Buying Oceanfront Real Estate Along Oahu’s Beaches – The Beaches of Oahu

When considering where on the island of Oahu to buy oceanfront real estate, a home buyer may want to know what the beaches are like in the area of interest. This is almost always an important factor in the purchase of oceanfront real estate. I am going to go over the types of beaches and what the conditions generally are in the area of Oahu that have beachfront real estate.

Here are the most common types:

• Mixed rock and sand: These areas can have combination shorelines and beaches with some sandy areas and some rocky/coral areas. If there is a significant amount of rock providing sandy pools near the shore, they can be good for looking at little fish, crabs, and other sea creatures. Also, the rock may provide protection from the surf and is a good area for inexperienced swimmers to experience the oceans without extreme currents.
• Seawall: These are usually man made walls that abut the ocean, and waves can come right up to the wall. There is no real sandy beach area, but under the water could be rock, sand, or both.
• Reef and vegetation: In many places, the shoreline is made up of reef or vegetation, or both, which can be just near the shore, or stretch far from the shoreline.

Starting from West Oahu…at the tip of West Oahu, there is no drive-able access from the West Point of the island to the north shore of Oahu. Not that you cannot get around that bend, you just generally can’t take a regular car—there is no paved road on that end. If you want to hike, ride a horse, or motorcycle—it can definitely be done with caution.

The rest of the island can be driven on. The beaches out on the West Oahu shoreline are some of the most beautiful crystal blue waters you will find. Most of these beaches have a variety of shorelines with some great sandy beaches with fun surfing areas, while others are strewn with coral reefs. The winds are generally moderate, but can get very windy and wavy depending on the winds and currents.

84-715 Upena Street (MLS# 1101004)

The Ewa area to downtown Honolulu is filled mostly with military installations, airports, and shipping ports. These areas have little spots of beach area, but not much. The real beaches start at the Ala Moana area, which has great combination shorelines. There are spots for surfing, shallow areas for wading, and soft white sandy beach areas for sun bathing. The Ala Moana channel is used by many swimmers to swim laps because it is clear, calm, and wide.

3003 Kalakaua Ave. (MLS# 1104912)

Waikiki beaches also have various types of beachfront—most of it is sandy with mild waves. This is where most of the tourism is centered, and it is helpful that this area is calm and sandy. We want our visitors to have safe waters to play in. There are a few spots with seawalls. At the end of Waikiki, by the Gold Coast where many luxury condos are located, a large portion is seawall as well. 

Winds in this area are usually moderate, so you know that sitting on your beachfront lanai will have nice breezes most of the time and sand won’t be whipping you in the face from gale force winds—those are reserved for the shores of Kailua. Not to say that high winds are bad because they aren’t. Ask any windsurfer or kayak-er where they would like to be—yes, Kailua.

Moving along the shoreline to Hawaii’s premier luxury neighborhood of Diamond Head, Black Point, and Kahala…Diamond Head has some wonderful sandy beaches with some great surfing spots. As you move along to Black Point, it is mostly coral, rock, and wall. There is not much sand in this area, and waves can get high depending upon the season and currents. It does turn sandy again down by Kahala and many of those homes have nice sandy beaches, while others have seawalls. It has something for everyone.

4461 Kahala Ave. (MLS# 1014286)

Moving down the shoreline to the east side of the island, there is lots of coral and vegetation along the shoreline—this is a great area for snorkeling, scuba diving, and boating, but there are not too many heavy surf spots out that way. The wind is also fairly mild, so the sea air won’t take as big a toll on your house as it would on the North facing shores.

152 Kokee Place (MLS# 1108029)

Once you get down to the East tips and around to the northeast shoreline, the surfing spots pick up again with various shorelines. Moving along this side of the island, you can take your pick of shoreline because the North has it all. These areas also can have high winds, which are great for windsurfing and surfing, but the high winds can take a toll on your property, so keep that in mind when choosing your home, or the building materials of your home.

56-155 G Kamehameha Hwy. (MLS# 1107023)

Once you head down the west side of the north shore, winds can be slightly calmer and there are mixed areas for all to enjoy. No matter what type of beach you enjoy—Oahu has them all.

If you are looking for a home on the beach, I have been on just about every one around the island. Why live on an island if you don’t take the time to witness the beauty that only an Oahu beach can provide—especially at sunset?

For information on Hawaii property, call/email your Oahu real estate broker:

Kelly A. Lee, (R)

Kelly A. Lee, (R), e-PRO, CHMS
Realtor-Broker
Hawaii Life Real Estate
4614 Kilauea Avenue, Ste. 206
Honolulu, HI 96816
Phone: 808-225-0349
Fax: 866-590-3144
www.hawaiilife.com

For all you Oahu real estate needs contact Kelly A. Lee, (R).