There are lovely beaches there. (Many of the scenes from LOST are filmed in this area.) The beach with the mountains make this an extraordinarily beautiful area. We were there in the winter and the water was pretty rough. We just took a walk on the beach - did not swim.