Hawaii. Beaches. Sun. Surf. They all fit together as one package in our minds…paradise. We explored several well known beaches along the Windward Side and North Shore. Contrary to what the news says about Hawaii being overcrowded with tourists, there were many opportunities to enjoy the beaches in Oahu, once you get away from Waikiki.

All along the coast, no matter the day of the week, there were plenty of people enjoying the water. The huge majority were young people under 30. You know… the age when everyone thinks they are invulnerable and can stand right next to huge ocean spray on slippery rocks (above). Unfortunately the newspapers here report several times every week that someone else fell or was pulled into the current. Above is the famous Halona Blow Hole, and contrary to warnings asking people not to step beyond the sign, they obviously did not heed the warnings.

Most of the beaches here have shallow waves this time of year (upper-left), making it perfect for swimming, boogie boarding or body surfing. Some families come equipped with their own popup sun shades (upper-right), while others enjoy beach volleyball. On weekends, there are many tents on permitted campsites on the major beaches. To my surprise, I never saw anyone throwing frisbees, which would be a staple on any California beach. Above is Waimalalo Beach and the famous Rabbit Island.

Many of the beaches along the coast have active lifeguard stations (lower-right). Some of our favorites with white sandy beaches included Kailua Beach, Pounder’s Beach in La’ie, Kualoa Regional Park, Lanikai, Laniakea, Waimanalo, Shark’s Cove, and Sand Island. We have yet to check out the crowded tourist beaches at Waikiki.

While the light surf on many of the beaches is perfect for family fun, some of the rocky areas are much more dangerous. Look at the image upper-left. It is a wider view of the first image on this post of the Halona Blow Hole. Note that “Danger, do not go beyond this point” sign… beyond which are more than a dozen people taking selfies in the crashing surf…

In Winter, the waves on the North Shore here are some of the largest in the US, and major surfing contests are held. Boogie boards are the masters of the smaller summer surf though.

There are canals throughout the island, and many are places where people play, away from the heavier surf. On one bridge in Haleiwa, half a dozen kids were repeatedly jumping off the bridge into the canal below (right). Others were getting outrigger or paddle boarding lessons (left). There were lots of activities from surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, parasailing, snorkeling and lots of ways to actively enjoy the island.