Little Known East Oahu Beaches

Many people visiting Oahu are familiar with Waikiki Beach and the North Shore because these are the sites that are highly promoted in travel advertisements, television shows and big wave movies. But, there are other lesser known beaches around the island that are just as enchanting.

Bellows Beach Park

Bellows Beach Park, located on Oahu's eastern coast, is a great place to bring the family. With lifeguards on duty and plenty of sand and shallow water, it is an ideal place for children to swim and play. The beach is located just off Kalanianaole Highway near the Waimanalo Polo Fields.

For active duty military, reservists and national guardsmen, military retirees and current and retired Department of Defense civilian employees, Bellows Air Force Station also offers camping facilities and activities, like lei making, kayaking, paint ball games and history tours. There are over 100 beachside cottages that sleep four people and are equipped with full kitchens and dinnerware. Arrangements to rent these cabins should be made ahead of time as they are normally occupied year round.

Kailua Beach and Lanikai Beach

Also on the east coast of Oahu are Kailua and Lanikai beaches, both of which have been voted one of the best beaches in the nation. Here, the atmosphere is definitely relaxed and patrons of these beaches tend to just enjoy doing their own thing. It can get crowded on the weekends, but the experience may be worth it. The sand at Kailua and Lanikai is white, clean and very fine compared to the sand in Waikiki. The ocean is a shimmering turquoise and crystal clear.

Another reason for fighting crowds at these beaches is to watch the top-notch windsurfers, kite surfers and wake boarders in action. There are almost always a few of them in the water, leaping and flipping over the waves and into the air. Whether they are professional or aspiring athletes, they put on a great show for the visiting spectator. If you are feeling up to it, there are shops in Kailua town where you can rent windsurfing and kayaking gear. Many people kayak to Mokulua, two islands just off the coast that are official bird sanctuaries.

Kualoa Regional Park

Located across the street from Kualoa Ranch, this location is great for picnics as it sports a large grassy area and has plenty of available parking. I don't believe there is much beach left due to erosion taking the sand back into the water, but it is a nice place to take a nice, refreshing dip anyway.

The scenery at Kualoa Regional Park is beautiful with Mokolii, or Chinaman's Hat, just across Kaneohe Bay. This cone-shaped island resembles the headgear worn by Chinese immigrants, thus its nickname. During low tide, visitors can walk across the bay to Mokolii for a closer view. However, a kayaking tour of the island is probably the best way to view the island up close.

There are other beach options available for those looking for a real beach getaway and an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The further you get from the city, the more you can unwind and really enjoy your Hawaiian vacation.