Kaupo Beach Park

Kaupo Beach is a beautiful, narrow stretch of coast just outside of Waimanalo on the southern tip of Oahu's windward side. Featuring soft sand, calm tidepools, and gorgeous views, it's predominantly a "locals beach" and is rarely loud or crowded.

AT A GLANCE:
HIGHLIGHTS: Most of the shoreline at this beach park is rocky, but there are good snorkeling areas near the Makai Research Pier (to the far left). There are also sandy-bottomed tidepools that are popular with families with young children.

ACTIVITIES: Sunning, picnics, fishing, snorkeling

LIFEGUARD: NO

WARNINGS!: Because of the rocky bottom, swimming isn't recommended here except for in the tide pools or the sandy-bottomed area to the left near the Makai Research Pier.

AMENITIES:  Parking, restrooms, drinking fountains

Although it's located right along the roadside, Kaupo Beach Park is peaceful and scenic, with a narrow but long stretch of sand, expansive grassy areas, and plenty of parking. The beach offers great views of Rabbit Island and Turtle Island (both of which are bird sanctuaries and illegal to enter), and the Makapuu Lighthouse.

Conveniently located across from Sea Life Park, the beach is just a short drive from Honolulu or Kailua.

If you're heading to the beach to relax, there are plenty of shade trees throughout the area. Much of the shoreline along the right end of the park is rocky, so if you are planning to lay out in the sand or swim, stay near the left side.

If you're looking to avoid the crowds, Kaupo Beach Park is a great alternative to some of the other nearby beaches that get packed on the weekends, such as Makapuu Beach Park, Kaiona Beach Park, and Waimanalo Beach Park.  

Waimanalo town is quaint and historic, with a unique "rural Hawaii" vibe that isn't really found anywhere else on this part of the island. Just a few minutes from Kaupo Beach Park, it is a "must-see" while you are in the area! The town is very small and Kalanianaole highway passes right through it. There's an eclectic mix of shops ranging from art galleries to tacquerias to Hawaiian BBQ to health food cafes. Be sure to stop by the legendary Dave's Hawaiian Ice Cream for some fresh, locally made ice cream!

Closest town: Waimanalo

Directions:

• From Honolulu: Follow the H1 up the coast. It will turn into Kalanianaole highway. Kaiona Beach Park will be on the right just past Makapu'u Beach Park and the main Sea Life Park entrance. It is right across the street from the Sea Life Park Chief's Luau sign. If you get to the Waimanalo Animal Farm (on the left), you've gone too far.
• From Kailua/Kaneohe: Take Kalanianaole through Waimanalo. Kaupo Beach Park will be on the left, past Kaiona Beach Park and the Animal Farm, and right across the street from the Sea Life Park Chief's Luau sign.