ALOHA!
Staying in downtown Honolulu means that you have buildings all around you, but you don’t have to go far to get some of the best beaches in Oahu with the wide open coastal view!
Here is the quick list of beaches near Honolulu that are covered on this page:
- Waikiki Beach
- Kahanamoku Beach – Hilton Hawaiian Village
- Kuhio Beach – free hula show
- Queen’s Beach – among the best beaches for snorkeling in Waikiki
- Hanauma Bay – among the best beaches for snorkeling in Oahu
what to pack for hawaii >> what to wear snorkeling – what to wear hiking – what to wear to a luau
things to do on oahu | map >> beaches – snorkeling spots | east oahu – north shore – central oahu
Waikiki Beach
The tourist hot spot of Waikiki has a 1.5 to 2 mile stretch of sand that is often collectively referred to as Waikiki Beach. On the coastline of Waikiki, there are different sections that you can explore. Downtown Honolulu basically connects to Waikiki so it’s pretty easy to get to!
Depending on where in Honolulu you’re staying, you may be able to walk to parts of Waikiki Beach. Otherwise, the city bus in Oahu is well-connected around Honolulu and Waikiki.
Kahanamoku Beach at Hilton Hawaiian Village
This part of the beach is on the far end of Waikiki closest to Honolulu. Kahanamoku Beach is right in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Here you’ll find a wide stretch of sand between the ocean and the boardwalk in front of the Waikiki hotels.
It’s a public beach (like all beaches in Waikiki!) so you can lounge out here even if you’re not staying at the oceanfront hotel and resort.
This beach is named after the Ambassador of Aloha and international surfing icon, and there’s also a Duke Kahanamoku Statue in Waikiki to honor him as well.
You can get a spectacular picture-perfect image of the iconic Diamond Head Crater from this end of Waikiki. For the best lighting for that picture of Diamond Head from this angle, try in the afternoon near this section of the beach! If you walk further along on Waikiki Beach you’ll come across a pier which can make a good spot to take that picture of Diamond Head!
Kuhio Beach for free hula show
This beach is more towards the central part of Waikiki away from Honolulu. Kuhio Beach is noteworthy because it’s where you can find an evening hula show that takes place a few times a week. It’s free and it’s along the beach at sunset which can make for some spectacular sunset photos while you’re waiting for the Hawaiian entertainment with music and dance to begin!
more: free waikiki hula show
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
Queen’s Beach
This beach gets further away from Honolulu. The distance from the main stretch of Waikiki means that you can get some nice pictures of the Waikiki skyline from this beach. This is one of the far end beaches in Waikiki on the opposite end of the Hilton Hawaiian Village. It’s also known as one of the best spots for snorkeling in Waikiki.
more: waikiki snorkeling
Hanauma Bay
And this beach gets even further away from Honolulu! This might be at the limit of calling it a beach that’s close to Honolulu, but we’ll say it fits within that limit! 😉 It’s about a 30 minute drive from downtown Honolulu to Hanauma Bay. This is known as one of the best spots for snorkeling in Oahu… which is also why we’re going to stretch that limit to make it fit to be considered a beach near Honolulu! 😉
more: hanauma bay snorkeling | hanauma bay snorkel rental
More beaches in Oahu
To explore more of the best beaches when you’re in Honolulu, have a look here at beaches in Oahu!
Things you might want for your beach trip!
Now, here are some things you just may want to consider adding to your Hawaii packing list for the beach!
- This type of case so you can take pristine underwater pictures with your phone. (It’s cheap!)
- This type of pouch so you can take your valuables with you in the water!
- For your beach outfits, take a look at…
- These swimsuits and cover-ups for women
- This swimwear for plus-size women
- These swimsuits for men
- These types of UV protection clothes for more protection from those strong tropical rays
- These types of beach shoes so you can protect your feet from sharp rocks hidden under the sand!
- A standard snorkel set like this one or a full face snorkeling mask like this one
For a more in-depth look at these things for your Honolulu beach trip, have a look at what to wear snorkeling!
And these are popular guidebooks for all Hawaiian islands!
HAPPY HONOLULU BEACH PLANNING!
what to pack for hawaii >> what to wear snorkeling – what to wear hiking – what to wear to a luau
things to do on oahu | map >> beaches – snorkeling spots | east oahu – north shore – central oahu
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling