Wai'alae Beach Park

Waialae Beach Park is a small Kahala beach park with reefy water, fishing, picnic space, views toward Diamond Head and the Kahala Hotel nearby.

View overview Plan Your Visit

Wai'alae Beach Park, Oahu

Wai'alae Beach Park is located right next to the Kahala Hotel & Resort (and near the Wai'alae Country Club) in Kahala on Oahu's south shore, about 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Waikiki. The Wai'alae Stream flows right through the beach park and into the ocean, where its waters have formed a wide channel through the reef. The stream divides the park into two sections and a white stone bridge connects them.

Wai'alae's beach sand is interspersed with coral rubble from the reef offshore. The swimming conditions aren't the best here because of the shallow reef. At the east end of the beach is a small man-made island, which was built in 1963 during the construction of the Kahala Hotel & Resort. A surf site named Razors is located on the west side of the channel. The beach park is frequented by picnickers, surfers and windsurfers. There is a small parking lot that fills up quickly during weekends when local families come here to picnic.

Key Features

Small Kahala beach park in east Honolulu
Near the Kahala Hotel and Waialae Country Club
Reefy, shallow water with rocky areas
No lifeguards at Waialae Beach Park
Popular for fishing, picnics, short walks and views
Not a classic swimming beach
Views back toward Diamond Head
Close to Kahala Beach, Wailupe Beach Park and Kawaikui Beach Park
Limited neighborhood parking
Respect nearby homes, hotel areas and golf course boundaries

Daily Activity Picks

Featured Oahu Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Waialae Beach Park different from Kahala Beach?

Waialae Beach Park is smaller and more tucked into the Kahala edge near the hotel and golf course. Kahala Beach has a longer sandy stretch and is more often used for walks along the neighborhood coast.

Is Waialae Beach Park good for swimming?

Usually not. The water is shallow, reefy and rocky in many places, so swimming is limited. Most visits are better for fishing, picnics, short walks and views toward Diamond Head.

What is near Waialae Beach Park?

The Kahala Hotel, Waialae Country Club and Kahala neighborhood are nearby. Diamond Head is to the west, while Wailupe and Kawaikui beach parks are farther east along the coast.

Why do people visit Waialae Beach Park?

People usually come for a quiet picnic, fishing, a short beach walk or a calm look at the Kahala coast. It is a small neighborhood beach park rather than a full beach-day destination.

What should visitors know about parking?

Parking is limited around Waialae Beach Park and nearby residential streets. Park only where allowed, avoid blocking driveways or hotel access and keep valuables out of sight.