What are the best beaches in Oahu?

Oahu Beaches The primary draw for tourists is visiting the stunning Oahu beaches scattered along each of the island's shorelines. One of the best things to on Oahu is beach-hop to discover flourishing coral reefs, extinct volcanoes and beautiful backdrops along with plenty of water sports. Visiting the beaches is also one of the best free things to do in Oahu.

Here's a link to snorkeling website that points out some nice beaches to consider: http://www.hawaiisnorkelingguide.com/oahu_snorkeling.html A word of caution regarding the beaches along the west coast of Oahu (it references Kaena Point Beach Park, but this caution is for most of the beaches from Kahe Point Beach Park up thru Makaha in particular). Not all native Hawaiians are happy to see tourists and can sometimes be problematic, if you know what I mean. The further north you go, the more isolated the beaches, but you should always remain aware of your surroundings and if it doesn't feel right...don't stay. Hanauma Bay is a popular snorkeling spot, but they do charge a $1/day parking and $5/person entry. Sharks Cove would probably be my #1 suggestion for you. Usually enough people around for safety sake and some great snorkeling! Kuilima Cove on the northern tip of the island is another nice spot for snorkeling without all the crowds, like you'll find at Hanauma Bay. I understand your budget restrictions (I usually travel under the same constraints), but if you can afford to rent a kayak for a half-day, go to Kailua Bay, I think you'd enjoy yourselves. http://www.kailuasailboards.com/kayakrental.html If you're in the area, Lanikai Beach is a beautiful beach, some consider it the most beautiful beach in the state, and worth checking out even if you don't rent a kayak. As for swimming beaches, jump in a car and drive till you find one that catches your eye! Oahu has about 100 beaches to pick from. Calm and protected is how Ala Moana beach would be described, Ko Olina is a development near Kahe Point State Park mentioned before and where Disney's newest resort is scheduled to open at the end of this month, is a favorite with the locals...go during the week, all the beaches get crowded on the weekends. Cheap eats? You're in luck. My favorite one-stop lunch stop is the Ala Moana food court...plate lunches from a dozen different venues, all reasonably priced. Ask your friends where they would suggest to pick up some "manapua" (char siu bow) a chinese stuffed bun that is an island favorite many prefer versus a hamburger. Check out one of the many Zippy's you'll see throughout Honolulu for a quick bite (try a loco-moco). But, there are hundreds of little mom-and-pop, hole-in-the-wall restaurants that make plate lunches, not to mention the dozens of lunch wagons you'll find. (A word of warning, the lunch wagon scene on Oahu has gone thru an amazing transformation over the last 20 years and unfortunately, while the offerings have gone upscale, so have their prices, so look before you order.) The main thing is, use your common sense, if the waves look intimidating...don't go!

For romance, head out early for the sunrise and get someone to take a photo of you two at Halona Beach (down below the Halona Blowhole lookout between Sandy beach and Hanauma Bay) where they filmed the famous beach scene in "From Here to Eternity". Pretty Windward beaches heading north from there: Sandy beach ... rough shorebreak at times...listen to the life guards and check for warning flags Makapuu beach ... right across from Sea Life Park also rough but very scenic Waimanalo beach ... as pretty as Kailua but not as crowded with tourists Kailua beach ... perfect for swimming with swim area buoyed off If you folks are in shape enough to scale a steep hill, take the hike up to the pillboxes above Lanikai for a priceless view of the bay and Mokulua Islands. Northshore beaches: Turtle Bay ... there's a public access they're required to provide.. nice snorkeling Three Tables ... great snorkeling Sharks Cove ... crowded, but great for snorkeling Waimea Bay ... Great view for photos. It's crowded, try to get there before 8 a.m. for parking. Snorkeling is good on the right side IF the stream sand plug is NOT open (after heavy rain). The jumping rock is dangerous, many fatalities and serious injuries so I don't recommend it. Sunset Beach ... my favorite beach, the golden sand looks polished Laniakea beach ... just stop to see if any turtles are out for photo ops Westside, as mentioned local haole's (white-skinned folk) tend to avoid this area so keep an eye on your car and be aware of your surroundings but for scenic photos, Maili Beach between Waianae and Nanakuki is absolutely gorgeous. Lots of sand and pretty palm trees. At sunset there are way less people and an awesome view. White Plains beach near the former Barbers Point (now Kalaeloa) is good for watching surfers. Southside - You may want to hit Waikiki and Ala Moana beach just to check it off your list but the visibility is too poor for any snorkeling. Ala Moana beach is good for swimming laps. Hanauma Bay - is a marine sanctuary open 6 days a week (not Tuesday). They do charge for parking $1.00 per car and $7.50 per person to enter and you need to watch a 9 minute video before you head down to the beach. Great snorkeling. Once a month they open for night snorkeling which is pretty cool. Call (808) 396-4229 for the latest info.