Life’s a Beach: The Best Beaches to Visit in Honolulu

You can’t visit Hawaii without experiencing the breathtaking beaches, and Honolulu is a beach lover’s dream come true! Near The Twin Fin, you’ll find a treasure trove of gorgeous shores, coastlines, and sandy havens just waiting to be explored. In fact, the world famous Queens Beach is located right outside our front door! Whether you’re the type who likes to bathe in the sun or dive into the water, we have the perfect beaches for you. So kick off your shoes, let your toes sink into the sand, and discover the beautiful beaches of Hawaii.

Best Beaches for Surfing

Ready to ride the waves? Surfing was cultivated right in our backyard, so you know we’re happy to share the best beaches for surfing in Honolulu! 

Located mere steps from The Twin Fin’s front door, you’ll find one of the most famous beaches on Earth — Waikiki Beach! A favorite beach for surfing (and maybe our favorite beach of all time) Waikiki Beach is known for consistent waves, a bustling atmosphere, and a variety of surf breaks. This is an ideal beach for beginners to take a surf lesson and get a feel for the water, or simply take in the iconic surfing heritage from the warm and sandy shores. 

Looking beyond our neighborhood? Hop in your car and take a 20-minute ride to Sandy Beach! This surfer favorite boasts stunning blue waters, towering cliffs, and long stretches of sandy shores. Now let’s talk about the waves! Sandy Beach is known for its massive breaks and consistent barrels, offering a day of adventure for surfers. However, this beach is best suited for experienced surfers due to its rough currents. Even if you’re not hitting the waves like a pro, Sandy Beach still has plenty to offer — it’s a paradise where you can kick back, relax, and enjoy the soft sands beneath your feet. It’s called Sandy Beach for a reason, right?

Did you know that the Twin Fin is named after a type of surfboard? It’s true! We love and are inspired by surf culture here, so you know we know a thing or two about the best spots to catch a wave. 

If you’re curious about the surf conditions at Waikiki Beach, you can check out our Surfline Surf Cam that’s streamed on our website, in our lobby, and all around the hotel. This way, you’ll be ready to catch the waves when they roll in. 

Best Beaches for Relaxing

Ahh, time to relax! Adventuring around is a great time, but sometimes, all you want to do is kick back and sink your toes into the sand. Luckily, we know the perfect beaches to do just that. 

Kailua Beach Park is a calm, quiet, and breezy hidden gem. Located about a 30-minute drive across the island, a day of pure relaxation is at your fingertips here at Kailua Beach. This is the perfect spot to chill out with your beach towel spread under the shade of swaying palms. Immerse yourself into this blissful beach day, and head back to home base, where your oceanfront room with dreamy views awaits.

Magic Island Lagoon is a serene oasis in lively Honolulu — the perfect escape from the city buzz. Picture yourself spending the entire day here lounging, soaking up the azul water, and basking in island vibes. Pack a picnic, find a spit on the lush grassy area, and let the good times roll. Stay until evening, when you’ll have the most amazing view of Hawaii’s spectacular sunsets. 

Plus, the shallow lagoon area and seawalls make it the perfect place for little ones to splash around and swim in calm waters. 

Best Beaches for the Whole Family

Speaking of little ones — Honolulu is a family-friendly destination with many beaches the whole family can enjoy! 

Just West of The Twin Fin, you’ll find Ala Moana Beach Park — the ultimate playground for children, parents, and the whole gang. With bordering reefs creating calm and safe waters, kids can splash and swim until their hearts are content (and at this beach, there are lifeguards on duty keeping a watchful eye). Family-friendly vibes, convenient amenities, and lots of open space make the perfect recipe for a day filled with sunshine, laughter, and good times at Ala Moana Beach Park.

Another favorite beach for families is Kuhio Beach Park — just a short walk down the shore from us! With gentle waves and soft sands, this place was made for mini adventurers, not to mention the nearby amenities and recreation rentals available. This beach can get pretty busy, but for good reason! The conveniences, gorgeous views, safe waters, and the monumental landmarks Prince Kuhio Statue and Duka Kahanamoku Statue make Kuhio Beach a Honolulu favorite. And one of the best parts? Tasty treats and quick bites are just a hop, skip, and jump away, so you won’t have to miss much of your beloved beach time.

Both of these beaches are very close to us here at The Twin Fin — so you don’t have to travel far to make memories at the beach when you stay with us.

Best Beaches to Live Like a Local 

Sometimes, getting away from the hustle and bustle of tourist-heavy areas is all you want on vacation. It’s always exciting to experience local culture, see what native Hawaiians are up to, and see their favorite beaches for hanging out — especially when they’re off the beaten path! 

Discover the hidden gem of Kuilei Cliffs Beach Park (part of Diamond Head Beach Park), where you can fully immerse yourself in the authentic island lifestyle. It’s a favorite beach for the locals, with a stunning stretch of coastline. Just a heads up — the trek to the beach starts at the top of the cliffs and is down a steep walkway, so be sure to watch your step! And before you head down to shore, we recommend taking a minute to stop and take in the brilliant views from above. 

Kaimana Beach, just up the shore from us, is another one of those beaches where you can live like a local. Stroll along the shore until you stumble upon this beach, and enjoy lounging, swimming, and paddleboarding in the shallow waters, or surfing out past the reef. If you’re looking for a quieter beach day, weekdays are the way to go since this place can get pretty busy on the weekends. Pro tip: when you’re finished your day at the beach, head over to the food trucks and treat yourself to some shaved ice — a true Hawaiian delight.

Best Beaches for Scenic Views

Hawaii is well known for its beaches with breathtaking and scenic views — and once you experience them for yourself, you’ll see just why! Get ready to be captivated by stunning sunsets, majestic mountains, and Hawaiian shores.

Kahala Beach is your ticket to visual paradise. Not only will you be greeted by crystal clear waters and golden sands, but you’ll set eyes on the Diamond Head Crater rising against the ocean — a postcard-worthy view if you ask us! If you’re around during the evening, sunsets here are magical. Warm hues of orange and pink streak across the sky, painting a picture that’s brought your dreams to life. 

You know when you picture a Hawaiian beach with bright blues, greens, and golds, and mountains as backdrops? Well, that’s exactly what you’ll find at Kualoa Regional Park. The beach itself is gorgeous, and what enhances its beauty, even more, are the views of the coastline, cliffs, and lush landscapes that surround it. And to top it off, this beach is known for its view of Mokolii Island (or known as Chinaman’s Hat, and featured in a ton of well-known movies such as Jurassic Park and 50 First Dates). Kuaola Regional Park is one of the places where nature takes center stage, and invites you to join.

Beach Bliss at The Twin Fin’s Doorstep

Experience Honolulu’s gorgeous beaches when you stay at The Twin Fin on Oahu. With beaches just steps away or a short drive along the shores, you’ll have a perfect day in the sun. And when your time along the sane is done, return to your home at The Twin Fin and cool off with shaved ice from Kai Coconuts right on our lobby level. Or, start your mornings off right by enjoying stunning views of Waikiki Beach before heading to the shore. With our “Breakfast Above the Beach” offer, you can save up to 20% on an oceanfront room and enjoy breakfast with a view — it’s the perfect way to begin your day in paradise. So, what are you waiting for? Book your island escape with us and be swept away to a world of sun, surf, and beachside bliss.