Waimanalo Beach Park

The basics

This beach is ideal for whiling away the day doing nothing but stretching out on the sand and soaking up the stunning scenery with a picnic and good book. But, if you seek some action, Waimanalo is also a great spot for boogie boarding: Its waves typically break low and close to shore. Of course, you can catch more than just good breaks. Early risers will see stellar sunrises, thanks to the beach’s unbeatable eastward location. Waimanalo Beach Park is so scenic that it was used as a location for the television shows “Magnum P.I.” and “Baywatch Hawaii.”

Things to know before you go

• Beach facilities include public restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and lifeguard stations.

• Bring snacks and drinks with you: There are few places to purchase them nearby.

• There is a risk, especially on windy days, of coming across the highly venomous Portuguese man-of-war in the water.

• Campers can reserve a permitted spot at the beach park campground.

How to get there

The drive to Waimanalo from Waikiki takes about 45 minutes along scenic Highway 1, past the Makapu’u lighthouse, or along Pali Highway 61, which merges onto the Kalanianaole Highway 72 south. You also can reach Waimanalo Beach Park by public transit; the journey on the number 67 bus from Honolulu takes a little under an hour. Circle Island tours of Oahu typically make a brief stop at the beach.

When to get there

For sunbathers and swimmers, Waimanalo Beach Park is best visited in the morning when its waters are at their calmest. If you want to surf or bodyboard, arrive in the afternoon when the breeze picks up. The beach is typically quiet and little-visited during the week but can be bustling on the weekends, as it is a popular spot for locals to gather for all-day barbecues with friends and family.

Bellows Field Beach Park

Just minutes north of Waimanalo Beach Park, Bellows Field Beach Park is another spectacularly beautiful area that is often overlooked by visitors. Adjacent to Bellows Air Force Station, the crescent-shaped beach is open to the public only on weekends (during the week you’ll need a military ID to enter), and visitors can spend the night at one of its 50 campsites.