Kawela Bay
A secluded North Shore paradise offering calm waters, abundant sea turtles, and a peaceful escape from the crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more turtles
Kawela Bay
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more turtles
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded North Shore paradise offering calm waters, abundant sea turtles, and a peaceful escape from the crowds.
"This was our favorite beach in the island. It’s a bay, so there is no wind, no waves. Natural shade. Just perfect."
Pack for Serenity
Bring your own snacks & drinks; amenities are scarce. Enjoy the peace! :picnic_table:
Trek to Tranquility
A short walk through a forest path leads to this secluded paradise. :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tranquil Bay Waters
Kawela Bay
Experience calm, warm waters perfect for swimming and relaxation, shielded from strong waves.
Majestic Banyan Tree
Entrance to the beach path
A giant, ancient banyan tree marks the entrance, offering a dramatic and photogenic welcome.
Sea Turtle Encounters
Kawela Bay waters
Spot Hawaiian green sea turtles basking in the sun or swimming in the bay's clear waters.
Scenic North Shore Trails
Adjacent to the beach
Explore walking paths that wind through lush greenery, offering beautiful coastal views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Seclusion
Turtle Spotting & Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for Serenity
Bring your own snacks & drinks; amenities are scarce. Enjoy the peace! :picnic_table:
Trek to Tranquility
A short walk through a forest path leads to this secluded paradise. :hiking_boot:
Turtle Spotting Magic
Keep an eye out for sea turtles! They're often seen here. :turtle:
Movie Magic Location
This bay has been a filming location for major movies! :movie_camera:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for Serenity
Bring your own snacks & drinks; amenities are scarce. Enjoy the peace! :picnic_table:
Trek to Tranquility
A short walk through a forest path leads to this secluded paradise. :hiking_boot:
Turtle Spotting Magic
Keep an eye out for sea turtles! They're often seen here. :turtle:
Movie Magic Location
This bay has been a filming location for major movies! :movie_camera:
Calm Waters Guaranteed
Perfect for a relaxing swim, as the bay is protected from waves. :ocean:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Kawela Bay's serene, secluded atmosphere and calm waters, making it a favorite for relaxation and turtle spotting. While some find the lack of amenities and occasional murkiness for snorkeling a drawback, its natural beauty and peaceful vibe are consistently praised.
"One of our favorite beaches with trails lining the side of the beach! A bit rocky but really beautiful and very quiet compared to Turtle Cove! People saw sea turtles but we couldn’t see them for ourselves :("
Alice Garner
"This was our favorite beach in the island. It’s a bay, so there is no wind, no waves. Natural shade. Just perfect. There is a small parking just across the street. Once you park, so through the forest, and you will see a huge Banyan tree. You are just about to reach this perfect beach, with not a lot of people in. Also, if you are a waves fun, there is a beach next to it, with big waves - just follow the path in the forest."
Jelena Popovic
"A beautiful and secluded bay perfect for private and quiet beach days. The swimming is excellent and the water is warm. Waves and surge are never a problem here. It has a very natural feeling with coconuts washed up on the shore and trees close to the water. Park on the street and walk in."
Ron Clonts
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kawela Bay is located on Oahu's North Shore, near Turtle Bay Resort. Parking is available on the street across from the beach entrance. From there, a short, scenic walk through a forest path will lead you to the bay.
Yes, there is a small parking area available on the street directly across from the beach access path. It can fill up, especially on weekends.
The most common access is via the street parking and then a pleasant walk through a wooded trail, which is part of the Turtle Bay area's trail system.
Public transport options to the North Shore can be limited and time-consuming. Driving is generally the most convenient way to reach Kawela Bay.
While it's a bit off the main tourist path, look for signs for Turtle Bay Resort, and then follow local road signs for Kawela Bay. The banyan tree is a good landmark.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kawela Bay is a public beach park and does not require an entrance fee. Access is free for everyone.
As a natural beach, Kawela Bay does not have set operating hours. It is accessible from sunrise to sunset.
There are no lifeguards on duty at Kawela Bay. Restrooms are available but can be inconvenient and may have long lines. It's advisable to use facilities before arriving or at nearby resorts if needed.
While some reviews mention chair rentals, it's not a guaranteed service. It's best to bring your own beach chairs and umbrellas for comfort.
Yes, its secluded nature makes it a popular spot for private events like vow renewals and small gatherings.
🎫 🏝️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy swimming in the calm bay, look for sea turtles, explore the nearby hiking trails, have a picnic, or simply relax on the sand. It's also a great spot for photography.
Absolutely! Kawela Bay is known for its calm, warm, and wave-free waters, making it ideal for swimming and wading, even for families.
While the water is clear, some visitors find it too murky for snorkeling, especially later in the day. However, you might still spot marine life.
Kawela Bay is considered one of Oahu's most secluded and uncrowded beaches, offering a peaceful atmosphere.
Sea turtles are frequently spotted here, and you might also see various seabirds.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic banyan tree, the serene bay waters, the lush coastal trails, and of course, any sea turtles you encounter make for stunning photos. 
Yes, its secluded and picturesque setting makes it a popular and beautiful location for engagement and wedding photos.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light, while mornings can provide softer light and fewer people.
Yes, Kawela Bay has been a filming location for movies like 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides'.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive bay and banyan tree. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography, especially for turtles.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring plenty of snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited. The short, shaded walk through the forest to reach the beach is an adventure in itself for kids, and the chance to spot sea turtles adds an exciting element to the visit. Consider bringing sand toys and floaties for extra fun in the water.
🧘♀️ Peace Seekers & Couples
+1Pack a picnic to enjoy under the shade of the trees or along the shore. The tranquil waters are ideal for a peaceful swim, and the surrounding trails offer opportunities for romantic strolls. It's also a popular spot for intimate vow renewals and special celebrations.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1Its status as a filming location for major movies adds a unique narrative to your shots. The uncrowded nature of the beach ensures you can capture unobstructed views and unique angles. Don't forget your camera for potential sea turtle sightings, which are always a crowd-pleaser.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Seclusion: Why Kawela Bay is a North Shore Gem
+1The journey to Kawela Bay itself adds to its charm. After parking on the street, visitors embark on a short, scenic walk through a lush forest trail. This path, often shaded by trees, leads to the expansive banyan tree, a magnificent natural landmark that signals your arrival at this hidden paradise. This approach enhances the feeling of discovering a secret spot, making the experience more rewarding.
Beyond its peaceful waters, Kawela Bay is a haven for wildlife, most notably the Hawaiian green sea turtles that frequently grace its shores. Visitors often report sightings, adding an element of wonder to their visit. The surrounding area also offers walking trails, providing opportunities for exploration and enjoying the island's natural beauty.
Kawela Bay: A Natural Playground and Cinematic Backdrop
+1For those who enjoy a bit of exploration, the trails surrounding Kawela Bay offer a delightful experience. These paths wind through tropical foliage, providing scenic views and a chance to immerse yourself in the island's natural beauty. The iconic banyan tree at the entrance is a popular spot for photos and a testament to the area's rich natural landscape.
Adding to its allure, Kawela Bay has served as a picturesque backdrop for numerous films and television shows, including 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,' 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall,' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.' This cinematic history lends an extra layer of magic to the location, making visitors feel like they've stepped onto a movie set.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit