Kaiona Beach Park, Waimanalo: A Local’s Guide to One of Oahu’s Best-Kept Beaches

Kaiona Beach Park in Waimanalo is one of those windward beaches that locals return to quietly, without making too much fuss about it. The water is turquoise, the waves are gentle, the Ko’olau Mountains are right there doing their thing, and just south of the entrance there’s an ancient Hawaiian fish pond with a sandy bottom that small kids treat like their own private pool. If you’re driving the windward coast and want a beach that feels nothing like Waikiki, this is it.

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.

What Makes Kaiona Beach Park Special

Kaiona Beach Park, tucked just beyond the treeline in Waimanalo, is the kind of beach that makes you wonder why you don’t come more often. 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.

What to Pack for Kaiona Beach Park

The non-negotiables. Water (more than you think you need), reef-safe sunscreen and towels. There is an outdoor shower for a quick rinse and some shade trees but little else.

For your valuables. Leave them at home or bring them with you and keep them dry. A dry bag or a zip-lock for your phone is worth it — especially if you’re paddling or snorkeling. Don’t leave anything in the car.

For little kids. Snacks, because there’s no food at the park. If you have a toddler, head straight for Pahonu Pond at the south end of the park. It’s shallow, sandy-bottomed, and basically designed for small humans. A dip net and bucket for the pond explorers.

On sunscreen. Most sunscreen sold at drugstores and grocery stores contains chemicals that damage coral reef ecosystems. Hawaii banned several of them in 2021 for exactly this reason. They’re not great for humans either. Use reef-safe sunscreen, and skip the aerosol spray entirely. Applying it on a windy beach means everyone around you is inhaling it, which is not a gift.

If you’re snorkeling or paddling. Go early before the sand gets stirred up and visibility drops. On calm, low-wind days the water around the coral just off the beach is worth exploring. If you have a kayak or paddleboard, the views from the water looking back at the Ko’olau Mountains are genuinely hard to beat.

Family Photos at Kaiona Beach Park

Waimanalo doesn’t get as much attention as Kailua for photo sessions, which means when you do shoot here the beach is usually quiet and the light is all yours. The Ko’olau Mountains sit right behind you, Olomana’s peaks are doing something dramatic in the distance, and the water is that specific shade of turquoise that makes every frame look like you hired a color grader.

It’s a beautiful spot for a morning session, especially for families who want something that feels a little off the beaten path. Reach out here if you’d like to plan something. You can see examples from the area here, here, and here.

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, 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.
• A Windward Tour. Cruise up the windward coastline with this full day itinerary.

Kaiona FAQs

Q: Is Kaiona Beach Park good for families with young kids?

A: Yes. The beach has a gently sloping shoreline and small waves, and just south of the park entrance is Pahonu Pond, an ancient Hawaiian fish pond with a shallow, sandy bottom that’s perfect for toddlers. Weekdays are quieter; weekends draw local families for gatherings and celebrations.

Q: Where is Kaiona Beach Park and how do I get there?

A: Kaiona Beach Park is in Waimanalo on Oahu’s windward side, along the stretch of coast between Makapuu and Kailua. It’s tucked behind a treeline and easy to miss — look for the park entrance off Kalanianaole Highway. About 30 minutes from Kailua, 45 minutes from Waikiki.

Q: What is Pahonu Pond at Kaiona Beach Park?

A: Pahonu Pond is an ancient Hawaiian stone enclosure just south of the park entrance. It was originally used as a fish pond and later as a turtle pond reserved for Hawaiian ali’i. Today it’s a shallow, calm, sandy-bottomed pool that works beautifully as a safe wading spot for small kids.

Q: When is the best time to visit Kaiona Beach Park?

A: Early mornings or weekdays for fewer crowds. Weekends bring local families out in numbers. After heavy rain, check for brown water advisories — the area can be affected by runoff. Calm, low-wind days are best for snorkeling and paddling.

Q: Can I do family photos at Kaiona Beach Park?

A: Yes, and it’s a beautiful spot for it. The Olomana peaks and Ko’olau Mountains make for a dramatic backdrop, the beach tends to be quiet on weekday mornings, and the light is excellent at sunrise. Little Bird Photography does sessions in Waimanalo regularly.