Kaʻaʻawa
Not to be confused with Kualoa Ranch next door — this is a free public beach park with one of the most striking settings on Oahu: a long white sand beach facing the small island of Mokoliʻi ("Chinaman's Hat") against a backdrop of fluted Ko'olau ridges. Walk right along the beach; the further you go, the fewer the people. Kayak out to Mokoliʻi at low tide. Almost Polynesian in feel — a world away from Waikiki.
No booking or entry fee. Free parking on-site. Located on Kamehameha Hwy, 10 minutes north of Kualoa Ranch. Kayak rentals available from vendors on-site (seasonal).
Calm and swimmable year-round on the windward side. Trade winds can pick up in the afternoon.