Oahu is known for its beautiful beaches, but not all of them are equally safe for young keiki (children). Factors like strong currents, big waves, shorebreak, reef, wana and rocky shorelines can pose risks, especially for little ones. If you're looking for calm, shallow waters and a safer environment for your children to enjoy, here are the best beaches on Oahu for families:
1. Ala Moana Beach Park
Location: Honolulu Area, across from Ala Moana Mall and on Ala Moana Boulevard
Why it's safe: Ala Moana Beach Park is one of Oahu's most family-friendly beaches. The water is calm, and the beach is protected by a natural reef, which makes the ocean conditions more gentle for your keiki. There's also a large, sandy area perfect for hanging out, building sandcastles or picnicking.
Amenities: There are lifeguards on duty, bathrooms, picnic tables, and ample parking. Plus, the park features a large grassy area where kids can play when they're not in the water.
Magic Island Lagoon: This spot is located at Ala Moana Beach Park but it's a little walk. Believe me it's worth it! So pack your umbrella, wagon, stroller and get a little exercise for the whole ohana (family) while you walk over to this kid friendly gem. It's like a calm ocean pool.
Both Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island Lagoon are Ideal for: swimming, wading, sand play and picnics.
2. Kailua Beach Park
Location: Kailua Area across from Buzz’s Steakhouse, on the Windward (East) Side
Why it's safe: Kailua Beach is known for its beautiful white sand and calm, clear waters. The bay is generally sheltered, offering smooth conditions for small children to safely wade and swim. The water gets deeper gradually, so kids can easily play in shallow areas.
Amenities: Plenty of parking, restrooms, picnic areas, and lifeguards make it a great spot for families. There are also rental shops nearby for kayaks or paddleboards if you're looking to try something new.
Ideal for: Swimming, kayaking, windsurfing & kite surfing and family picnics.
Warnings: For safety avoid the river outlet due to potential for high bateria levels and brown water advisories. Recently Kailua has been experiencing higher than normal bacterial levels so alway check online to make sure it’s a safe beach location for you and your ohana that day.
Kalamas and Lanikai are also great calm beaches within Kailua that are sometime less crowded and very close by.
3. Ko Olina Lagoons
Location: Ko Olina Area, on the Leeward (West) Side
Why it's safe: The Ko Olina Lagoons are a set of four man-made lagoons with calm, clear water. The lagoons are sheltered from the open ocean, creating shallow, safe water conditions for young swimmers. The waves here are minimal, and the beaches are clean with soft sand. Ulua Lagoon (Lagoon 4) is the southernmost Lagoon. It has the most public parking and is the most popular with folks not staying in the resorts.
Amenities: The lagoons have lifeguards, restrooms, picnic areas, and easy access to nearby resorts for food and snacks. Ko Olina is also known for its well-maintained facilities and relatively quiet, relaxing atmosphere.
Ideal for: Wading, shallow swimming, and ohana outings.
4. Waimea Bay (during summer months only)
Location: North Shore, Waimea Bay
Why it's safe: While Waimea Bay is famous for its massive winter waves, in the summer months, the water calms down significantly, making it a safe option for keiki and ohana. The bay is surrounded by rocks that protect the waters from strong currents, creating a safe area for kids to swim and play.
Amenities: Lifeguards are on duty, and there are facilities such as restrooms and picnic tables. The parking and beach can get crowded, but it’s worth it for the calm summer waters. If you want less of a crowd arrive early!
Ideal for: Swimming and playing in the sand during the summer months.
5. Waimanalo Beach
Location: Waimanalo, Windward (East) Side
Why it's safe: Waimanalo Beach is a long, wide beach with beautiful, soft sand and generally calm waters. The waves here are typically gentle, especially in the summer months, making it a fantastic spot for kids to swim and wade in shallow water. The bay is protected by offshore reefs, which helps reduce strong currents.
Amenities: There are restrooms, picnic areas, and lifeguards on duty. The area is less crowded than some of the other beaches on Oahu, making it a peaceful spot for families.
Ideal for: Swimming, wading, and picnics.
Kaionas is a great, calm, kid freindly beach in Waimanalo. Great for snorkling and great for toddlers. It also has a parking lot, showers and bathrooms.
Warning: lock cars, store and hide valuables because there is a higher rate of theft at this beach and in the parking lots.
6. Kaimana Beach (adjacent to Kapiolani Park)
Location: Waikiki/Diamond Head, Honolulu
Why it's safe: While the area around Diamond Head Beach is known for being more rugged, there are sheltered areas with calmer water, like Kaimana Beach, where ohanas can enjoy shallow waters and gentle waves. The beach is protected from some of the larger surf by the rocky formations, making it a good option for families with kids.
Amenities: There are lifeguards, restrooms, and plenty of nearby food and activities, making it ideal for family visits.
Ideal for: swimming and shallow water play.
Additional Tips for Beach Safety with Keiki:
Supervision: Never leave children unsupervised near the water, no matter how calm the conditions may seem. Get your child in the habit of asking for permission to enter the water everytime! Your child should not be running into the water and jumping right in.
Designate a Water Watcher: whenever a child enters the water it is essential to have a designated Water Watcher. For young or less experienced children, the Water Watcher should be within arms length at all times.
Lifeguards: Always choose beaches with lifeguards on duty, especially if you're not familiar with the water conditions. Also don’t be scared to ask the lifeguards about the conditions. They are there to prevent drownings and drowning related incidents so they are there to help. Ask questions about conditions, currents, where to go and where not to go. Remember they are the Ocean Safety Experts. They may see things that you do not!
Shallow Water: Opt for beaches with shallow entry and clear waters so that children can play safely and parents can easily keep an eye on them. Parents always enter the water first to see how shallow/deep the water is. If it’s sandy, reef or rocky. Identify safe and dangerous areas. Set boundaries for your keiki. Stay in front of the lifeguard tower. Do not go deeper than knee high water.
Know the Weather: Even calm beaches can become dangerous with sudden weather changes. Always check the weather and surf reports before heading out.
Water Shoes: Some Oahu beaches have rocky areas or coral reefs near the shore. Water shoes can protect kids’ feet and provide a more comfortable experience.
These beaches offer a mix of calm waters, family-friendly amenities, and beautiful surroundings, making them the best options for families looking to enjoy the ocean safely on Oahu.
For more detailed information in regards to current conditions, wave heights, water temperatures and hazards please visit: https://safebeachday.com/. Mahalo!
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