Papa'iloa Beach

Oahu Beach Guide

Papa'iloa Beach

Papa'iloa Beach is a quiet North Shore beach near Haleiwa, known for white sand, reef-lined shoreline, surf breaks and LOST filming scenery.

Adventurous Fishing
Adventurous Fishing

Papa'iloa Beach, Oahu

Papa'iloa Beach is among the lesser-known beaches on Oahu's North Shore. It only became more popular in recent years because of the TV series LOST, which was partially filmed near here.

Papa'iloa is a beautiful and long white-sand beach fronting the beachfront community of the same name. A shallow reef lines much of the coastline, so it is not a prime beach to go swimming.

Several surf spots are located offshore. One of the more popular spots is called Himalayas. The surf spot was named by two big-wave surfers in the late 1950s who after surfing here believed that they had ridden the highest surf in the world and named this place after the highest mountains in the world – the Himalayas.

During the winter months, the waves can get very big and the ocean currents erode the parts of the beach that are not protected by a reef. In the summer months when the surf is generally calmer, spearfishers can be seen diving on the reefs offshore.

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Location, Parking and Directions

Papa'iloa Beach is located near Papa'iloa Road in Haleiwa on Oahu's North Shore. Public beach access is near the west end of Papa'iloa Road. From Haleiwa, follow Kamehameha Highway northeast toward Laniakea and Waimea Bay, then turn toward the Papa'iloa residential area. Parking is limited, so use legal spaces only and avoid blocking driveways, mailboxes or private access.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Papa'iloa Beach located?

Papa'iloa Beach is located near Papa'iloa Road in Haleiwa on Oahu's North Shore, between Haleiwa and Waimea Bay.

Is Papa'iloa Beach good for swimming?

Swimming is limited because shallow reef lines much of the shoreline. Winter surf and currents can make the ocean unsafe.

Was Papa'iloa Beach used as a LOST filming location?

Yes. The beach area became better known because scenes from the TV series LOST were filmed along this part of the North Shore.

Are there facilities at Papa'iloa Beach?

No. Papa'iloa Beach has no restrooms, showers or lifeguards, so visitors should bring supplies and check ocean conditions carefully.

What is Papa'iloa Beach best for?

Papa'iloa Beach is best for beach walks, fishing, surf watching, photography, quiet shoreline time and limited swimming only in calm conditions.