Kaupo Beach Park

Waimanalo, Oahu

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: <ul><li>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. </li><li>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.</li></ul>

Kaupo Beach Park

18+

Description

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.

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Waimanalo Bay Beach Park

Waimanalo, Oahu

Waimanalo Bay Beach Park is a family-style county beach park in the center of Waimanalo Bay, also nicknamed "Sherwood's" by locals. With sand like soft white powdered sugar, shady ironwood forest backing the beach, and regular cooling on-shore breezes this park is a Windward side favorite, yet only 35-minute drive from Honolulu, and well worth the trip. Visitors to Sandy Beach or Makapu'u Beach Parks are often directed to this beach when swimming conditions are too hazardous elsewhere.

AT A GLANCE:
HIGHLIGHTS: Located centrally on a 5-mile white sand beach of Waimanalo Bay, the longest on the Windward side. The park is family friendly and easy to find. Great scenic views across Waimanalo Bay with distant islands and far off cliffs of Makapu'u Point visible to the east.
ACTIVITIES: Swimming, long beach walks, beach volleyball, picnics, fishing, body surfing and boarding.
LIFEGUARD: YES, 9am to 5:30 pm, Located off of the right-hand-side parking area.
WARNINGS!: Occasional box jellyfish inundation during strong winds, shore break possible, and rip currents occur during eastern (trade wind-driven) swells / wave episodes.
AMENITIES: Generous parking area, 3 separate restrooms each with a shower, and picnic tables.
HOURS: Gates open at 7 am and 7:45 pm gates close.

A panoramic 180 view from the beach reveals miles of sandy beach and ocean in either direction. The distant Makapu'u cliffs and lighthouse to the right, Wailea Point to the left, off-shore islets and a mountain range behind you create a spectacular circular vista that feels like a giant half-sunk crater full of lush greenery, white sand and blue waters meeting the sky. The water here has a particularly bright light-turquoise color partially due to the tiny white sand particles suspended in the water.

The nickname "Sherwood's" fits this beach well, as the visitors have to go through a large Ironwood pine forest stretching between the parking lots and the beach. Ironwoods are native to Australia, with evergreen needles as long as two feet sometimes, though hey still can be recognized as pine trees. Walking through a pine forest onto this stretch of immaculate white sand provides a great contrast, and the added shade helps gauge your sun exposure.

Waimanalo Beach Park is definitely not your average tourist beach, though visitors are welcome. Waiamanalo is a predominantly local Hawaiian town and this park comes alive with families and barbeques on the weekends. Beach volleyball, pop-up party tents, and beach games are a weekend staple here. There is also a campground portion of the park to the left of the parking lot that hosts large family reunions and special events. The parking area on the right is for a day use, and the beach in front of it is much less crowded.

*Note: there are 2 beach parks in Waimanalo; this park is better maintained and has better swimming options. The other one further east is often frequented by homeless people and has a mixed reputation.

*The parking lots are 100 yards from the beach, so visitors may want to take valuables out of the vehicles, or hide them out of site to prevent break-ins.

Ocean safety link:
http://oceansafety.ancl.hawaii.edu/v/2.0/?i=oahu&shid=3&bch=waimanalobay
Closest town: Waimanalo

Directions:
From the North: Drive Kalanianaole Highway south into Waiamanalo town. After you have passed the first portion of town with shopping, and the public school, the road will have forest on the left side and you will pass the entrance to "Bellow's Air Force Station". The next left passed Bellow's is the park entrance. Once turned into the park the road will split to two different parking areas.

From South: Drive Kalanianaole Highway/ HI route 73 into Waiamanalo, look for "McDonald's"; beach park entrance is second right. Once turned into the park the road will split to two different parking areas.

Address:
41-043 Aloiloi St
Waimanalo, HI
96795

On bus routes:
57/77/89

Makapu'u Beach Park

Waimanalo, Oahu

Wild and scenic Makapu'u beach sits at the foot of the towering cliffs and hosts all the natural elements in abundance. It is easy to get blown away here, especially when the north-eastern "trade winds" are strong. The wind currents spiral upward overhead, and frigate birds and their human glider counterparts make use of the updrafts to soar high overhead. White crests of the shore breakers and two islets on the horizon complete the sweeping panorama.

AT A GLANCE:
HIGHLIGHTS: Wild and wondrous beach tucked below towering cliffs, with excellent views of the windward coastline. Surrounded by nature and open to the elements.
ACTIVITIES: Swimming, body boarding, beach lounging, paraglider watch.
LIFEGUARD: YES
WARNINGS!: Strong currents and waves can be present here. Visitors are advised to speak with lifeguards upon arrival before swimming.
AMENITIES: Parking, restroom and showers.

A centerpiece of the scenic Ka'iwi shoreline, this beach is easy to find along Kalanianaole Highway, adjacent to the Sea Life Park tourist attraction. Despite the Makapu'u Beach's proximity to the road, once you descend to the beach, the roadway and its commotion disappear, and nature takes over. This beach is a wind-swept, rugged and wonderful place, where ocean sounds wash away the traffic noise and lush foliage surrounds the beach. Along the shoreline to the right where waves crash upon a rugged volcanic shoreline, is the Makapu'u Lighthouse, marking the easternmost reach of Oahu. Kaohikaipu and Manana or "Rabbit's Head" islands dotting the horizon line right in front are protected seabird sanctuaries, and to your left there is an expansive view of the Windward shoreline with Waimanalo and Kailua Bays.

The sand slopes upward at the rear of the beach shaping the scene like a natural amphitheater. If there is surf, you are likely to see scores of local bodyboarders handling this sometimes intense shore break. It is the playground for the experienced and the athletic. The surf is much more dangerous then it appears here. This beach's position on the easternmost tip of Oahu favors creation of rip currents, so be careful. Ocean winds and currents merge in this area, creating marine environment that is considerably more rough and powerful.

A link to video of Makapu'u Beach:
http://youtu.be/bkhPTLeV3CQ

Ocean safety link for Makapu'u:
http://oceansafety.ancl.hawaii.edu/v/2.0/?i=oahu&shid=3&bch=makapuu

Closest town: Waiamanalo

Directions:
Located along HI route 72 / Kalanianaole Highway across from the Sea Life Park
From the North: Drive Kalanianaole Highway through Waiamanalo and watch for the ocean research pier on the ocean front on your left. After passing a first beach park on the left, Makapu'u entrance is the second park entrance on the left and is opposite to the entrance to the Sea Life Park.

From the South: Drive Kalanianaole Highway east and pass Sandy Beach Park. As the roadway begins to contour the hills, curving inland and climbing uphill, you will pass a scenic lookout on the right. After that the road curves downhill. The parking lot is your first right at the bottom of the hill. Note the large pull-out on the right as you drive downhill; this is additional parking if the park lot is full.

Kaiona Beach Park

Waimanalo, Oahu

The beaches of Waimanalo are the most magically picturesque pieces of tropical paradise you could ever imagine, and Kaiona Beach Park is no exception. Soft white sand, bright turquoise ocean, and sun kissed rippled mountains create an ideal setting to relax ad settle into the quiet, easy pace of island life.

AT A GLANCE:
HIGHLIGHTS: This family-friendly beach provides beachgoers with the perfect mix of sun-saturated sand, shade, grassy park, and calm, crystal-clear water.

ACTIVITIES: Swimming, kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling (lots of turtles), sunning, picnics (permits needed for larger picnics at the parks designated picnic areas)

LIFEGUARD: NO

WARNINGS!: Kalanianaole highway gets extremely busy, particularly during weekends or holidays, and can be very dangerous! Use caution when parking along the side of the road, and when crossing the road.

AMENITIES: Parking, bike rack, restroom, shower, designated picnic spots

Kaiona Beach is just outside of Waimanalo, across from the animal farm. It is a beautiful beach to visit anytime, but it is a popular beach with locals and can be packed on the weekends. The small parking lot fills quickly (with cars double and triple parked, blocking each other in), however you can also park along the side of the road.

Fronting the beach is a large grassy fenced-in area with picnic tables and plenty of space for tossing a Frisbee or football, or having a large family picnic.

Although the beach is narrow in some parts, it is long and offers plenty of shade trees. Two small tide pools and the beach's typically calm water makes it a great spot for families with young children.

The mountains embracing this stretch of the coast are stunning, and if for some reason you tire of staring at turquoise water you can turn and enjoy an up-close-and-personal view of this mountain range whose unique shape and curves are such a unique signature of Oahu.

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. It's definitely worth visiting in conjunction with your Kaiona beach trip! 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:

Coming down from the northeast side, take Kalanianaole through Waimanalo. Kaiona Beach Park will be on the left, just past the main area of town.
From the west and Honolulu: Follow the H1 up the coast. It will turn into Kalanianaole highway. Kaiona Beach Park will be on the right, a short ways beyond Sea Life Park and just before entering the main part of Waimanalo town.

Bellows Beach Park

Waimanalo, Oahu

Bellows Beach Park is a family style leisure camp located in Waimanalo, Hawaii. With long stretches of white sand, shady ironwood trees, clear waters and a magnificient view of luscious offshore islands, this beach park offers a great vacation for military and nonmilitary citizens alike. Bellows Air Force Station offers air conditioned lodging units for comfort and tranquility. Only 30 minutes away from Waikiki and Honolulu, this paradise getaway is sure to offer magnificent views and a relaxing time.

AT A GLANCE:
HIGHLIGHTS: Bellows Beach Park is located on Bellows Air Force Station. Although mainly for military card holders, there are many beach sections offered to the public. Along with a pristine
beach lining ironwood trees, this leisure camp offers multiple pavilions, restaurants, basketball courts, paintball arenas, child playgrounds and over 110 premiere beachfront lodging units.
ACTIVITIES: Swimming, snorkeling, body boarding, long beach walks, barbeque cooking,playgrounds, basketball, beach volleyball, shelling
LIFEGUARD: Bellows certified lifeguards are on duty every day from 10 am to 5 pm. These safety experts patrol from two locations: one behind the AAFES EXPRESS and another one
close to the beach pavilion in Beachwalk Lane.
WARNINGS!: Occasionally box jellyfish may appear in the shallows. Although hardly ever present, unusually strong winds may provide rough shorebreak as well as rip currents.
AMENITIES: Multiple parking areas, 3 main public restrooms, multiple showers, barbeque stations, pavilions, picnic tables
HOURS: If you're not staying in a lodging unit, beach access is from 8am to 10pm.

Here at Bellows Beach Park, a funfilled family vacation meets paradise living. As you're fronted by turquoise waters and white sand, distant Makapu'u cliffs and offshore islands create a sensational oasis. Bellows AFS sets itself above the rest as it offers more than just a beach. As a leisure camp for military affiliates, Bellows AFS is the perfect place for rest and recuperation. After a morning dip at sunrise, breakfast at the local cafe is sure to set the day right. Multiple pavilions sided by basketball courts and playgrounds alike offer great party locations as well. As for all of you adrenaline junkies out there, Bellows AFS is home to one of Hawaii's premiere paintball arenas. If you are visiting Hawaii or simply want to take home much more than you came with, Bellows AFS offers vacationers and kama'aina Hawaiian Culture Classes and Outdoor Adventure Programs that enrich the local experience.

*Note: As Bellows AFS are for military affiliates and family members, there are guard shacks to enforce security upon entering the leisure camp. However, there are also other beach sections open to the public, as well as public beaches closely located next to Bellows (ex. Waimanalo Beach Park, Sherwoods, etc.)

Bellows Air Force Station Homepage: http://www.bellowsafs.com/index.html

Virtual Tour: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xd6dsf_bellowsafs_shortfilms#.USXU9Vepcuw

Ocean safety link: http://www.bellowsafs.com/onlinereservations.html

Closest town: Waimanalo

Directions:

H-1 West Waianae
Merge with H-1 (H-1 West Aiea/Pearl City)
Take Exit 13b (H-3 Kaneohe/Honolulu) to get onto H-3
Take Exit 11 (Kamehameha Hwy/Kaneohe) and turn right to get onto Kamehameha Hwy
Turn left onto Kalaniana'ole Hwy to go toward Kailua/Waimanalo
At the third light, next to Castle Medical Center, turn right. You will still be on Kalaniana'ole Hwy
Drive through the town of Waimanalo. Bellows AFS will be on the left.

Address:
220 Tinker Road
Waimanalo, Hawaii 96795

Kaupo Beach Park

Waimanalo, Oahu