Halona Beach Cove

Halona Beach Cove is a small sand pocket below Halona Blowhole, with lava cliffs, movie history, bright blue water and swimming only when the ocean is calm.

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Halona Beach Cove, Oahu

Halona Beach Cove is a small pocket of sand located on the southeastern shore of Oahu. It was made popular in the movie From Here to Eternity, filmed here in 1953, where it was a love scene of a couple (Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr). Because of the movie, the beach was nicknamed Eternity Beach.

It is located on the right (west) side of the Halona Blowhole overlook. You have to hike down the rocks from there to get to it. Be careful and always wear shoes because the rocks are slippery, steep and sharp.

The best time to swim in this small cove is when the water is calm. However, don't swim too far out because strong, dangerous currents are often present and the water is very turbulent further out. Since there are no lifeguards stationed here, it is not recommended to get into the water if the surf is up. Also, stay away from the rocky areas.

The rocky point to the west of the beach cove is called Bamboo Ridge. It has been a popular fishing spot since the 1920s. The location was named after the fishermen's bamboo fishing poles that could be seen along the edge of the cliff in the past.

There are no facilities at Halona Beach Cove. Free parking is available at the Halona Blowhole lookout point.

Key Features

Small sand cove below Halona Blowhole on southeast Oahu
Also called Eternity Beach because of its movie history
Lava cliffs, bright blue water and a short rocky access path
Swimming only when the ocean is calm; skip the water during surf, surge or current
No lifeguards or facilities at the cove
Parking is at the Halona Blowhole lookout above the beach
Views stretch along the Ka Iwi coast toward Sandy Beach and Makapuu
Popular photo stop along Kalanianaole Highway
Bright light, dark lava rock and a pocket of sand give the cove its dramatic look
Small beach area that can fill up quickly during busy hours

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Halona mean?

In Hawaiian, Halona means lookout or place from which to peer. The name fits the high viewpoint above the cove, where the ocean, lava rocks and coast open up below.

Why is Halona Beach Cove also called Eternity Beach?

The nickname comes from the 1953 movie From Here to Eternity, which made this small cove one of Oahu's recognizable film locations.

Is Halona Blowhole the same place as the cove?

No. The blowhole is the lava-rock opening near the lookout above, while the cove is the small beach below the parking area. Many people see both during the same stop.

Why does the water look so blue at Halona Beach Cove?

The small cove, bright sand, dark lava cliffs and overhead light make the water color stand out, especially when viewed from the lookout above.

What is the cave-like opening at the back of the cove?

It is a small lava-rock opening in the back wall of the cove. Enjoy it from the sand and stay away from the rocks when waves or surge reach that part of the beach.