Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
Back to Blog

Best Kept Secret Beaches in Oahu

balazs-busznyak-yu0YxTBy8s8-unsplash4556

If there’s one negative thing about most well known Hawaiian beaches, it’s the fact that they can get a little crowded, especially during peak seasons. However there are a lot of hidden gems here and there all over Oahu.  Thus if you want some solitude and peace of mind as you visit, be sure to check out some of the following destinations:

Cockroach Cove

Cockroach Cove is nestled between Halona Blowhole and Halona Point on the southeastern shore of Oahu. Only a few tourists brave the rocky hike to reach the beach, however the reward for this slightly daring feat is that the promised beauty is definitely worth it.

Once you reach the beach, picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean surround you. Cockroach Cove is so beautiful it has been featured in several films, including 50 First Dates, From Here to Eternity, and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Makua Beach

If isolation is what you are looking for, Makua Beach is the perfect beach for you. The nearest store or restaurant is over 10 miles away, allowing for a fully secluded experience. This beach is so secluded, in fact, that the first season of the hit TV show Lost was filmed here.

However, the beach is not protected by an offshore reef and the ocean current and can become dangerous so proceed when caution when entering the water. It is best for swimmer to stay close to the shore during the summertime.

Secluded from humans is one thing, however Marine life is very abundant along the shores of Makua Beach, and you just might catch a sea turtle sunbathing in the sand or a bright school of fish swimming by while visiting.

Makapu’u Beach

Located at the foot of the lava rock cliffs of Makapu’u Point Beach Park, Makapu’u beach is quite small in length, not more than a quarter-mile long, but makes up for it with a wide shoreline.

Views of this beach are best enjoyed from the Makapu’u Lighthouse which is accessible by a paved trail just minutes for the beach. The lighthouse that is positioned on top of a sea cliff,  offering incredible views of Makapu’u beach and perfect for some Instagram shots too!

Mokule’ia Beach

Panoramic views do not disappoint at Mokule’ia Beach, located on the North shore of Oahu. The beach offers a myriad of activities to occupy your time.

A shallow coral reef just beneath the glistening waters that is the perfect place for fishers and snorkelers with their own gear, and surfers have found several places along the beach to catch a good wave. Also, this beach provides camp ground if you would like to stay overnight. This quiet beach has earned its name as the “district of abundance”.

Some might be curious about this beach’s other nickname, Slaughterhouse Beach, but do not be alarmed—it is not based on a gruesome story like those from horror movies. The Honolua Ranch slaughterhouse and storage used to call the cliff overlooking the ocean its home until the 1960s. The buildings have since been torn down however the nickname has stuck around.

SOURCES: