The blues and greens of Oahu...The Gathering Place

explore-d-world (25)in #travel • 7 years ago (edited)

Oahu is called the "Heart of Hawaii," so it's the appropriate home to Hawaii's widest range of popular activities and famous sights. You’ll find an activity and attraction for every inclination, from the North Shore to the Makapuu Lighthouse on the island’s southeast tip.

Oahu Beaches

Oahu’s beaches are a true taste of paradise—whether you’re looking for high adventure on the sea, gentle waves for your first surfing lesson, a romantic sunset view or a family-friendly swimming spot. While you might already be familiar with world-famous Waikiki Beach and the high-octane winter waves of the North Shore, there’s even more to discover along the island’s 112 miles of coastline.

Waikiki Beach

In Hawaii, Waikiki Beach is not only the most famous beach, but also one of the most recognized Oahu beaches and spots in the world.Take note when visiting Waikiki that there are 8 main sections of beach that are distinctly different from one another.

1) Duke Kahanamoku Beach

This is the Duke Kahanamoku Beach section of Waikiki Beach. Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort is the tall, colorfully painted building on the left!

2) Fort DeRussy Beach Park

This next area of Waikiki Beach is probably the one of the nicer sections of sand that is also less crowded. Fort DeRussy Beach Park is the only section in the surrounding upper Waikiki area that provides a beautiful grassy park setting with palm trees, shade, and picnic tables.

3) Gray’s Beach

Probably one of the oldest sections of Hawaii Waikiki Beach . This beach was named after Gray’s By The Sea lodge that once stood at this point. The irony about Gray’s Beach, is that not only is the structure gone, but much of the beach is as well.

4) Royal Hawaiian Beach

Also known as Waikiki Beach Center, is on the other side of Gray’s Beach and best described as activity central! Royal Hawaiian Beach is a great spot to catch a Catamaran chartered ride or paddle out on a Hawaiian outrigger canoe,or even take on surfing Waikiki Beach waves.

5) Prince Kuhio Beach

This is not my favorite part of Waikiki Beach, as it gets quite crowded,but the kids love it! Kuhio Beach has been nicked named “The Ponds”,because they constructed two back-to-back concrete walls that stretch about 40 yards into the ocean.It’s a magnet for kids who love to climb up these low walls and run along on top of them, as they try and dodge the exploding waves. Fun as it sounds, the walls are covered in algae and are quite slippery and hazardous. Consider yourselves warned!

6) Queen Kapiolani Beach

Located just after the Kuhio Ponds and busy stretch of Waikiki Hotels is Queen’s Beach. It’s a nice stretch of sand to relax and sunbath on.It’s also a great spot to rent a boogie board and play in the rolling waves along the Waikiki Wall, which acts as a walking pier for visitors to watch the water action, and also capture views of the Waikiki skyline as you look back.Queen’s beach is now also home to the first 1000 foot outdoor movie screen that is used for special movie night screenings. A permanent metal tower structure stands in place, and they raise the screen on movie nights known as “Sunset on the Beach”.

7) San Souci Beach

San Souci Beach is extremely kid and family friendly! Also one of the best spots on this side of the island to snorkel! You will find a nice flat bar of reef that encompasses much of the area with lots of marine life, located about 50 yards into the ocean. San Souci Beach is also a haven for swimmers, kayakers and surfers who take advantage of a natural ocean channel located on the left hand side of the reef and beach.

8) Outrigger Canoe Club Beach

Basically the last stretch of Waikiki Beach …and very private at that.There are two ways to access it. One is to walk across the eastern end of San Souci Beach which is mostly reef and old cement wall where there are stairs to take you over onto the small Outrigger Canoe Club beach.