From the south (Sandy's) north up to Waimanalo, these are the beaches of Oahu's Windward Coast. Read this "Star-Bulletin" article about beach safety in Hawaii.
Hanauma Bay State Underwater Park
Southeast Oahu, Hawaii. Counted among Hawaii's most popular beaches, Hanauma regularly attracts huge crowds of picknicking families, swimmers, and snorkeling enthusiasts, come to explore the underwater crater of an extinct volcano located just beyond Koko Head. Hanuama also sports a beautiful sandy beach ringed with palm trees, and the waters of the bay are alive with schools of tropical fish.
Location :: Southeast Oahu; 7455 Kalanianaole Highway.
Access :: Kalanianaole Highway.
Services :: Changing houses, showers, food concessions, snorkeling equipment rentals (mask, snorkel, and fins: $6).
Notes :: Beach is best visited in the early morning before 7:00 and in the late afternoon after 4:00 as the beach is usually extremely crowded during the day. No smoking is allowed on the beach. Beach access: donation of $3. Parking: $1. Park is closed to visitors on Tuesday as park workers use the day to orchestrate badly-needed repairs to undo the beach's extensive ecological damage.
Sandy Beach Park
Windward Oahu, Hawaii. Known as "Scene Beach," Sandy Beach is among the best bodysurfing beaches in all of Oahu. However, the beach has gained notoriety for its rugged conditions as well as the number of severe surfing accidents that occur there. More necks are broken at Sandy than at all other Oahu beaches combined.
Location :: Makai of Kalanianaole Highway, 2 miles east of Hanauma Bay
Access :: Kalanianaole Highway.
Services :: Changing house, indoor/outdoor showers, Kaukau wagons occasionally park in the area, selling a wide variety of refreshments.
Notes :: Don't swim here. The dangerous shore break causes many injuries. Lifeguards use a brand of semaphore signalling to inform surfers of the conditions. Dangerous surfing conditions are indicated by the waving of a red flag.
Wawamalu Beach
Windward Oahu, Hawaii. Though this beach looks particularly inviting, don't be fooled. The absence of a protective offshore reef makes swimming here extremely dangerous.
Location :: Along Highway 72, north of Sandy Beach.
Access :: Hwy. 72.
Services :: None.
Notes :: This beach is typically used for sunbathing only.
Makapuu Beach Park
Windward Oahu, Hawaii. Makapuu is the single most famous bodysurfing beach in the entire state, but like Sandy Beach, conditions here can be dangerous. Conditions are especially hazardous during the winter months when much of the beach erodes away, leaving exposed rock. In the summer, waves are gentle, allowing recreational swimming.
Location :: Makai of Kalanianaole Highway, across from Sea Life Park, 2 miles south of Waimanalo.
Access :: Kalanianaole Highway.
Services :: Changing house, indoor/outdoor showers.
Notes :: The beach is a prime sunbathing spot and is located below Makapuu Point, a favorite launching spot for hang gliding enthusiasts. Bunkers constructed atop Makapuu Point by the US military during World War II are referred to by James Jones in his famous "From Here to Eternity."
Waimanalo Beach Park
Windward Oahu, Hawaii. Waimanalo is a center for surfing on the island, but rough conditions make it unsafe for all but professionals. Hundreds of families set up mini-camps on the lawn, often consisting of radios, lawn chairs, and tarps to block the sun.
Location :: On Waimanalo Bay, South of the town of Waimanalo.
Access :: Kalanianaole Highway.
Services :: Picnic tables, shower houses.
Notes :: The beach has beautiful views of Oahu's mountains and the Windward coast.
