Yokohama (Keawaula Beach)
Kapolei, Hawaii
Description
Added by The Outbound Collective
When you reach the end of the road you are greeted by a beautiful beach that is backed by steep mountains, and host to a wonderful sunset... You can also stay late on a clear night for a great showing of stars!
Getting There: Traveling from Honolulu, follow signs toward Waianae: the H1 turns into Farrington highway (93) as you reach the west side of the island. Continue on Farrington highway until you reach the yellow gate marking the end of the road and Yokohama will greet you. As you drive through the yellow gate you will likely see cars parked on both sides of the road and in the parking lot on the right. Park wherever you find a spot, or continue a little further for a more secluded spot on the beach.
Typically, the further you go the less people there are... this is mainly because ocean access is limited due to rocks/reef. Many people fish from the rocks but if you plan on getting in the water then park between the yellow gate and the lifeguard tower. This is the best stretch of beach for swimming.
The Beach: When you step onto the beach you will feel the soft sand underfoot and see the beautiful stretch of turquoise water... this is contrasted by the steep green* mountains paralleling the beach. Lay your towels/chairs/blanket in the sand and begin soaking up the Hawaiian rays.
*green is dependent on the season... but beauty remains year-round.
If you are in the mood to do something besides relaxing on the beach then there are some other options to be had:
- A hike/walk to Ka'ena Point
- Shore fishing
- Snorkeling (on occasion one may see pods of dolphins)
- Swim/Surf/Boogie Board:
Depending on the time of year, and tides, a few nice beach breaks will form: one in front of the lifeguard tower and one directly in front of the parking lot. Swimmers usually prefer the parking lot break while surfers and bodyboarders crowd the lifeguard break. On a big day you will see tourists and locals alike washing up onto the shore covered in sand and smiling from ear to ear.
Notes:
- There are many stores on the west side to stop and pick up last minutes essentials but drive too far and you will be out of luck. Stop somewhere near Waianae for last minute essentials.
- Be cautious when entering/exiting the water... The waves are powerful and can be dangerous. Heed the warning signs if they are present.
- Be respectful of the beach and of the locals... Use the trash cans provided to dispose of your garbage when you leave.
- This is, arguably, one of the best places to watch sunset on Oahu.. Bring a camera to capture a nice evening landscape, or use the great natural light and your phone to snap an award winning selfie.
- There are showers and restroom facilities at this beach but you might want to bring your own toilet paper.
- In the winter time, with a good pair of binoculars, you may see whales breaching in the distance... They tend to frequent the west side.
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Yokohama (Keawaula Beach) Reviews
The color of the blue/green water is striking especially against the backdrop of the impressive mountains that run behind the beach. The waves were rough the day we ventured but local surfers and paddle boarders were still up to the challenge and fun to watch. There is a bathroom and a shower at the beach which is nice as well as a lifeguard on duty. Overall it was a beautiful beach that lacked the crowds that most Oahu beaches seem to be plagued by. Note that there isn’t much in terms of food in Makaha so plan ahead.
5.0
Definitely out of the way but totally worth it. Gorgeous location away from the crowd of Honolulu.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Hike to Ka'ena Point
Makua Beach
Makua Cave (Kaneana Cave)
Peacock Flats and Three Corners
Turtle Beach
Waimea Bay
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