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Home / Beaches / Kahanamoku Beach

Kahanamoku Beach

Пляж Каханаможу
United States · Beach · Honolulu
high
Best month: June

Best for

Ideal for families with children thanks to calm water and the lagoon. Also suitable for snorkelling and sunset watching.

Best month

June

Water
+26.0°C
Length
800 m
Kahanamoku Beach, also known as Duke's Beach, is named after the legendary surfer and Olympic swimmer. It features a long shoreline and calm water, popular for swimming and snorkelling. A lagoon for children is available.
Surface
sand
Waves
calm
Entry
gentle
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
Kahanamoku Beach, also known as Duke's Beach, is named after the legendary surfer and Olympic swimmer. It features a long shoreline and calm water, popular for swimming and snorkelling. A lagoon for children is available.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • Widest beach in Waikiki
  • Calm water thanks to a breakwater
  • Lagoon for children to swim
  • Named America-s best beach 2024
  • Developed infrastructure
  • Friday fireworks

Cons

  • Can get crowded
  • Seaweed on the shore
  • Limited parking
  • Noisy due to activity
  • Limited space for seclusion
  • Paid parking
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for families with children thanks to calm water and the lagoon. Also suitable for snorkelling and sunset watching.
Features
What makes this beach unique
Kahanamoku Beach is the widest section of Waikiki and America-s best beach of 2024 according to Dr. Beach. It is home to the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon and Hilton Pier, from where submarines depart.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Sand Texture
Grain size
coarse
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
30 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
800 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
turquoise
Water Clarity
high
Underwater Visibility
10.0 m
Average Water Temp
+26.0 °C
Max Water Temp
+28.0 °C
Wave Type
calm
Wave Height
0.2 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
January February March April
Season end
May June July August September October November December
Best month
June
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
low
Water Quality
Water purity rating
good
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
low
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
3.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats. Popular tourist destination with patrolled area.
Dangerous creatures
sea urchins
Insurance & Connectivity
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
Yes
Umbrellas
Yes
Showers
Yes
Toilets
Yes
Changing Rooms
Yes
Lifeguards
Yes
First Aid
Yes
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
Yes
Kids Playground
Yes
Sports Ground
Yes
Restaurants Nearby
20 pcs
Best restaurants

Hilton Hawaiian Village Restaurants

Various

Many restaurants at Hilton Hawaiian Village, from Hawaiian cuisine to steakhouses.

Waikiki Beach Walk

Various

Restaurants and cafes along the Waikiki promenade, minutes away.

Nearby cuisines

Local

Hawaiian cuisine with emphasis on poke, fresh fish and tropical fruits.

Must try: Poke, grilled fish, spam musubi

European

International cuisine in Waikiki restaurants.

Must try: Pasta, steaks, burgers
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
calm
Crowd Level
crowded
Silence Level
moderate
Sunset Quality
exceptional
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
Yes
Natural Shade
moderate
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
Yes
Diving
Yes
Surfing
Yes
Kayaking / SUP
Yes
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Towel Swimsuit Flip-flops Cash
Best Time to Swim
In the morning the water is calmer and there are fewer people. In the evening — beautiful sunsets.
Local Rules
Keep the beach clean. Swim in designated areas.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon

Artificial lagoon with calm water, ideal for children.

Hilton Pier

Pier from where submarines and catamarans depart.

Ala Moana

Large shopping centre and park, a 10-minute walk away.

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Kahanamoku Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity high, average temperature +26.0°C, warms up to +28.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Kahanamoku Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.2 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Kahanamoku Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 30 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Kahanamoku Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — coarse. Beach length — 800 metres.
Kahanamoku Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in January, February, March, April. It ends in May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. The best month for a holiday is June. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Kahanamoku Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as good. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Shark risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Kahanamoku Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: sea urchins. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Kahanamoku Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking, Wi-Fi, kids playground, sports ground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Kahanamoku Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor. A first aid station is available.
Kahanamoku Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Hilton Hawaiian Village Restaurants, Waikiki Beach Walk. Cuisines available: Local, European. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Kahanamoku Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Cash.
Kahanamoku Beach: when is the best time to swim?
In the morning the water is calmer and there are fewer people. In the evening — beautiful sunsets.
Kahanamoku Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Keep the beach clean. Swim in designated areas.
Kahanamoku Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Kahanamoku Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for families with children thanks to calm water and the lagoon. Also suitable for snorkelling and sunset watching.
Kahanamoku Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Kahanamoku Beach is the widest section of Waikiki and America-s best beach of 2024 according to Dr. Beach. It is home to the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon and Hilton Pier, from where submarines depart.
Kahanamoku Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Widest beach in Waikiki, Calm water thanks to a breakwater, Lagoon for children to swim, Named America-s best beach 2024, Developed infrastructure, Friday fireworks. Cons: Can get crowded, Seaweed on the shore, Limited parking, Noisy due to activity, Limited space for seclusion, Paid parking.
Kahanamoku Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, Hilton Pier, Ala Moana. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Kahanamoku Beach: how do I get to the city of Honolulu?
The beach is located near the city of Honolulu. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Honolulu.

City

Honolulu

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.