Honolulu is famous for its beaches which offer fantastic surf. In fact, in the winter, professional surfers flock to Hawaii to get some training in. Beach lovers will be spoilt for choice on their trip to Honolulu – so don’t hit one beach and stay there for the duration – make sure you take the time to explore the glorious coastline.
During the 19th Century, Waikiki Beach was a retreat for the royal family - today, countless tourists flock to Waikiki for its incredible scenery, soft golden sand and immense surf. Despite being lined with resorts and high-rise hotels, the beach maintains its former majesty – so relax, enjoy people watching to the sound of hula troupes, and maybe even catch a wave or two.
Sunset beach is famous for its surf, but it’s not always ideal for amateur surfers: in the winter, the crashing waves make a spectacular sight, but it’s advisable that you sit on the beach and watch if you’re not a proficient surfer. Come the summertime, however, the beach is manned by lifeguards and the gentler waves are great fun for swimmers and surfers alike. As its name implies, Sunset Beach is at its most beautiful at the end of the day, when you can sit on the golden sand, palm tree-lined beach and watch the sun dip below the horizon.
With so many beaches to explore, you could spend your entire trip to Honolulu getting acquainted with the pristine sands and rolling surf. Before you take the plunge, however, make sure it is safe to do so. Most beaches, such as Waimea Bay, are great for swimming and snorkelling in the summer, but produce vast, 30-foot waves in the winter.