The Siren Song Of Waimanalo
At around 3 miles (4.8 km) long, Waimanalo Bay is lined by the longest uninterrupted white-sand beach on Oahu. It's the perfect place for the ultimate beach stroll. Much of Waimanalo Beach is backed by ironwood trees, which provide plenty of shade. Its history dates back to the 1800s, when vegetation still ruled over the island.
Things to do at Waimanalo Beach
Discover the magic and beauty of the beach. Waimanalo is one beautiful beach with powder-soft sand, beautiful turquoise waters, fun waves, and most importantly crowd-free at least during the week. Waikiki Beach is where you find all the action. However, if you plan to listen to waves, read a great book, relax, and have a picnic you have found a gem. This beach equals solitude. There are restrooms available for changing but be sure to pack water and food for an absolutely amazing day.
The place that caters to all ages
Waimanalo Bay Beach Park is a family-style county beach park in the centre 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 favourite, 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.
How to get to the spot
There are two main access points to the beach (two beach parks), one near the southern end of the beach and one near the northern end. The southern one is called Waimanalo Beach Park, located across from Nakini Street. This beach park has showers, restrooms, a pavilion, picnic tables and a lifeguard tower. The northern access (between Aloiloi Street and Tinker Road) leads through an ironwood forest to the Waimanalo Bay State Recreation Area. It has the same facilities and a lifeguard tower, plus a camping area where camping is allowed with a permit (more info on how to get a permit is here).
