Whether you’re looking for one last opportunity to feel your toes in the sand before your flight, or simply want to get to the beach as fast as possible after spending six or more hours in the sky, there are some great places to do so (with some help) near Honolulu airport.
The staff at our shuttle service is no stranger to the sea, which is why we’ve taken the time to put together a quick list of best beaches near HNL for your convenience. Without wasting another valuable second, let’s dive in.
4 Beautiful Beaches That Are Located in a Convenient Distance from Honolulu International Airport
Ala Moana Beach Park (7.5 Miles / 20-25 Minutes by Shuttle)
If half of your party wants to shop, and the other half wants to play in the sand and surf, then this is the beach for you. Ala Moana Shopping Center (the top shopping destination near HNL) is located right across from Ala Moana Beach Park. There’s a nice stretch of sand that offers visitors the opportunity to hunt for shells, broken coral, and sea glass, but the highlight is Magic Island Lagoon, an azure space protected by a rock jetty that makes for a perfect perch to watch nearby surfers and outrigger canoes glide over the swelling saltwater.
Book Your $30 Flat Rate to or from Ala Moana Beach Park
Waikiki Beach (10 Miles / 25-35 Minutes by Shuttle)
The crown jewel the south shore, world famous Waikiki Beach, is just 10 miles away from your place of arrival or departure. While traffic to/from this bustling beach can sway the minutes on the road in various directions, you’d be remiss to miss this opportunity. Of course, most of you may be staying in Waikiki, but for those taking up temporary residence on another side of the island (Ko Olina, North Shore, etc.) you want to check Waikiki Beach off of your sand bucket list. It has everything you could ever dream of, including swimming, surfing (all skill levels), snorkeling, paddling, and tour groups offering short excursions on catamarans and outrigger canoes.
Book Your $35 Flat Rate to or from Waikiki Beach
Diamond Head Beach (12 Miles / 25-35 Minutes by Shuttle)
This diamond in the rough beach is rarely visited by tourists (sorry for giving it away kama’aina) but…wow. This place is truly amazing. It’s a popular local surf spot characterized by expansive coral reef, volcanic rock, and is backed by cliffside that runs up to Diamond Head crater. If you’re looking for some relative peace and quiet with amazing and absolutely unique photo opportunities while keeping in convenient (relatively so) proximity to the airport, this is it. Just don’t tell too many people about it (wink wink).
Book Your $40 Flat Rate to or from Diamond Head Beach
Ewa Beach (16.5 Miles / 20-30 Minutes by Shuttle)
If you could paddle from HNL, this west side beach would certainly be closer, as it’s located right around the bend from Hickam Field. But alas, via the I-H-1 E it’s just over 16 miles (or 20-25 minutes) from the airport. Ewa Beach may have a had an “edgier” reputation back in its day, but after recent residential development (including multimillion dollar beachfront homes) it’s is now a beautiful hot spot. Speaking of hot spots, this is the drier side of the island and you’re likely to enjoy some bright and toasty sunshine while you play in the sand and sea, so don’t forget to take the sunscreen out of your luggage for this excursion.
View Ewa Beach Rate to or from HNL
Honolulu Airport Transfer can also take those of you who are at HNL on a layover to (and back from) any of the amazing beach destinations listed above (and more). Just give us 24-hours notice and we’ll take care of you, your party, and all of your beach towels! View all flat rates, and call us at 1.800.929.1219 or complete the form found here.