Hickam Dog Beach | As Good as You’ve Heard | Oahu with Kids

A Great Family Beach on Base

Many military friends told me to visit Hickam dog beach for one of my “Oahu with Kids” features. They told me it was the perfect beach for kids. The beach sounded lovely but for one problem- I don’t have base access.

Then I had a client request a session at Hickam dog beach. Their family had made a home at Hickam over the past three years and they were about to move. Some of their fondest memories were at this very beach so they wanted to capture a day doing what they loved best – the best types of family photo sessions!

Why you should visit Hickam Dog Beach

My dear friend Rachael had never been to Hickam dog beach either but she had base access so we planned a morning there with our families. Once we found the correct beach, we settled in and took in our surroundings. It was underwhelming at first but grew on my quickly.

Here’s why –

1. You can practically park on the beach. As a parent and photographer, I am forever lugging hefty camera gear, beach toys, water, and snacks along with at least one child. You know how it goes. Your arms will enjoy the easy access.
2. The cement slab. It took the kids to show us how much fun a cement slab can be. They happily played on it for hours – jumping off of it, climbing it, dancing on it, dangling, perching, catching fish from it – I don’t even know, but it kept the kids super happy. In fact, all the kids visiting the beach that morning flocked to that strange cement slab.
3. Shallow, protected water. It was more like a big lake than an ocean. The tide was going out during our visit and exposed a long sandbar. People walked out onto the flats, playing, and lounging. It’s a beautiful spot for sunset.
4. Airplanes, ships, and submarines, oh my! All kids go nuts over these things, right? It was a non-stop parade of vehicles.
5. Critters abound. Mangroves grew in a thick, clay mud which was host to interesting crabs and fish, and the kids delighted at exploring the mangroves and catching them.

Preparing for A trip to Hickam Dog Beach

How to get there

Hickam Dog Beach is located on south Oahu at Hickam Air Force Base. A military ID (or friend to sponsor you) is required for entry. The beach is officially called Kamehameha Beach which you can find here.

Are dogs allowed at Hickam Dog Beach?

Ironically, the answer is no. What used to be a favorite spot to play with your pets is now off limits to domestic animals due to the adjacent Ahua Reef wetland and the danger dogs pose to endangered waterbirds.

What to pack

Since you can park so close to the beach, you can bring all the things. Or you can go minimalistic and pack the essentials.

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. A dip net and bucket. – If you have little kids who love to explore, they will delight in catching tiny fish and crabs near the mangroves.
3. Water and snacks. Bring more than you think you will need.
4. A hammock. Stretch one out between the trees and watch the kids in comfort.
5. Floats. The calm water is great for floating. Grab an oversized pool ring and you’re good to go.

No Base Access?

My humble apologies to those without base access. I feel your pain, but I have a list of my personal favorite baby and toddler-friendly beaches here.

Looking for more suggestions like the Hickam dog beach?

Sign up for the Little Bird Post below and receive monthly tips for off-the-beaten-path family fun in Hawaii.