One of the many perks of being U. Hawai‘i at Mānoa students is being surrounded by great beaches. For many students new to the island, visiting some of the famous beaches is a must. With so many to choose from, how do you know at which one to spend your weekend?
Waimea Bay
If you’re looking for clean sand, free snorkeling or adrenaline-filled adventure, Waimea Bay along the North Shore is a popular destination.
Local surfer Brenda Yun, who writes travel blog “SurfEatSleep,” recommended visiting Waimea in the summer and fall.
“When the surf’s up in the winter months, often 10 to 30 plus feet, this becomes a popular surf spot. But, during the summer time it’s completely opposite with quiet and gentle waves and great snorkeling,” she said.
Not only is this a beach for relaxing and snorkeling, it is well known for cliff jumping. On a typical day, you’ll see many people on a large rock that protrudes into the bay, ready for the jump.
MOKU‘AUIA ISLAND
Moku‘auia Island, located off the coast of Lanikai and Kailua Beaches, has been called “the gem of Kailua Bay” by some tourist websites. Despite that, it is secluded and private, as well as easy to access.
“You can swim or kayak out to the island,” said Andy Johnson, UHM’s sailing coach and Leisure Center director. “When it’s low tide, you can even wade out there.”
The island has a small, crescent-shaped beach on the southern side of the island, which is often deserted, as very few people venture out to the island. It is also a bird sanctuary.
Visitors can explore, swim, surf and hike. However, pets are not allowed on the island.
Lanikai Beach
It is impossible to write a list about the best beaches in O‘ahu without including one its most famous: Lanikai. According to National Geographic, Lanikai Beach has long been named as one of the world’s top 10 most beautiful beaches. What makes this beach so special? Austin Webb, an area resident, said, “Lanikai Beach is one of the best beaches here in O‘ahu because it’s very quiet and not overcrowded, with very calm waves and incredibly soft sand. One of my favorite things to do at this beach is to kayak to the Mokuluas (the islands offshore) which takes about 20-25 minutes.”
This beach is ideal for relaxing and enjoying the smoothness of the soft sand and waves.
KAHANA BAY
Johnson described Kahana Bay as “one of the places you just drive by on the way to the North Shore.” But he said the bay is definitely worth the stop.
Located at the mouth of the Kahana River, Kahana Bay is a popular place for kay
aking and swimming. The bay’s lagoon is near the end of the river, and there are many trees to shelter visitors from the bright Hawaiian sun. Hanging from one of the trees is a rope swing, which some will use to launch themselves into the water. Visitors can also kayak up the river, which is roughly a 15-20 minute trip.
Sandy Beach
Are you an experienced bodysurfer or body boarder? Sandy Beach is a popular spot for the big waves that draws many locals and college students on the weekends. President Obama has even been spotted body surfing along Sandy’s waves. Although this is a popular spot for bodysurfers, it is highly recommended to be an experienced swimmer.
“The attraction is the power of the wave,” said Clyde Hodges in a story by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin. “When I think I’ve got it all together and want to experience powerlessness, I come here.” If you are not an experienced swimmer or bodysurfer, this beach is a nice spot to sunbathe and relax with your friends since most tourists don’t make their way out to this beach.
Kaimana Beach
Not all of us have access to transportation to get to some beaches. So what is your option that’s close to campus, yet not as crowded as Waikīkī? At the end of Waikīkī, is a less-populated beach called Kaimana, known officially as Sans Souci Beach.
Nick James, a student at UH, rides his moped there from his apartment located a few minutes from campus. “I like this beach because it’s very close to my apartment and has fewer tourists than Waikīkī. It is also a good spot for snorkeling – I once saw a sea turtle there.”
Ala Moana Beach Park
Ala Moana Beach Park is perfect for its location because it is close to campus and is easily accessible by bus or bicycle. Ala Moana also offers a picnic and BBQ area for the perfect day at the beach. Tyrell Ma’ae, a resident, born and raised on O‘ahu and a UH student said, “This is my favorite beach on this side of town. I like the fact I can BBQ with my friends and it’s an easy place to have everyone meet up at.” The waves at Ala Moana are usually always calm and it is protected by an outer reef. This beach is a favorite for the atmosphere and distance from campus.