Ke Iki Beach
A secluded North Shore gem known for its dramatic shorebreak, stunning sunsets, and powerful waves. Admire its beauty, but respect its ocean's might.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Waves can be calmer
Ke Iki Beach
Best Time
Waves can be calmer
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded North Shore gem known for its dramatic shorebreak, stunning sunsets, and powerful waves. Admire its beauty, but respect its ocean's might.
"Beautiful beach for swimming and sunbathing. In the evening, this is the perfect place to watch the sunset."
🌊 Respect the Ocean
Heed warning signs; the waves are powerful and break close to shore. Not for inexperienced swimmers or kids.
🅿️ Parking Tips
No official parking. Look for street parking in the neighborhood and enjoy a short walk to the beach.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spectacular Sunsets
Shoreline
Witness breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky with vibrant colors, a perfect end to a day on Oahu's North Shore.
Powerful Shorebreak Waves
Oceanfront
Experience the raw power of the ocean with massive waves that break right at the shoreline, a sight for surfers and spectators alike.
Secluded Beach Vibe
Beachfront
Enjoy a more secluded and picturesque beach experience, perfect for relaxing and soaking in the natural beauty of the North Shore.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Powerful Ocean
Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 Respect the Ocean
Heed warning signs; the waves are powerful and break close to shore. Not for inexperienced swimmers or kids.
🅿️ Parking Tips
No official parking. Look for street parking in the neighborhood and enjoy a short walk to the beach.
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
This is a prime spot for watching the sunset. Bring your camera!
🐚 Shelling Paradise
Great beach for finding beautiful shells, especially in the afternoon.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 Respect the Ocean
Heed warning signs; the waves are powerful and break close to shore. Not for inexperienced swimmers or kids.
🅿️ Parking Tips
No official parking. Look for street parking in the neighborhood and enjoy a short walk to the beach.
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
This is a prime spot for watching the sunset. Bring your camera!
🐚 Shelling Paradise
Great beach for finding beautiful shells, especially in the afternoon.
🏄 Surfing Conditions
Can be great for surfing, but conditions vary wildly. Check reports before you go.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ke Iki Beach is praised for its stunning sunsets and the raw beauty of its powerful waves, making it a picturesque spot for shelling and photography. However, visitors consistently warn about the dangerous shorebreak and strong currents, advising against swimming, especially for children and inexperienced swimmers. Parking can also be a challenge.
"Really nice beach to go shelling. Just heed the signs that are up. The waves are very big and strong. Breaks right at the shoreline. If you do go swimming, you would have to be a very strong swimmer. I would not let kids go in or near the water. We went in the afternoon so maybe the currents and the waves were stronger then."
Patricia McGarry
"Beautiful beach for swimming and sunbathing. In the evening, this is the perfect place to watch the sunset. There are no official parking spaces. There is a short walk to the beach."
Oskar Vitlif
"Beautiful and picturesque beach. BUT not kid friendly. No swimming is allowed! (Though some people do I wouldn’t bring kids for swimming!)"
Albert Chan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ke Iki Beach is located on Oahu's North Shore. The best way to reach it is by car. Parking is typically found on neighborhood streets, followed by a short walk to the beach.
There are no official parking lots for Ke Iki Beach. Visitors usually find parking on the residential streets nearby and then walk to the beach.
Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring Oahu's North Shore and reaching Ke Iki Beach, offering the most flexibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ke Iki Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. Access is free for everyone.
Ke Iki Beach is accessible at all hours, as it is a public beach. However, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety.
Yes, there are warning signs about the powerful waves and strong currents. Swimming is not recommended for inexperienced swimmers or children due to the dangerous shorebreak.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Ke Iki Beach is known for its dangerous shorebreak and powerful waves. It is generally not considered safe for swimming, especially for children and inexperienced swimmers. Always heed lifeguard warnings.
While swimming is risky, Ke Iki Beach is great for shelling, sunbathing, and watching surfers. It's also a popular spot for enjoying sunsets and, in winter, witnessing massive waves.
Due to the powerful waves and strong currents, Ke Iki Beach is generally not recommended for families with young children who want to swim.
Yes, Ke Iki Beach is known for its challenging waves and can be a good spot for experienced surfers, especially during winter months.
Lifeguards are typically present at Ke Iki Beach, but it's crucial to always be aware of your surroundings and follow their instructions.
📸 📸 Photography
Ke Iki Beach offers stunning photo opportunities, especially during sunset. The dramatic waves and the picturesque shoreline also make for dramatic shots.
The golden hours, both sunrise and sunset, offer the most beautiful light for photography. Sunsets are particularly renowned here.
Absolutely! The powerful shorebreak at Ke Iki Beach provides dramatic and exciting subjects for surf photography, but maintain a safe distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏄 Surfers and Ocean Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Ke Iki Beach's Waves
During the winter months, these waves can become exceptionally large, attracting experienced surfers and spectators. However, for the average beachgoer, this means extreme caution is necessary. Even on calmer days, the undertow and sudden large waves can pose a danger. Lifeguards are present, but their ability to respond to every situation in such a dynamic environment is limited.
It's crucial to heed all warning signs and listen to the advice of lifeguards. If you're not a very strong swimmer or are unfamiliar with ocean conditions, it's best to admire the power of Ke Iki Beach from a safe distance rather than attempting to swim or play in the water.
Ke Iki Beach Bungalows: A Unique Stay
Staying at the bungalows means being immersed in the dramatic beauty of Ke Iki Beach. Visitors often share their desire to return, highlighting the memorable experience of waking up to the sound of the waves and enjoying the scenic surroundings. The bungalows are also known to host events, adding a lively atmosphere to the serene beach setting.
While the bungalows themselves are a draw, it's important to remember that they are located on a beach known for its powerful surf. Guests should be aware of the ocean conditions and exercise caution, especially during winter swells. The proximity to the ocean is a key feature, offering a truly immersive Hawaiian beach experience.
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