Kaiona Beach Park, Waimanalo | Unveiling a Hidden Beauty

A Change of Plans

We were supposed to be on an airplane, flying over the Pacific, engrossed in a movie with ample snacks stowed in the seat pocket. Instead, our carefully packed luggage sat by the door at home while we wandered the length of Kaiona Beach Park slightly dazed and lost.

First, there were the wildfires in Australia whose effects were felt in New Zealand and I thought, “I hope things improve by March”. And then the rain came. Torrential affairs that wiped out trails and huts throughout New Zealand’s south island leaving us scrambling to make alternate plans. “I hope things improve by March”, I said. But as the date of our trip came closer, so did the coronavirus. We nervously followed the news trying to figure out what to do and the night were were scheduled to arrive, New Zealand instituted a mandatory 14-day quarantine for all arrivals. We wouldn’t be going to New Zealand after all.

Unsure what to do, we went for a drive with no particular destination in mind. As we drove through Waimanalo, traffic began to slow. A keiki football tournament coupled with weekend traffic was causing a massive traffic jam. We pulled over to escape and found ourselves at Kaiona Beach Park.

One of the Best Family Friendly Beaches on Oahu

Kaiona Beach Park, tucked just beyond the treeline in Waimanalo, is a hidden gem worth exploring. It’s been years since we last visited this stretch of beach and I had forgotten just how lovely it is. In the distance, Olomana shows off its toothy peaks while turquoise waters stretch to the horizon punctuated by offshore islands.

The gently sloping shoreline and small waves make for a family-friendly beach. If you have babies and toddlers head just south of the park entrance where you will find Pahonu Pond. This ancient Hawaiian stone enclosure was an active fish pond until a chief transformed it into a turtle pond. In Old Hawaii, turtle meat was considered a delicacy, and only the aliʻi (Hawaiian chiefs and royalty) were allowed to eat it. The enclosure was used as a turtle holding area so they would have easy access to their favorite food.

Today, the pond makes a convenient holding area for different creatures – babies and toddlers. They can easily explore the shallow, sandy-bottomed pool without getting too far away. On a low wind day, it’s a perfect spot to kayak, paddle, and snorkel so we returned to do just that.

This is a locals beach with large crowds gathering each weekend to celebrate birthdays and special events. Although during the week, it’s a much quieter affair.

Preparing for a Visit to Kaiona Beach Park

If you’re seeking a serene and unspoiled environment, away from the hustle of Waikiki, Kaiona Beach Park truly embodies the laid-back, authentic Hawaiian experience, inviting you to step off the beaten path and into a world of natural wonder and cultural depth.

What to Pack for your Quiet Beach Day

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 trusty Dry Bag – Keep your valuables and electronics snug, dry, and sand-free. A dry bag ensures peace of mind while you dive into ocean! 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.
3. Water-proof Smartphone Case (or GoPro) – 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. Water and snacks. Bring more than you think you will need so you can stay and play as long as you like.
5. Shade. The bright sun can really burn your retinas and there isn’t much shade along this stretch of beach. Protect those eyeballs with sunglasses, and if it’s not too windy, a big hat or sunshade.
6. Snorkel Gear. On calm, low windy days you can snorkel around the coral found just off the beach and along the coast. Go early before the sand gets turned up and visibility decreases.
7. A boat. Lastly, exploring the area by kayak or paddleboard is fun and the views are unbeatable. If the weather is calm, it’s worth dragging a boat to Kaiona Beach Park.

Looking for Family Fun after Kaiona Beach Park?

Fill your belly after a day of beach

Try one of these tasty food options in Waimanalo or head to neighboring Kailua town for more offerings.

• Hawaiian Island Cafe. Hawaiian owned cafe serving locally roasted coffee and espresso drinks, brunch, acai bowls and daily lunch specials – a local favorite (closed Sundays and Mondays).
• Kalapawai Cafe and Deli. A laid-back local eatery with tasty breakfast, lunch, and espresso drinks.
• Kono’s. Hawaiian kitchen preparing slow-roasted pork sandwiches, platters & more in laid-back surrounds. Nalu Health Bar and Cafe, a few doors down, is a more vegetarian/healthy alternative.
• Over Easy. If you have time, pop over to neighboring Kailua town for fresh local breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Take a hike!

If you’ve had enough peace and quiet for the day (is that a thing?), hit the trail with one of these family-friendly hikes.

• 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.

Alternatives to Kaiona Beach Park

If your visit coincides with a football game or you arrive too late on a weekend, try one of these nearby options for fewer crowds.

• Baby Makapuu. A rocky alternative, but seek out the natural, oversized tidepools which double as baby pools.
• Lanikai Beach. Typically sandy, calm and clear with a gentle drop off making it perfect for little swimmers.
• Kailua Beach Park. A long stretch of family-friendly, white sand beach with amenities at Kalama Beach Park and Kailua Beach Park.
• Sherwood Beach is a great option to escape the crowds and lounge in the shade.

Explore More

• Sea Life Park. Sea Life Park Hawaii is a marine mammal park, bird sanctuary and aquarium in Waimānalo near stunning Makapuʻu Point, north of Hanauma Bay.
• 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.
• Family photos! Let me plan a fun morning for your family so you can have a great time and take home beautiful memories. You can see examples of photo sessions in Koolina here, here, and here.

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