Locations on O'ahu
Kahana Bay
+ Gorgeous views.
+Over an hour from the city.
+More for the green/lush look and less for the ocean.
+ Calm water, but murkier.
+ Mountains & beach together (weather permitting).
+ Free parking in a small lot
+Great for early morning and evening sessions.
Kualoa Regional Park
+ Gorgeous mountain views
+45+ minutes from the city
+ Palm trees and calm waters
+ Located right beside Kualoa Ranch
+ PLENTY of parking and restrooms.
+Best around sunset time.
Papa'iloa Beach
A secluded part of the North Shore (over and hour from the city) with:
+ Plenty of privacy!
+ Rocks for plenty of drama.
+ Big, splashing waves.
+ Mountains & beach together (weather permitting).
+ Free parking in small, dirt lot.
+ Perfect for North Shore sunsets or early morning sessions.
(There is a travel fee required for this location)
Sandy Beach
+25-30 minutes from the city.
+Big waves but gorgeous water
+Sandy and rocky spots
+Mountain views.
+Plenty of parking!
Ka'ena Point Trail
+ North Shore (travel fee applicable)
+Rocky water lines with dramatic waves
+Mountain views for days
+Requires a bit of walking
+Grassy plains
+Best at sunset
Paradise Cove/Ko Olina
+Gorgeous sunsets
+About 40-ish minutes from city (depending on traffic)
+Rocky beach
+Near the resort area on the island.
+Palm trees
+Distant mountains
China Walls
+20-30 minutes from the city.
+Seasonal (October-March)
+Parking in a neighborhood (limited)
+Only for those capable of a little hiking (only flats/shoes with grip, please)
+Large, splashing waves.
+Rocky landscape
+Bright during the daytime but also works in the evening.
Halona Beach Cove
+20-30 minutes from the city.
+Only for those capable of a little hiking (only flats/shoes with grip, please)
+Large, splashing waves.
+Rocky landscape
+Very limited parking.
+Can get crowded since the space is small, but the landscape is similar to Kahauloa Cove (just safer to maneuver around)
+Only good at sunrise
Kahauloa Cove/Lanai Lookout
+Best at sunrise!
+Only for those capable of a little hiking (only flats/shoes with grip, please)
+Large, splashing waves.
+Rocky landscape that looks like Mars
+Can be very dangerous and not for those afraid of heights.
+Recommended for those that hike often.