Waimanalo

Oahu Town Guide

Waimanalo

Waimanalo is a windward Oahu community known for Hawaiian homelands, farms, Koolau mountain views, Waimanalo Beach Park and quiet coastal scenery.

Waimanalo Beach Park
Waimanalo Beach Park

Waimanalo, Oahu

Waimanalo is a small town on Oahu's windward coast, near the southeastern tip of the island. It is a Hawaiian homelands community, meaning that mainly people of Hawaiian descent live here. Waimanalo is backed by the Ko'olau Mountain Range. The mountains are very pretty in this area - steep, jagged and covered with every shade of green.

Agricultural lots in the valley extend all the way towards the mountains, and bananas, papayas, anthuriums and a variety of organic greens are being grown here. Waimanalo's main attraction for visitors and residents alike is its beautiful, long, white-sand beach (the longest sandy shoreline on Oahu - Waimanalo Beach).

The town has a small commercial center. Located just to the north is Bellows Air Force Station and to the south near Makapu'u Point is Sea Life Park Hawaii. In the Hawaiian language, Waimanalo means “potable water.” The name refers to the many brackish ponds in the area that were used for irrigation.

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Thoms

Sept 14, 2010

Thanks for the memories. I grew up on Waikaloa St. My Dad worked at Bellows Field. I'm living in Virginia, due to past service in the U.S. Army. I'll vist this site again.

Location, Parking and Directions

Waimanalo is located on Oahu's windward coast near the southeastern side of the island. From Honolulu or Hawaii Kai, drive east and north along Kalanianaole Highway toward Makapuu and Waimanalo. From Kailua, drive south along the windward coast. Parking varies by beach park, market, church, school, farm, neighborhood road and public access point.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Waimanalo on Oahu?

Waimanalo is on Oahu's windward coast near the island's southeastern side, between the Koolau Mountains and the long shoreline south of Kailua.

What is Waimanalo known for?

Waimanalo is known for Hawaiian homelands, agricultural lots, Koolau mountain views, Waimanalo Beach Park, Bellows Field Beach Park and a quieter windward setting.

What does Waimanalo mean?

Waimanalo is commonly translated as “potable water,” a name connected with water sources, ponds and irrigation history in the area.

Is Waimanalo Beach good for swimming?

Waimanalo Beach can be good in calm conditions, but wind, surf, currents and shorebreak can change quickly. Check lifeguard guidance and posted warnings first.

Is Waimanalo close to Makapuu?

Yes. Waimanalo is northwest of Makapuu Point, Sea Life Park and the Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail, making it useful for a windward coast drive.