O‘ahu Lakes

Lakes Around O‘ahu

Every once in a while you should gather your family and friends and make time to be on the water. A stay at a lake can be wonderful for people that enjoy getting outside too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re itching to paddleboard, partake in some wakeboarding, go for a swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near O‘ahu offer you numerous opportunities for aquatic fun. Take a look at the data below and see the nearby locations from small lakes to larger lakes for you and the family to visit.

Lakes Near O‘ahu

Things to Do at the Lake

A day trip, or a longer getaway gives you a nearly limitless amount of stuff for families or couples.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you arrive at a O‘ahu lake:

Partake in some water sports. If you’re able to get access to a speed boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of kicking up a wake showing off your water sports talents? Take the family out for some wakeboarding or knee boarding as the all sports lakes give you all kinds of choices.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near O‘ahu provide all kinds of fun and excitement for the big kids and little ones, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a beautiful public beach!

Fishing. For those that love to fish, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Lake Checklist

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique based on which lake you go to, when you go, or if there are any activities planned. While every trip is its own animal, we put together a list that will give some ideas for your watery excursion to ensure nothing gets forgotten!

Lake basics

When you’re out on a lake near O‘ahu you’ll probably want to bring many of the items below to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Portable stereo
  • Bottle opener
  • Insect repellant
  • Swimsuits
  • A cooler with water bottles
  • Sunblock
  • Portable phone charger
  • Dry shirt
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Sunglasses

More lake items

Depending on your planned activities at the lake and who will be in your entourage, the list of gear might also prove useful and adding to your checklist before hitting the road.

  • Swimming goggles
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Your tackle box
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Worms or other bait
  • Games for the beach
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Diapers and baby gear

Lake Safety Checklist

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near O‘ahu, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. These safety tips will ensure that you and your family remains safe at your favorite O‘ahu lake.

  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in O‘ahu

When you make a trip to the beautiful lakes near O‘ahu, there are a few things that can make your weekend gameplan substantially more successful. For example, each individual lake near O‘ahu has unique qualities which makes it important to take into account what will make for an unforgettable trip when planning yours.

  1. Maximize unique local resources. When there’s time for a lengthier stay, find local state parks and recreation areas which give you the ability to stay right on the water at an affordable price.
  2. Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches might be packed with tourists. If you want more space to spread out, do some digging on multiple lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!
  3. Find a marina. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Asking a local can usually help you locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.