Michikusa Gurus
5 Beaches in Hawaii with Unseen and Spectacular Views

When people think of Hawaii, blue ocean and white sand beaches come to mind. But the truth is that there are many different looks depending on the location, season, and time of day.
Here are some variations on how to enjoy the beach, including the best angles of famous beaches that you may not have known about, special times of the day, and secret panoramic views.

Lying on the beach with a panoramic view of Diamond Head

Originally built for resorts, the area is now a favorite spot for locals to relax.
Originally built for resorts, the area is now a favorite spot for locals to relax.

Aina Moana, or "Magic Island," is located at the eastern end of Ala Moana Beach directly across from Ala Moana Shopping Center, between Ala Wai Yacht Harbor and the large parking lot of Ala Moana Beach Park, and looks like a peninsula.
At first glance, it looks like a spacious park with beautiful lawns, but at the tip of the island is a lagoon and a wide sandy beach surrounded by breakwaters that block the waves, and the panoramic view of Diamond Head from the beach is a must-see.

A secluded spot on Ala Moana Beach

The unquestionably clear waters and white sandy beaches allow visitors to lounge around all day long.
The unquestionably clear waters and white sandy beaches allow visitors to lounge around all day long.

Ala Moana Beach is where the surfers come to surf, but this is a different world. The lagoon is always calm and shallow, and many families with small children can be seen here. On weekends, locals enjoy picnics and BBQs, and scuba divers enjoy Experience diving. Diamond Head, which is usually viewed from Waikiki, can be seen in such a magnificent view from this luxurious and relaxing beach that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the city.

Magic Island Magic Island
  • Address 1201 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96814 MAP
  • Direction 5 minutes drive from Waikiki
  • Parking Free of charge

The panoramic view of the sandbar embraced by the mountains is too beautiful!

The outer edge of the bay is a barrier reef, the inner side is a patch reef, and the elongated shape is a 4.8-km-long sand bar.
The outer edge of the bay is a barrier reef, the inner side is a patch reef, and the elongated shape is a 4.8-km-long sand bar.

Sandbar is located off Kaneohe Bay in the northeastern part of Oahu Island. It is called "Ahu O Laka" in Hawaiian, and is said to be the sacred place where "Laka," the goddess of hula, danced the hula to dedicate it to "Pele," the god of fire. The shallow ocean, formed over many years by the accumulation of sand that flows into the bay, is illuminated by the sun's rays and emerald green, a color that changes from blue to emerald green. Directions to this must-visit destination for Hawaii lovers are by tour boat only. However, there is actually only one secret spot where you can view the sunset from above.

A great reward after a pleasant sweat

There are a few places where the slope is steep, but even beginners can climb up the trail and enjoy the spectacular view!
There are a few places where the slope is steep, but even beginners can climb up the trail and enjoy the spectacular view!

Puu Maeli'eli" is also known as Digging Hill. A 40-minute one-way hike up the tree-covered trail takes you to the top, where you will be rewarded with a spectacular view unlike any you have ever seen. The Ko'olau Mountains, carved by years of wind and rain and filled with cascading waterfalls, the longest coral reef in the United States, and the phantom sandbars that rise up from the ocean. The beauty is breathtaking, and the experience of taking in the vividness of nature's beauty as it fills your field of vision will make you forget your everyday life. It is a time to be fully immersed in the captivating scenery, and it is a time that should be fully enjoyed only on a trip to the island.

Pu'u Ma'eli'eli
  • Address 47-263- 47-265 Hui Iwa St. Kaneohe, HI 96744 MAP
  • Direction 40 minutes from Waikiki by car
  • Parking None

A North Shore beach with a nice sky to look up at

A place where dozens of palm trees are gathered together in one place is rare in Hawaii.
A place where dozens of palm trees are gathered together in one place is rare in Hawaii.

As you enter the parking lot, the first thing you will see is a group of tall palm trees swaying in the wind. The contrast with the blue sky is exquisite and makes you feel like you are in a tropical country. Although it is easy to focus only on the blue ocean, the wide, high sky makes you feel liberated. A little further on, you will come to a private beach.
The North Shore, the Mecca of surfing, is known for its consistent waves, and you can see picturesque surfers enjoying the waves and tourists trying their hand at surfing for the first time.

Enjoy a beach day spent watching surfers

Lovely surfer girls are a tradition on the North Shore. There are many shady spots to relax.
Lovely surfer girls are a tradition on the North Shore. There are many shady spots to relax.

This beach is hidden next to "Haleiwa Beach" and is the first beach from the entrance on the east side of "Haleiwa Town.
It is not visible from the road, so you may want to look for the many surf lesson vans and trucks carrying surfboards parked here. In fact, this is the spot where you can also encounter sea turtles. Sea turtles are believed to bring good luck in Hawaii, and you may even see them poking their heads out of the water to catch their breath. The sea turtles are carefully protected, so please be aware of the rules and observe them.

Pua'ena Point Beach Park Pua'ena Point Beach Park
  • Address Haleiwa, HI 96712 MAP
  • Direction 45 min. drive from Waikiki
  • Parking Free of charge

Looking for a photogenic pier and emerald green sea

The view from Makapuu Lighthouse. The pier in the center of the photo is Makai Research Pier.
The view from Makapuu Lighthouse. The pier in the center of the photo is Makai Research Pier.

The east side of Oahu is known for its beautiful ocean and mountain scenery. Driving along the ocean from Waikiki past Hanauma Bay is an unforgettable experience. On clear days, you can see Molokai and Lanai, and between November and March, you can watch whales spouting their gales.
After crossing the "Sunday Beach," a wide curve leads to a series of emerald-green beaches that will make you exclaim, "Oh my God, it's beautiful.

See and photograph the sea in a variety of colors for an unforgettable day!

The beautiful underwater environment is perfect for snorkeling!
The beautiful underwater environment is perfect for snorkeling!

After a dazzling seaside approach, you arrive at a long pier jutting out into the sea. At the end of the pier is the marine research institute of the University of Hawaii. The bottom of the pier is an impressive photogenic spot. The changing colors of the ocean from shore to offshore and the sun's rays and shadows create a unique scene. It has recently become a sacred spot for wedding photos by Hawaiian couples. Choose to visit at low tide, when the white sandy beach is wider, to get the most effective and memorable shots.

Makai Research Pier Makai Research Pier
  • Address 41-305 Kalanianaole Hwy. Waimanalo, HI 96795 MAP
  • Direction 30 minutes from Waikiki by car
  • Parking Free of charge

Feel the ocean at sunset and dramatic magic hour

The entire beach glows gold at sunset.
The entire beach glows gold at sunset.

The location is within walking distance from Waikiki, and a boardwalk is laid out along the ocean. Joggers, yoga groups, and other locals enjoying a healthy lifestyle can be seen along the way, and there is an aquarium and zoo on the way, and the spacious grassy "Kapiolani Park" is also nearby. Although within the Waikiki area, you can enjoy the slow air and strolls, so it is recommended to spend some time relaxing until sunset time.
Endangered Hawaiian monk seals sometimes come and make charming appearances on the sandy beach.

Hawaiian sunsets have always soothed people

The golden hour in autumn when the color turns purplish. In summer, it turns pink.
The golden hour in autumn when the color turns purplish. In summer, it turns pink.

The beach is famous for its sunsets throughout the year, and people flock to the beach in droves at this time. After watching the sun set into the sea, an even more beautiful sight can be seen. The Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium, a pool filled with seawater that is now closed due to weathering, remains as the "Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium." The magic hour is a special time to appreciate the day and welcome tomorrow.

Kaimana Beach Kaimana Beach
  • Address 2863 Kalakaua Ave. Honolulu, HI 96815 MAP
  • Direction 5 minutes drive from Waikiki
  • Parking Free of charge
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.