Located on Oahu’s south shore, Paiko Beach is a narrow strip of sand
that almost disappears at high tide. It is fronted by a shallow
coral reef, so swimming is only fair here. It’s a better spot to
kayak or fish. Also, surfers paddle out here to reach the waves of
Paikos and other surf spots that are located at the outer edge of
the reef.
Paiko Beach is named after Joseph Paiko who died on June 1, 1942.
His father Manuel Paiko came to Hawaii as a whaler in the 1840s. He
came from Pico, one of the nine main islands of the Azores, located
about 800 miles (1,287 km) off the coast of Portugal. He was known
as “Manuel do Pico” and his name later became “hawaiianized” into
Paiko. Paiko senior was one of the first Portuguese to settle in
Hawaii, who came to Hawaii even before the first group of Portuguese
contract laborers came in 1878.
The undeveloped Paiko Peninsula is located at the eastern end of the
beach. Local residents call it Sand Point. The peninsula encloses
the saltwater Paiko Lagoon, which was designated as a wildlife
sanctuary by the State Department of Land and Natural Resources in
1974. Many endangered Hawaiian shorebirds find a place of refuge
here, including the Hawaiian stilt, also known as a‘eo.
Paiko Beach in Bullet Points
A narrow strip of sand that almost disappears at high tide
Fronted by a shallow coral reef, so swimming conditions are
only fair
Good beach for kayaking and surfing at the reef’s outer edge
Paiko Peninsula is a designated wildlife sanctuary (obey the
signs that are posted on the shore of the lagoon)
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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