From Lanikai north up to Punaluu, these are the beaches of Oahu's Windward Coast. Read this "Star-Bulletin" article about beach safety in Hawaii.
Lanikai Beach
Windward Oahu, Hawaii. This quiet beach sports good year-round swimming and snorkeling. The beach's mile-long length is broken by seawalls constructed to prevent erosion.
Location :: Just south of Kailua, off of Mokulua Drive.
Access :: Mokulua Drive.
Services :: None.
Kailua Beach Park
Windward Oahu, Hawaii. The "Windsurfing Capitol of Hawaii," Kailua regularly attracts kayakers, swimmers, athletes and members of the US military, as well as local families. Predictably, the beach can grow extremely crowded on the weekends.
Location :: Borders town of Kailua. Begins at Kailua Road and extends entire length of Kailua Bay.
Access :: Makai of Kailua, turn right on Kailua Rd. at the market, cross bridge, and then turn left into beach parking lot.
Services :: Changing houses, picnic tables, shower houses, concession stands.
Laenani Beach Park, Heeia Beach Park, Kaneohe Beach Park, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii
All three beaches lie on Kaneohe Bay and all are perhaps better visited for their views of Kaneohe rather than their swimming.
Location :: Kaneohe Bay, off of Hwy. 836.
Access :: Hwy. 836.
Services :: Restrooms, picnic tables.
Notes :: Water is safe year-round, but is lined with mudflats and coral heads, making for generally poor swimming.
Waiahole Beach Park
Windward Oahu, Hawaii. Waiahole lies four miles north of Laenani/Heeia/Kaneohe, and suffers from the same poor swimming conditions, but is quieter and less developed, and so, well suited for beach combing.
Location :: North of Kaneohe Bay, off of Hwy. 836.
Access :: Hwy. 836.
Services :: None.
Kaaawa Beach Park
Windward Oahu, Hawaii. A popular beach and local hangout, Kaaawa's waters are protected by an offshore reef that makes for safe swimming year-round.
Location :: North of Kaaawa Point, about two miles south of Kahana Bay.
Access :: Kamehameha Highway.
Services :: Restrooms, picnic facilities.
Notes :: A break in the reef at the south end of the park creates a dangerous rip that should be avoided.
Swanzy Beach Park
Windward Oahu, Hawaii. A sand and rubble beach, Swanzy lies two minutes north of Kaaawa. The beach lies below a retaining wall, and is often submerged at high tide. Swimming at Swanzy is generally poor, but the beach has become known as one of the best squiddding and snorkeling places on the Windward coast.
Location :: North of Kaaawa Point, approximately one mile south of Kahana Bay.
Access :: Kamehameha Highway.
Services :: Camping allowed (with permit).
Notes :: Protected by an offshore coral reef; a gap in the reef creates a dangerous rip.
Kahana Bay Beach Park
Windward Oahu, Hawaii. Kahana is a popular swimming spot with local families as parents often bring their children to wade in the shallow protected waters of this beach cove. Groves of ironwood trees keep the area cool, shady, and ideal for picnicking. The beach sports excellent bodysurfing conditions and waves perfect for the beginning board rider.
Location :: Makai of Kamehameha Highway, north of Kualoa Park.
Access :: Kamehameha Highway.
Services :: Changing houses, showers, picnic tables.
Notes :: Beach traditionally excellent for akule fishing. The beach is conveniently located, within walking distance of Huilua fishpond, an ancient Hawaiian fishpond in use until the 1920's, as well as little-visited Kahana Valley State Park, a perfect picnic ground.
Punaluu Beach Park
Windward Oahu, Hawaii. Swimming is safe year-round inside the protective coral reef, and the beach sports a distinctive local flavor as local fishermen frequent the area. The fishermen are friendly and good sources of information for anyone aching to try a line in Punaluu's waters.
Location :: Along Kamehameha Highway, near town of Punaluu.
Access :: Kamehameha Highway.
Services :: Restrooms, cooking facilities, but no lifeguards.
Notes :: Punaluu Beach is located close to the small town of Punaluu, a hundred-yard-wide, one-mile-long strip of gas stations, and local stores selling camping supplies. The Punaluu Art Gallery is managed and operated by famous candle artist Scott Bechtol.
