North Shore Family Activities | Famous banyans and a secluded beach

A Secluded Beach : Favorite north shore family activities

It was a client who first introduced me to the beauty of Kawela Bay. They had rented a beach house on the bay for a family reunion and asked me to capture their Hawaiian memories. Tucked away from the main road, I never knew the little beach existed, which is of course, one of its charms. The spot was so captivating that I returned the following weekend with my own family in tow. It’s now one of our favorite north shore family activities.

Getting There

Kawela Bay is located on the north shore of Oahu just past the Turtle Bay Resort directly across the road from a fruit stand. There, to the right of the guardrail, you will find an unmarked, heavily-used path. Beware the broken glass and leave valuables at home.

Duck through some trees and the path will open into a wide dirt road with signage. Over the past few years the adjacent Turtle Bay Resort has transformed the area into an adventure playground with many north shore family activities. They host a variety of things to do with a little something for everyone including kayaking, SUP, horseback riding, surfing and even helicopter tours. Some days it can get crowded with adventure-seekers, but on most weekdays it’s a place of solitude.

To get to the bay, walk straight towards the ocean and you will pass a few monumental banyan trees. These trees have hosted countless climbers playing in their tangled limbs and have served as the backdrop of many movies and weddings. Sadly, in 2021, Turtle Bay decided to rope the trees off and add signs.

Preparing for a trip to Kawela Bay

Most beach parks have parking lots and amenities like bathrooms and showers, but not Kawela Bay. Pack in everything you will need for the day. If you need a toilet, there is a public restroom outside of Roy’s Beach House at Turtle Bay.

Recommended packing list

1. Reef Shoes/Water Shoes – Not critical, but a pair of cheap reef shoes will protect your feet from those sneaky pointy rocks in the bay.
2. Reef-safe Sunscreen – Did you know that some sunscreen ingredients are highly damaging to coral reef ecosystems and exposure has been linked to coral bleaching and coral DNA damage? That’s why Hawaii banned the use of sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone and octocrylene in 2021. P.S., most of these chemicals are bad for humans as well and have been banned in other countries. What to do? Keep yourself covered with UV protective clothing and use reef safe sunscreen.
3. Water-resistant Smartphone Case – Capture your family’s aquatic adventures without worrying about the water gods claiming your phone. Bonus, you keep your phone safe while you capture happy ocean play memories.
4. A dip net and bucket – If you have little kids who love to explore, they will delight in catching tiny fish and crabs. The right (east) side of the bay has a rocky area to explore. This is also a good spot to search for sea turtles.
5. Hammock – Kawela Bay is such a perfect hammock beach. When the tide is up you can even find a spot to hang your hammock above the water.
6. Water toys – The traditional bucket and pail is always a winner, but bigger is better. Surfboards, paddleboards or kayaks are all fun. You can often catch small surf near the opening of the bay on the eastern side (toward Turtle Bay).

Return to Kawela Bay

Over the years we’ve returned to the bay whenever we want a peaceful spot to hang a hammock while gentle waves lap the shore. The kids love going feral and happily explore the adjacent forest. Sometimes we follow the crescent-shaped beach to the point for big views and tide pools.

Kawela Bay has many charms, but isn’t the best swimming beach. The water isn’t very clear and there is quite a bit of coral rubble that rolls along with the surf and always manages to get underfoot. Still, you can grab a board to explore or simply watch turtle heads pop up as the forage around the bay.

Looking for more north shore family activities?

Tasty eats near Kawela Bay

There are quite a few unique eateries near Kawela Bay –

• Poke fans should stop at Kahuku Superette for some of the tastiest poke on Oahu. The perfect picnic food.
• Sweet tooth? Stop at Ted’s Bakery for their famous chocolate haupia cream pie. Might as well get a whole pie …
• Feeling fancy? Roy’s Beach House at Turtle Bay has excellent, island-style fare.
• Picky eaters can visit the food trucks in Kahuku. The bald guy is a great option!
• For a farm to table experience try Kahuku Farms or hop across the street to buy some fresh fruit from the farm stands.
  

Looking for more north shore family activities?

• This beach is made for tide-pool lovers. Snorkel and search for sea life.
• Waimea Bay hosts stunning sunsets. Big surf pounds the shore in the winter but it’s clear and calm in summer months so you can snorkel or play in the shallows.
• Nature lovers will enjoy a coastal hike to the northernmost tip of this island. See whales and albatross during winter months.
• Family photos with Little Bird! Family photos are not traditionally thought of as a fun activity but we plan your session around your interests and make it fun! See examples of north shore sessions here and here.