Waimanalo Things to Do
Things to Do near Waimanalo on Oahu
Waimanalo is one of Oahu's quieter windward beach communities, with long white-sand shoreline, mountain views, and a more local-residents-first feel than Waikiki or Kailua. It is best approached with respect, patience, and a simple beach-and-scenic-drive plan.
Do not overpack the day. Waimanalo works best when you choose one main beach stop, add Makapuu or Kailua if conditions fit, and leave plenty of time for traffic, parking, and changing weather.
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1. Waimanalo Beach Park
Waimanalo Beach Park is the area's signature stop, with a long stretch of sand and Koolau mountain views. Check surf and wind before swimming, and keep beach days low-impact and respectful.
2. Bellows Beach
Bellows Beach is another major Waimanalo-side beach, with public access rules that vary by area and day. Confirm current access before making it the center of your plan.
3. Makapuu Point
Makapuu Point sits just beyond Waimanalo along the scenic southeast coast. It pairs well with a beach day if you start early and want cliffs, ocean views, and a short paved trail experience nearby.
4. Scenic Windward and Southeast Coast Drive
The drive between Hawaii Kai, Makapuu, Waimanalo, and Kailua is one of Oahu's best short coastal routes. Go slowly, use legal pullouts, and avoid stopping in ways that block residents or beach access.
5. Kailua or Hawaii Kai Food Pairing
Waimanalo has limited visitor dining compared with Kailua and Hawaii Kai, so plan food before or after the beach. Kailua is the natural windward pairing, while Hawaii Kai works if you are coming from Honolulu or Hanauma Bay.
How to Plan Your Time in Waimanalo
Allow: A half day, or a full day with Makapuu and the southeast coast. Best for: A long Windward beach, a scenic drive, and an unhurried local stop.
Choose a different plan if: Wind, shorebreak, or access limits make the beaches unsuitable for your group.
Hawaii Guide's recommended order
- Makapuu Point: Hike early if it is part of the day, before the exposed trail heats up.
- Waimanalo Beach Park: Make this the main beach stop when conditions are appropriate.
- Kailua or Hawaii Kai: Choose one direction for food rather than backtracking along the coast.
Planning tip: Bellows has separate military and public-access rules; verify the current access area before relying on it.
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Where to Stay and Eat Nearby
Use these nearby hotel and restaurant ideas as a practical base for planning more time around Waimanalo.
Restaurants near Waimanalo
- Braddah's Brewhouse Coffee & Pub (Waimanalo, Burgers)
- Cactus (, Latin American)
- Roy's Hawaii Kai (Hawaii Kai, Hawaiian)
Published by: John C. Derrick
Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years in Hawai'i tourism, University of South Carolina climate-research training, and NOAA weather-station experience.
