When I think about relaxing under the sun, Oahu’s beaches always come to mind. These beaches have soft sand, warm weather, and beautiful ocean views.
They are some of the most inviting places to unwind.
I want to help you find the best spots on Oahu for sunbathing. Whether you love busy shores or quiet stretches, you can find a perfect beach waiting for you.
Laniakea Beach
I spent a peaceful afternoon sunbathing at Laniakea Beach. I soaked up the sun while I watched Hawaiian green sea turtles glide through the water and rest on the sand nearby.
The vibe felt friendly and relaxed. I brought my own towel and snacks since this beach doesn’t have restrooms or showers.
Parking can be tough right along the highway, especially in the middle of the day or on weekends. I made sure to arrive early and still found it busy.
Both tourists and locals visit because of the turtles. I loved watching the turtles from a safe distance and followed the posted guidelines to avoid bothering them.
Sometimes, volunteers explained the rules and shared facts about these animals. Since there’s no trash service, I took all my garbage with me to keep the area clean.
If you want restrooms or something to eat after your visit, Haleiwa Town is just a few minutes away. I stopped there for shave ice and to use the public bathrooms, then continued exploring the North Shore.
Rating: 4.7 (5297 reviews)
Location: Laniakea Beach, Haleiwa, HI
Website: Visit Website
Kailua Beach Park
I spent a sunny afternoon at Kailua Beach Park and loved how soft the sand felt under my feet. The beach was clean, and there was plenty of space to lay down a towel and relax.
It didn’t feel crowded, even though many people enjoyed the day. The water was very clear with a gentle slope, making it nice for wading or sitting by the shoreline.
I saw families and groups of friends lounging, reading, or soaking in the sun. There are a few shady spots under the trees if you need a break from the heat.
Facilities like showers and restrooms are easy to find, so it’s comfortable to spend a few hours here. Parking was also straightforward, and I felt safe leaving my things nearby while I went for a swim.
This park is close to places where you can rent equipment, like kayaks or paddleboards. Lying on the beach itself was my favorite part.
The mix of calm waves and cooling breezes made it easy to relax.
Rating: 4.8 (12,467 reviews)
Location: Kailua Beach Park
Contact: (808) 768-8980
Website: Visit Website
Kahanamoku Beach
I recently spent the afternoon at Kahanamoku Beach, and found it easy for sunbathing. The sand feels soft beneath my towel, and there’s plenty of open space to spread out.
The gentle curve of the shoreline gives the area a nice look. Swimming is popular here, but I saw many people relaxing on the shore and soaking up the sun.
The waves are easy, so I could float or wade in for a quick cooldown. Friendly people, lots to watch, and easy access to food or restrooms nearby made my visit simple.
I liked watching surfers and paddleboarders further out while I lounged. The beach is close to plenty of places to eat, which made grabbing a snack after sunbathing quick and convenient.
Rating: 4.6 (2,256 reviews)
Location: Honolulu, HI 96815
Contact: (808) 768-3003
Website: Visit Website
Waikīkī Beach
When I visited Waikīkī Beach, I felt amazed by how lively and beautiful it was. The beach is lined with tall palm trees and surrounded by high-rise hotels.
The soft sand is perfect for laying out a towel and soaking up the sun. The beach can get crowded, especially in the afternoon, but I always found a spot to relax and enjoy the view.
Walking along the shoreline, I saw families building sandcastles and people trying out surfing for the first time. Sunsets at Waikīkī are really special.
The colors reflect off the water, and many people come out just to watch the sky change. There are lots of food and drink spots nearby, so it’s easy to grab a cold drink after sunbathing.
It was fun to see the statue of Duke Kahanamoku, the famous surfer, near the water. Waikīkī Beach is a great place for sunbathing and people-watching in the heart of Honolulu.
Rating: 4.7 (3298 reviews)
Location: Honolulu, HI 96815
Website: Visit Website
Keawaula Beach
When I went to Keawaula Beach, I felt peaceful and away from the busy crowds. The sand is soft, golden, and stretches out for a long distance.
It was easy to find a quiet spot to lay my towel. The open space made it perfect for sunbathing.
The water looked really clear and blue, but lifeguards watched the waves. The surf was rough, so I didn’t swim far.
A lot of experienced surfers enjoyed the challenge, but I just relaxed on the shore and enjoyed the sun. Since Keawaula is at the end of the road on the west side, it took a little longer to get there.
The drive was worth it because the scenery is beautiful and untouched. I didn’t see many stores or snack shops nearby, so I packed my own things before going.
I liked how natural and open everything was. Watching the sunset here was a highlight, with the sunlight reflecting off the ocean and turning the sky orange and pink.
Rating: 4.7 (628 reviews)
Location: Keawaula Beach
Website: Visit Website
Paradise Cove Public Beach
When I arrived at Paradise Cove Public Beach, I noticed how peaceful it felt compared to some of the larger beaches on Oahu. The small, sandy cove is surrounded by palm trees, giving plenty of shady spots to relax.
I found the beach clean and quiet, which made it a great place for just lying back and sunbathing. The sand was soft, and the gentle waves made it comfortable to swim or just dip my feet in the water.
Parking was close by, so I didn’t have to walk far with my beach bag. There were a few families around, but it never felt crowded or noisy.
I liked that I could find my own space to stretch out without bumping into others. The vibe here felt friendly and safe.
If I got too hot, it was easy to slip into the water to cool off, then come back and relax under a palm tree.
Rating: 4.6 (397 reviews)
Location: Kapolei, HI 96707
Contact: (808) 768-3003
Website: Visit Website
Waimea Bay Beach Park
When I got to Waimea Bay Beach Park, the view stunned me. The sand stretched wide and clean, and the water looked bright blue and inviting.
I enjoyed sitting on the beach and soaking up the sun. In the winter, I saw big waves and some brave surfers out in the water.
It’s a famous spot for watching them ride massive waves. In the summer, the water felt calm, making it perfect for swimming or just floating near the shore.
The park has lots of space for laying out a towel and sunbathing. There are some shady areas if I wanted a break from the sun.
I noticed picnic tables, bathrooms, and showers, which made staying all day easy. There’s parking, though it can get busy, especially on weekends.
Lifeguards kept watch, so I felt safe relaxing and enjoying the beach.
Rating: 4.8 (6105 reviews)
Location: 610031 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Website: Visit Website
Makapuu Beach Park
I recently spent a sunny afternoon at Makapuu Beach Park. It’s a great spot for relaxing in the sun.
The sand feels soft and clean. The sound of waves in the background makes it easy to lay back and unwind.
The beach sits a little tucked away, so I didn’t see many people when I visited. There’s plenty of space to stretch out a towel and enjoy the sunlight.
I liked the pretty views, especially the blue water and nearby cliffs. It’s a peaceful place to soak up the sun or read a book.
The area felt safe. Parking was close, so I got in and out easily.
The surf can get strong, so I stick to sunbathing or dipping my toes in if I’m not a strong swimmer. It’s a nice spot for a quiet beach day away from big crowds.
Rating: 4.7 (1065 reviews)
Location: Hawaii 96795
Website: Visit Website
Kailua Beach
I loved spending time at Kailua Beach. The sand felt soft and powdery.
It was easy to find a spot to relax in the sun. The beach wasn’t crowded, so I never felt cramped.
The water looked bright blue and stayed calm. I saw many people swimming or wading in the gentle waves.
Lifeguards watched over the beach, which made me feel safe. I laid out my towel and enjoyed the breeze.
Plenty of shade sits under the trees lining the back of the beach. If it got too hot, I just moved back a little.
Picnic tables made it easy to enjoy a snack or take a break from the sun. Parking was pretty straightforward in the nearby lot, but it can fill up quickly on weekends.
Rating: 4.7 (744 reviews)
Location: Kailua Beach, Kailua, HI 96734
Ke Iki Beach
I had a peaceful afternoon at Ke Iki Beach. The sand feels soft and wide, so I could spread out a towel and relax.
There’s usually enough space to stretch without feeling crowded. This beach is less busy than some of Oahu’s popular spots.
The clear water and open coastline create a calm setting. It’s perfect for sunbathing or reading a book.
I noticed gentle waves, but the surf can get bigger in winter. I always check the water before going in.
There isn’t much shade, so I brought my own umbrella and lots of sunscreen. Parking was along the street, and I walked a short path to the beach.
It felt quiet, with mostly locals or a few families nearby. I enjoyed listening to the sound of the ocean.
Rating: 4.7 (158 reviews)
Location: Haleiwa, HI 96712
Sun Safety Tips for Oahu Beaches
Staying safe under the sun makes my beach day more fun and comfortable. I avoid sunburn and dehydration by making smart choices before and during my time at the beach.
Best Times for Sunbathing
The sun in Oahu can be harsh, especially around noon. I like to head out early in the morning or after 3 p.m. for softer sunlight.
These times are cooler, and the UV index is lower, which helps protect my skin. Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the sun’s rays are strongest, so I try to avoid sunbathing during these hours.
If I must be out, I find some shade or take breaks under an umbrella. Mornings also offer calmer conditions for swimming or relaxing.
I check local weather and UV index updates before planning my beach trip. This helps me choose the best time for my skin and safety.
Essential Sun Protection Gear
I always bring the right gear to stay safe. My beach bag has reef-safe sunscreen—about an ounce for a full-body application.
I apply it at least 30 minutes before going out and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming. I wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect my face and eyes.
For extra coverage, I often wear a rash guard or a light, long-sleeve shirt. Water and shade are also important.
I drink plenty of water and set up a beach umbrella or find a shaded spot to rest. I make sure to cover spots people forget, like the tops of my ears, back of my neck, hands, and the bottom of my feet.
For more detailed tips, I check out these sun protection suggestions and beach safety basics.
Beach Amenities and Accessibility
The best sunbathing beaches on Oahu are not only beautiful but also convenient. Clean restrooms, easy parking, and safe pathways make beach days better for everyone.
Facilities Available at Popular Spots
At Waikiki Beach, I find plenty of handy amenities, including public restrooms, showers, shaded picnic areas, and nearby rental shops for chairs or umbrellas. Lifeguards watch over the beach, so I feel safe when I’m swimming or relaxing.
Kailua Beach Park and Hanauma Bay both offer well-kept bathrooms, showers, and picnic tables. Hanauma Bay has a visitor center, but I have to pay a small fee for entry and parking.
Kailua Beach Park features grills and more space for family gatherings. If accessibility is important, some beaches like Kailua Beach lead in this area.
There are wheelchair ramps, accessible pathways, and reserved parking spaces. Several beaches also offer beach wheelchairs at no charge, making the sand and water easy for everyone to reach.
Learn more about accessible Oahu beaches for comfort and inclusivity.
Getting to Oahu’s Best Beaches
Traveling around Oahu is straightforward for visitors and locals like me. I often use rental cars, but the island’s public buses reach most popular beaches.
Waikiki is easy to get to. Frequent bus service and walking paths connect most hotels to the beach.
It’s best to arrive early at beaches like Lanikai or Waimanalo. Parking is limited, and weekends get crowded.
Kailua and Hanauma Bay have larger parking lots. Hanauma Bay sometimes needs early reservations because it is a protected area and very popular.
Cyclists use bike lanes around Kailua and Lanikai. For a stress-free trip, I travel outside peak hours when I can.
I always check the latest parking details and bus schedules before leaving. This helps me enjoy my time at top Oahu beaches.
