Bathtub Beach: The Best Baby Beach on Oʻahu (Yes, It Lives Up to the Name)
If you’ve ever tried to enjoy a beach day with a toddler, you know the dream: soft sand, calm water, and absolutely zero rogue waves knocking your baby over like a clumsy golden retriever. Enter: Bathtub Beach in Lāʻie, arguably the best baby beach on Oʻahu.
Is This the Best Baby Beach on Oʻahu? We Think So.
Tucked just north of Lāʻie Beach Park, Bathtub Beach lives up to its charming name. Thanks to a natural limestone shelf just offshore, the water here stays shallow and calm—basically nature’s kiddie pool. It’s perfect for babies, toddlers, cautious parents, and tiny snorkelers-in-training.
How I Found It (With Help From Google Earth and Some Mild Trespassing)
Lately, I’ve been scouring the island for baby-friendly beaches, which mostly involves a lot of dead ends and suspicious “No Trespassing” signs. But every once in a while, I stumble across something truly special—and Bathtub Beach was one of those finds. The name may sound like a marketing gimmick, but it’s actually spot on.
Things to Do with Babies and Toddlers at Bathtub Beach
Once you arrive, the possibilities for baby-level adventure are endless:
Sandcastles + Seashells – Bring buckets, tiny shovels, and the kind of enthusiasm only sleep-deprived parents can muster.
Tiny Snorkelers Welcome – When the tide is low, older kids can spot fish in the shallows while babies splash nearby.
Tide Pool Treasures – The rocky edges are full of surprises. Just watch those little feet on the sharp bits.
Floaties and Swimsuits – A calm, sandy-bottomed cove = ideal place for littles to try out their water wings.
Capture It All with Little Bird
Of course, a visit to the best baby beach on Oʻahu pairs perfectly with a relaxed family photo session. We specialize in capturing real moments—salty eyelashes, sandy toes, and the toddler who refuses to wear pants (seriously, it happens!). You can see a few beach sessions near Lāʻie here, hereand here.
Pro Tips for Visiting Bathtub Beach
Timing is everything: This beach shows off at super low tide and tends to vanish when the water’s up.
Where to park: Head to Lāʻie Beach Park (aka Lāʻielohelohe Beach Park) and walk five minutes north along the beach until you round the point.
Alternate route:Clissold’s Beach Access to the north gives you more beach to explore, but the parking’s trickier and the walk is longer.
Still Wondering if It’s Worth It?
We went back recently, mistimed the tide completely, and still had a great time. The southern stretch was underwater, so we scrambled over some extremely opinionated rocks to find a quieter cove. It’s that kind of place—never quite the same twice, always a little magical.
Looking for More Baby Beaches on Oʻahu?
I’ve got a whole list of the best baby-friendly beaches on Oʻahu right here. And if you’d like more ideas for fun, sandy adventures with small humans, sign up for the Little Bird Post below.
Check out my roundup post of the best baby beaches on Oahu here. And if you’re looking for more family fun like bathtub beach, sign up for the Little Bird Post below to receive monthly inspiration for island fun.
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