Oahu Hawaii: Four Oahu Beaches with Beachfront Hotels

Photo courtesy of wikipedia .

Waikiki

Waikiki is justifiably one of the world’s most famous beaches. In fact, it attracts approximately 5 million visitors a year. Although it’s a busy, often crowded beach it has all the things Hawaii’s beaches are known for: soft sand, warm tropical water, and lots of beachfront activities. If you enjoy a bustling urban experience in addition to your beach time, Waikiki is the beach for you. Plus, this is where you’ll find the most hotels to choose from.

Photo courtesy of tripadvisor.

Ko Olina

Ko Olina is a newer resort area about 40 minutes from Waikiki that provides vacationers with pretty much anything they could want. Ko Olina Resort includes three hotels, vacation ownership options, full-time real estate options, four beaches, an 18-hole golf course with a teaching academy, a marina, a spa, a beach and sports club, numerous dining choices, shopping, activities for all ages, destination weddings, nighttime entertainment, and other scheduled events throughout the year. Ko Olina is truly a full-service resort destination.

Photo courtesy of bridaldreamhawaii.

Kahala

Kahala is primarily an upscale residential area with the exception of the magnificent Kahala Hotel and Resort on Kahala Beach. Kahala is approximately 15 minutes from Honolulu in the opposite direction of Ko Olina.

Photo courtesy of gohawaii.

North Shore

Unlike the previous three destinations the North Shore is less developed and more like the “real” Hawaii. It’s also where you can find world famous surfing beaches such as the Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay. Surf’s up during the winter providing a great spectator sport unless you are an expert surfer. During the summer, however, the water is much calmer so anyone can enjoy the ocean. The only hotel on the North Shore is the Turtle Bay Resort, another full-service resort hotel. It’s approximately 1 hour from Honolulu. Turtle Bay Resort is located on two beaches, Kuilima Cove and Turtle Bay.

To many joyful beach experiences!

— Lisa Dworkin