The Kaneohe Sandbar, also known as Ahu o Laka, is a popular picnicking spot among local Oahu residents, particularly among those who have a boat or access to a boat or kayak. It’s the only sandbar of this kind in Hawaii. The sandbar is located in Kaneohe Bay. During low tide, it emerges and forms a shallow and temporary land. During high tide, the water is about hip-deep and deeper towards the edges of the sandbar. There is a steep drop-off at the edge. Most boaters anchor in the shallow sand and let their boats float in the deep waters at the edge.

The size of the sandbar varies depending on if it’s low or high tide. People come here to picnic, swim, snorkel, dive, play ball games, or to just relax. The water is usually calm and clear and the views are great. From here one can see the entire Kaneohe Bay from an ocean vantage point, the Koolau Mountains and the small offshore islands of Chinaman’s Hat, Coconut Island and Kekepa (Turtleback Island).

From Heeia Pier, where many people keep their boats, it takes about 15-20 minutes to get to the sandbar with a small sail or motor boat. The pier and harbor itself is a gathering spot as well, particularly among local fishermen, who practice off-the-pier fishing here.

Check the tide table before heading out to the Kaneohe Sandbar so you know in advance if it’s high or low tide. The activities that you can do on the sandbar vary slightly during these different ocean conditions. You can take out your chairs and put them on the sandbar only during low tide, for example. Beach volleyball is also easier then. However, swimming in shallow water is more fun during high tide.