Oahu Beach Guide

Kaihalulu Beach

Kaihalulu Beach is a quiet North Shore beach east of Turtle Bay, with a rocky reef shelf, forest backing, long walks and a rougher water edge than nearby resort beaches.

Plan Your Visit

Kaihalulu Beach, Oahu

Kaihalulu Beach is located east of the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu's North Shore. The beach does not see many visitors, mainly because it is not a good beach for water activities such as swimming. The nearshore ocean bottom is rocky and a limestone shelf lines much of the bay. Some visitors have scratched their names and other symbols into the limestone shelf, which looks interesting – like modern-day petroglyphs (rock carvings).

Even though the swimming conditions are poor here, Kaihalulu Beach is a good beach for a long walk in peaceful surroundings. The coastline is mainly undeveloped (the beach is backed by a small forest as well as the Palmer golf course). To access the beach, park at the Turtle Bay Resort public parking lot and walk toward the right (behind the Beach House by Roy Yamaguchi restaurant). You can either walk in the sand or along a path that leads along the entire length of Kaihalulu Beach.

Near the center of the beach is a small protected wading area called Keiki Pool. "Keiki" means child in the Hawaiian language. A plaque marks the pool and says: "This natural pool was formed during the 1946 tsunami that pushed up two ocean bedrock formations creating a protected enclosure, making it much calmer than the surrounding waters."

Located right next to the walking path along the beach, there is a small Hawaiian stone altar. It is marked by a plaque that says: "This Hawaiian altar is an 'ahupua'a demarcation between the 'ahupua'a land division boundaries of Hanaka'oe to the west and Kahuku to the east. 'Ahupua'a - literally the altar ('ahu) of the pig (pua'a), it is the name for both a land division and the stone altar that serves as a marker. The 'ahupua'a system of land management was a cornerstone of traditional Hawaiian life and helped Native Hawaiians to develop one of the most sustainable methods of land use in the world. Extending from the forested mountain tops mauka (inland) or the wao akua (region of the gods), through the kula (open plains used for farming) and extending out into makai (ocean), each 'ahupua'a contained everything its inhabitants needed to sustain life."

Key Features

Quiet North Shore beach east of Turtle Bay
Public access from the Turtle Bay public beach parking area
Rocky nearshore bottom and limestone shelf along parts of the bay
Good for beach walks, fishing, scenery and quiet views, but not swimming
Backed by trees and nearby golf course land
Often less busy than the main Turtle Bay resort beach
Rougher water edge than protected Kuilima Cove
Leave limestone markings and natural features undisturbed
No lifeguard station directly on this beach
Bring water, sun protection and anything else you need from the car

Kaihalulu Beach

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Kaihalulu mean?

Kaihalulu is often translated as “roaring sea.” The name fits this part of the coast, where waves, rocks and reef shelf can make the water sound louder and more rugged than the calmer resort cove nearby.

How is Kaihalulu Beach different from Kuilima Cove?

Kuilima Cove is the more sheltered resort beach near Turtle Bay, while Kaihalulu Beach is farther east and feels rougher, quieter and less polished. Kaihalulu is more about walking, fishing, reef views and a natural North Shore setting.

Why are there markings on the limestone shelf?

Some visitors have scratched names and symbols into the limestone shelf over the years. They may look like modern carvings, but the better choice is to leave the rock alone so the beach keeps its natural character.

Is Kaihalulu Beach the same as Maui's red sand beach?

No. Oahu's Kaihalulu Beach is near Turtle Bay on the North Shore and has light sand, rock and limestone shelf. Maui's Kaihalulu is the red sand beach near Hana, so the two beaches are often confused by name.

What kind of beach visit fits Kaihalulu best?

Kaihalulu is good for a quiet walk, fishing from shore, looking across the reef shelf and taking a break from the busier Turtle Bay beaches. It is not the easiest choice for casual swimming because rocks and uneven bottom are common near the water.