Pokai Bay Beach Park, Oahu

Pokai Bay Beach Park at a Glance

Because of its breakwater offshore that blocks high surf, Pokai Bay is the most protected beach on the leeward (west) coast of Oahu. It is calm year-round, while other beaches on the leeward coast get strong surf in the winter months. So this is a good place to take the kids or to swim if you’re a novice swimmer.

Pokai Bay lies between the small boat harbor in Waianae and Kaneilio Point. The bay is named after the Hawaiian chief Pokai, who is said to have brought the first coconut palm tree to Hawaii. “Ka Uluniu o Pokai” is the famous coconut grove that once grew in the beach’s backshore.

In the center of the bay is the Waianae Army Recreation Center, which was acquired by the federal government in 1918. The actual beach park, a 15-acre park, is located on Kaneilio Point, a peninsula. This is also the location of the Kuilioloa Heiau, an ancient Hawaiian temple site. The point’s shore is surrounded with memorials for people whose ashes have been scattered offshore. It’s also a popular fishing site.

The sand beach at Pokai Bay lines the entire bay and shady areas are nearby. There’s a wide reef in the middle of the bay and the waves that break on it are usually small, which makes it a good spot for beginning surfers.

Pokai Bay Beach Park in Bullet Points

Most protected beach on the leeward coast
Good swimming conditions and ideal for children
Wide reef in the middle of the bay provides good conditions for beginning surfers
Ancient Hawaiian temple site (Kuilioloa Heiau) is located on nearby peninsula (Kaneilio Point)

Pokai Bay Beach Park Facilities (top)

Restrooms
Showers
Lifeguards
Picnic areas
Parking

Pokai Bay Beach Park Water Activities

Swimming
Snorkeling
Surfing
Fishing

Pokai Bay Beach Park Location

Address: 85-003 Pokai Bay St, Waianae, HI 96792

Pokai Bay Beach Park Map (top)

Pokai Bay Beach Park Weather (top)

Now
78°F
Windchill:
78°F
Fair
Location: Waianae, HI, US
Wind: 6 mph N
Humidity: 54%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 30.15 in rising
Sunrise: 6:42 am
Sunset: 5:41 pm Sat
Hi: 84°F
Low: 68°F
Sunny
Sun
Hi: 82°F
Low: 69°F
Mostly Sunny

Pokai Bay Beach Park Photos (click to enlarge) (top)

Pokai Bay Beach Park Reviews and Comments (top)

Reviews page 0 of 0

Click here to add a review

There are currently 0 reviews to display.

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.

Discount Hawaii Car Rentals

Go Oahu Card

Maui Car Rentals

Oahu Moped Tours and Rentals