Kaiona Beach Park is a small 4-acre (16.187 sq. m) park at the base
of the Koolau Mountains at the south end of
Waimanalo Bay on Oahu’s
windward (eastern) coast. It’s a great beach for kids and novice
swimmers because the water is usually calm and the sand and ocean
bottom near the shore is soft and free of rocks.
On a sunny day, the water has an amazing turquoise color and is so
clear that you get the feeling you’re swimming in a pool. It’s for a
reason that this beach is named Kaiona, which means “attractive sea”
in the Hawaiian language.
Kaiona Beach Park is a popular camping site. The beach has also been
used for many years as a community boat anchorage. In 1999, they
community built a boat ramp at the south end of the park for small
boats.
Two popular landmarks on the beach are the Pahonu and the Shriners
Club estates. In front of Pahonu (meaning “turtle fence”) you can
find the remains of an old fishpond; its walls were said to be 500
feet (152 m) long at one point. Legend has it that a former chief of
the district liked turtle meat so much that he had the pond built in
a way so that it maintained a constant supply of live turtles.
The nearby Shriners Club is a private clubhouse that opened in 1931.
It is used for events like weddings, birthday parties and other
gatherings.
Kaiona Beach Park in Bullet Points
Family-friendly beach with a sandy ocean bottom near the shore
and usually calm waters
Kaiona Beach has a boat anchorage, the only boat launching
and landing site between Hawaii Kai and Kailua
Safety Tip
Whatever beach in Hawaii you visit, please have in mind that the ocean can
be very dangerous. Never turn your back against the waves and watch out for underwater
currents and always check the surf conditions. Pay attention to signs posted on
the beach. If you are not sure about the conditions, ask the lifeguards (if any
on the beach). Please click here to
read more about ocean safety in Hawaii.
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