Picking the beach is half the fun. We’ve photographed families all over Oahu, and these are the spots we keep going back to. Here’s what each one does best, so you can find the right fit for your crew.
Lanikai Beach: our favorite
White sand, palm trees and calm water. It’s quiet and dreamy at sunrise and lovely through late morning, and it’s about 45 minutes from Waikiki.
Magic Island: the easy one from Waikiki
Tall palms and colorful sunsets, just minutes from Waikiki. It gets busy, but we photoshop out as many people as we can. If your crew doesn’t want a long drive, start here.
Kailua Beach: bright blue water
Vibrant blue water and bright green palms on an easy-to-reach beach, about 45 minutes from Waikiki. Come for sunrise or late morning.
Kualoa Beach Park: mountains and easy parking
A small beach with epic green mountains behind it, about an hour from Waikiki. The easy parking is a big plus if you’re bringing grandparents or a stroller. Late morning and late afternoon are best.
Sandy Beach: big and wide open
A big beach with blue water, crashing waves and sea cliff views. There’s plenty of room for a large family, and it works at sunrise, sunset and late morning.
North Shore: sunsets over the ocean
Palm trees, few crowds and the sun setting right over the water. It’s about an hour and a half from Waikiki, so it’s a great fit if you’re already staying on that side of the island.
Halona Blowhole: for steady feet
Also called Eternity Beach, this is where waves crash between sea cliffs. It’s a 5-minute hike down rocks to get there, so we’d save it for older kids and adventurous families.
How to choose
Start with where you’re staying and how your crew does in the morning. Little ones often do best at sunrise, and grandparents will thank you for a short walk from the car. Not sure? Tell us your dates and we’ll pick the spot with the best light.
