Without a doubt, Hawaii is home to the most incredible beaches in the U.S. Most of these beaches are found in Honolulu – Hawaii’s state capital. They offer everything from swimming to surfing, and paddleboarding to snorkeling. If you’re ever lucky enough to visit this tropical paradise, be sure to check out the following eight beaches. They’re some of Honolulu’s very best!
1. Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach is Oahu's most crowded beach. In addition to offering amazing views, including a great view of Diamond Head, the area around Waikiki Beach also offers hotels, restaurants and shopping centers. If you're not bothered by crowds, Waikiki Beach is a great place to visit.
2. Kuhio Beach Park
Kuhio Beach Park is located between the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel and the Kapahulu Groin. It's also part of Waikiki Beach. Kuhio Beach is a popular surf area for bodyboarders. A few of the things this beach offers are outrigger-canoe rides and protected swimming. Depending on when you visit Kuhio Beach, you might be lucky to experience the free sunset-hula and Hawaiian-music show.
3. Ala Moana Beach Park
Ala Moana Beach Park, which is located between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu, is a local favorite. The beach is more than half a mile long, and it's protected by a coral reef. Swimming, picnicking and strolling along the shoreline are a few of the activities enjoyed by visitors. Ala Moana Beach is a great beach for families with children.
4. Magic Island Beach
Magic Island Beach is located between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu. It's also part of Ala Moana Beach Park. Some of the most popular activities enjoyed by residents and visitors of this beach area include bodyboarding, swimming, surfing and picnicking.
5. Kaimana Beach
Kaimana Beach is a wonderful family beach. What attracts many locals and tourists to this beach is the fact that it's protected by a wide reef, and the ocean bottom that's near the shoreline is both shallow and sandy. Kaimana Beach's popular surf spot "Old Man's" attracts surfers near and far.
6. Kahala Beach
Kahala Beach is part of the wealthy area that shares its same name. The great thing about this beach is you don't have to be super wealthy to enjoy it. Everyone can come out and enjoy Kahala Beach. According to locals, this is a great beach to spend the day. Some advice: If you have a pair of water shoes, be sure to bring them along with you if you decide to visit this beach. The beach's shoreline is a bit rocky.
7. Cromwell's Beach
Cromwell's Beach is located along the shores of East Oahu. Compared to other beaches, Cromwell's Beach is much lesser known. However, it's a popular spot among surfers. Besides surfing, swimming is also a popular activity within this beach area.
8. Duke Kahanamoku Beach
The widest beach in Waikiki is Duke Kahanamoku Beach, which sits adjacent to the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor and the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. Duke Kahanamoku Beach is a great beach for families with children. Because the shoreline is rocky, it's recommended that visitors wear some type of protective footwear. A few of Duke Kahanamoku Beach's popular activities include swimming, sailing, kayaking and canoeing.
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