Paradise Cove Ko olina | Truth in a name – Best Oahu Family Beach

Paradise Cove – A New Discovery

I attended a lavish first birthday party in Ko olina many years ago, got lost, and discovered this hidden beach – Paradise Cove. It was a beautiful surprise. I’ve been to the big lagoons at Ko olina, but they’re a little sterile and resort-y for my taste – All manicured lawns and beach cabanas. This lagoon has a rugged, natural beauty that made me want to return with my camera.

On Mother’s Day morning we were back. I was nervous we would be faced with a painfully long line of cars waiting to park in the tiny lot when we arrived. There are only 12 stalls allotted for public parking (despite the sea of surrounding parking for Paradise Cove luau). Despite the holiday, 8 am was too early for most beach-goers and we found parking. Although, it was a different story when we left around noon. The line of cars stretched to the main road. The woman who was first in line did a little jig when she saw us coming. She had been waiting for over an hour. Get there early my friends!

The Quintessential Kid-Friendly Beach

Paradise Cove is a perfect spot for babies, toddlers, or anyone a little nervous around the ocean. A tidal shelf stretches almost the entire length of the cove creating a protected, shallow swimming area.

At low tide, you can search for sea critters – sea cucumbers, hermit crabs, gobies, the occasional eel and so many colorful reef fish. Bring along small dip nets and a bucket to further explore. But beware, the intertidal area is both slippery and sharp. I’ve seen many a shocked tourist take a big fall on those rocks. Also, if the surf is up in the winter, waves can wash over the shelf and knock you off your feet.

Sea Turtle Beach at Paradise Cove

Over the years since discovering Paradise Cove, I’ve returned so many times that if feels like my office. I can’t help it, it’s such a stunning spot for family photos. I’ve seen green sea turtles (known as honu) in the lagoon on half of those visits – most commonly in the winter months. Rough winter waves knock green algae off the tidal shelf into the lagoon. When that happens, you will typically find turtles cruising around the lagoon with mouths agape, snatching the green morsels. If we’re in the water during a family photo session, it’s always a magical moment!

People tend to get a little giddy and overly friendly when faced with a majestic sea turtle, but the turtles are endangered and thereby protected by the endangered species act. The good news is that Hawaii’s sea turtle population has increased by 50% since receiving protected status so there’s a good chance you can see one. If you do, keep at least 10 feet away so they can forage in peace. Although, the turtles don’t observe such rules. The can, and have, knocked people over. Not intentionally, mind you, but a big turtle pushed by a wave can certainly knock you over.

Preparing for Your Paradise Cove Adventure

Timing + Parking trials

Visiting Paradise Cove is a joy for little explorers, its usually sunny and calm and small enough so kids can’t wander too far. Walk if you can. Otherwise, we highly recommend getting there early because parking is scarce. There are only 12 public parking spots and 2 handicap parking spots. When they fill up, people queue at the front of the lot and wait (and wait) for someone to leave. If that doesn’t sound fun, you can try your luck at the teeny tiny parking lot next to the Four Seasons and make the 5 minute walk to Paradise Cove. But, as the name implies, the lot is very small. If those options are full, you don’t want to wait, and you really want to visit Paradise Cove you can pay and park at Disney’s Aulani hotel. Do not try to park in the larger lot for the Paradise Cove luau or at the shopping area. You will get towed.

Once you secure parking (yay!), you will follow a short, sandy path to the cove. There’s a little bit of shade along the fence, but no bathrooms. They nearest is back at the teeny tiny parking lot or the shopping area. Don’t forget to pack snorkeling gear and all our must-have cove essentials.

Paradise Cove Must-Have Packing List

Pack all the essentials for a perfect day at the Cove so you can take on the Cove like a pro!

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 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 bush to keep gear out of the sun.
3. Water-resistant Smartphone Case. The cove often has exceptionally clear water making it fun for underwater photos. 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 at Sharks cove.
5. Consider snorkel gear. Although it’s a tiny cove, there are fish (and sea turtles) making it a good spot to practice and get comfortable with your gear. If it’s a calm day and you’re a strong swimmer, you can venture into the deep water outside the cove.

Want More Kid-Friendly Suggestions near Paradise Cove?

If you visited Paradise Cove and are hungry for more you can find a Round-up of the Best Baby and Toddler Beaches in Oahu here. If you’re looking for more family fun, sign up for the Little Bird Post below for monthly inspiration.

Best places to eat near Paradise Cove

I’m a little bitter here because my favorite breakfast/coffee shop in Koolina was just replaced by a Starbucks so I don’t have any good coffee to recommend but you have options outside hotel food.

• Monkeypod Kitchen. Farm-to-table eatery & bar for Hawaiian food, beer & cocktails, served in a casual space. Happy hour is worth a visit!
• Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken. The South Korean-based chain’s twice-fried chicken wings are nearly legendary, with an extra-crispy skin that crunches audibly when you bite into it.
• La Tour Cafe. A modern European fast casual restaurant specializing in sandwiches, burgers, flatbread pizzas, pastries, and desserts.
• Countryside Cafe​. A locally owned family business that strives to provide homemade dishes with a local twist.

Best Beaches outside of Koolina

If you want to escape manicured Koolina, head up the coast for rugged beauty. Most of the Leeward Coast is unprotected and the ocean floor drops off quickly making conditions challenging for beginning swimmers. Winters swells here rival the north shore but summer brings a brilliant blue stillness. Leave valuables at home and take care where you park as break-ins can be a problem.

• Electric Beach. Less than a 10 minute drive from Koolina is an excellent snorkeling option for experienced swimmers/snorkelers. Not suitable for snorkeling when the surf is up.
• Pokai Bay Beach Park. Is another protected toddler-friendly beach option about a 15 minute drive from Koolina. It’s so calm, that they often offer SUP lessons in the Bay.
• Makua Beach. Stunning rugged beauty – especially at sunset.
• Yokohama Bay. More rugged beauty at the end of the road and another trailhead to Kaena Point.

Other Family Activities near Koolina

Looking for more to do in west Oahu? You might try one of these options to add to your family fun.

• Take a cruise! Pick your flavor – see dolphins and whales up close, snorkel with sea turtles or just relax and enjoy the sunset.
• Ride a train. Step back into old Hawaii with a 2-hour round-trip, historic tour by the Hawaiian Railway Society.
• 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.

Looking for more suggestions like Paradise Cove Beach? Sign up for the Little Bird Post below and receive monthly tips for off-the-beaten-path family fun in Hawaii.