The 7 Best Oahu Beaches For Kids

Though the most populated of the Hawaiian Islands, Oʻahu holds a diverse range of beaches. From calm white sand lagoons to beginner-ready snorkeling spots to tide pools for keiki (children), the beaches of Oʻahu are packed with activities for families. Here are the seven best beaches for kids on the island.

1. Baby Makapuʻu

Natural Feature

Local families enjoy splashing their way through tide pools at Baby Makapuʻu. Just to the west of the famous body-boarding spot with a similar name, keiki can wade in the shallow water, collect shells, or meet new friends at this popular kids’ beach. Though fewer activities are offered for adults, the area boasts amazing views of the Makapuʻu Lighthouse on the easternmost point of the island to one side, Mānana and Kāohikaipu Islands—both state seabird sanctuaries—directly in front, and views of the coastline on the other end.

2. Sherwood Beach Park

Natural Feature

Located in the quaint town of Waimānalo on the east shore, Sherwood Beach Park is often overlooked by tourists passing through or heading to the more popular Waimānalo Beach Park. Depending on the time, it’s entirely possible that you’ll be one of the few people there. Adults can relax on the glowing white sand and admire offshore islands in the distance, while children can boogie board or body surf through the small rolling waves. The 5.5-mile-long (8.8 kilometers) beach is the longest on the island and makes for a relaxing seaside stroll.

3. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Natural Feature

This large protected bay is always calm and great for children and beginner snorkelers to experience the immense diversity of fish and marine life in the islands—some of which are found nowhere else in the world. Hanauma Bay is a nature preserve and a protected marine life conservation area. Because of that, it’s home to tropical reef fish of all sizes and colors, so be ready for up-close encounters.

5. Magic Island Lagoon

Natural Feature

Magic Island Lagoon and Ala Wai Yacht Harbor

Just around the corner from Waikīkī at the end of a peninsula known as Magic Island is a lagoon with a crescent-shaped beach. Aside from having a great view of Honolulu, Ala Moana and Diamond Head, the man-made lagoon is sheltered from the elements. Kids can splash around in the water without any danger of waves or undertow and can also choose to play in the large park bordering the beach.

6. Ko Olina Lagoons

Natural Feature

Four white sand lagoons—Kohola, Honu, Naiʻa, and Ulua—comprise the Ko Olina Resort on the island’s west shore. These man-made lagoons are connected by a paved walking path that fronts some incredible hotels such as Disney’s Aulani Resort. The lagoons, which are perfect swimming spots for children, feature fine white sand, lifeguards, ocean sport rental facilities, and a rock breakwater to protect the area from the open ocean.

7. Kuilima Cove

Natural Feature

Kuilima Cove, situated next to the Turtle Bay Resort in Kahuku, is a great place for viewing Hawaii’s state fish, Humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa, among other reef fish. Though the North Shore of Oʻahu is known for its world-class surf, the waters in this cove are nearly always calm. Children can enjoy the comfort of the sandy shore and protected bay, while adults will love the beachfront dining and lounge chair rentals.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.