YAHglobal World famous Waikiki Beach is known for a lot of things, but being quiet isn’t one of them. It’s about as far from “hidden gem” status as it gets on Oahu. However, with a vehicle, bike, or even a comfy pair of shoes you can escape the resort community to some wonderfully concealed shorelines and coves. Now we know some local guides may send you to the likes of Mākālei and Lē’ahi beach parks to the east of Waikiki. They most certainly meet the criteria for being quiet and near your hotel, but the experience to be had is about as limited as the sandy square footage. Instead, we’re sending you to three spots that boast magical scenery, saltwater, and sand, sans the crowd. We’ve included estimated times from Waikiki when walking (if applicable), cycling, driving, or by bus. Let’s dive in.
Top 3 Secluded Beaches That Are Conveniently Located Near Waikiki Beach
Diamond Head Beach Park
Estimated Time from Waikiki
Walking: 40 minutes
Biking: 10 minutes
The Bus: 10 minutes
Uber/Lyft: 5 minutes
It may seem obvious to call this spot a diamond in the rough, but that’s exactly what this isolated beach park is. Also known as Kuilei Cliffs Beach, Diamond Head Beach Park exists in stark contrast to Waikiki. There are no fluorescent floaties in the water, no one posing for photos while throwing the peace sign, no lifeguard towers, and no amenities whatsoever. The cliffside terrain is rugged, but the sand below runs long along the coast, leaving beachgoers with lots of room to lay down a towel without having to bump elbows with anyone they don’t know. There are a number of nooks and crannies along the cliffs to tuck into for added privacy, yet no matter the time of day it never really gets crowded. Diamond Head Beach is also a popular surf spot, which is immediately evident as you arrive from the sloped pathway to the beach. However, with waves breaking all over on the outer reef there is a lot of room to ride without getting dropped in on. While there are small pockets of water to swim in without jagged reef to ruin your toes, this is mostly where you go to sunbathe, read a good book, and enjoy a cold one (or two) with whomever you came with, even if it’s just the person in the mirror.
You can rent a cruiser, touring bike, e-bike, or scooter from Hawaiian Style Rentals, then peddle up Diamond Head Road from Waikiki to Diamond Head Beach. You can also walk if you have the time and don’t mind the heat nor the incline. View exact location and more on Diamond Head Beach Park.
Sandy Beach Park
Estimated Time from Waikiki
Walking: N/A
Biking: N/A
The Bus: 1 hour
Uber/Lyft: 25 minutes
As we stated in the introduction, we could name smaller beaches within walking distance from Waikiki. However, whether it’s Magic Island Lagoon or Kaimana Beach, they won’t give you anything to write home about. So for our next candidate we’re sending you further along Diamond Head Road and over to Kalanianaole Highway until you arrive at Sandy Beach Park. Sandy’s is a sizable beach that is packed with action, yet doesn’t draw large crowds. The same intense shorebreak that makes it a world class body surfing destination keeps timid beachgoers far away. Subsequently, you will always be able locate a private patch of golden sand to call you own. Look to the left of the lifeguard tower where there will be palms to provide added solitude and shade from the hot sun. View exact location and more on Diamond Head Beach Park.
From Here to Eternity Beach
Estimated Time from Waikiki
Walking: N/A
Biking: N/A
The Bus: 1 hour 10 minutes
Uber/Lyft: 25 minutes
Perhaps the name gives away the fact that this secluded cove is a little further from Waikiki than you desire, but the moniker is also a big draw, inciting romanticism for even the most jaded of wanderlusters. Also known as Halona Beach Cove, From Here to Eternity Beach is about as paradisical as it gets. The sandy beach (pictured at the top of this article) is hidden from Kalanianaole Highway above, obscured by an uninviting rocky cliffside that tells the uninformed to keep their distance. As a result, those in-the-know arrive to an uncrowded cove with soft golden sand and a shore-lapping pool that can be enjoyed by waders, swimmers, and snorkelers alike.
The drive to this beach is fairly enjoyable, but even The Bus is acceptable. The transit ride is actually under an hour from Waikiki, but you have to disembark at Sandy Beach and take a 10-minute walk along the highway to the rocky stairway that leads down to heaven. View more about From Here to Eternity Beach.
