Looking for the best beaches to go stand up paddleboarding on Oahu? Look no further! In this blog post, we will provide a list of our favorite spots on the island for SUP. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced paddler, there is something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Grab your board and get ready to hit the waves!

Oahu's Best Beaches For Stand Up Paddleboarding

Here's a list of some of our favorite calm beaches for stand up paddleboarding on Oahu.

kaimana beach

Nestled within a stone's throw of from Waikiki, Kaimana Beach stands as a picturesque haven for stand-up paddleboarding enthusiasts on Oahu. This idyllic beach offers the perfect combination of convenience and natural beauty. Paddlers can easily launch their boards from the sandy shores of Kaimana Beach and embark on a memorable adventure in the turquoise waters just steps away. As you glide along the gentle waves, take in the stunning panoramic views of Diamond Head and the Waikiki skyline, creating an awe-inspiring backdrop for your paddleboarding escapades. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or a beginner looking to try something new, Kaimana Beach provides an accessible and captivating setting to explore the waters and soak up the vibrant energy of Waikiki.

Kailua Beach Park

On the windward side of Oahu, Kailua Beach Park presents an idyllic place for stand-up paddleboarding. While the open ocean offers thrilling adventures, Kailua Beach Park provides an additional option to paddle along the calm and serene waters of the Kaelepulu Stream. When the open ocean conditions prove challenging or if you simply prefer a more relaxed paddle, venture inland and gracefully navigate the peaceful stream, enveloped by lush vegetation and serene surroundings. This gentle waterway serves as a perfect alternative, allowing paddlers of all skill levels to enjoy a serene paddleboarding experience amidst the breathtaking beauty of Kailua.

Diamond Head Beach Park

If you're looking for a peaceful paddle boarding experience, look no further than Diamond Head Beach Park. Located on the southern tip of Oahu, this beach is known for its gentle waves and gorgeous views. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, you'll enjoy exploring the calm waters of the bay. And if you happen to get hungry during your adventure, there are plenty of food trucks nearby to keep you fueled up. So grab your board and head to Diamond Head Beach Park for a paddle-boarding experience you won't soon forget.

Ala Moana Beach Park

If you're looking for a place to paddle board without large waves, Ala Moana Beach is one of the best places to go in Oahu. It’s located right outside Waikiki and across the street from the largest outdoor mall in the world, Ala Moana Shopping Center. The reef surrounding the beach protects it from strong ocean currents, making the water conditions much calmer than at other beaches on the island. Even during the rougher winter months this beach remains protected and continues to be a great place to hangout and participate in leisurely water activities.  

Lanikai Beach - Complete Lanikai Beach Guide

Lanikai beach is one of the most popular stand up paddleboarding destinations in Hawaii. The water is calm and crystal clear, making it ideal for beginners. The beach is also surrounded by coral reefs, which provide a beautiful backdrop for paddlers of all levels. In addition, Lanikai beach is situated in a protected bay, which offers paddlers protection from the wind and waves. As a result, Lanikai beach is an ideal destination for stand up paddleboarding.

Waimanalo Beach Park - Complete Waimanalo Beach Guide

Waimanalo beach park is a great place to stand up paddleboard. It's a long stretch of beach with plenty of room to move around, and the waves are just big enough to provide a little bit of challenge without being overwhelming. The water is also clear so you can always see what's going on around you. And if you get tired of paddling, there are plenty of other things to do at the park, like picnicking or swimming. So whether you're a newcomer to stand up paddleboarding or an experienced paddler, Waimanalo beach park is definitely worth checking out.

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is notorious for huge waves during the winter, which also makes it dangerous to go surfing on your SUP board.

The best time to go stand up paddle boarding at Sunset Beach is during the summer months. The water is usually calm, and it's not unusual for people to paddle for miles while stopping to look at the marine life swimming nearby. If you find yourself on Oahu during the calm summer months, definitely take your paddleboard out to this fantastic location.

What Kind Of Water Is Best For Stand Up Paddleboarding?

For those who have never tried stand up paddleboarding, it might seem like any old body of water would do. But the truth is, calm water is actually the best type of water for paddleboarding. Not only is it easier to balance on a paddleboard in calm water, but you're also less likely to fall off and hurt yourself. And even if you do fall in, calm water is much easier to get out of than rough water. For most people, the calmest water will be on canals, and rivers that empty into the ocean rather than on the open ocean itself.

What Kind Of conditions are Best For Stand Up Paddleboarding?

When on a paddleboard you are more at the mercy of the weather conditions then when you are on a kayak or larger boat. So, it is super important to check the conditions before going out. Some of the most important conditions to check before heading out are the wind speeds and wind direction (You generally always want stable, onshore winds), swell or surf for the area you’re going out at (beginners should look to areas with little to no swell), and the current tide tables (often there will be exposed reef if the tide is low or there will be a strong current if there is a major tidal switch).

If you’re not sure of the local conditions, its always a good idea to call the local surf or paddling shop to get conditions. Or better yet, go take a walk to the beach you want to go paddleboarding at and make your own judgements on the conditions.

Paddleboard with Kailua Beach Adventures!

Kailua Beach Adventures is the perfect place to rent a paddleboard. We have a wide variety of boards to choose from, and our experienced staff will help you find the perfect one for your needs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, we have a board that's right for you. And our rates are unbeatable! Come visit us today and see for yourself why Kailua Beach Adventures is the best place to rent a paddleboard.

If you're looking for more ways to spice up your time on Oahu, be sure to read more about spending a day on Oahu's beaches!