Army Beach

Army Beach, Oahu

Now you may wonder why a beach in Hawaii would be called Army Beach . The name doesn't exactly sound Hawaiian. Well, this beach was named for a military recreation center that was located here from 1970 to 1989. A surf site offshore bears the same name.

Army Beach is located on Oahu's northwestern shore, across from the entrance to the Dillingham Airfield. It is near the end of Farrington Highway and at the beginning of the Ka'ena Point State Park. The beach is backed by the Waianae Mountains and is quite scenic. It is a long, sandy beach with azure blue waters.

The ocean bottom is mainly rocky with a coral reef, but there is a small reef-free area that's ideal for a dip into the ocean if you would like to swim. Surfing is also possible here. In the winter months (November to March), the waves can reach heights of 15+ feet (4.5+ m), so this is no time for swimming. When the surf is up, strong currents make entering the ocean too dangerous.

Key Features

Remote setting: Quiet northwestern Oahu beach near Dillingham Airfield

Scenic coast: Mountain backdrop, blue water and open shoreline views

Seasonal surf: Winter waves can be large and dangerous

Rocky bottom: Reef and rocks make ocean entry tricky in many areas

Summer conditions: Calmer days may allow cautious swimming in select spots

Kaena Point area: Near the road toward Oahu's remote northwest tip

Wildlife viewing: Sea turtles may be seen, but sightings are never guaranteed

Best for: Scenic stops, photography, experienced surfers and quiet beach walks

Ocean safety: Check surf, currents and posted signs before entering the water

Facilities

Lifeguards

Restrooms

Parking (Limited spaces)

Activities

Surfing

Swimming

Plan Your Visit

Army Beach is best for a quiet scenic stop, photography or a rugged shoreline walk. Bring water and sun protection, check surf conditions before entering the ocean and avoid swimming when waves or currents are strong.

Book Your Oahu Stay Find Oahu Activities More Oahu Beaches

Visitor Reviews

Reviews and Ratings

3.7

Rated 3.7 out of 5 based on 3 rated visitor reviews, plus 1 unrated comment.

Add Your Review

Kathleen A Brosnahan

Fri Jan 15, 2021

Be careful, I picked up some mighty mean infections swimming at laniakea. Pain, fever, all week long, evidently from the runoff at the base of the Stream

Daniel

Mon Dec 31, 2018

As a local here I will share with everyone reading this something tour companies wont tell you. The traffic here sucks, expect to sit in your car for about 60 minutes to travel 15 miles. More importantly as more and more tourists come to visit the added foot and vehicle traffic is wearing down our roads faster and faster. If you visit you'll discover the roads in the north shore are already terrible and full of potholes and cracks the added traffic is causing the roads to erode into the sea faster too. Additionally the amount of people constantly walking on the reef and getting suntan and sunscreen lotions in the water is making the water murky and have a slightly oily film to it which is killing the reef and causing less and less fish to go to parts of the beach and its changing the eco system that and most importantly not as many turtles are coming around to turtle beach.
All this plus the aforementioned traffic is causing more and more locals to get frustrated and I have personally witnessed locals being hostile to visitors not to mention all the food trucks and illegal AirBnB that are popping up as well.

Mikey

Thu Jan 04, 2018

It was amazing to be in the water with the Sea Turtles. The volunteers were very helpful, answering everyone’s questions. Will DEFINITELY be back. AWESOME🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢

jbox

Wed Jan 04, 2017

saw so many turtles, weathering permitting you can even go in the water and swim amongst them.
if you want to see sea turtles up close its a must! just please remember don't touch them

Photo gallery

Army Beach Photos

Browse Army Beach photos featuring sandy shoreline views, azure blue water, sea turtles, the beach bunker, parking area, North Shore scenery and views toward Kaena Point.

Location, Parking and Directions

Army Beach is located near the western end of Dillingham Airfield on Oahu's northwestern shore, along Farrington Highway near the route toward Kaena Point. Parking is limited and the area has a remote feel, so arrive prepared with water, sun protection and current ocean-condition information. Access rules and road conditions near Kaena Point can change, so check current guidance before continuing farther west.

Loading map…

Videos

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Army Beach located?

Army Beach is located on Oahu's northwestern shore near the western end of Dillingham Airfield, along Farrington Highway near the route toward Kaena Point.

Is Army Beach good for swimming?

Army Beach is not a reliable beginner swimming beach. The ocean bottom has reef and rocks in many areas, and winter surf can be large and dangerous. Only consider entering the water during calm conditions and after checking current ocean conditions.

Why is it called Army Beach?

The beach is named for a former military recreation area that operated in this location from 1970 to 1989. An offshore surf site is also known by the same name.

Can you surf at Army Beach?

Experienced surfers may use offshore breaks when conditions are right. However, winter surf can become very large, and strong currents can make the area dangerous. This is not a beginner surf or swim spot.

What facilities are available at Army Beach?

Army Beach has limited facilities, including lifeguards, restrooms and limited parking. Because the area is remote, visitors should still bring water, sun protection and any supplies they need for the day.