Kahana Bay Beach Park

The basics

Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the crescent-shaped white-sand beach is an excellent spot for sunbathing in relative isolation. The beach’s ironwood trees provide plenty of shade for a picnic, and its calm, clear waters are ideal for snorkeling and kayaking. At the beach's southern end, you can see the remains of Huilua, an ancient Hawaiian fishpond. Although few tours stop there, circle-island tours that take travelers around Oahu often pass by Kahana Bay Beach Park.

Things to know before you go

• Facilities include restrooms, outside showers, and picnic tables.

• By making reservations in advance, visitors can spend the night at one of the beach’s campsites.

• Petty theft can be an issue, so don’t leave any valuables visible in your vehicle.

• There is no lifeguard on the beach.

How to get there

The drive from Waikiki typically takes around an hour via HI-61 and HI-83 W. Parking is available in a dirt lot on the road's makai (ocean) side, although there are only a few spaces. If it’s full, you can park on the street or in the second lot near the boat ramp.

When to get there

If it’s seclusion you are seeking, visit on a weekday, and you may get the entire beach to yourself. Weekends are typically busier as local families gather and campers spend the night. The water can become murky on and after rainy days, so visiting when it’s been sunny for a few days is recommended—summer is preferable as winter brings a lot of rain.

Beach Cleanups

If you’ve enjoyed your time at Kahana Bay Beach Park and want to give back, consider joining one of the locals' many cleanups held there throughout the year. Due to the beach’s shape, much marine debris washes up. If there is no organized cleanup during your visit, take a few minutes to pick up some trash on your own.