Hi there!
Waimanalo Beach is one of the best beaches on Oahu.
It is a beautiful beach on the east side of Oahu that less tourists go to!
On the popular reality TV Japanese netflix show Terrace House Aloha State, they went to Waimanalo Beach at least 2 times.
I’ve made a couple of trips to Waimanalo Beach, and here’s what you need to know!
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It is a grand scenic drive to get to Waimanalo Beach if you’re coming from Waikikki!
You can also get to Waimanalo Beach by bus if you are in Oahu without a car.
There is the Oahu bus that goes to Waimanalo Beach.
Is Waimanalo Beach good for swimming?
Yes, you can swim at Waimanalo Beach in Oahu!
The water color is inviting!
According to the Ocean Safety Division of Honolulu:
The beach fronting the park is wide and sandy, providing good conditions for sunbathing and swimming.
That is… Waimanalo Beach is good for swimming if the ocean conditions are calm!
You can check the current conditions at Waimanalo Beach before you go.
Waimanalo Beach warning signs
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Ocean conditions can vary!
Depending on the ocean conditions of the day, a dangerous shore break, strong currents, and portuguese man-o-war can make for less safe swimming at Waimanalo Beach.
Portuguese Man-O-War at Waimanalo Beach?!
The Portuguese man-o-war, which are closely related to jellyfish, can be a thing at Waimanalo Beach.
To be prepared for the worst-case scenario (aka getting stung by a Portuguese man-of-war at Waimanalo Beach!), you can read up on best practices for what to do if you do get stung.
Portuguese man-o-war treatment is similar to jellyfish stings.
According University of Hawaii scientists:
The best first aid is to rinse with vinegar to remove any residual stingers or bits of tentacle left on the skin and then immerse in 45°C (113°F) hot water or apply a hot pack for 45 minutes.
You can also go to the lifeguard at Waimanalo Beach for help too!
There are lifeguards at Waimanalo Beach.
Do you have to pay to go to Waimanalo Beach?
There is no Waimanalo Beach beach entry fee, so Waimanalo Beach is a free public beach!
There is also free parking at Waimanalo Beach.
So Waimanalo Beach is a FREE beach you can go to on Oahu! (There are a lot of free beaches on Oahu!)
How far is Waimanalo Beach from Waikiki?
Driving from Waikiki to Waimanalo Beach is around a 35 minute drive. (map)
If you want to make Waimanalo Beach your first stop after flying into Hawaii, then Honolulu Airport to Waimanalo Beach is also around a 35 minute drive. (map)
Can you get a bus to Waimanalo Beach from Waikiki?
Yes, you can get a bus to Waimanalo Beach if you don’t mind the time in transit!
The Oahu bus goes all around the island, and the bus stop near Waimanalo Beach is a few minutes walk away.
Going by bus from Waikiki to Waimanalo Beach will take around 1.5 hours, if you get a direct bus that doesn’t require any transfers.
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If you don’t see a video above, you can watch the Waimanalo Beach video on youtube.
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Waimanalo Beach is a pretty long beach!
Waimanalo Beach can also be a perfect beach for a long beach walk!
You can make your start the Waimanalo Beach Park (map) or the Waimanalo Bay Beach Park. (map)
Yes, there is a difference between Waimanalo Beach Park and Waimanalo Bay Beach Park!
They are both along the same shore line so you would be going to a Waimanalo beach no matter which you choose, but there are 2 separate beach parks in Waimanalo along the beach. (map)
There is free parking at both of these beach parks in Waimanalo and there is a bus stop near both of them too.
And that’s a bit about Waimanalo Beach on Oahu!
More for your Waimanalo beach trip and beyond:
HAPPY BEACH TRIP TO WAIMANALO BEACH IN HAWAII!
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HAWAII TRAVEL TIPS
Plan your day on Oahu!
- Things to do in Waikiki (for VIEWS!)
- Fun Waikiki snorkeling spots
- Free hula show in Waikiki
- Cheap way to get to the Diamond Head hike
🐠 Here are things you must consider packing for Hawaii!
You can find these things on Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate.
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel
- walking sandals perfect for Hawaii
- teva is a popular outdoor shoe brand
- teva sandals for women
- teva sandals for men
I also don't go snorkeling in Hawaii without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.