With approximately 750 miles of stunning coastline, it comes as no surprise that the Hawaiian Islands are home to some jaw-dropping destinations that fly under the radar. From waterfront parks and beaches to sea cliffs and lava formations, these unique coastal gems are all worthy of a visit, but today we’re headed to one of my favorite places. Measuring in at less than one acre in size, this might just be one of the smallest beach parks you’ll find in the Aloha State.
Nestled at the base of Diamond Head Crater between Waikiki and Diamond Head Beaches is Makalei Beach Park, a small stretch of sand that is often overlooked for more popular beaches.
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Because Makalei can’t be seen from the road, it doesn’t attract much attention and depending on when you visit — weekdays, in particular — you might just find that you have the beach to yourself.
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To access the beach, you’ll walk through the beachfront park all the way to the stone seawall that lines the park’s oceanfront, and then turn right.
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The beach is backed by a few luxury homes, and you’ll find that a large banyan tree in the center of the park as well as a handful of other trees provides plenty of shade.
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Makalei is most wildly used by surfers to access a few surf sites found offshore, many of which have scary or strange sounding names — Graveyards, Suicides, Radicals, Sleepy Hollows, and Ricebowls, for example.
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Though swimming conditions are limited here due to a reef on the nearshore ocean bottom, the tiny .7-acre beach park is the perfect place for a quiet picnic.
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You’ll find a few tables and benches as well as a grassy area ideal for a throwing down a picnic blanket and wasting away an afternoon.
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What you won’t find here, however, is official parking, restrooms, or lifeguards on duty. That’s just the way we like it, though, as it lends itself to a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere you won’t often find in the heart of Honolulu.
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When you want to truly get away from it all without ever venturing outside Honolulu city limits, head to Makalei Beach Park, an inconspicuous begging to be visited.
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Makalei Beach Park is located at 3111 Diamond Head Rd., Honolulu, HI 96815, and is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. If you’re looking for another unique coastal gem along Oahu’s southeastern shore, click here to learn all about Cromwell’s Beach.
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Erik Broder Van Dyke/Google
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Dan Mc/Google
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