Waiahole Beach Park

Waiahole Beach Park is a small windward Oahu beach park near Kaneohe Bay, with reefy water, fishing, bay views, shade and a quiet local setting.

View overview Plan Your Visit

Waiahole Beach Park, Oahu

Even though this is a beach park, there are no facilities here. Waiahole Beach Park doesn't see many visitors, mainly because the narrow beach has dark sand and the ocean is murky and brown. Swimming isn't possible here because the nearshore ocean bottom is shallow and has a reef. What this beach park does have though is nice views. In the distance you can see Mokoli'i Island, and the lush Ko'olau Mountains provide a scenic backdrop.

The Waikane Pier is also visible from Waiahole Beach. The pier has been featured in numerous Hollywood movies and TV shows, including 50 First Dates, Fantasy Island and LOST. However, it is located on private property.

The beach park has a large grassy area with a few trees that provide shade, but there are no picnic tables. Waiahole Beach is mainly visited by fishermen. The beach park is at the foot of Waiahole Valley, where taro was grown in the past. The historic Waiahole Poi Factory, which closed in 1971, used to be one of the largest poi factories on the island.

Key Features

Small windward Oahu beach park near Kaneohe Bay
Quiet local bayfront setting
Reefy, shallow water in many areas
No lifeguards at Waiahole Beach Park
Popular for fishing, picnics, short walks and bay views
Water can be murky after rain or runoff
Close to Kualoa Regional Park, Kaaawa Beach Park and Kahana Bay
Ko'olau mountain and Kaneohe Bay views
Limited beach space and neighborhood parking
Park respectfully and keep the area clean

Daily Activity Picks

Featured Oahu Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Waiahole Beach Park different from Kualoa Regional Park?

Waiahole Beach Park is much smaller and more local, with a quiet bayfront edge and limited beach space. Kualoa Regional Park has larger open areas, broader views and the well-known Mokolii Island scenery.

Is Waiahole Beach Park good for swimming?

Swimming is limited because the water is shallow, reefy and sometimes murky, especially after rain. Most visitors stay close to shore, fish, picnic or enjoy the bay views.

Why is the water sometimes murky at Waiahole Beach Park?

The beach is along Kaneohe Bay, where stream runoff, rain and shallow reef-flat water can affect clarity. After heavy rain, it is best to stay out of the water.

What can you see from Waiahole Beach Park?

Views look across Kaneohe Bay toward the windward coast, with the Ko'olau mountains behind the shoreline. The setting is quieter than the larger beach parks farther up the coast.

What should visitors know about the neighborhood setting?

Waiahole Beach Park is close to homes and local traffic along Kamehameha Highway. Park only where allowed, keep noise low and leave the area clean.