Top 3 O’ahu Beaches to Swim From.
The number of beaches on the beautiful island of O’ahu in Hawaii can oftentimes seem endless. Whether you’re staying “in town” on the south side, or visiting the inviting North Shore, there are several beaches that consistently make our top 3 list of places to launch your swim from. So let’s get to it!
Kaimana Beach
Located on the mesmerizing Gold Coast near the iconic Diamond Head crater, Kaimana Beach tops the list of beaches to begin your open water swim. While famed actor Tom Selleck from the original Magnum PI television series would swim the 200 yards out to the red and white windsock and back during the 1980’s, today experienced open water swimmers proceed beyond the windsock, swimming past the surf break. To do so, they use the now defunct underwater communication cable as their guide. From there they turn towards the Hilton Hotel and begin their journey across Waikiki. Common landmarks for a swimmer’s pod to check-in with one another are: the St. Augustine Church and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Depending on the swimmer’s ability and distance preference, they can swim to Turtle Canyon to catch a glimpse of the numerous sea turtles often lounging in the area. Afterwards, the swimmers can decide to exit the water at the Hilton Hotel or continue on towards the Ala Wai Harbor buoy before turning back and returning to Kaimana Beach. Before embarking on a swim adventure we prefer to start the day with a good cup of coffee from one of our uniquely designed mugs.
Tracks Beach Park
Located on the west side of O’ahu, Tracks Beach is truly a hidden gem! Tucked just off to the side of the Farrington Highway, a row of trees will give way to a vast golden-sand beach. This swim is what we refer to as our “nature walk”. Not too long after entering the water and swimming in the direction of the Koolina resorts, swimmers will be treated to a vast array of marine life, including spinner dolphins, spotted eagle rays, trumpet fish, and sea turtles. If you’re brave enough, you may want to stop and say hi to the reef shark that lives in the caves below. Our path generally takes us to the large Banyan Tree near Secret Beach before returning back to shore. Once back on land we like to re-hydrate from our blue BPA-free water bottle that serves as a constant reminder of why we swim the open water.
Waimea Bay
Roughly 30 miles from Honolulu, Waimea Bay is located on O’ahu’s pristine North Shore. On one side of the beach stands the magnificent bell tower of the Mission of St Peter and Paul church. On the other lies a large boulder which the kids and beach-goers alike use as a launch pad into the ocean. Our ideal path upon entering the water is to swim towards Shark’s Cove. From there we swim across the bay until we reach the two lone islets on the other side. Swimming around the islets we make our way back towards shore. After rinsing off the salt water we like to change clothes before hitting the road. Our preferred post-swim gear includes the Hammerhead Snapback Hat and Soft Crop Hoodie.