Kahana Bay Beach Park

Having Fun at Kahana Beach

Family-Friendly Activities

Kahana Bay offers a laid-back environment where families can enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, and barbecuing. The abundance of shade from ironwood trees makes it a great place to relax for an entire day.

Other unique activities for families include:

• Scavenger hunt for shells – When the water is calm, colorful shells line the shore, making it fun for kids and adults alike.
• Beach cleanup efforts – Kahana Bay’s shape causes ocean debris to wash ashore, so visitors can participate in local cleanup initiatives. Even a few minutes of picking up trash can make a big difference!

Kahana Bay Beach Activities

• Snorkeling – The best conditions occur during the summer when the water is clearer. Fish gather near the bay’s rocky areas, making it a great spot for underwater exploration.
• Enjoying the seclusion – The towering cliffs of the Ko‘olau Mountain Range make this beach feel isolated, especially on weekdays when few visitors are around.
• Kayaking – Kahana Bay Beach and the adjacent Kahana River are excellent for kayaking, especially for beginners due to the calm currents.
• Ancient Huilua Fishpond – This historic Hawaiian fishpond, once used to trap and breed fish, still exists despite years of neglect. It is one of only six remaining fishponds on O‘ahu.
• Fishing – Locals frequently fish from shore at Kahana Bay, thanks to abundant marine life in the shallow waters.
• Surfing in the winter – During the winter months, swells bring good surf conditions, with December offering the cleanest and most consistent waves.

Nearby Sights and Activities

• Pu‘u Ma‘eli‘eli Trail – A nearby hiking trail offering stunning coastline views and wildflowers.
• Crouching Lion Hike – A short but steep hike that rewards climbers with panoramic views of Kahana Bay. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the top.

Nearby Places to Eat

Since Kahana Bay is relatively remote, dining options are limited. However, there are a few great local spots nearby:

• Mike’s Huli Chicken (about 10 minutes away) – Famous for its Hawaiian-style huli huli chicken, cooked over an open flame and served with rice and mac salad.
• Waiahole Poi Factory (about 10 minutes away) – A must-visit for authentic Hawaiian food, including laulau, kalua pig, and fresh poi. Don’t forget to try their sweet kulolo dessert!
• Keneke’s Grill at Punaluu (about 5 minutes away) – A casual eatery serving Hawaiian plate lunches like garlic shrimp, loco moco, and BBQ chicken.
• Hau‘ula Food Trucks (about 15 minutes away) – A cluster of food trucks offering fresh seafood, poke bowls, and smoothies.