by the water
Oahu
1.
Hanauma Bay
hawaii kai | best Snorkeling
Hanauma Bay is a MUST DO on your Oahu bucket list. Make the effort in book a reservation on line for your ticket window to enter, or (like we did) get to the Bay right when they open at 6:45am for first-come, first-serve walk-in tickets for later that day. They only allow 1,000 visitors daily, which lends itself to being a very relaxed, and calm Bay to spend time on the sand, and snorkeling the waters for fish and corals.
There aren't many shady spots, so bring lots of sunscreen (Reef safe sunscreen to be kind to the sea life!) and bring snacks and water. If you're interested in snorkeling they have rentals on the beach. We went snorkeling and I was stoked to have spotted my favorite Hawaiian fish the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a.
2.
Magic Island Lagoon
Ala Moana | paddle boarding
Magic Island Lagoon was the perfect spot we came back to a couple times over to longboard around the park, and especially for calm waters to practice our stand up padding boarding. It looked like a perfect spot for a group picnic, some yoga in the grass and just a chill place to hang away from the main crowds on the beach.
3.
Kaneohe Sand Bar
kaneohe | kayaking, boating
Not pictured- the insane paddle out to get to the sand bar. haha! Our first idea was to paddle board out to the spot, but due to the conditions we ended up renting 2 kayaks for the 4 of us and braving the winds and choppy waters. On a better day, I'd definitely do this again. Once you make it out to the sandbar you can anchor your boat (or kayak) and then join many other groups doing the same. The rentals are right at the dock where you take off, and the guides will make sure you're fit and prepared to reach the destination.
4.
Lanikai Beach
lanikai | swimming
This beach felt particularly special to me. I went once with Hannah in January, and we took our friends a couple times over for a sunset, a sunrise, and an afternoon swim after one of our hikes. Lanikai is located right along private property so the beach itself is way more chill, and not as busy with tourists. Calm waves to swim in, and an incredible view of The Mokulua islands.
5.
Waikiki Beach
Waikiki | surfing
If you're staying on the south end of the island in Honolulu, Waikiki beach is the easiest beach to spend the most time at. Although it is probably going to be the most crowded of the beaches, it's all for good reason. Being super close to shops, restaurants and some killer beginner surfing waves. Some of my favorite memories on Oahu are taking night strolls along the water, catching our first waves on our own, and finding a cute spot to watch the sunset.
6.
Electric Beach
Kapolei | free diving
This experience at Electric Beach was one for the books. The night before we met Jeremey who invited his underwater photographer- buddy and took us out into the waters for the hopes of spotting some dolphins. Unfortunately, no dolphin sitings but practicing our deep diving, and getting to hear your breath amongst the vast depth of the ocean was unlike any other. We spotted turtles, underwater sculptures, many of fish, and felt insanely free getting to explore to seas together.
7.
Shark's Cove
haleiwa | snorkeling
Shark's Cove is situated right on the other side of the Kamehameha Hwy across from the famous North Shore Shrimp Truck and the Sunrise Shack of Pupukea. Our first visit there, we bought our snorkeling set from the North Shore Surf Shop, rented some booties, and went out for our first attempt at snorkeling to see what we could find. The Cove is rather shallow, so it's easy to get swayed by the waves crashing over the rocks at the back of the cove, but none the less it was a hilarious blast for our first time.
8.
Waimea Beach
waimea | rock climbing
Waimea Beach, located on the North end of Oahu was a pretty "regular" beach. Great spot for parties, picnics, and a game of football or volleyball. The coolest thing was watching a few impressive skim boarders take on the waves breaking on shore.
9.
Queens Beach
honolulu | volleyball
Queens Beach was another favorite, and one easy to get to- just a bit south from Waikiki in Honolulu. We initially checked it out for the beach volleyball courts, and stayed for a party, and a came back for a few different amazing sunsets to practice our juggling, our acro yoga and take it all in.
10.
Turtle Beach (Laniakea Beach)
Haleiwa | swim with turtles!
This was one of the most wild and unexpected coolest things that happened in Oahu. We swam with turtles!! I didn't capture any photos of where we were at the beach. We scored nearby parking on the street, and immediately got in the water. There were a few other people in the water who brought their snorkel gear and were pointing to where they saw a turtle. So we hopped in, and staying still the waves were a little tricky to keep up with, but there were probably 3 or 4 different turtles right in our area. Bring a snorkel mask or goggles so you can check them out! Be gentle of course while swimming, and stay aware of your surroundings- it can be easy to have a turtle sneak up behind you in the waves.
