Waikiki Beach is known for its sun, sand, saltwater, and palm trees, but its consistently small waves may be the star of the show. Typically staying between 1–3 feet (up to one meter), the swell at this Oahu beach is great for beginner surfers looking to catch their first wave. Plus, there are countless surfing lessons—both group and private—taking place on this famed beach for you to choose from.

While a perfect day at Kailua Beach may simply be sunbathing on its soft sand and swimming in calm, turquoise waters, it’s also one of the top beaches on Oahu for kayaking. One option is to head out on your own: You can rent kayaks and paddle out to nearby Popoia Island, then continue the 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) kayaking journey to the Mokulua Islands in the distance. For less experienced boaters looking for a little more guidance, consider a small-group kayaking tour of Kailua Bay.

On Oahu, the ocean conditions vary a lot by season. All around the island, the summer brings calm waters, while the winter brings wavy conditions. But there are a few exceptions to this rule, Lanikai Beach being one of them. Lanikai's waters are calm and sparkling year-round, making this East Side beach ideal for those looking to get in a relaxing swim. Once you’re done, you can laze on the golden shoreline of this relatively quiet Oahu beach for hours on end.

Waimea Bay is one of the most versatile beaches on Oahu. In the winter, when upwards of 30-foot (9-meter) waves roll in, it’s a favorite spot for surfing. During the summer, when the waters are calm, it’s great for swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping. Note that it is never safe to jump from cliffs at Waimea Bay with large waves. To stay safe, go with someone knowledgeable; make sure the sea is calm; and when in doubt, choose another way to experience Waimea.

Banzai Pipeline —properly known as ‘Ehukai Beach Park—may be the most famous surf spot in the world. With three separate surf breaks, it’s regularly used as a surf competition location for events such as Vans Pipe Masters, Da Hui Backdoor Shootout, and Pipe Pro. While the average surfer definitely shouldn’t enter these waters while the 20-foot-plus (6-meter) waves are rolling in, everyone can watch the pros at work from the safety of the shoreline.

When looking for the best beaches on Oahu for families, the Ko Olina Lagoons may top the list. These four side-by-side lagoons have rock barriers to block out any larger waves, keeping the water inside each cutout calm year-round. To add to the kid-friendly appeal, Ko Olina is also home to Aulani, A Disney® Resort & Spa, where you can enjoy a meal with Disney® characters, trade pins, or experience the Ka Wa‘a Luau, even without a room at the resort.

There are many great Oahu beaches for snorkeling, but Hanauma Bay is particularly great for beginners, with lifeguards year-round. When you enter the state park you’ll watch an introductory video about how you can keep yourself—and protected marine life—safe. Then get a glimpse of tropical fish, thriving coral, lazing sea turtles, and more. Note that reservations for Hanauma Bay are required and tickets are often snatched up within minutes; book two days in advance on the site at 7am HST.

Many Hawaiian green sea turtles—locally called honu—have chosen to make Laniakea Beach on the North Shore their part-time home. This shoreline has been given the unofficial name of “Turtle Beach” (not to be confused with Turtle Bay, which has far fewer honu). With the exception of when there are large waves, you can usually find a handful of honu lounging about on the shore, as well as a few swimming in the water, at this must-visit Oahu beach. It’s a common stop on circle-island tours of Oahu.

There are so many beaches on Oahu for relaxation and sunset watching—pretty much any West-facing will do—but Sunset Beach is a favorite. With its decently sized parking lot, it’s one of the only beaches on the North Shore where you won’t (always) struggle to get a parking space. So when sunset rolls around, all you have to do is lay out your beach towel or beach mat and take in the gorgeous, pastel-colored magic.