Best Oahu Beaches for Boogie Boarding – for kids!
We’re talking best Oahu beaches for boogie boarding where you wont need a Xanax. It starts with going to the best beaches for boogie boarding in the first place!
Picture this: your kid, a tiny sunburned warrior, clutching their boogie board like a magic carpet, ready to ride those waves like Moana. But instead of a heroic journey, its more like a series of painful wipeouts, tangled leashes, and gulps of saltwater.
Boogie boarding can be a blast, but those waves are sneaky and strong – one minute they’re mellow and BAM, they’re bending your kid in unnatural ways with a salty high-five to the face.
Keeping your kids safe starts with going to the right beach. If you don’t believe me, follow Sandy Beach Surf Report on Instagram for all the foolishness lifeguards see daily.
But seriously:
Respect for the ocean is paramount in Hawaii. I’ve lived on the coast almost my entire adult life, and I have never seen so many deaths and accidents like I have in Hawaii. Just because it looks safe, does not make it safe. Always check water conditions, ask a lifeguard and when in doubt, don’t go.
My Real Life Experience
I’m a mom of four boys. Yes! That’s not a typo. They’re ages 8, 10, 12, and 14 all with varying interest in surfing, boogie boarding, spear fishing and snorkeling. Every corner and coast of this magical island of Oahu, that we call home, is different – the winds, the shore line, the currents and what’s under the water!
We have surfed and boogie boarding at most of the beaches listed. And if we haven’t personally gone, our friends have, or its a place a list not to go. You will see some of my “not to go” places as the top places on some lists. I see you sandy beach, from parent to another stick with lifeguard manned beaches and ask the lifeguards when in doubt about conditions!
So, use this list with caution. Always check water conditions, and when in doubt ask the lifeguards.
Table of Contents
First, Where Not To Go Boogie Boarding with Kids:
No-go: Sandy Beach
I have not gone to Sandy Beach and this is why: The Sandy Beach Surf Report Instagram Account. This beach is case in point why you need to second guess yourself about water safety. These folks are not afraid to blast anyone – tourist or local alike- for being stupid. And there are plenty of people giving them material!
No-go: North Shore In Winter
Winter on the North Shore is famous for massive waves. Certainly not appropriate for any child or adult novice with a boogie board! The famous North Shore waves attract big wave surfers, not regular surfers! It is amazing to watch surfers ride these waves and might inspire your young boogie boarder. But this is a sit and watch recommendation only! Take you inspired little shredder to board elsewhere. When the waves meet a certain threshold surfing competitions like the Eddie Aikau Invitational “goes.” People flock from all over the world to ride these waves because they are MASSIVE. Do not plan on swimming or boarding on the North Shore in the winter, leave it to the professionals and go watch if you have the chance!
If you are hoping to enjoy boogie boarding on the North Shore, go to the beach and bring a board in case the conditions are right. Just recently I went with my family and conditions were right for boogie boarding AND snorkeling. It was a dream day at the beach, I swam around and saw turtles while my kids rode the waves in front of the reef and close to shore. Checking the daily conditions is key for a fun and safe day!
Criteria for The Best Oahu Beaches for Boogie Boarding
The criteria best Oahu beaches for boogie boarding comes down to one key factor: safety.
There are many things to consider when weighing the options for safe boogie boarding in Oahu:
- Water currents
- Placement of the break
- Topography of the shoreline – aka reef or sand?!
- Seasonal variations
- Lifeguards!
Water currents are tricky, but a safe bet is that if there’s a permanently posted sign for dangerous currents, don’t take your kids. Pretty simple. Especially if you stick with beaches manned with lifeguards, talk to them and they can warn you about potentially dangerous currents.
Placement of the break matters because you don’t want your break to hit rocks. It will hurt. Or reef, it will hurt you and contact kills the reef. Similarly, if the sea floor is rocks, crashing on rocks instead of sand, you’re bound to get hurt too.
The seasons in Hawaii have dramatic affects on the strength and direction of the water currents which will affect the best Oahu beaches for boogie boarding.
If there’s a lifeguard, you’re better off, but its not fool proof. Use them as a resource, they are extremely knowledgable first responders who love their job. Here is a list of beaches with lifeguard stands and hours a lifeguard is on duty.
Where to boogie board in Oahu: Waimanalo Beach
Waimanalo almost always has a strong (but not too strong) shore break. It can get pretty big, but rarely is it too big to have fun. The shoreline is sandy and there’s very few rocks, if any until the water. It is one of our favorite Oahu beaches for boogie boarding. It is also picturesque Hawaii, breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains everywhere you look! Possibly the top winner.
It is not packed with tourists like Kailua Beach, and that is a good thing! There is a parking lot at the beach, food stands along the road, and several restaurants. Make sure to be respectful of the locals and patronize the food stands or restaurants while you are in the area, it will not disappoint!
- Sandy shore
- Sand under the water (little to no rocks)
- Shore break
- Doesn’t get crazy north swells in the winter
- Bright blue water is gorgeous- a plus!
Where to boogie board in Oahu: Sherwood Beach
Sherwood Beach is right next door Waimanalo Beach Park with a bit more parking, lifeguards and at least two bath houses with showers. (There might be three, but I haven’t walked down that far!)
Just like Waimanalo Beach, it almost always has a strong shore break. It can get pretty big and too rough for toddlers. The shoreline is sandy and there’s very few rocks, if any until the water. It is one of our favorite Oahu beaches for boogie boarding. It is also picturesque Hawaii, breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains everywhere you look!
It is not packed with tourists like Kailua Beach, and that is a good thing! There is a parking lot at the beach, food stands along the road, and several restaurants. Make sure to be respectful of the locals and patronize the food stands or restaurants while you are in the area, it will not disappoint!
- Sandy shore
- Sand under the water (little to no rocks)
- Shore break
- Doesn’t get crazy north swells in the winter
- Bright blue water is gorgeous- a plus!
Where to boogie board in Oahu: Bellows Beach
Bellows is the same strip of shoreline just north of Waimanalo making is a close second for the best Oahu beaches for boogie boarding. Some would consider it the same beach….and they would be right! The waves are consistently moderate here with little fluctuation with the seasons. A newer swimmer might enjoy swimming in the waves, but lack the confidence to boogie board.
There are two sections: public access where anyone can go (weekends only), and the on base portion restricted to DOD ID card holders. There are lifeguards on both portions of the beach who you can ask about the day’s conditions. Plenty of parking in the DOD and public areas plus bathrooms.
There is also a large food truck area at the entrance to Bellows (both the public access and the DOD only) with the most food options on the weekends. Then take the winding road down to the beach, the drive down this road feels long but it will be super obvious when you arrive!
P.S. The DOD area has the best playground on Oahu, complete with turf, a rainbow theme, fully functional equipment and Adirondack chairs for parents!
- Sandy shore
- Sand under the water (little to no rocks)
- Shore break
- Doesn’t get crazy north swells in the winter
- Food trucks at the entrance
- Bathrooms & showers
- Epic playground for DOD ID holders
Hi! I’m Alison, your chaos coordinator, toddler briber, and parent commiserator. Oh! And Oahu family photographer!
As the ringleader of my own 4-boy circus, I know how hard getting family photos can be.
I run my photo session like a party. I give you something TO DO so you don’t feel awkward wondering, “Where do I put my HANDS?!”
Dad is playing with the kids, everyone forgets what’s ACTUALLY happening, and you look amazing bc you’re actually enjoying yourself. #whoknewphotoscouldbefun
Fast. Fun. Done.
Where to boogie board in Oahu: Kalama Beach
Just around the corner, north of Bellows AFB & Waimanalo is Lanikai then Kailua & Kalama Beaches. Kailua beach can be quite calm or quite strong but is certain to be crowded. The shore break can be so close to shore there’s not much of a ride on a boogie board. Kalama is in the same stretch of sand as Kailua beach but does not have a parking lot worth mentioning. It is tiny and you will never get a spot. To go here you will be parking in the neighborhood, make sure to show aloha to the homeowners and park completely off the street. Something to note for beaches in this area, pay attention to brown water advisiories. The canal meets the ocean at Castles beach the next beach down from Kailua/Kalama beaches. The water can get murky over there and brown water advisories are not to be ignored, even when the water looks clear dangerous bacteria can linger.
- Sandy shore
- Sand under the water (little to no rocks)
- Very short shore break – shorter ride
- Can’t get really strong
Where to boogie board in Oahu: White Plains Beach
White plains Is on the leeward side of Oahu, a good long drive from where we live. We like to go for a consistent and safe swell for both surfing and boogie boarding. There are several breaks at White plains which means you can get rides almost anywhere – close to shore or not. You do need to beware of a few patches of reef. It is also worth nothing that this is a surfing beach. There are boogie boarders but people go here to surf but there are plenty of waves for everyone!
White plains is super far from our house, so even though its fun, its not one of our favorites as the best Oahu beaches for boogie boarding. Friends disagree with me and think it is worth the drive for aspiring tween boogie boarders and surfers. White Plains gets its name because the water looks like a field of rolling white waves. Because of the sheer amount of good waves it is a great place for boarding! There is plenty of space to boogie board or surf and people show Aloha to the newbies.
For military members there is an MWR at this beach so it is a great option for affordable rentals without having to haul them to and from the beach. MWR on White Plains is open daily and has boogie boards, surf boards, and more!
- Patches of rocks underwater
- Sandy shore
- Shore break & several other breaks
- Consistently safe year round.
- Almost always windy and messy
Where to boogie board in Oahu: Waikiki Beach
Waikiki is popular for a reason. Gentle, rolling waves that are ideal for boogie boarding novices. It’s a popular spot with rentals available and lifeguards on duty. If you have the ability it is certainly more cost effective to buy your own boogie board even if you pay a premium as it typically costs the same as a full-day rental in waikiki. I have friends who chose not to haul boogie boards for a staycation and ended up buying/renting because the waves were so nice!
The downside is it is crowded. Very crowded. My least favorite type… touristy crowded. I personally have not been because of the crowds. But there are plenty of people there and we’ve had friends host birthday parties there for the boogie boarding waves.
- Sandy shore
- Sand under the water (little to no rocks)
- Long break, but is way out from the shore
- Doesn’t get crazy north swells in the winter
- Super crowded
So there you have it—Oahu’s top boogie boarding spots where your kids can get their wave fix without you needing a Xanax. Remember, Hawaii’s waves aren’t exactly forgiving, so don’t throw your kids into the ocean and expect them to become surf prodigies. Always check conditions, stick to lifeguarded beaches, and for the love of all things sandy, make sure they are strong enough swimmers for the day’s conditions. Safety first, fun second— Happy boogie boarding!
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I'm a USMC spouse, South Carolina native, recovering homeschool mama of a 4 boy circus. They've taught me the most important facet of family photography: KEEP IT FUN!
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