Sandy toes... Salty air the lovely views we're so blessed to have right here in Hawai'i that I always take for granted though on this day with fellow Yelp bestie Nadine C and I had brunch at Barefoot Beach Cafe which is a lovely spot to enjoy the views of our ocean and beaches sits right besides Queen's Surf Beach and decided to take full advantage of the views and stroll right beside it. Not sure of the surf part as I didn't see much surfers on this day but there was a lot of various beach goes taking it all in view exercise, group sessions or just relaxing. There are some parking along the street which is very difficult though the meters are scary at $0.50 per hour so take the full advantage of this scenic views as they do have benches and restrooms nearby as well along with a restaurant to enjoy what the locals have every single day. Thank you! read more

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Going to the beach in Hawaii should be a common thing for people to do - especially since Hawaii is an island state. However, I'm realizing that my family didn't go to the beach a lot. Maybe we were too busy working and going to school? Going to the beach felt like more work than fun because of all of the planning and packing that needed to be done... like bringing towels, beach mats, coolers, ice, drinks, food, sunscreen, paper goods, a change of clothes, swimsuit, etc. It seemed like such a process... LOL! Therefore, Queen's Surf Beach isn't my favorite. I prefer Ala Moana - mainly because of the parking lot. When I do go to Queen's, I park for free on Kalakaua Avenue before the Aquarium and the Natatorium. Queen's does have its positives like the scenery - especially at sunset time. I'll go again and get a better photo! read more

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Our family came here to hang out on the beach and get some snorkeling in. We were right by the jetty and there were fish everywhere. So beautiful. We set up camp by the lifeguard tower and was able to get some shade. It was fun to watch the people learning to surf catch waves and enjoy the beach. We snorkeled all over Oahu and our kids felt that Queens beach was the best spot. Lots of metered parking options and also the parking lot at the zoo. Great way to spend a day! read more

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Who was here first, the queens (flamboyant gay men) or Queen's Surf Beach? There is no telling every beach has a story behind it. I believe this is named after Queen Kapi'olani, which the park is nearby. Oh, as you already read other reviews, this is a well-known gay beach, too. Me and my hubby used to hang out here. Our favorite activities were snorkeling to see who can find pink corals and sunbathing on the sandy beach. We often patronize the concession stand when they served plate lunches and shaved ice. That was over 2 decades ago. I also remember I attended many gay organizations' parties. They used the grassy part by the beach for their sporting activities. The treelined area was great for picnics too. The restroom was somewhat clean on most days. I like it because it's more modern and functional. It is more desirable to come back again. read more

Lovely little stretch of beach in the middle of the city. A bit more public than some beaches, so please keep that in mind as there are many families and other groups around- feel a little more self-conscious about sunbathing in bikinis lol. Still a reportedly very social spot, especially for groups of people. read more

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ROCKY AF Bring water shoes. But quiet and cute. Despite some sketchy drug addicts hanging out near the bathroom, making me too paranoid to leave my bag while I go in the water... Otherwise gorgeous. Just easy on the rocks, Mother Nature. Geez. read more

Beautiful and clean beach with grassy areas too for bbq and shade. Just a heads up that this beach is rocky tho so you might want to wear swim shoes when you get in the water. The showers and bathroom are very accessible. My most memorable moment from this beach is being able to see a resting monk seal, it was truly magical! This beach can be a bit crowded sometimes because it's a popular tourist area but it's still a pretty chill beach for many people like surfers, swimmers, and picnics read more

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If you looking for a beach that's less crowded then this place is for you. It is just a little off from Waikiki hustle and bustle beach. Pros, the grassy area which is massive is nice for laying out. Part of she park. There's also the volleyball court which is always bustling with players every giving time. The stretch of sand is limited though as the water does come up to the wall where the walk way is. There are parts of the beach that can be enjoyed laying out. Cool quiet place to just lounge and people watch. read more

Queen's Surf Beach - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I love surfing at this beach. Metered parking along Kapiolani park is free on Sunday and holidays. I haven't quite found the right time to come unless it's super duper early. It's a long stretch of a beach. Lots to do like have a picnic, ride a bike and play at the beach. The waves aren't rough yet it's a bit rocky. Although I wouldn't leave my belongings without supervision. The zoo and aquarium is nearby too. If you'd like to learn how to surf, get in touch with Ohana Surf Project for some lessons. read more

Queen's Surf Beach - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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So rocky! Queens beach is picturesque but, it is so rocky. The moment you enter the beach you are greeted by a reef all along the shoreline. I thought it would be less rocky further away from the shore, but that was not the case. I've been to quite a few beaches around Oahu and this is by far my least favourite. To make matters worse, parking around that area is always a challenge. Of course, if you are just there to soak up some sun, people watch, or enjoy the views and the sunset, and socialize in the park, then it's great. However, if you are a 'go in the water' type of beachgoer, then I would not recommend this beach. On the plus side, there is a lifeguard station right on the beach in case beachgoers get into any trouble in the water. And there was a seal sunbathing, which was a great treat to see. Additionally, Barefoot Beach Cafe is in the immediate vicinity for a quick bite or drink. Again, if you are doing everything except getting in the water then the beach is great. However, if you want a less rocky option in the same area, Kaimana Beach just on the other side of the aquarium is a better option. read more

Queen's Surf Beach - 20JUN20: Seal on Queens beach. - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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A public beach near Waikiki. Sometimes called Queens Beach or Kapiolani Park Beach. It's contiguous with Waikiki beach, though it's technically outside Waikiki. It's bordered on both sides by breakwaters, so the water might be a little calmer. It's less crowded than Waikiki. Somewhat rocky, like much of Waikiki is. read more

It's usually a pretty busy beach that often holds events. Plenty of places to eat and drink close by as well. Lots of surfing and people hanging out on the pier. People partying a lot. Mixed crowd but definitely a lot of the younger people. Not like the other resort type beaches in the area. More people you know smoking and drinking with music having a party and being loud and boisterous So expect that but its not for everybody. They often have volley ball tournament, fitness groups, skateboarders, outdoor movies and concerts occasionally. It's like where I'd hang out as a mischievous teenager. Good place to watch the sunset. Nice view of Waikiki vanishing into the sunset. There's free parking all throughout Kapiolani park. read more

Queen's Surf Beach - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I love Queens. Been coming here for 15 years. Its great! Theres a surf break right here. The beach volleyball courts are always up. They are private for the locals set up their own nets because they LOVE to play, so good luck getting a game, but still fun to watch. Note to out of towners: if you are looking for a game, head all the way down the beach to Fort DeRussy beach park. There you can get a game no problem. Queens is great for sunrises, sunsets and everything in-between. Snacks and drinks abound in any of the 1 million ABC stores around here, and they occasionally have movies on the beach. The Waikīkī Aquarium is close by so be sure to swing by there, as is the Zoo. The beach is next to Kapiolani park as well. You can find LuLuʻs on the corner for luve music and steak n shrimp ans all that. Just be sure to wear sunscreen but protect our reefs by getting the reef friendly ones, and apply 15 minutes BEFORE YOU GET IN THE WATER! DUH! Its crowded but cool. Come here and enjoy the scenery of all kinds! Wink, wink! read more

Queen's Surf Beach - Querns - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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The chill vibe of Queen's Surf Beach is way better than the chaos of nearby Waikiki Beach. All the beauty, not as much of the hype. That's totally ok by me. You can sit in shaded areas on the grass or lay out on the exposed sandy area. It does get hot, so bring sunscreen and stay hydrated. There are great views of the Waikiki coast here, too, so don't forget to grab sunrise/sunset photos. read more

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What a gorgeous beach! Waaay less crowded than Waikiki Beach but still easily accessible by foot. Queen's surfs beach is filled with sparkling blue water, calming ocean waves, and tons of surfers! This is the beach that I spent the most time at during my most recent visit to Waikiki. It's not a secluded beach by any means; there will be a crowd of people out there during peak times. But, it's not overly crowded like nearby Waikiki beach. There are two small piers that you can walk down to the end of. One pier is primarily for fishing, so you'll basically be inches from the water. The other pier provides a gorgeous view of Waikiki and the Honolulu coastline. You'll also be able to admire the talented surfers as they ride those beautiful waves. The sights from the main pier are just absolutely stunning! You can just stand there on the pier and listen to the waves crashing against the sand. It's an excellent beach to catch a sunset too. Back at home, we have some really nice beaches, but they are so different from Hawaii beaches. The water is so blue and the sand is damn near white here. I wanted to just lay on this beach forever. It's Hawaii, so I'm sure that there are a ton of gorgeous beaches out here that will trump this little one in a heartbeat. But for convenience purposes, it totally exceeded my expectations. I really enjoyed spending time at this local beach. read more

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One of many beautiful beach in Oahu! Beautiful views of the Waikiki city buildings. No shade in this part of beach but great beach, blue water and soft sands. Great for walking as this connects to the Waikiki beaches. Its not as crowded and that's how I like it. The sand was super soft and waves were ok to play especially for kids. I like that there is no seaweed washing up the beach. Parking can be really bad and you have to be lucky or park far. There is street paid parking or farther up by the park, there is free street parking. You will find a small pier you can walk on to get a better view of the city and beaches and be next to the water. I think it's also used for fishing. Make sure to bring a canopy or wear lots of sunblock. It gets really hot here in the afternoon. It's better in the early or late morning to also admire the surfers. [122/100] read more

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This is my favorite stretch of waikiki beach. It's away from the major beach front hotels, so a little calmer, and fronted with great green space. There's people and dogs and volleyball and it seems more laid back than the section where you can rent chairs from the hotels. There are public restrooms (always important) and you can grab food from a lot of places. There's so.e parking or it's about a 20 minute walk from many hotels even on Kuhio Ave. read more

Beach is great. Nice hustle bustle spot. The ultimate place that represents Hawaii in all of it's colours. I'm a beach volleyball player and came here to play on a Saturday with the locals ( suggested to me by a friend ) What I got was a nasty old fart called mozzy or something that was as racist and disgusting. Instead of being welcoming he gave me a laundry list Of things i need to get before I can play. read more

Queen's Surf Beach - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Review #219 - 2019 The girls have been bugging me to take them to the beach on a daily basis so we ended up here on our last day. We showed up around 4:15 PM on Sunday, August 11th, and parking was super hard to find. We ended up parking about half a mile away & the girls were still willing to walk to the beach from there so I guess I couldn't say no to them. The beach was super crowded when we showed up so it's a good thing that we weren't planning on finding a spot to sit & sunbath or anything like that. The sand here is pretty, but the girls couldn't enjoy the water as much because the waves here are much bigger than the ones at all the other beaches that we've been to. My daughter actually got knocked down at one point so after that we had to call it quits & just walked around the whole beach until she finally dried up. The beach is very pretty & the water is so nice and blue so even though we didn't really get to play in the water, we still managed to get some pretty awesome photos! read more

Queen's Surf Beach - 08/11/2019: Pretty blue water! - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Nice place for a run and watch the sunset in Waikiki. After all these years coming to the islands regularly, I'm almost considered a local. I have my routine every time I'm in town once every few months, sometimes every other month. This place always hold a special place in my heart. In the afternoon, I will put on my runner shoes and run from my hotel all the way to diamond head and back, I would always pass by and run through Queen's Surf Beach, watch the surfers get in their sunset surf, and watch the gorgeous sunset and sometimes rainbows if it rains in the late afternoon. There's alot of benches if you need to rest, and it's just a very peaceful and beautiful area to picnic or relax and read a book. There's drinking fountains if you get thirsty and plenty of trees to shade you in the heat. Definitely recommend hanging out here. read more

Queen's Surf Beach - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Queen's is one of the various sub-beaches that make up Waikiki Beach. Really, does anyone even know where one really begins and ends? Where does San Souci/Kaimana Beach start? Okay, whatever. I'm just happy it's a beach in Hawaii. Queen's is one of my quick choices for a sunset beach photo session as it offers an unobstructed view of the hotels, the west side mountains, and the sunset. Often there will be plenty of boats out on the water along with various self propelled watercraft, aka, surfers, boogie/body boarders, and stand up paddle boarders. Queen's also has rock pier that goes out almost 100 meters into water which lends itself to all sorts of photo opportunities. The water is warm (this is Hawaii after all), but a few feet out into the water, it's less sand and more rocks underfoot. There's a huge amount of picnic grassy area shaded by trees behind the beach. Feel free to bring a hammock! Nearby metered parking can get really busy as there's a huge demand, but there is a free lot by the Waikiki Shell, which isn't too far. The city also runs a number of free bathrooms and showers, along with allowing some private concessions. The Waikiki Aquarium with its resident monk seals and air conditioning is also within walking distance. Occasionally, there events like beach volleyball, canoe races, and concerts will be held at the beach. The beach itself is a bit less crowded than the beaches closer to the hotels. read more

Queen's Surf Beach - One of those gorgeous sunsets over Queen's Beach - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I understand the historical relevance of this beach but let's get real here. Unless you're going to the cafe, exercising, or attending a PRIDE event there is absolutely no reason to come to this beach! There are rocks everywhere and it's not exactly "private" as the historical relevance of this beach would indicate. Times have changed and although we must remember where we came from. This is 100% a jog by, walk by, keeping it moving sight-seeing beach, and nothing more. I have nothing more to say on the matter. It's getting 5 stars because the city should do better in maintaining this important historical landmark. I'm glad I discovered this place while exercising and not made any effort to locate it. read more

A fun beach to play at if you're staying near Honolulu Zoo. Like most tourists, the first thing that we wanted to do after checking into our hotel was to head to the beach. One of the closest beaches in walking distance from our hotel was Queen's Beach. It's a decent size beach with amenities. We didn't have trouble finding space, away from others, to toss down our beach gear. There is some nice wave action if you want to boogie board or just play in the waves. In late November, the water was cool but in the afternoon sun it felt refreshing. It's located near restaurants and markets if you want to grab something to eat or drink. Overall, I'd recommend visiting Queen's Beach to anyone staying in a nearby hotel. read more

Queen's Surf Beach - Queen's Beach looking towards Waikiki Wall - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I'd watched a bikini parade the day before on Waikiki Beach near the Outrigger Reef Hotel and gotten quite an eyeful (or two) as I kicked back and people watched. Later I launched into a monologue about the merits of natural vs. surgically-enhanced boobs. "BOOBS?! I'll take a look," said Mr. L., who to his great disappointment, hadn't noticed. He'd been kept busy digging immense sand castles and swimming with our 4-year-old, while I mostly kicked back, watched, and read. His attempt to ogle scantily-clad women that day was foiled by Queen's Beach being populated mainly by men in skimpy swim suits and body-boarders. No boobies. I didn't plan it that way, I swear. We'd stumbled onto one of the premier gay beaches of Waikiki. It's a very nice beach within walking distance of the Waikiki Aquarium, with limited street parking. The only drawback for me was huge population of mangy pigeons that were aggressively encroaching on our space (or were we in theirs?). We ate the slowest "fast food" ever from the Paniolo Beachside Grill. The food was nothing special, but it was convenient. The beach is named after Queen Liliuokalani who had a beach house here. Queen's Surf Beach is in Waikiki and is located between the Kapahulu Groin (faaaaaaaabulous!) on its west end and by the Waikiki Aquarium on its east end. Check out "Sunset on the Beach" weekend evenings when free outdoor movies are shown on a big movie screen (look for the large construction on the beach). The event includes music entertainment, food booths, and begins at around 4 p.m. The movie starts around sunset or 7 p.m. This beach is popular for body-boarding, snorkeling at the reef near the aquarium, and a gay gathering place. Not much eye candy for straight guys or lesbians - just sayin'. read more

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This haole had to go!!!! I can't believe it. I lived here all my life & this damn lady comes by us & had to blab her mouth saying. "Excuse me, your smoking, your drinking is annoying " but hello lady my beers is in my damn cup"!!! She also said she came here for relax & she lived here 25 years Lmfao!!! I couldn't believe it cause right next to us get one event blasting music & she comes to us. Anyways after I told her my deal & told her I lived here all my life & braaa you kidding me lol!! & the other people next to us was blasting dea music she left!!! "People is nuts" Ps! I am haole too, my grandpa is from Texas so I'm not discriminating it. Just bra! She was serious! I'm here for relax too!!! Hellloooo! Get your granny ass to the pool with your bingo games This is Waikiki!!! read more

Queen's Surf Beach - Chillin on Memorial Day - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Hard to believe that I'm the only gay guy writing a review for the major gay beach in the Wakiki area... but that sort of says it all, in a way. It's just not a big deal. It's not a part of the 'scene' really, and there's not a lot of conversating and interacting. Gay tourists pick this part of the beach and hang out, and behind in the grassy area near the almost-always-closed snack bar is an eclectic mix of homeless people, gay tourists, and families who want to be close to the bathroom due to incontinent toddlers. Not a fun vibe, not a bad vibe. One would think that with the amount of gay tourism in Honolulu, this place would be a bigger deal... but it just... isn't. Still, it's a place to go with fewer screaming kids, and you can nuzzle up against your significant other without getting the stinkeye from conservative midwesterners on vacation. Better than nothing. read more

It's gorgeous. However, it took about 30 minutes to find parking. It's perfect for a picnic or just to lay out on the grass in the shade. We found a spot however, when we were just about to jump in, we almost broke our toes from all the rocks on the sea floor. I do love how there's a little cafe where you can grab some food. This would have been ideal if the ocean floor was less rocky and more sandy. read more

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Waikiki beach , Kuhio beach,Queen beach and Kapiolani beach are all in a row. it depends on what your looking for at the beach. More waves and watching surfers with a little steeper entry that's Waikiki. easier entry with just a few waves, the Kuhio is for you. Queens beach is mostly enclosed by a break wall so it is shallow with no waves, easy entry and perfect for kids. Kapiolani beach park has restrooms, shady areas with picnic benches but much higher surf and steeper entry. Your choice! read more

Keeping it simple: * small but cozy area * there's a lifeguard * there is a beautiful grassy area as an option * beach cafe * bathrooms * you can rinse off * gay (mixed) read more

An amazing beach close to the Honolulu Zoo. Free parking at the shell. If you park at the zoo, it's $1 an hour. If you park on kapahulu, it's free after 6 pm to about 6 am. Lots of beach volleyball which I've seen multiple nets up and my friends and I go on Monday around 4 pm to sunset for open coed beach volleyball of 6 on 6. Sunset can be seen on this beach. UH beach volleyball team hosts some tournaments at Queen beach and sometimes AVP events too. This beach is close to Starbucks, Jamba Juice, ABC stores and other "eateries" so remember water or drinks, some snacks or you'll be shopping around one of the close stores and you can use the bathroom past Queen's beach which is about 50-75 feet so it's not too far. read more

It's close to Kapiolani park and there is metered parking if you are planning on driving out. A beachwalk runs along the length of the beach so there are a lot of people always walking by. The beach itself is really pretty with a good view of the Waikiki beachfront hotels. The sand however has a lot of debris from nearby trees in the park, and is riddled with pieces of sharp coral. You may need water shoes as well because even though the water is absolutely beautiful, there is just SO MUCH broken coral on the ocean floor and it will cut up your feet. This beach is good for laying out and getting a good tan though, and beautiful views of the sunset. read more

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***Pre COVID-19 Visit*** This beach is a good location if you're staying close to the Honolulu Zoo. Surrounding hotels are the Aston Waikiki and Park Shore. Please be aware that the beach is pretty rocky. It's still nice, but watch your step once you get in the water. Some areas are obviously better than the others. This is a beach where they also hold tons of events like the previous Sunset On The Beach for Hawaii Five-0. Will I visit here again? Probably, but it doesn't remain high on my list of beaches to go to. Mahalo. read more

Queen's Beach is my go to beach to try to capture some photos of the sunset. It's convenient to where I live, which is right up the road around Diamond Head, so I can get there within 10-15 minutes depending on how much traffic there is getting down and around to find parking at Kapiolani park. Due to Queen's being in Waikiki, there are always a lot of people here, whether it's locals or tourists enjoying a swim, a stroll, or like me trying to catch some photos of the sunset. The beach park is pretty busy on the grass with all sorts of people having picnics, doing yoga, just cruising and enjoying being outdoors and reading, feeding the birds, and just relaxing. During the day, I feel it's pretty safe here. Just always be aware of your belongings because sometimes things are swiped by the kids who hangout at the beach or by other possible people as well. In the evening, it gets pretty dark, so if you are a female and alone, best to make sure you don't just walk through the areas where there's a lot of trees because it's pretty dark at times. Try to stay on the sidewalk where there are lights. Just always keep your guard up. Queen's is a good place to spend a day at the beach with your family and nice place to just sit back on your beach mat and relax or take a picnic basket and enjoy the sunset! read more

Queen's Surf Beach - A beautiful place to sit and relax to watch the sunset! - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

My family was born and raised here. The beach is indeed crowded with tourists. Unfortunately, what makes this beach (Queens Surf Spot in particular) unattractive are some of the "LOCALS". They yell at other surfers like they own the ocean. Today, I saw a tourist trying to apologize to a belligerent "local" guy and all I wanted to do was apologize for his pathetic behavior. His behavior is an embarrassment to our 'aina and mostly to our mo'omeheu (culture). It was not a good representation of the Aloha we MUST perpetuate. read more

2 or 3 stars? OK 3 wins. It is out of the way- good or bad it is really out of the way. For those of us that park a car. Sometimes we can find great street parking close to the beach were we can't do that at Waikiki beach but can do it here (yes Ala Moana Beach is way better though out of the Honolulu side beaches for parking easily). It is less crowded usually- many because the hotels don't pour out of it in the morning and roll back up at meal times. Still- lucky to live Hawaii. read more

the best sunset view and not to over crowded. Stayed at Marriott right across the street.

My review is mainly based upon this being touted as the "gay beach" which was a disappointment because it's small, removed from any beach bars, and the park across from it is overrun with homeless. It's a tad depressing and makes it feel that gays are marginalized to the outskirts of where the fun is. Which in this day and age shouldn't be tolerated anymore. The gay beach should be in front of the Royal Hawaiian. I see more gays on the sand in front of the Royal Hawaiian and at their Mai Tai bar (where I ran into 3 different gay couples enjoying the drinks and the view). Similar to they way Rio gay beaches are in the middle of Ipanema and Copacabana and where there is easy access to beach bars, restrooms, people watching and more, the gay beach at Waikiki should do the same. I recommend that if you want to run into gays, go to the pink lady of the beach - the Royal Hawaiian. read more

Its not the most beautiful beach in Hawaii, its also not the most beautiful beach in waikiki. The nice thing is that there is grass right next to the water (for those days you want the beach without the beach), it's not too busy, and the revamped Cafe there is convenient. There is a sandy channel where you can walk into the water, use this instead of tripping your way through the coral to get in. Oh ya, it's gay too, so bring your oil and speedo. read more

As a snorkeler this beach is the only location in the Waikiki area that has anything to offer. It's actually quite good though, just head out along rocky barrier and the farther into the reef you go the better it gets. As with most places it's best with little to no surf or the water will be cloudy. So if you are stuck in Waikiki but still really want to try snorkeling this is the spot. read more

Queen's Surf Beach - Beaches Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Parking can be a bit of a pain, but all's forgotten once you're on the beach. I love the trees, the grass, the fish people feed out on the pier. Barefoot cafe is close by for a quick bite, or you can walk the short distance to Waikiki for more variety. Beautiful sunsets... it's what Hawai'i is all about! read more

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