Wai'anae

Waianae

Wai'anae is the largest town on O'ahu's leeward coast and serves as the commercial and cultural center of the region. Known for its strong local identity, Wai'anae offers easy access to ocean adventures, the Wai'anae Boat Harbor, and scenic beaches like Pokai Bay. It's a hub for dolphin tours, fishing, and relaxed coastal living.

Wai'anae, Oahu

Wai'anae (view panorama) × is the main town on Oahu's leeward coast. That's why this side of the island is also often times referred to as the Wai'anae Coast. This is where leeward residents stock up on food and other necessities. Wai'anae Mall has a drugstore, a bank and a few fast food eateries, food and clothing stores. Wai'anae also has a post office, public library and high school.

At the Wai'anae Small Boat Harbor, tour operators launch their boats to take people out to snorkel with wild dolphins or to cruise along the coastline. It is a small working harbor where you can also see fishing boats and small yachts. The best swimming beach in Wai'anae is Poka'i Bay.


Key Features of Wai'anae

  • Primary town on the leeward coast: Wai'anae is the largest and most developed community on O'ahu's west side.
  • Commercial and civic hub: Home to Wai'anae Mall, public library, post office, high school, and Wai'anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center.
  • Wai'anae Boat Harbor: Launch point for dolphin snorkel tours, fishing excursions, and coastline cruises.
  • Best swimming beach: Pokai Bay is a protected and family-friendly beach known for calm waters.
  • Population: 13,614 (2020 Census)
  • Zip code: 96792


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Reviews and Comments:
 
Hawaii on budget? Yes it can be done! Whether just visiting, or moving here for a lifetime, Oahu's overlooked Waianae Coast, on the island's dry side, is where sunshine and low-cost living reign supreme. Located about an hour-and-a-half from downtown Honolulu and Waikiki, Makaha and the Waianae Coast are Oahu's best-kept secret. We are the leeward side's last remaining rural community, where beaches have breathing room, there's a small-town feel and affordable properties can be found.

Two-and-a-half years ago we relocated from the rainy Pacific Northwest after a two-week visit in mid-January. It took us one year to sell our house on the mainland and make the move, but 30 months after resettling across the ocean we haven't looked back. Yes Hawaii on a budget requires compromise, a reduction in your dwelling's square footage perhaps, or leaving your car on the mainland and getting around by bus, and probably a change in diet, and for sure some culture shock, but if tropical sunshine and warm Pacific beaches are your life-long dreams, then the Waianae Coast is the place to be!
Mark Kramer, Mon Jun 02, 2014

Frequently Asked Questions

⛵What is Wai'anae best known for?

Wai'anae is known for being the largest town on O'ahu's leeward coast and for its harbor that offers dolphin tours and fishing excursions.

🏖️Is Pokai Bay good for swimming?

Yes, Pokai Bay is one of the calmest and most protected beaches on the west side, ideal for families and beginner swimmers.

🛍️Are there shopping centers in Wai'anae?

Wai'anae Mall offers a selection of retail stores, restaurants, a bank, and a drugstore, making it a central shopping hub for the region.

📍Where is Wai'anae located?

Wai'anae is on O'ahu's leeward (west) coast, northwest of Honolulu and south of Makaha and Maili.