Keawaula Beach, better known as Yokohama Bay, is the northernmost
beach on Oahu’s west coast. It is located a short distance just
before the road ends and the hike to
Kaena Point, the island’s
northwestern tip, begins.
This beach is truly off the beaten path. You need a car to get here
as the City Bus only goes up to
Makaha Beach. Yokohama Beach is
about an hour drive from Honolulu. It is one of the most remote
beaches on the island and never crowded.
In the winter months the beach gets pounded by high surf. This is
the time when many local and visiting surfers come here to
experience some thrills in the churning white water. Lifeguards are
present most of the time and for good reason. The rocky sea bottom,
strong currents and high waves can be dangerous especially for
beginning surfers.
Yokohama Bay has fine sand and is surrounded by beautiful natural
scenery. The mountains are really close and you’ll have great photo
opportunities. Yokohama Bay is also considered as one of Oahu's
sacred locations and it is described in so many legends, that even
if you hear one or two of those, that would be enough because it
will give you enough goose bumps, or as as we know it here in Hawaii
"chicken skin".
Yokohama Bay in Bullet Points
Fine white-sand beach on Oahu’s leeward coast
Truly off the beaten path
High waves and strong currents in the winter months
From Waikiki, drive onto the Ala Wai Boulevard. Turn right at
Kalakaua Avenue and go 0.8 miles. Turn left at S. Beretania St. and
go 0.4 miles. Turn right at Piikoi St. and go 0.2 miles. Turn left
at Lunalilo St. and go 0.2 miles. Bear left into the H1 W entry ramp
and go 3.1 miles. Continue on H1-78 W toward Fort Shafter/Aiea and
go 4.1 miles. Bear right onto the H1 W ramp to Pearl City and go 14
miles. Continue north on Farrington Highway (93) until you pass the
town of Makaha. Now there will be no more towns. The next beach is
Makua Beach and after that comes Yokokama Bay. It’s the last
white-sand beach before the road ends.
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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