Oahu safe beaches for kids

If you’ve got kids and are planning a trip to the wonderful island of Oahu, you’re in luck. Especially if your family loves the beach! Let’s go over all the kid-friendly beaches on Oahu so you can do some swimming, sand castle making, ball throwing, seashell finding and sun bathing as a family! Make sure to rent all your beach gear from Paradise Baby Co. to have the best beach days!

Ala Moana Beach Park:

The calm waters of this beach are great for kids, plus it’s really close to Waikiki in the heart of things. With awesome views of Diamond Head in the background, you’ll have plenty of time to build a sand castle, go paddle boarding or take a break with some shopping at the Ala Moana Mall across the way. If you forgot lunch, there’s a food court there where you can grab a bite to eat 

Halona Beach Cove:

For the ultimate in privacy, head to this small cove right at the Halon Blowhole attraction. If you’re lucky, you may spot some green sea turtles here! Just be careful walking down the steep path to the cove, and watch the surf as it can get rough at times.

Hanauma Bay:

This curvy bay is perfect for calm waters and family fun. Because it’s protected from the big waves further out on the main beach, swimming is a relaxing affair here. Check out the abundant marine life here and try your hand at snorkeling. This is especially a great place for toddlers just learning to swim, as it’s not too intimidating!

Diamond Head Cliffs Beach:

Just a hop, skip and a jump from Waikiki, get away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds and escape here for some relaxation. You may see some Hawaiian Monk Seals as they catch some rays!

Lanikai Beach:

Nestled within a quiet Kailua residential area, you have to visit this beach which always gets high marks in magazines for the best beach on Oahu. You can get to the two small islands just off the coast by taking a kayak ride out there. 

Kualoa Beach Park:

On the east side of Oahu is Kualoa Beach across the street from the ranch of the same name. You don’t have to pay to park and and best part is, you can claim a spot on the lush green lawn that stretches out before the beach. Look off to the horizon and you’ll see an island known as Chinaman’s Hat. You can even take a kayak to go visit it if you are so inclined. Here, you’ll get great views of the awe-inspiring Ko’olau Mountain range. 

Pupukea Beach Park:

This Marine Life Conservation Area features a protected beach called Three Tables at the south end that boasts coral reefs. To the north, a lagoon called Shark’s Cove is the ideal spot for some snorkeling, beach combing and tide pooling. If you want to avoid the crowds of Waimea Bay, particularly on the weekends, head here for a calmer atmosphere. 

Kailua Beach:

Characterized by fine white sand, this beach can be found on Oahu’s windward side. It’s a small beach compared with the others but its calm environment is just what small kids need. There are hardly any waves so skittish kids will have a ball playing at the water’s edge. Plus, there’s a big tide pool here for discovering starfish, seashells and the like. Also, the conditions are ideal for kayaking and outrigger racing.

Waimanalo Bay Recreation Area:

By contrast, this beach is quite large. On Oahu’s south end, it’s situated smack dab in the middle of the 75-acre recreation area. You won’t get the crowds here like you will at more populated places, plus this white sand beach is the place to be for family relaxation and bonding. Don’t forget to bring your snorkeling gear because the water is crystal clear here. This means you can see all the fish and other marine life indigenous to this area in calm conditions. Don’t miss this hidden gem when in Oahu. 

Lagoons at Ko Olina:

With calm waters year-round, these lagoons are on Oahu’s west side and can’t be missed. With four lagoons protected by a rocky outcropping, the best thing about these is that they are highlighted by green grass areas great for having picnics. You can do some kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling here.

Waikiki Beach:

This is by far the most popular beach on Oahu and if you don’t mind crowds, your family will love it here. Featuring the safest beach front around, the soft white sand here is perfect for setting up camp for the day, as you watch the kids frolic in the surf, collect shells, dig holes and throw a football. Older kids can take surf lessons or you can try your hand at canoeing. After a long day on the beach, restaurants dot the boardwalk right off the sandy beaches. You’ll stroll along listening to Hawaiian music as you grab a bite to eat and do some shopping. 

Waimea Bay:

The surf here is huge — its claim to fame actually. From October to March, the surf can reach up to 50 feet here! However, in the spring and summer, it’s perfect for the little ones. With ideal swimming and diving conditions, Waimea Bay has lifeguards and restroom facilities, making for a clean and safe beach. The water is clear and the swimming is fun, so take the family and enjoy. If you happen to visit in the winter when the waves are at their highest, watch the surfers from afar do their thing. Trust us, there’s no better show!

Beaches in Oahu are world famous, not just for their natural beauty but for the many activities to partake in that involve the whole family.