Keawaula Beach (Yokohama Bay) Honolulu
Unspoiled, lifeguarded sandy beach on Oahu's rugged leeward coast, popular with experienced surfers and sunset lovers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For the best sunset views
Keawaula Beach (Yokohama Bay) Honolulu
Best Time
For the best sunset views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Unspoiled, lifeguarded sandy beach on Oahu's rugged leeward coast, popular with experienced surfers and sunset lovers.
"A beautiful, sandy beach that feels very local and underrated, with absolutely stunning sunset views."
🚗 Park Smartly
If visiting near closing, park outside the gate to avoid being locked in. :car:
🌊 Respect the Waves
This beach is for strong swimmers only due to shore break and powerful waves. :ocean:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Sandy Shoreline
Main beach area
Miles of soft sand perfect for relaxing and enjoying the ocean breeze. Feels local and less crowded than other Oahu beaches.
Majestic Sunset Views
Western-facing coastline
Witness breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky with vibrant colors over the Pacific Ocean. A truly magical end to the day.
Powerful Ocean Waves
Nearshore waters
Experienced surfers and strong swimmers will appreciate the dynamic waves. Always check conditions before entering the water.
Planning Your Visit
Leeward Side Considerations
Swimming Safety & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Smartly
If visiting near closing, park outside the gate to avoid being locked in. :car:
🌊 Respect the Waves
This beach is for strong swimmers only due to shore break and powerful waves. :ocean:
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The sunsets here are incredible! Plan to stay until closing for a magical experience. 
🔒 Be Mindful of Belongings
Leeward side can have car break-ins; keep valuables out of sight. :lock:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Smartly
If visiting near closing, park outside the gate to avoid being locked in. :car:
🌊 Respect the Waves
This beach is for strong swimmers only due to shore break and powerful waves. :ocean:
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The sunsets here are incredible! Plan to stay until closing for a magical experience.
🔒 Be Mindful of Belongings
Leeward side can have car break-ins; keep valuables out of sight. :lock:
🚿 Rinse Off
Showers are available across the road for a quick rinse after your beach time. :shower:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Keawaula Beach is praised for its beautiful, expansive sandy shores and stunning sunset views, offering a more local and less crowded experience than other Oahu hotspots. Visitors appreciate the presence of lifeguards and available facilities across the road. However, the powerful waves and steep shore break make it unsuitable for casual swimmers, and concerns about car break-ins on the leeward side are noted.
"This is a beautiful, sandy beach that feels very local and underrated. We really enjoyed spending time here. We were lucky to find a parking spot, and there are bathrooms and showers conveniently located just across the road. There’s also a lifeguard on duty, which made us feel safe and welcome. The waves were big, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying the refreshing water. The sunset here is absolutely stunning. Definitely worth a visit!"
Diego AM
"It’s a beautiful beach, not super crowded with soft sand and calm clear waters. It’s bit of a walk from parking to beach, especially if you’re carrying a lot of stuff, and there are no bathrooms on the beach, you have to drive like a mile or more just to get to the bathrooms at the other beach (and those did not have any toilet paper)"
Solice White (Aria)
"An underrated beach one hour away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It's beautiful, not crowded. The view was stunning, the water was not too choppy when I visited but the shore break is pretty steep if you're not comfortable swimming. The sunset was majestic and I had such a great time here. It's still a relatively popular beach for many visitors.
I felt safe because there were lifeguards and the beach closes its gate at 7 pm so make sure you plan enough time to make sure your drive was worth it."
Amalina Ariffin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The drive from Honolulu to Keawaula Beach takes about an hour via Farrington Highway. Renting a car is the most convenient way to reach this leeward Oahu gem. Be aware that the drive can be long and hot, and some locals may not be overly welcoming to tourists.
Travelers advise against driving a convertible to Keawaula Beach due to a higher risk of car break-ins on the leeward side. It's recommended to keep valuables out of sight or consider a less conspicuous vehicle.
Parking can be limited. Some visitors suggest parking outside the main gate to avoid being locked in if you stay past closing time, as the gate is reportedly irregular in its opening and closing.
Public transport options to Keawaula Beach are very limited and time-consuming. Renting a car is highly recommended for ease of access and flexibility.
The most direct route is via Farrington Highway, which runs along the leeward coast of Oahu. Enjoy the scenic drive, but remain aware of your surroundings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Keawaula Beach is part of a state park and generally does not have an entrance fee. However, parking regulations and access times should be confirmed upon arrival.
The beach gates typically close at 7 PM, coinciding with sunset. It's advisable to plan your visit to allow ample time to enjoy the beach and depart before closing.
No advance booking is required for Keawaula Beach as it is a public beach. However, due to its popularity, especially for sunsets, arriving earlier is recommended.
The main restriction is the closing time of the gates at 7 PM. Visitors are also urged to be mindful of the powerful waves and swim only if experienced.
Access to Keawaula Beach is generally restricted after the gates close at 7 PM. It's best to plan your visit during daylight hours and for sunset.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
Keawaula Beach has a steep shore break and powerful waves, making it suitable for experienced swimmers and surfers only. Novice swimmers should exercise extreme caution or avoid swimming altogether.
Yes, there are lifeguards on duty at Keawaula Beach, which adds a layer of safety for visitors. However, always be aware of ocean conditions.
Restrooms and showers are available across the road from the beach. There are no facilities directly on the sand.
While considered less crowded than some other Oahu beaches, Keawaula can still be popular, especially for sunset. Weekdays tend to be quieter.
Keawaula Beach features soft, golden sand, making it a pleasant place to relax and sunbathe.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hour before sunset offers stunning light for photography. The dramatic waves also provide excellent opportunities for action shots.
The expansive shoreline, the powerful waves crashing, and the vibrant sunset skies are all highly photogenic. The rugged coastline also offers dramatic backdrops.
Drone usage may be subject to state park regulations. It's advisable to check with the Hawaii State Parks department for current rules and restrictions before flying a drone.
Expect to capture beautiful beach landscapes, dynamic ocean action, and breathtaking sunset scenes. The natural beauty of the rugged coastline is a key feature.
The dramatic sunsets and the powerful, often large, waves create unique and memorable photographic moments. The feeling of a more untouched, local beach also adds to its charm.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏄♀️ Surfers and Experienced Swimmers
📸 Photographers and Sunset Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Leeward Coast
It's important to note that the leeward coast also has a significant homeless population. While this doesn't inherently make the area unsafe for visitors, it's a factor to be aware of.
Ocean Safety at Keawaula Beach
Lifeguards are present at Keawaula Beach, offering a crucial safety net for visitors. However, their presence does not negate the inherent risks associated with the ocean. It's imperative to heed any warnings they may issue and to assess your own swimming abilities realistically before entering the water. If you are not a strong swimmer or are unfamiliar with ocean swimming, it is strongly advised to admire the waves from the shore and refrain from swimming.
Experiencing the Sunset
Many visitors make a point to stay until closing time, around 7 PM, to witness this daily spectacle. It's a truly magical experience that provides a peaceful and memorable end to a day at the beach.To make the most of your sunset experience, arrive in the late afternoon. This gives you ample time to relax on the sand, take a dip (if conditions permit and you are an experienced swimmer), and find a comfortable spot to watch the sun go down. The changing light throughout the evening offers fantastic photographic opportunities, so bring your camera or smartphone to capture the moment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit