From the south from Barber's Point north up to Nanakuli, these are the beaches of Oahu's Leeward Side. Read this "Star-Bulletin" article about beach safety in Hawaii.

Barbers Point Beach Park

Leeward Oahu, Hawaii. This little-visited beach found at the end of Kalaeloa Boulevard is named after one Henry Barber, who was shipwrecked at this beach in 1795. The beach is primarily privately-owned, though one small pocket of sandy beach is open to the public.

Location :: At the end of Kalaeloa Boulevard, off of Farrington Highway.

Access :: Farrington Highway/Kalaeloa Boulevard.

Services :: Picnic tables, restrooms.

Notes :: Swimming is safe only during the summer, but even then, is generally poor. Beach is better used for snorkerling.

Kahe Point Beach County Park

Leeward Oahu, Hawaii. The beach here is generally poor, and swimming is only safe during the summer, and only then on a calm day with a lifeguard present.

Location :: Along Farrington Highway, North of Paradise Cove.

Access :: Farrington Highway.

Services :: Restrooms, phone, camping allowed (with permit).

Notes :: Although camping is usually allowed, the camping area at Kahe occasionally closes down temporarily.

Hawaiian Electric Beach Park

Leeward Oahu, Hawaii. Found across from the Hawaiian Electric power plant, a hideous eyesore if ever there was one, the beach is known among the locals as "Tracks" because of the railroad tracks that run along the shore here. Though swimming here is usually safe, the beach is typically thought of as a "surfing beach." The gentle waves here are perfect for the beginning bodysurfer.

Location :: Across from the power plant. North of Kahe Point, along the Farrington Highway.

Access :: Farrington Highway.

Services :: Picnic tables, showers, a pavilion, restrooms, roadside parking.

Notes :: If you keep your line of vision out to sea, you should be able to avoid looking at the power plant. And as long as you can avoid the sight of Hawaiian Electric, the area really is quite beautiful.

Nanakuli Beach County Park

Leeward Oahu, Hawaii. This beach is primarily oriented towards the nearby community of Nanakuli, but the waters here have much to offer to the passing tourist. Swimming at Nanakuli is for the most part safe, with dangerous conditions occuring at times of high winter surf. During periods of calm surf, the waters at the southern end of the beach are crystal-clear and perfect for snorkeling.

Location :: The outskirts of the town of Nanakuli, along the Farrington Highway.

Access :: Farrington Highway.

Services :: Basketball courts, a baseball diamond, playground area, lifeguards, camping allowed (with permit).

Notes :: A housing development separates the beach into two distinct portions: a northern and southern end. The waters of the northern end (AKA Kalanianaole) are calmer than those of the south.