We have compiled a list of recommended beaches on the East Coast that we especially want to introduce to you.
The East Coast of Oahu is home to some of Hawaii’s finest beaches, including Hanauma Bay, famous as a snorkeling spot, and Kailua and Lanikai, which have been ranked as the No. 1 beaches in the US.
In addition to these famous locations, there are also quiet, beautiful beaches that are less well-known, as well as beaches perfect for surfing!
We have listed them below, so please look for a spot that matches where you want to go or what you want to do.
→Complete Guide to Popular Spots on Oahu’s East Coast [Ultimate Edition]
Recommended Beaches on the East Coast
We have mainly summarized beaches in the Kailua, Kaneohe, and Hawaii Kai areas.
If you find a place that interests you, please use the link to the detailed article under each heading.
Kaiona Beach
Kaiona Beach is a beautiful, calm, and perfect hidden gem for relaxing.
It is a heavenly scenic beach that exists quietly on the East Coast, and “Kaiona” means “attractive sea” in Hawaiian!
On weekdays, there are hardly any people, so you can enjoy a feeling similar to a private beach.
On weekends, it becomes a beach where locals spend time leisurely having barbecues.
By the way, the Obama residence, known as the Obama Beach House, is located right nearby along the same coast.
Kailua Beach
Kailua Beach is a US No. 1 beach where you can enjoy scenery that represents Hawaii.
The powder-like white sand beach and the beautiful emerald green sea create one of the most beautiful views in Hawaii!
It became a popular spot visited by many tourists after being selected as America’s Best Beach in 1998.
Since then, it has been a regular on best beach award lists, and the number of visitors and its popularity continue to grow every year.
It does not feel as crowded as Waikiki, and it retains an atmosphere where locals spend their time slowly.
It is a top-class tourist destination in Hawaii, so please extend your trip and visit.
Kaneohe Sandbar
The Sandbar is a phantom beach that reveals itself only for a very short time during low tide.
Kaneohe Sandbar is a popular scenic spot dense with coral reefs and shallow areas, often called the “Heavenly Sea” or “Angel’s Sea”!
There is often confusion, but generally, “Heavenly Sea” refers to Lanikai Beach in the Kailua area, and “Angel’s Sea” refers to the Sandbar here in Kaneohe.
Both feature a beautiful contrast between pure white beaches and cobalt blue waters, a beauty that has been selected as the No. 1 beach in the US.
The shallow coast stretching for over 1km in the middle of the ocean is scenery unique to Hawaii.
It is a hugely popular tourist spot representing Hawaii, so if you have the chance, please visit!
→See more about Kaneohe Sandbar
Kalama Beach
Kalama Beach is a hidden spot in Kailua Bay, which has some of the clearest waters in Hawaii.
It is famous as the beach where former President Obama played during his childhood and has visited recently with his family, so it is also called “Obama Beach.”
If you walk a little to the east, you will find Kailua Beach and Lanikai Beach, which are US No. 1 beaches.
The powder-like white, silky sand and the beautiful emerald green blue sea are just as magnificent.
It is a recommended spot for those who want to swim at a beautiful beach that is a hidden gem with fewer people!
Sandy Beach
Sandy Beach is a very popular swimming spot most frequented by Hawaii locals.
The wave size and wind are consistent throughout the year, making it popular not only for swimming but also for bodyboarding and sport kites.
When friends decide to go to the beach together, this is the first name that comes up.
Many people mistakenly think it is “Sunday” Beach, but it is actually Sandy Beach, and as the name suggests, it is a place with very good scenery where white sand stretches for about 500 meters.
It is a great place to relax and chill, and it is also a social beach with many couples and young people!
Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is a popular snorkeling beach where you can swim with many colorful fish and sea turtles.
You can see dozens of types of fish of various sizes, and it has been selected as a US best beach, boasting fame and beauty, with excellent access from the Honolulu area!
You can easily get there from Waikiki by bus, tour, or taxi, and facilities such as lockers and plate lunch stands are available, so you can visit easily.
There are several points to note, such as weekly closures, operating hours, and reservation periods, so please plan your visit carefully rather than just showing up!
It is a very Hawaiian place that you can enjoy just by looking at the scenery without entering the water.
Halona Beach Cove
Halona Beach Cove is a secret beach known as a filming location for numerous movies and dramas.
The seabed is sandy, so even when the current is strong, it feels like a flowing pool and can be enjoyed safely!
On days when the waves are calm, the water clarity is high, and there is a high probability that you can swim with sea turtles and fish as a bonus.
You can jump from the rocks or relax on the beach, fully enjoying the Hawaiian atmosphere.
Please note that climbing down to the beach is a bit difficult, and there are no restrooms or showers.
→See more about Halona Beach Cove
Bellows Beach
Bellows Beach is a secret spot in Hawaii limited to weekends and holidays.
Entry is prohibited on weekdays because this Waimanalo area is located within US military grounds!
There are many lesser-known hidden gems on Oahu, but the special feeling of only being able to go there for a limited time is irresistible.
Because people only enter during limited times, the sandy beach is clean, the water clarity is high, and it has an atmosphere like a private beach.
The contrast between the white sand, green sea, and cobalt blue sky makes this a truly scenic recommended beach!
Makapuu Beach
Makapuu Beach is a scenic spot on the East Coast with a beautiful contrast between the cobalt blue sea and lava rocks.
It is a famous beach frequented by many surfers and bodyboarders because large waves roll in throughout the year.
The seabed is sandy so it isn’t too dangerous, but you will experience huge waves that feel like falling from the second floor of a building, so those who are not strong swimmers should be very careful!
Even if you don’t swim, Makapuu Beach is one of the best beaches for relaxing because the scenery spreading out before you is very beautiful.
This area does not have many tourists, so it is recommended for those who want to play at a Hawaiian beach with a local feel.
Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach is the Heavenly Sea famous for its catchphrase as the No. 1 in the US.
It is one of the most famous beaches in Hawaii, and many people have probably visited at least once.
The emerald green sea, pure white sandy beach, and gentle waves are truly like heaven.
It captivates visitors, making it an overwhelmingly popular beach even among Hawaii locals!
Being a naturally formed beach, the sand is fine and characterized by being silky like flour.
You can relax in the beautiful sea, overlook the magnificent view from the top of the nearby Lanikai Pillbox, or actively aim for the twin islands (Mokulua Islands)!
Please fully enjoy the overwhelmingly beautiful scenery.
Waimanalo Beach
Waimanalo Beach is a top-class beautiful beach in Hawaii and was named the No. 1 beach in the US in 2015.
The beautiful sandy beach and sea continue for a total length of about 6km, making it actually the longest beach on Oahu!
The powder-like white sand beach and emerald green sea are very beautiful, and its greatest charm is that there are few people so you can relax.
You can also overlook the magnificent view of the Koolau Mountain Range, where sheer cliffs line up from the sea.
By the way, Waimanalo is also famous as the hometown of former Sumo Yokozuna Akebono.
It is also a hidden gem without many people, so please visit when you want to play at a beautiful beach.
→See more about Waimanalo Beach
Access to the East Coast
The East Coast is a relatively close area, about 30 minutes to 1 hour from Waikiki.
As for access methods, we recommend a “Tour” for peace of mind, comfort, and efficiency; “The Bus” for cost performance; “Taxi or Uber” for travel time; and “Rental Car or Turo” for freedom.
Recommended Transportation to the East Coast
The Bus Complete Guide [Public Transport to Travel All of Hawaii Cheaply]
Taxi & Uber Complete Guide [Ride-Hailing Services for Easy Travel in Hawaii]
Rental Car & Turo Complete Guide [Private Vehicles for Exploring Hawaii Freely]