Diamond Head Beach

The parking for Diamond Head Beach is at 3451 Diamond Head Road.  From where you park your car, you walk down a somewhat steep path to the beach down below.  This seems to be a good surfing spot (although I have never surfed, so I am just guessing by how many people I saw surfing here,) which also makes it a fun beach to stay on the shore at because you can watch the surfers.  It's not the best beach because you have to walk down the path to get there, but this beach is a good one to go to if you want something near Waikiki without all the people.  It also has lovely views.

If you want to sunbathe in the nude, this beach is not for you.

 

Pillbox Hike

The Pillbox Hike is in Lanikai near 269 Kaelepulu Drive.  You walk up what looks like either a street or a driveway at that address and you will see the sign for the Pillbox Hike.  This is a great hike.  It is not very difficult (I managed just fine in slippers, which is what Hawaiians call flip flops.)  But the view from the top is extraordinary, overlooking the amazingly beautiful Lanikai beach.  The 'pillboxes' are small old military outposts that you can climb in and explore.  This is a very fun hike and I would highly recommend it if you are looking for something that isn't too hard but very rewarding.

Hidden Beach

Hidden Beach is very hard to get to, but it is so worth it.  Hidden Beach is along the part of Farrington Highway that used to go around the NorthWest corner of the island.  They stopped maintaining the road years ago and now all that is left is a very, very bumpy dirt road.  I'm not gonna lie, there were a few times I thought we were going to die haha.  If you do not have a car that can handle off-roading, do not attempt to drive to Hidden Beach.  Many people choose to hike in instead, which I think might actually be easier, but less of an adventure for sure.  To get there, you drive to the end of the paved part of Farrington Highway on the North side, not up the East side of the island.  You will have to drive a long ways down the road (I think it is around 1-2 miles) until you come to the small bay at Hidden Beach.  The beauty of Hidden Beach is that you will usually have it all to yourself.  But sometimes, you will be lucky enough to chance upon some Hawaiian Monk Seals.  (Just FYI, we are further from the monk seals than it looks in the picture below.  They are wild animals and can be dangerous.  Be careful and be smart people.)  If you have the time and want to go on an epic adventure, Hidden Beach might be the place for you!

Some cars never even make it out.  Haha.