Oahu Beach Guide

Army Beach

Army Beach is a remote northwestern Oahu beach near Dillingham Airfield, with rugged scenery, mountain views, winter surf and access toward Ka'ena Point.

Plan Your Visit

Army Beach, Oahu

Army Beach gets its name from a military recreation center that was located here from 1970 to 1989. An offshore surf site also carries the same name.

Army Beach is on Oahu's northwestern shore, across from the entrance to Dillingham Airfield. It is near the end of Farrington Highway and close to the beginning of Ka'ena Point State Park. The beach is backed by the Waianae Mountains and has a remote, open coastline feel.

The shoreline is sandy, but the ocean bottom is mainly rocky with coral reef. There is a small reef-free area where swimming may be possible during calm conditions, but the ocean should be checked carefully before entering. Surfing is also possible here when conditions are right.

In the winter months, November to March, waves can reach 15 feet (4.5 m) or more. During high surf or strong currents, stay out of the water. This stretch of coast is remote, so bring water, sun protection and anything else you need before driving out.

Key Features

Remote northwestern Oahu beach near Dillingham Airfield
Part of the quieter Mokule'ia coastline west of Waialua and Haleiwa
Mountain views inland and open-ocean scenery along the coast
No lifeguards, restrooms, showers or drinking water are available at the beach
Winter surf can make the shoreline rough and unsafe
Fishing, surf watching and photos are more common than swimming
Small aircraft or skydiving activity may be visible near Dillingham Airfield
The route continues west toward Ka'ena Point
Mokule'ia Beach Park is the nearby choice with more beach-park support
Army Beach is ideal for rugged scenery, shoreline photos, fishing, surf watching and quiet northwestern Oahu views

Army Beach

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Army Beach?

The Army Beach name is tied to the Mokule'ia military beach area and local use of the shoreline name over time. Many people also think of it as part of the broader Mokule'ia coast.

What makes the scenery different here?

Army Beach has a more open, rural northwestern Oahu look, with mountain slopes behind the road, Dillingham Airfield nearby and a long coastal view toward Ka'ena Point.

What might visitors notice near Dillingham Airfield?

Depending on the day, small aircraft, gliders or skydiving activity may be seen overhead, adding to the wide-open feeling of this side of the island.

How does Army Beach compare with Mokule'ia Beach Park?

Mokule'ia Beach Park has more of a beach-park setting, while Army Beach feels more rugged and remote, with less support nearby and a quieter stretch of shoreline.

Why do people pair this coast with Ka'ena Point?

Army Beach is along the same far-northwest coastline that leads toward Ka'ena Point, so it fits naturally into a scenic drive or shoreline walk on this quieter side of Oahu.