When you and your kids travel to Hawaii, you have your choice of beautiful beaches. While many feature sandy shores with gentle waves, others have rocky surfaces and rough waters that children can’t play in. Here are some fun, safe, and welcoming spots your family will enjoy.

What Oahu Beaches Should Your Family Visit?

1. Hanauma Bay

This nature preserve on Oahu’s southeast coast is home to a gorgeous array of tropical fish and thriving coral. As such, it’s the island’s top snorkeling spot for kids and adults alike. The water is clearest early in the day, so arriving in the morning provides the best chance to see the vibrant sea life. Because it’s a nature preserve, your family will need to watch an educational video outlining conservation efforts and rules for the space.

2. Waikiki Beach

This iconic spot is a stretch of separate beaches along the edge of Waikiki, all with soft sand and low, rolling waves. As your kids have fun in the water, you can try out surfing, as it’s an ideal area for beginners.

You can get gear from one of the many surf shops and rentals right along the beach, which also offer boogie boards and other water toys. The beach also offers a fireworks show every Friday around 7:45 p.m.

3. Lanikai Beach

If you’re looking for a peaceful picnic spot, head to Lanikai Beach. This area boasts half a mile of pristine, soft white sand. It’s in a residential area, so it’s often less crowded than more commercial beaches. However, you should travel to this spot early. Because it’s popular with locals, it can become difficult to find street parking later in the day. 

This area doesn’t have amenities such as lifeguard towers and restrooms, so pack in everything your family will need for the trip. However, the gorgeous views are well worth the effort, and you’ll understand why it has the reputation as one of the best beaches in the world.

If you’re looking for a gorgeous beachside hotel before you travel to Oahu, choose The Breakers Hotel in Honolulu, HI. Just half a block from Waikiki Beach, they have a beautiful selection of suites that feature comfortable amenities and kitchen appliances. To learn more about their rooms, visit their website or call (808) 923-3181.