It’s no stretch to say that Kaneohe Bay Beach Park is the stuff of
Hollywood. This so-called “living postcard” has provided a scenic
backdrop for dozens of popular movies and TV series, the most notable being
Pearl
Harbor, Gilligan’s Island and 50 First Dates. Hawaiian chiefs
reportedly chose this place to build their sacred fishponds, and its
historical vibe can be felt up to this day.
Kaneohe Bay stretches from the Mokapu Peninsula, where the U.S.
Marine Corps are based, all the way to Mokolii Island, also known as
the
Chinaman’s Hat. This vast stretch of water contains five small
islands, including the famous Coconut Island. In the middle of the
bay are a few sandbanks just a couple of feet deep, where people
often hang out and hold beach parties.
The bay is also a breeding ground for hammerhead sharks. Thousands
of them are born here every year and spend their first few months in
the shallow water. Marine scientists flock to the bay as well to
study these oddly-shaped creatures. Surprisingly, these sharks
aren’t dangerous - snorkelers regularly swim among them during
the breeding season. Eventually, the hammerhead sharks swim out to
the deeper waters where they grow up to 13 feet in length.
Next to Chinaman’s Hat is Kualoa Beach Park, a small strip of
coastline complete with all the basic amenities. After a day on the
beach, you can take a rest here and sit under the shade of huge
native trees. The park serves as a campsite for many visitors around
windward Oahu, and in the daytime, you can see out into the bay and
spot the smaller islands.
Kaneohe Bay Beach Park in Bullet Points
A large bay that stretches from Chinaman's Hat to the Mokapu
Peninsula on Oahu's windward (east) coast
Many shallow-water sandbanks and a large coral reef
Beautiful bay that is photographed often
Marine scientists do research here (hammerhead shark
breeding ground)
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.
To-Hawaii.com is a complete
Hawaii travel and
vacation guide, including sightseeing tips
and reviews of Hawaii beaches, attractions, hotels and resorts,
shopping, activities, restaurants, weddings, car rentals and more,
on all Hawaiian Islands - Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island, Molokai and
Lanai.
