Create Unforgettable Memories by the Sea
Oahu is home to an array of stunning beaches that cater specifically to families, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, calm waters, and exciting activities. Explore our handpicked selection of the best beaches for families on the island and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Kailua Beach
526 Kawailoa Rd, Kailua, HI 96734
Kailua Beach is a stunning, wide stretch of white sand beach on the east side of Oahu. It’s popular with both tourists and locals alike, offering crystal clear waters, gentle waves, and picturesque views of the offshore Mokulua Islands.
Reasons Why It’s Family-Friendly
- Soft sand for building sandcastles: The beach has some of the softest, most powdery sand on Oahu, making it perfect for building sandcastles and other beach activities.
- Great for water sports: Kailua Beach is a popular spot for water sports like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, and there are several rental shops nearby where families can rent equipment and explore the calm waters.
- Plenty of shade: There are several trees and shaded areas along the beach where families can relax and take a break from the sun.
- Best time to go: Mornings are the best time to visit Kailua Beach, as the winds tend to pick up in the afternoon, making it more difficult to enjoy water activities.
Bellows Beach
Bellows AFS, Waimanalo, HI 96795
Bellows Beach is a secluded, crescent-shaped beach located on the eastern shore of Oahu. It’s known for its soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, and lack of crowds, making it a peaceful escape from the more popular tourist spots.
Reasons Why It’s Family-Friendly
- Excellent for swimming: The beach has a large, protected swimming area that’s ideal for families with children, and there are lifeguards on duty during the day to ensure everyone stays safe.
- Good for camping: The beach has several camping spots nearby, making it a great option for families who want to spend a night or two under the stars.
- Beautiful sunsets: The beach faces west, providing a stunning view of the sunset over the water.
- Best time to go: The beach is open to the public on weekends (from noon on Friday to Sunday).
Ko Olina Beach Park
92-100 Waipahe Pl, Kapolei, HI 96707
Ko Olina Beach Park is a gorgeous lagoon-style beach located in Kapolei, on the west coast of Oahu. The park features four interconnected lagoons, each with its own unique charm, including a protected swimming area, a sandy beach, and stunning views of the surrounding ocean.
Reasons Why It’s Family-Friendly
- Great for snorkeling: Ko Olina Beach Park has clear water with a variety of colorful fish and other sea life, making it a great spot for families to explore the underwater world together.
- Lots of space to spread out: The beach is expansive, providing plenty of room for families to set up a picnic or play games on the sand without feeling crowded.
- Free parking: The park offers ample free parking, making it easy and convenient for families to access the beach.
- Best time to go: Weekdays are the best time to visit Ko Olina Beach Park, as it can get crowded on weekends.
Ala Moana Beach Park & Magic Island Lagoon
1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815
The beach at Ala Moana Beach Park is one of the largest and most popular beaches on Oahu. It has a wide expanse of soft, white sand and clear, turquoise waters. The beach park also has plenty of amenities, including restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and BBQ grills. Magic Island Lagoon is a small, man-made lagoon that is perfect for families with young children. The water is shallow and calm, making it safe for kids to swim and play.
Reasons Why It’s Family-Friendly
- The beach park has plenty of space for kids to run around and play.
- The water at Magic Island Lagoon is shallow and calm, making it perfect for young children to swim and play in.
- The park has plenty of amenities, including restrooms, showers, and picnic tables, making it easy for families to spend the day.
- There are plenty of shaded areas, making it easy to escape the hot Hawaiian sun.
- Best Time To Go: It’s best to visit Ala Moana Beach Park & Magic Island Lagoon during the weekdays, when it’s less crowded. Also, mornings tend to be calmer and less windy, making it easier for children to swim and play in the water.