The shoreline near Diamond Head is no different from the rest of Oahu; it has plenty of beaches and beach parks with access to the ocean.
Most choices near Diamond Head are quiet local spots with modest amenities and expansive shorelines.
A few options are close to Waikiki and offer the usual buzz, abundant facilities, and various events.
This list covers all types of beachgoers; check out what the area has to offer!
1. Diamond Head Beach Park
- Distance from Diamond Head: 2 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, picnics, snorkeling, diving, surfing, hiking
- Amenities: restrooms, showers, trails, free parking, lighthouse, overlook
Diamond Head Beach Park, an oasis nestled near Honolulu’s hubbub, offers a diverse beach experience, from serene sunbathing and vibrant picnics to exhilarating surfing and tranquil snorkeling.
A convenient retreat, it features generous parking, accessible trails, refreshing showers, and well-maintained restrooms.
With Diamond Head and its lighthouse as a backdrop, the park provides captivating vistas of Oahu’s coast.
An unexpected highlight is the beach’s unofficial status as a nude beach, adding an edge of intrigue.
Furthermore, its dog-friendly zones and wide grassy areas lend themselves to family outings, while the ample shoreline invites leisurely strolls.
But remember, the shade is limited, so don’t forget your sunscreen!
2. Kaimana Beach
- Distance from Diamond Head: 3 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, picnics, snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding, surfing
- Amenities: restrooms, showers, lifeguards
Kaimana Beach, a peaceful sanctuary just beyond the hustle of Waikiki, delivers a diverse menu of activities – swimming, sunbathing, picnics, snorkeling, diving, and even surfing at the nearby Old Man’s break.
Safety reigns with the presence of lifeguards and restful showers and restrooms make it a family favorite.
Yet, Kaimana has a unique resident that sets it apart – a local seal often spotted resting on its sandy shores, delighting beachgoers with its impromptu appearances.
Despite being easily accessible from Waikiki Beach, Kaimana maintains its distinct charm, providing a tranquil alternative to the typical crowded beach experience.
Hence, it stands as a favored destination for both locals and tourists.
3. Kuhio Beach
- Distance from Diamond Head: 3 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, picnics, snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding, surfing
- Amenities: restrooms, showers, lifeguards
Enriched with history, Kuhio Beach Park, tucked within the expanse of Waikiki Beach near Diamond Head, appeals to visitors and locals alike.
Beyond its stunning location, the beach offers a range of activities including swimming, surfing at the iconic Queen’s and Canoes breaks, and absorbing local culture through its famous statues and public artworks.
The beach is also home to two popular surf competitions, enhancing its allure for wave chasers.
Safe swimming areas make it a top choice for families, while amenities like restrooms and showers ensure comfort for all.
The beach’s distinguishing feature, however, is its connection to history, symbolized by statues of Duke Kahanamoku, Prince Jonah Kuhio, and the Stones of Life.
4. Hunakai Beach
- Distance from Diamond Head: 2 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, picnics, snorkeling
- Amenities: street parking
Off the tourist map and nestled close to Diamond Head, Hunakai Beach promises an unspoiled experience on Oahu’s east coast.
This hidden gem, a part of the renowned Kahala Beach, remains virtually unknown to guidebooks, making it an ideal spot for those seeking serenity away from crowds.
Adorned with soft sands and palm trees, it offers ample space for sunbathing or picnics.
A dip into its crystal-clear, shallow waters (with the presence of some rocks) can prove delightful.
However, it’s the calming ‘quietude’ of the place that truly sets it apart.
While parking is accessible, amenities are limited, reflecting its untouched allure.
This peaceful haven truly embodies Hawaii’s natural charm.
5. Kahala Beach
- Distance from Diamond Head: 3 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, picnics, snorkeling, diving, fishing
- Amenities: restrooms, showers
Tucked away near Diamond Head, Kahala Beach serves as a picturesque haven primarily utilized by photographers.
This well-kept secret, often missed by regular tourist radar, provides a serene backdrop for divers and swimmers alike.
The crystalline waters, low on human interruption, host a vibrant aquatic life.
Divers report seeing colorful fish, dolphins, and even sting rays.
While access to the beach requires some navigation, the effort is rewarded by a virtually private, sandy retreat.
Visitors can indulge in swimming in the shallow waters if they don’t mind navigating around rocks.
Amenities, however, are sparse, further underlining its untouched character.
For those seeking a unique beach experience, the charm of Kahala Beach lies in its tranquillity and natural allure.
6. Wai’alae Beach Park
- Distance from Diamond Head: 3 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, picnics, snorkeling, diving, surfing, photography, fishing
- Amenities: restrooms, showers, free parking
Just a stone’s throw from Diamond Head, Wai’alae Beach Park is a scenic locale frequented by picnickers, surfers, and photographers.
The beach boasts a unique blend of sandy shore and offshore coral rubble, housing a small man-made island at its eastern end.
Amenities include bathrooms, showers, and a picnic area, making it an ideal spot for family outings.
Despite the shallow reef reducing its suitability for swimming, the beach remains popular for snorkeling and diving.
Wai’alae Beach Park offers access to the pristine Kahala Beach – a virtually private, sandy stretch.
With its blend of natural allure and classic Hawaiian views, Wai’alae Beach Park presents an idyllic spot for weddings and photography.
7. Wailupe Beach Park
- Distance from Diamond Head: 5 miles
- Activities: sunbathing, picnics, photography, fishing
- Amenities: restrooms, showers, picnic tables, shade, free parking
Wailupe Beach Park, a small jewel nestled just east of Diamond Head, offers a pit-stop haven for picnickers, anglers, and families on a casual day out.
Despite its murky waters and rocky shoreline not being ideal for swimming, Wailupe thrives as a destination for surface activities.
Visitors can indulge in fishing in the shallow waters or snap Instagram-worthy pictures of the classic Hawaiian panoramas.
The park is well-equipped with amenities including restrooms, showers, and picnic tables, making it perfect for a relaxing, scenic break.
Strategically located off Kalanianaole Highway, it provides an accessible retreat without venturing far off the path.
With ample space to roam, this park offers a refreshing contrast to the bustling city and busy beaches, ideal for a tranquil pit stop during your Hawaiian exploration.
8. Kawaiku’i Beach Park
- Distance from Diamond Head: 5 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, picnics, snorkeling, surfing, fishing
- Amenities: restrooms, showers, parking, picnic tables, grassy fields
Situated just 5 miles from Diamond Head, Kawaiku’i Beach Park serves as an expansive oasis for leisurely park-goers and seasoned surfers alike.
More park than a beach, Kawaiku’i is prized for its abundant shade, sprawling grassy terrain, and picnic tables, making it the perfect backdrop for barbecue enthusiasts and families seeking a tranquil retreat.
Despite the narrow strip of sand, the beach is a gateway for surfers willing to paddle farther out to renowned surf spots like Manantan’s, Tunas, and Turtles.
Ample parking and standard public amenities, including restrooms, add to the convenience of this often-overlooked park.
Nestled off Kalanianaole Highway, Kawaiku’i Beach Park offers visitors an under-the-radar picnic spot coupled with panoramic views of the ocean and hellscapes.
9. Makalei Beach Park
- Distance from Diamond Head: 3 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, picnics, snorkeling, surfing, fishing
- Amenities: showers, a picnic table, grassy fields
Tucked away between the famous Diamond Head and Waikiki lies Makalei Beach Park, a serene oasis often overlooked by tourists.
This hidden gem offers a quieter beach experience, with smaller crowds making it ideal for those seeking tranquillity near the city buzz.
Despite its smaller size, Makalei hosts an array of activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddling.
The beach is a launchpad for budding surfers, with the offshore breaks Suicides and Graveyards offering manageable waves.
For spectators, a raised platform provides panoramic views of the distant waves.
Although limited, amenities include a washing station and a lone picnic table under a vast Banyan tree, providing shade for picnickers.
With a residential neighborhood as its backdrop, Makalei delivers a peaceful, less crowded alternative to its bustling neighbors.