Sand Island Beach Park, Oahu

From here you can enjoy unique views of Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head and the Honolulu International Airport. Besides the many low-flying airplanes of which you’ll get up-close views, you’ll also see many incoming freight and passenger ships and often times even big cruise ships that anchor right there in the harbor.

Sand Island used to be an important location for coastal defense in World War II. The deserted lookout towers and bunkers that are still here today are remnants of this time. They make for an almost surreal contrast to the grassy areas, swinging palm trees and the blue waters of the Pacific.

The long, sandy beach is never crowded and the beach park is a good place for picnics. Camping is also possible here Fridays through Mondays, but only with a permit (which costs a small fee), which you’ll have to obtain from the state.

The swimming conditions are fair, due to rocks in the water and the fact that it’s near a busy harbor and underground sewer canals. Swimming is also limited to certain areas and not allowed in the harbor shipping lanes. However, fishing is good and you’ll see many local fishermen trying their luck. Surfing is also possible; the waves are best in the summer months.

No lifeguards are stationed on Sand Island. As for amenities, picnic tables and restrooms are available. Keep in mind that it’s not safe to go on top of the lookout towers or bunkers. They are closed to the public. Never swim in the harbor lanes and follow all warning signs.

Sand Island Beach Park in Bullet Points

• Features good views of busy Honolulu Harbor
• Good spot for family picnics, grassy and shady areas
• Camping is allowed with a permit
• Long, sandy beach, but swimming is fair
• Historical bunkers and lookout towers

Sand Island Beach Park Facilities (top)

• Restrooms
• Showers
• BBQ grills
• Picnic tables and covered pavilions
• No lifeguards

Sand Island Beach Park Water Activities

• Swimming is fair, but possible
• Fishing

Driving Directions to Sand Island Beach Park

Address: 400 Sand Island Pky, Honolulu, HI 96819

Sand Island Beach Park Map (top)

Sand Island Beach Park Weather (top)

Now 84°F Windchill: 84°F Partly Cloudy

Location: Honolulu, HI, US Wind: 17 mph NE Humidity: 55% Visibility: 0.1 mi Pressure: 29.93 in falling Sunrise: 6:37 am Sunset: 5:52 pm

Sat Hi: 84°F Low: 71°F Partly Cloudy

Sun Hi: 85°F Low: 72°F Mostly Cloudy

Sand Island Beach Park Photos (click to enlarge) (top)

Sand Island Beach Park Reviews and Comments (top)

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Heather

Posted 388 days ago

As a recent visitor to Oahu, We stopped at Sand Island because of
it's location and past history and because I had a hunch there might be some Sea Glass. WOW!....I'm curious to how all the large rocks on shore are imbedded with glass and broken pottery, metal pieces.
and where did all this come from or how it got there? any info would be enlightening...Mahalo, Heather 10152008

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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.