Let’s be honest: Pretty much every beach town in Hawaii is dream-like. We’re lucky to live in paradise, and we know it! When it comes to unspoiled beaches, the Aloha State has plenty to choose from, but some are more crowded with tourists than others. Here’s a little town that tends to have fewer visitors, and it’s nestled right next to a gorgeous beach.

The town of Waimānalo is home to around 5,500 residents. It’s located on the eastern end of O’ahu. This community is mainly residential, and while tourists do make their way here, there’s no hotel in town, so the beaches nearby tend to be much less crowded than others on the island.

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Makapu’u Beach is tiny - just a quarter of a mile long - but what it lacks in size it makes up for in beauty.

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This part of the coastline is incredibly picturesque with its azure waters and pounding surf.

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Get there early, and you’ll be treated to a gorgeous sunrise.

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This tiny beach is often empty in the early morning hours on a weekday.

Hawaiian555/Tripadvisor

Try your hand at fishing in the morning.

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The surf comes in hard on this little strip of sand, and rip currents can be dangerous for swimmers.

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Of course, that makes conditions perfect for surfers, who just can’t resist the strong, powerful shorebreak.

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While Makapuʻu Beach is a beautiful place to watch the waves and even wade around a bit, it’s not usually a good place to swim because of the unusually strong currents. Obey the signs, and relax on the beach, instead.

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Better yet…grab your camera and start shooting. This unspoiled beach is postcard-worthy!

Tetsuya O/Tripadvisor

Have you visited the charming town of Waimānalo? If you’re looking for more great beaches in the same area, take a look at this little beach where you can camp right by the ocean.

Brad Smith/flickr

Hawaiian555/Tripadvisor

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Tetsuya O/Tripadvisor

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