Named the same as the nearby town, Waimanalo Beach serves as a great place to enjoy oceanside adventures while in East Side Oahu. The beach park next door attracts the most attention, although the simple sandy shores never fail to impress. As long as the conditions are right, it’s a great place to jump the waves, swim in the shallows, go sunbathing, and so much more.
First, you have to get there, of course, which is easy with a jaunt down Kalanianaole Highway. Between Huli Street and Nakini Street, you’ll see the two parking lots near the oceanside. Pick whatever one has an open spot and be sure to lock up your car tight before waltzing over to the waterside. Both parking lots have trails heading down to the beach, making it easy to find your way to the brilliant white sands.
Upon reaching the water’s edge, give yourself a moment to take in the spectacular views. As the vivid blue waters wash up onto the sand, picture-perfect seafoam completes the scene before you. The open sky frames the view beautifully as well, creating stunning backdrops for all your selfies. So, be sure to snap a few shots before getting all mussed up playing in the sand, and surf.
After that, the sky is the limit to how you can enjoy your time at the beach. There’s seemingly endless space to stretch out, making it a great place to set up a beach umbrella and stay awhile. In fact, at just over 5.5 miles long, this beach is well-known as the longest stretch of sandy shores on the island. So, you can trust that there’s plenty of room for all, even as the fun times ramp up on the weekends.
If you want a relatively wind-free beachgoing experience, plan your visit for the morning hours. The wind gets to whipping through the area in the afternoon. Worse yet, the sunshine seems to ride the wind behind the Koolau Mountains, leaving it a bit dreary for the remainder of the day. To make the most of your visit, come by to see the sunrise, play on the beach for a few hours, and then finish up with a delicious picnic lunch. After that, you’ll have tons of time for even more Oahu adventures before the sun goes down.
Although there are a few restaurants and a convenience store nearby, it’s best to bring your picnic fare if you want to eat onsite. Otherwise, you’ll need to cobble a meal together from what’s available in the neighborhood. Fortunately, it’s easy to roll a cooler from the parking lot to the beach and set it beneath your umbrella until you’re ready to chow down.
In the meantime, you’re free to play in the sand and surf to your heart’s content. Many people come here to swim in the shallow water, go boogie boarding, and simply enjoy the ocean to the fullest. There is a lifeguard tower onsite, although it’s not always manned by professional water rescue professionals. So, enter the water at your own risk if you don’t see any lifeguards in your midst.
If you prefer to play it safe, it’s equally fun to take a stroll across the sand, soak up some sun, and just jump the waves as they reach the shore. Beachcombing is a delight as well but remembers not to take any of the shells home with you. They’re best used to create beautiful mandalas for all visitors to enjoy. The same goes for any rocks you may find while combing through the lush white sands.
Insider Tips:
-There are no restrooms right on the beach, but the nearby park has all the facilities you might need during your visit.
-Always check the weather and surf forecast before going to the beach. When rough conditions get reported, change up your plans to stay safe on all your island adventures.