There’s nothing quite like the feeling of your toes in the sand, the sun on your skin and the sounds of waves gently crashing onto a Beach. Yet often, relaxing days at the beach can get cut short by crowds of people, who flock to the islands in search of creating new memories and exploring Hawai’i’s famous shorelines. For those craving secluded pockets of paradise, Waikiki and Ala Moana Beach Park, as beautiful as they are, just don’t cut it. But if you’re searching for serenity, solitude and a quiet place to lay down a blanket and read a book, we’ve got your covered. There are handfuls of beaches across Oahu, Hawai’i’s most populated island, where you can enjoy the island’s natural wonders without crowds of tourists. These are a few of our favorites: Makapuu Beach Prepare to have your breath taken away as you drive around the Makapu'u Point Lookout, the most eastern point of Oahu. Your eyes will wander from the hill that leads to the Makapu'u Lighthouse, one of Oahu’s most iconic vistas, to Makapu'u Beach, a stretch of white sand tucked beneath the cliff. Photo: Cristo Vlahos, Wikimedia CommonsRoughly an hour drive from Waikiki and nestled between Sandy Beach and Waimanalo, Makapu'u Beach is a favorite of Oahu locals. Undoubtedly one of the most famous bodysurfing beaches in Hawai’i, local surf clubs have been hosting contests there since the 1950s. But while the white-sand beach is stunning, its waters should sometimes be reserved only for strong swimmers. In the summer, the waves are generally calm, but visitors should beware of high surf and currents in the winter. Halona Cove If you’re up for a short but steep hike, the trek to Halona Cove and the picturesque white-sand beach that encases it is well worth it. Nestled between the famed Halona Blowhole and Halona Point on the southeastern coastline of Oahu, this small stretch of sand is so stunning that became a backdrop in a number of films ranging from “From Here to Eternity” to the “Pirates of the Caribbean” to “50 First Dates.” Photo: Janine Sprout, Wikimedia CommonsAbout a 25 minute drive from Waikiki, the beach is tucked away on the west side of the Halona Blowhole overlook. From there, you can climb down the rocks to the white-sand beach, which is surrounded by soaring cliffs on all sides. During the winter, it’s the perfect place to sit back, relax and watch humpback whales. Mokuleia Beach Perhaps one of the most secluded beaches on Oahu, the white sands of Mokule’ia stretch across the island’s most uninhabited part of the northern coastline. While most other beaches on the North Shore, such as Waimea or Pipeline are often packed, Mokule’ia Beach is the ultimate retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.Photo: Daniel Ramirez, Wikimedia CommonsThe only souls on the shoreline are usually the occasional snorkeler, spearfisher or kite surfer. Although the shallow reef sometimes makes it difficult to swim, the soft, white sand is ideal for a day lounging at the beach. And for those interested in beaches with Hollywood fame, Moluke’ia was the site of the plane crash during the pilot for “Lost” and became the set for much of its first season. Kahuku Beach If you’re searching for peace and quiet, look no farther than Kahuku Beach, a sandy stretch of shoreline in front of the nine-hole public Kahuku Golf Course. With the exception of fishermen, the beach is almost always uncrowded, and on weekdays, sometimes empty. This beach isn’t ideal for swimming because of its shallow, rocky bottom, but it is the perfect spot to set up blankets and umbrellas to enjoy one of Hawai'i's unspoiled natural wonders. From Waikiki, Kahuku Beach Park is roughly an hour drive away. Makua Beach On the northern tip of Oahu’s western shore, miles from crowded resorts and bustling Waikiki, the white sands of Makua Beach are tucked between the lush Waianae Mountain Range and the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean. Located at the foot of the Makua Valley, this undeveloped part of the island is almost never crowded.Photo: Geordie Mott, FlickrFree from tour buses, this local’s favorite is a popular big wave surfing spot in the winter months, but in the summers, is home to crystal clear, calm waters perfect for swimming. Especially on weekdays, you’ll find the beach almost empty because so few people make the trek from town, making it a perfect slice of paradise to relax with a book.Whether you a relaxing day includes reading a good book with the warmth of the sun on your back or enjoying some of the most picturesque scenery in the world, the above beaches are a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Urban Life in Hawaii. For more information on available Oahu real estate options near any of the beaches above, contact us by using the form below. Aloha.