Nearby Alternatives to Crowded Waikiki Beaches

View of the beaches off Waikiki.

Need Alternatives to Crowded Waikiki Beaches?

Are you planning to stay at a Waikiki hotel? But you don’t want to deal with the crowds. You also don’t want to drive too far. Or you don’t have a rental car to go to beaches outside of town? If so, you might want to consider these nearby alternatives to crowded Waikiki beaches. You’ll be surprised that they are just as good and maybe even better than many beaches in the Waikiki area.

Kaimana Beach

The Waikiki Natatorium next to Kaimana Beach.

This somewhat secluded beach is east of the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial structure.  While the beach may be a little narrow in some spots, it is generally not crowded. It’s a nice spot to relax on the sand. You can also do some snorkeling to get a glimpse of native reef life right off shore. There is also a small park in front of the Natatorium. The famous Waikiki Aquarium is also a very short walk from this area.

Ala Moana Beach

Ala Moana Beach.

This large stretch of beach is west of Waikiki. It’s also right across the street from the Ala Moana Shopping Center. This beach is a local favorite for many generations and has a large park fronting the beach. The beach itself is very long as well as wide. The ocean area in front of the beach is free of coral reefs. A company had dredged the area to create a boat channel in the 1920s. As a result, it’s a great place for swimming offshore.

Diamond Head Beach

Want relative seclusion but not stray away too far from the Waikiki area? If so, this might be the ideal spot for you. From Diamond Head Road, you can access the beach from Leahi Beach Park or from Beach Road. While it may be relatively narrow, it is a fairly long and picturesque stretch of beach. It’s a favorite place for local surfers.