Halona Beach Cove | Hawaii Family Adventure From Here to Eternity

Hawaii Family Adventure: Embrace the Hidden Charm of Halona Beach Cove

Halona Beach Cove: Your secret gateway to a family adventure in Hawaii. Infused with elements of the iconic Hanauma Bay and the windswept Sandy Beach, this tucked-away marvel is a small rocky gem, also known as Cockroach Cove or “From Here to Eternity Beach.” The latter name is an homage to the heated love scene in the 1953 film “From Here to Eternity” featuring Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr.

Halona Beach Cove: A Blend of Routine and Excitement

For our family, Halona Cove is an antidote to mundane Costco trips. Our routine includes a scenic drive from Kailua to Hawaii Kai along the rugged windward coastline. Finally, on our return, we make a mandatory pit stop at Halona Cove. Spending an hour playing in the surf at Halona Beach Cove is a wonderful way to shake off the Costco blues and feel the spirit of adventure.

Discovering Halona Beach Cove

Halona Beach Cove located in southeast Oahu is a short 20 minute drive from Waikiki. It can be conveniently accessed by parking at the Halona Blowhole Lookout where powerful spouts of seawater regularly erupt from old underground lava tubes. On a clear summer day, this salt spray becomes a delightful refresher.

Look out towards the horizon to catch the impressive silhouettes of neighboring Molokai and Lanai. You might even catch a breaching humback whale in the distance.

When you’ve had your fill of the panoramic vistas, venture downwards on a steep, rocky path that leads you to the little beach below, kick-starting your adventure.

A Packing List for Halona Beach Cove

There are no bathrooms at Halona Cove (the nearest are at neighboring Sandy Beach Park) and no food nearby so bring everything you need.

1. 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.
2. Shade. There is little shade during the heat of the day so you may want to bring an umbrella or wear a big hat.
3. A trusty Dry Bag – Lastly, keep your valuables and electronics snug, dry, and sand-free. A dry bag ensures peace of mind while you dive into the Cove’s beauty! The dry bags low key cousin – Ziploc bag – also does the same job. Either way, wrap valuables in a towel and tuck under a rock to keep gear out of the sun, but don’t leave them in our car above.

Epic Family Adventure Awaits: Activities to Enjoy at Halona Beach Cove

Unleash your spirit of adventure as you explore Halona Beach Cove. With its dramatic landscape and picturesque beaches, it serves as your playground for an unforgettable family outing. Below are some activities sure to enrich your experience at Halona Beach Cove:

Exploring the Beach

Step (or jump!) into the clear waters to play in the surf, or enjoy a leisurely exploration of the beach. The cliffs are challenging to climb and there’s a small cave to investigate. Feel the sand under your feet, watch the waves rise and fall, and surrender to the tranquility of this hidden paradise.

Touring the Halona Blowhole

When seas are calm, you can get closer to the blowhole by following the rocky edge of the cove. If conditions allow, continue your journey along the coast, and you’ll unearth another hidden wonder: a small, sandy beach that seamlessly merges with Sandy Beach. However, take caution in winter as wave action intensifies, turning even the calmest sea into a field of frothy turbulence. Remember to prioritize safety by maintaining a distance from the blowhole, venturing only on dry rocks, and staying vigilant in the presence of the waves.

Enjoying a Family Picnic

Pack a picnic basket filled with your family’s favorite snacks. Lay out a blanket on the beach and savor your lunch with the rhythmic soundtrack of the waves and the breathtaking beauty of your surroundings.

Infuse More Adventure into Your Family’s Hawaii Experience

Satisfy your hunger with nearby eateries

There aren’t a lot of food options near the cove. If you can handle the drive, I recommend heading to Waialae – home of all types of amazing restaurants, cafes, and dessert specialists. However, this following are all worth a stop.

• Leonard’s Malasadas. Stop at the iconic red and white food truck in the Koko Marina Shopping Center and bring your malasadas to the beach. Dobash filled is best. Just saying.
• Kalapawai Cafe and Deli. A laid-back local eatery with tasty breakfast, lunch, and espresso drinks.
• Roy’s. Hawaiian fusion fare in a contemporary setting. Fancy but so very good.
• Kona Brewing Company. Chill spot for burgers, pizza & more features beer brewed in-house and a lanai with tiki torches. Can get loud, but nice water views.

Add a nearby hike to your adventure

There is a lot of adventure to be had along this wave-battered coastline. Start your day with an epic hike followed by a dip in the cove.

• Makapuu Lighthouse Trail. Try the nearby Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail offering a variety of experiences: a paved hike leading to a lighthouse, a detour to a secluded beach, or even a steep ascent to mesmerizing tidepools. Make your trail adventure count with several choices at your disposal.
• Koko Crater Botanical Garden. Explore the botanical garden tucked inside a volcanic crater. Enjoy a tour of plants from around the world starting at the plumeria garden then to the cactus garden and giant babobs.
• Koko Crater Tramway Hike. Get ready for a stair master workout! The 1,000+ step walking track consists of abandoned railroad ties that run along the crater’s west side to the top of Koko Crater. You’re rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the east Honolulu shoreline, Hanauma Bay, and parts of Moloka’i.
• Windward Hike Round-up. Find a round-up of family friendly hikes of all adventure levels on the windward side of the island.

Capturing Your Adventure with Little Bird’s Family Photo & Video Adventures

Make your family adventure at Halona Beach Cove a lasting memory. Enlist the professionals from Little Bird’s Family Photo & Video Adventures, and let them capture your joyous moments. See family photo sessions near Halona Cove here, here and here.

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