Ala Moana Beach Park sprawls across 100 acres in the midst of Honolulu, while Magic Island comprises about 30 acres of the park. Both areas are immensely popular, and folks frequently take advantage of the beaches, picnic areas, and jogging and biking paths. Facilities include showers, restrooms, and concession kiosks. The park also offers great views of the area and is often crowded with families, locals, and tourists as a result. On weekends, it may be difficult to find parking.

KAILUA. Set along Oahu's windward (east) coast, this beautiful beach is ideal for swimming and for windsurfing. It affords amazing views of the area and isn't as crowded as some other island beaches. A stream bisects the park and adds another dimension to aquatic activities. Lifeguards watch over the beach, and you'll also find picnic areas, a volleyball court, restrooms and showers, food services, a bike path, and equipment rentals.

WAIKIKI. One of Waikiki's first outdoor areas to be refurbished, Kuhio was once the favorite beach of former Olympic athlete and Honolulu sheriff, Duke Kahanamoku. Nowadays, the beach is a wonderful place to catch some rays, especially since its landscaping has been added to and improved, and there are new water features and hula mounds. The Wizard Stones ­ said to have been given healing powers by ancient Tahitians ­ have gained new prominence, and a statue commemorating Duke stands near his old stomping grounds.

KAILUA. Set on Oahu's windward coast, this gorgeous beach offers incredible waters and the picturesque presence of two small, offshore islands. About a mile long, the beach varies in width, although its entire stretch provides soft sands and beautiful vistas out towards the ocean and of the Koolau Range. Along with swimming and snorkeling, kayaking and windsurfing are popular pastimes. The beach is protected by an offshore reef, making the waters calm on this quiet stretch of coastline.

LAIE. Relatively secluded, this strip of windward coastline plays host to overnight campers as well as to day visitors. Waters stretching alongside a white-sand beach make for incredible swimming, and you'll also find restrooms, showers, and picnic areas for your convenience. If you want to explore a bit, wade or swim to Goat Island (aka Moku'auia), a wildlife preserve that offers additional privacy and delightful stillness. It affords excellent swimming and lets you experience the islands as the ancients must have known them.