Makaha Beach Cabanas — Attraction in Oʻahu

The beach is stunning. Absolutely amazing. Better than any pictures could portray it. Hardly any beach goers except the two buildings, a handful of houses and a few fishermen.

The building is securely built (cinderblocks) which is reassuring being this close to the water. It also eliminates neighbor noises from above it on the side, so the only thing you hear are chickens, birds, and of course the waves. The waves are much louder than one would expect. The building is a mix of locals and renter's.

The building management takes great pride in ensuring the building is always looking great. The sand is swept up continuously and the grounds are meticulously kept. There is full time security/watchman/woman on site. The key system is hard to remember if you're not used to living in a secure building, but once you get used to it, you're ok.

As one would expect with a perfect, not crowded beach is the drive. It's long, and slow. There is only one road in and the same road out. Sometimes it can take 10 minutes to go 1/2 mile. If you are ok staying on your beach and going out every few days, then this is great. If not, be sure to time your trips to conflict with peak traffic and always make sure you have 1/2 tank of gas for those times you just are stopped in traffic. There are no restaurants in walking distance, so be sure to have all your food bought.

As for some of the negative reviews I would say that each unit is independently owned and cleanliness of the...

I saw a review that said bad neighborhood, and thought no wonder Hawaiians have problems with tourists. The neighborhood is what you get in the "real" Hawaii, this is not Waikiki Beach. If you want to be around people like yourself, stay home. This is a wonderful place and almost no crime, a few things might get taken from time to time, but usually is because of opportunity because tourists don't take precautions. And a lot of times by other tourists.

As far as a place to stay, every unit is individually owned, so check reviews on that particular unit. The property is 1st class and gated, more for parking concerns than security. The neighborhood looks shabby but this is what Hawaii looks like except in Waikiki or the resort areas, so get over it. Most folks who live there are at work or the beach and are seldom home. Stick around and shop in the local stores, talk to some locals, be respectful and don't be arrogant and you...

Best place we've ever been, now going onto our 8th year in a row. We've never had a bad unit at the cabanas. Top floors are our favourite for the view. There really is no better way to experience Hawaii than to go here but don't tell everyone as we want it to ourselves still! No crowds. You'll need to rent a car as you are about 40 minutes away from the airport and 20 minutes away from the nearest Costco. Great little grocery stores nearby but do your major groceries at Safeway or Costco before heading up the coast as it'll be cheaper and better selection. Most units have all amenities included be sure to ask. I snorkel most days in this bay unless the surf is too much. Many turtles and fish to see, I even saw a Manta Ray there last year. Not a great place for swimming with small kids as the surf can be a bit scary. Best place on Oahu to see the sunset with a pina colada in hand on the beach....