Makaha Beach Park — Attraction in Oʻahu

Makaha Beach Park, located on Oahu’s western Leeward Coast, is a hidden gem that offers a true local experience away from the touristy spots of Waikiki. Known for its beautiful soft sand and stunning sunsets, this 22-acre park is a favorite for both locals and visitors who seek a more authentic Hawaiian beach day.

During the summer months, the waters are relatively calm, making it a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and even SCUBA diving. However, during the winter, Makaha becomes a haven for experienced surfers, with some of the biggest waves on the island. If you’re planning to visit in winter, it’s best to stay out of the water unless you’re a confident swimmer or surfer due to the strong currents and powerful waves.

Parking at Makaha Beach Park is available in a designated lot across the street from the beach, and there’s also space along the shoulder for additional parking. However, the beach can get crowded, especially on weekends and during peak summer months, so it’s wise to arrive early to secure a spot. The park is equipped with public restrooms, outdoor showers, and lifeguard stations, ensuring a safe and convenient visit.

The area around Makaha is more rugged and less developed than other parts of Oahu, offering a unique landscape dotted with kiawe trees and cactus plants, which adds to the secluded and peaceful atmosphere of the beach. For those who stay late into the afternoon, the sunset views are truly spectacular, and it's worth sticking around to witness the sky transform with vibrant colors over the Pacific.

Overall, Makaha Beach Park is perfect for those looking to experience the natural beauty of Oahu in a more laid-back and local environment, away from the bustling...

Ive lived in Hawaii all my life also frequent almost all the Hawaiian islands and been to many of beaches all around the world but, hands down, this is the most beautiful beach I've ever swam!! Crystal clear blue waters, picturesque sunsets, and hardly a cloudy day all year round! A visit at this beach will bring zero regret, all while your back faces scenery just as stunning, don't miss a chance to gaze up into the valley where you'll find just as an amazing view!

There is a deep shelf that borders the west side, about 200 yards off shore which is inviting to magnificent ocean dwellers... All year round, anyone can swim with the dolfins or, during winter time, you can enjoy the site of playful Humpback Whales while enjoying the shorebreaks on the beach. There are always turtles to amaze at and, once in a while, you maybe lucky enough to visit while an endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal sunbathes on the sands of this beach..

If you decide to visit then please wash off you sunscreen, this is one of the few beaches which is not polluted by slicks of sunscreen or tanning lotion. Respect the land and don't leave your trash... Better yet, leave it better off than when you got there and pick up any trash you may unlikely encounter! By right, many locals do not want tourists to overrun this beach, as almost all have been, but I believe that God made this gorgeous beach for us all to enjoy so please be respectful of its crystal clear waters and lets not leave our fingerprints at the gorgeous...

If you're a surfer or body boarder, take it at 5 stars as it's an awesome surfing beach - 4-8 foot waves consistently all day. It's got changing facilities, toilets and a shower (all across the street).

If you're not a surfer - or don't particularly enjoy watching the (skilled) surfers, then that's where the issues start. The beach has a sharp drop off into the sea, and the waves, especially on the northern side (near Makaha Shores Condos and the furthest lifeguard shack, produce some rough shoreline waves and surge. As a result, it's not a good swimming beach, and although most kids will love playing in the surf, you'll want to keep an eye on them especially young ones.

The second issue I have is with excessively loud music. When the locals have finished their sets, some like chilling out on the back of their pickup trucks with the music playing. Would be fine, but they want everyone to enjoy listening too. I've say 100 feet away with my headphones in and on full and could still hear them. In the worst case I was on my condo lanai (150 odd yards away) and could still hear the bass thumping.

So 3 if you're an old fart, 4 if you like loud reggae, 5 if...