Ma'ili Beach Park

Ma'ili Beach Park is a long leeward Oahu beach park with white sand, lifeguards, camping, fishing, surf breaks and big west side sunset views.

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Ma'ili Beach Park, Oahu

Ma'ili Beach Park is a long white-sand beach located along Farrington Highway on Oahu's west shore. The 40-acre park is named after the small town of Ma'ili. Much of the shoreline is lined by rock shelves, so ocean entry can vary by section.

In the winter months, the beach can get high surf, and strong currents may be present on any day. Ask lifeguards about conditions before entering the water. A popular surfing spot called Green Lanterns is just offshore near the mouth of Ma'ili'ili Stream. Another surf spot, Tumbleland, is near the center of the beach.

The park has open space for picnics, beach walks and sunset views. Fishing is also common along the shoreline. Camping is allowed at Ma'ili Beach Park, but a permit is required. Check current Oahu camping rules before planning an overnight stay.

Inland from Ma'ili Beach Park is the Naval Radio Transmitter Facility Lualualei, also known as NRTF Lualualei. The two tallest masts are 1,503 feet (458 m) tall. When they were built in 1972, they were the tallest man-made structures in the Western Hemisphere at the time. The facility transmits high and low frequency radio signals to communicate with Navy vessels, including submarines, throughout the Pacific. Both the Navy and the Coast Guard use this facility.

Key Features

Long leeward Oahu beach park along Farrington Highway
White sand beach fronting the community of Ma'ili
Lifeguards are posted at Ma'ili Beach
Camping area with permit required before overnight stays
Green Lanterns surf spot near Ma'ili'ili Stream
Tumbleland surf spot near the center of the park
Popular for fishing, bodyboarding, surfing, beach walks and sunset views
Open west side water where surf and shorebreak can change quickly
Close to Nanakuli, Waianae, Ulehawa Beach Park and Pokai Bay
Check with lifeguards and watch ocean conditions before entering the water

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ma'ili mean?

Ma'ili is often connected with the word Ma'ili'ili, meaning “lots of little pebbles.” The name fits a coast where sand, rock shelves and stream areas all shape the beach.

What are Green Lanterns and Tumbleland?

Green Lanterns and Tumbleland are surf spots along the long Ma'ili Beach Park stretch. Green Lanterns is near Ma'ili'ili Stream, while Tumbleland is closer to the center of the park.

Why is Ma'ili Beach Park popular with local families?

The park has a long beach, picnic areas, camping by permit, lifeguards and room for fishing, bodyboarding and sunset gatherings. It is one of the main west side beach parks for longer family time outdoors.

How is Ma'ili Beach Park different from Pokai Bay?

Ma'ili is a longer, more open leeward beach with surf, shorebreak and multiple sections. Pokai Bay is more protected and usually easier for calm-water beach time.

Are sunsets good at Ma'ili Beach Park?

Yes. The beach faces west, so clear evenings can bring strong sunset color over the water. Late afternoon is also when families, anglers and beach walkers often gather along the sand.