Founder of HawaiiGuide & certified travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Windward Coast Oahu Beaches
A Slice of Paradise
Waimanalo Beach Park is a beautiful place to walk, and the fine white sand under your feet and the clear waters make it an ideal location for photos. T.V. shows like "Baywatch Hawaii" and "Magnum P.I." were filmed here so that you can canonize your wedding pics right here!
Overview of Waimanalo Beach
The history of Waimanalo goes far back in Hawaiian culture. Some archeological discoveries of artifacts suggested that Waimanalo was one of the first areas of exploration by ancient Polynesians on Oahu. The discovery unearthed a prehistoric village site in Bellows Air Force Base dunes.
Today, this beach maintains a low-key vibe with no significant developments or towns. Like the locals, vacationers appreciate the area's wild and natural state. Waimanalo Beach sits on the windward, east, side of Oahu and south of the Kailua and Lanikai beach areas. The weather usually isn't too hot or cold; it's just calm and quiet most of the time. The waves here are typically Breezy, with a bit more power later in the day when surfers have an excellent chance to hit them!
Directions to Waimanalo Beach
To reach this slice of wonderland, you have two options. Take the scenic Hwy 1 route from Waikiki that takes you past the Makapu'u lighthouse onto Waimanalo. Or drive through the Pali Highway 61, which merges onto the Kalanianaole Highway 72 south towards Waimanalo. Either route will take you 45 minutes.
Amenities at Waimanalo Beach
The beach has ample parking and serves plenty of amenities like:
- Picnic areas
- Clean, public restroom and shower facilitiesLifeguard stations
- Nice shady areas near ironwood trees for you to lounge
- Camping by permit
- Pavilion
We recommend packing some comfort food, snacks, and drinks along with you to the beach since this area lacks nearby restaurants and eateries. Thus, purchase a cooler that will hold ice and your goodies. And don't forget your book.
Waimanalo Beach Park is a must see.
Family-Friendly Activities
If you're looking for an ideal place to spend your day with the family, look no further than Waimanalo Beach. The long stretch of white sand and crystal clear waters make this beach incredibly picturesque for a long stroll! This paradise stretches for 3 miles along the white sand. Ironwood trees abounded across this beach. This is one place where you'll feel like royalty! The beach offers many opportunities for fun for you and your children, especially underwater fun! Due to its location on the Windward Coast, it can be pretty windy here much of the time. So if sunbathing isn’t your cup of tea - have fun with bodysurfing, swimming, and boogie boarding. If you plan to spend some time here picnicking during the winter, pack a light jacket, especially for the little ones.
Pro-tip: Waimanalo Bay is located on the eastern windward side of Oahu, so while you might catch a fantastic sunrise in your travels, there are some things to be aware of before visiting. For one thing-the, sunlight tends to disappear by afternoon as it gets redirected through mountains during midday hours and also because this area experiences higher winds than other parts of the island.
Waimanalo Beach Activities
Waimanalo Beach is a serene paradise that re-emerges into life on weekends when locals and visitors alike come out to enjoy swimming in the sun or playing with their friends by going underwater.
Fishing: The Waimanalo Beach fishing spot is a haven for those who love to fish. The gentle waves and clear saltwater make it an ideal location with all types of caught delicacies available at your fingertips! You can find spots to purchase bait or charter a boat to fish further out in the sea. Water activities: Waimanalo Beach offers surfers an opportunity to try their skills on the waves without fearing sharks or other predators lurking nearby. It also provides swimmers a unique experience as it's one of few places where there aren't any large rocks jutting out from beneath the surface as most other Hawaiian islands have.
Photography: When you think of weddings, do the beaches of Waikiki come to mind? You can capture your wedding shoot in this beautiful spot. Or amateur photographers can use this time to capture the beauty of nature, especially those images with your loved ones.
Volleyball action: Try playing volleyball on the sand if you're looking for high-intensity cardio. The best part? They are open to anyone who wants in!
Lounging under the shade: Simply lounge between the sheltering Ironwood trees with gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean! The serene environment will soothe you like no other place on earth.
Enjoy the sunrise: The Waimanalo sunrise experience is a one-of-a-kind opportunity you don't want to miss. Get up early and enjoy your morning coffee while watching the sunrise over this beautiful island in Hawaii!
Camping in Sherwood Forest: Sherwood Forest, a hidden Oahu gem, borders one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii. Enjoy this gem from within its surroundings! With three-day access to this serene forest for only $32, you can set up your little campsite and enjoy waking up next door from paradise.
Nearby Sights and Activities
Makapuu Lighthouse: The view from the Makapuu Lighthouse stands as one-of-a-kind. This place offers stunning views of Oahu's Windward side and beyond with its height! And if that's not enough to sell it for yourself-the mile hike only takes 30 minutes total with lots of scenic views along this journey, too- making those few extra glory moments worth every second they take away from work/school!
Sea Life Park: What better way to spend your time at Sea Life Park than swimming with sharks and sea lions? You'll have access to many exciting marine exhibits, but if you want an experience like no other, try Swimming With Sharks! Professional trainers will educate and lead the way through this fantastic opportunity for just 20-30 minutes in a 300k gallon tank (or more).
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