Kaupo Beach Park

Kaupo Beach Park is a small southeast Oahu beach near Sea Life Park, with tidepools, Rabbit Island views, pier scenery and rocky water edges.

View overview Plan Your Visit

Kaupo Beach Park, Oahu

Kaupo Beach Park is located across the street from Sea Life Park Hawaii on Oahu's southeastern shore. It is a narrow roadside beach park with a sandy beach. Swimming isn't really possible here because the nearshore ocean bottom is rocky, but the snorkeling and diving conditions next to the pier are good. Also, there are a few sand-bottomed pools where families take their kids to play.

In the Hawaiian language, Kaupo means "night landing." It got this name from the former fishing village that used to be located here. Kaupo Beach is also known as Baby Makapu'u, Kumu Cove and Cockroach Bay. The youngest lava flow on Oahu is believed to have occurred here.

From the beach, you can see the Makai Research Pier. The pier also has a small boat harbor and submarine slip and is used by a few ocean engineering firms.

Located offshore are two small islands, Rabbit Island (the larger one, which is also known as Manana Island) and Kaohika'ipu (also known as Black Rock). Both are seabird sanctuaries and landing on them is only allowed with a permit.

Another feature at Kaupo Beach can easily be overlooked because it is just a rock that's mostly submerged at high tide. This rock is called Pohaku Pa'akiki, and according to an ancient legend, it is a monument that reminds of the agreement between Hawaiians who lived in this area in the old Hawaii and a guardian shark that there would be no shark attacks here.

Key Features

Small southeast Oahu beach near Sea Life Park and Makapuu
Views of Rabbit Island, Kaohikaipu Island and Makai Research Pier
Known for tidepools, rocky edges, fishing and short scenic stops
Narrow sandy area with rocks and reef close to shore
Small sand-bottomed pools can appear when conditions are calm
Not a classic swimming beach because the nearshore bottom is rocky
Good place for photos, ocean views and a quick break along Kalanianaole Highway
No lifeguard tower at the beach
Check tide and surf before entering any pool or rocky water area
Avoid walking on coral or disturbing marine life in tidepool areas

Daily Activity Picks

Featured Oahu Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the pier near Kaupo Beach Park?

The nearby structure is Makai Research Pier, one of the most recognizable landmarks along this part of the southeast Oahu coast. It gives the beach a distinctive photo backdrop, especially with Rabbit Island offshore.

Can you see Rabbit Island from Kaupo Beach Park?

Yes. Rabbit Island is directly offshore, with smaller Kaohikaipu Island nearby. Together they make this beach a popular quick stop for ocean views between Makapuu and Waimanalo.

What are the small pools at Kaupo Beach Park?

Parts of the beach have shallow sand-bottomed pockets and tidepool-like areas near the rocks. They change with tide and surf, so look before stepping in and avoid touching coral, shells or marine life.

How is Kaupo Beach Park different from Makapuu Beach Park?

Kaupo is smaller and more roadside, with tidepools, rocky edges and pier views. Makapuu Beach Park has a broader sandy beach and is better known for powerful surf, bodysurfing and lighthouse-side scenery.

Is Kaupo Beach Park a good stop with Sea Life Park?

Yes, it is close enough for a quick coastal stop before or after Sea Life Park. Many visitors stop briefly for photos, tidepool views and the Rabbit Island backdrop rather than spending a full beach day here.