Kawela Bay

Worst beach on the island. There are rabid animals in the woods, the air smells like a dead humpback’s okole, and I got full-​body hemorrhoids just by getting into the water.
I’ve heard that even worse things happen to tourists when they come here. Stay away, and tell everyone else to avoid this place like the zika virus. You’re better off swimming in a barrel full of nuclear waste and dirty diapers.

felt good and had a great #MLK #BeachCleaning Today

I love coming here when I want to come down to get beach but don’t feel like being surrounded by a crowd. It’s a cool place for camping and barbecuing.

A lot of people gave this beach low reviews as a point of sarcasm, mine isn’t. My wife and I parked along the highway and walked through the side of the locked gate and followed the man-​made path of trampled grass. We had no idea where we were going but followed the music. We finally ended up at a fairly empty and secluded beach and discovered that the music was coming from the Turtle Bay Resort which was a little ways away but clearly visible.
The water was calmer than most other Oahu beaches but very murky, which pretty much seemed par for the course at all beaches on Oahu. There was nothing special about this location with the exception of the spectacular sunset we watched and the fact that there were only a few other people there. Considering the fact that we drove here from the west side of the island, it was pretty much a waste of time.

I loved this beach, every time I go recently it’s not worth the hassle. Not worth the drive, parking on the street, walking through the woods etc. The beach has been very crowded lately, even the secluded thinner stretch. There is dead coral everywhere, and tours are even starting to occur here. I love the banyan tree at the beginning of the walk in. I wish it was still a secret :(

Worst parking lot ever. Since they put in the walmart on a pier here, the place has just gone straight down hill. There are rogue cows and maniacal chickens that live in the water and Nessie vacations here to feed on her winter vacations. I hear this beach was built on a landfill site, but what do I know.

0) Worst beach ever… ;) jk…

Following suit, not a good spot. ;) The beach is littered with debris from the forest. Leaves and debris in the water. Hard to find, loooong walk to the water, little shoreline, no sun, and murky waters. You don’t know what could be lurking under that murky water… let alone the coral and rocks are painful to step on. Don’t let a falling coconut hit you on the way out. or in.

Our family used to just call this «The Secret Beach,» because, for a long time, it was a well-​kept secret. Yes, it’s close to the Turtle Bay resort, but it’s quite a hike from their parking lot. You can also access the beach from the highway, and I understand that is a shorter trek.
So, what happened? Well, someone created some new roads that go directly to the beach from Turtle Bay. They’re not paved, but they are wide and easily accessible. These roads are frequently used by the SUP and kayak rental companies. Because of this, the beach is now much more crowded than I’d remembered from my last visit a couple of years ago. To add insult to injury, one of the employees of the SUP rental company brought his two neurotic dogs along for the day. He kept them tied up on the beach, and they barked and howled the entire time the group was out on the water. So much for peace and quiet.
In Colbert M’s recent review, he mentions that the water was murky from recent rains. When we visited, it had been a long time since the last rainfall, but the bay was much more murky than I’d remembered. I hope that is just a temporary problem. At any rate, the conditions for swimming and snorkeling were terrible.
Sadly, I can no longer recommend this beach.

It’s a hassle to find and there are more beautiful and easier to access beaches on Oahu. We had to hike through a dark and creepy jungle area and constantly be on the lookout for falling coconuts (that could kill a person) to get to the bay. Once we got there there was a narrow strip of sand along the bay made even narrower if you are there during high tide (our beach towels were drenched by the rising water). We learned that the ocean water was murky because it rained a few days earlier and the flood waters run off into the bay with who knows what kind of pesticides and other chemicals from the farms on the other side of the highway from the bay. We didn’t see much sea-​life in the water but we did see a turtle with a huge tumor growing out of its hind quarter. Ughh! Sharks Cove or Malaekahana are much better options.

following suit. This place is amazing. don’t want it to be crowded

5.25.13.
HAHA. I just noticed Julie H. & Jennifer M.‘s reviews… and I am following suit! (good thinking ladies)!!
This is a great place to come for beginner paddle boarders! My friend Ana just purchased one and wanted to teach me how to do it! Although we are locals, we could easily pass for tourists on this side of the island especially since we are basically «townies» haha.
Some girlfriends and I were staying at Turtle Bay for the weekend and we really wanted to make use of my friends spanking new board. We asked a staff member at Turtle Bay where we could go on the TB premises. She was super helpful – I wish I had gotten her name down – and directed us to head down the road (2 min drive) to Kawela Bay and gave us expicit instructions on how to get there and what to look for.
Basically, the beach access point is across the street from the Kahuku Land Farms stalls along Kamehameha Highway. You can park along the side of the road in the grass, and find the entrance. You’ll have to go through some «forest», but it’s not that far of a walk. The bay itself is pretty calm, and makes this location ideal for (beginner) paddle boarders! It didn’t seem to be that crowded either; I hope it stays this way! Water was also very pristine, and if you keep an eye out you may spot a turtle or two!
I believe that TB also uses this «forested» area for their horseback riding tours? You can catch them walking by when you’re on the beach.
Overall, love this place but like other reviewers I am hoping that this doesn’t become too crowded!
Unilocal 365 Challenge: #144/​365

Rating this low on purpose so tourist stay off this secluded beach. Locals only!

I have to say that I’m in agreeance with Julie :) Rating low to discurage the tourists. Now I know what you’re thinking… look at my picture, I’m obviously a haole ;) but I love the crystal blue waters and I want to keep them that way!
This beach is amazing! The water was beautiful and snokeling around the reef patches in the calm water was refreshing. The only downside… picking up trash! SERIOUSLY PEOPLE, if you are going to go to a beach, pick up after yourselves! It’s not really how I had pictured a relaxing morning at the beach, but oh well. I helped make it prettier… if that’s even possible.
Anywho, for now, this beach remains a secret. I really don’t plan on telling many of my friends because I would hate to see it turn into a party spot.
All in all; enjoy the beach, respect ‘aina!

Gorgeous secluded beach where the water is calm and so many gentle sea turtles swimming around. If you are surfing or paddle boarding be careful as there is alot of coral and you WILL get hurt. Absolutely awesome beach!

I’m sorry. I just can’t give this beach 5 stars. I don’t want anyone else to come here!!! I want it to be mine, ALL MINE. This beach is always so empty and I love it and I admit that I’m a horrible sharer.
But since you’re taking the time to read this, this beach is one of the best on the island. I park at Turtle Bay and walk on over. It’s quite a trek but it’s beautiful. I love walking past the horses and through the forest, I visit the bunker and finally lay out my towel where I’ve never seen more than 10 ppl. The water is always calm and flat … just ridiculously relaxing.
So if you’re looking for a beach to go to, I highly recommend anywhere in Waikiki… far far away from this beach. :) Thank you!

Our first trip here. What a find, I almost hate to write a review and assist letting the secret out. It would be a SIN against nature and the state of Hawaii to build a resort here. The fruit stand across the street is also a treasure. We saw lots of colorful fish and turtles. There were 20 people at one time was not crowded. We spent time at Turtle Bay snorkeling in the public area also. At Turtle Bay the water was clear and we saw whales playing beyond the reef. We rented snorkeling gear at Turtle Bay to use at both locations. $ 10.00 mask, snorkels and fins for the full day.

It’s a bay, it’s a lagoon… it’s a lot calmer then the coral infested beach of Turtle Bay resort.
I walked into this area when I was doing the Green Trail walk from Turtle Bay. Looking for various Lost locations. This was one of them.

Ahhh… I have to tell you… for somone who tells tourists where to go and what to do in Paradise I sometimes have to admit it’s nice to still come here and be alone… The funniest thing about the last time I went here was the only person on the beach was a guy who watched my video and you know what… I was cool with dat… lol.
Before I get into the details about this Private and secluded beach I want to start this review with pulling about another persons review… because we all know how much I love to do that. I never name the crack head idiots that write Bull reviews but considering so few know about this place and there are only two other reviews I’m sure you will guess my following comment…
Quote: «We walked into this secluded area but like all the other remaining secluded areas, the water was too rough and coming almost right onto the bank. There was really no beach just a bank.»
I’m only going to post this one idiotic line… This is a well protected bay… No wave or rough waters are ever found here even in dead of winter because of the reef system. This is one of the few places in winter you can swim and snorkel with Honu in this protected bay. The rest of this mainlanders review is just as much a joke… So I won’t waste your time… the guy posted a few pics… his own images don’t back up his rough water claims… it’s laughable.
What ticks me off is ignorant morons who don’t know jack about these islands and choose to write bulls#$% about very special and sacred Hawaiian location… He says this is where Lost was film… so what, so have other movies… What he doesn’t tell you about is the history… why would he… He knows nothing about this amazing and historical place.
KAWELA BAY is a beautiful and secluded well known secret bay where locals go to get away from the tourist crowds. This is a 30 – 60 min walk along the coast from Turtle Bay Resort. If you take your time and stop here and there and take pictures it will take you a little longer to reach the secluded Kawela Bay. You will pass several secluded beaches where I have seen Hawaiian Monk Seals and Honu Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles sun bathing themselves on the beaches along your journey. If lucky as you venture in the forest and out along the shore you may hear Amazon Parrots in the trees above so keep your eye out for them. Remember, the ocean waves outside the Bay during your walk will differ between summer and winter months. however once you make it to the BAY the reef system protects you from the waves even in the dead of winter. It’s always as smooth as a babies bottom in the bay, perfect for the entire family. Although you can attempt to walk the entire way just along the shore until you reach the bay from the turtle bay resort it is wise from time to time to enter inland through the forest where walking along the shore and sharp coral may be a little dangerous. Use your head and if you feel it’s best to walk the trail inland for a few and then head back to the shore do so. I DO! When you finally get close to Kawela bay you will come to a point where there is a single pillbox. Once passing the pillbox you will come to a small grass area to your right where you can chillax in the shade over looking Kawela bay. Have a snack or if you packed a picnic and bottle of wine this is a good place to enjoy that before you head inland once again into a little spooky forest straight out of an episode of Lost. Guess what, it was a spooky forest seen in one of the episodes of lost. The land here is sacred… These are Hawaiian ancient burial grounds… When you come out of the forest and arrive at the secluded bay get comfortable, take a dip in the bay, sunbath and just become lost in paradise where very few tourist ever see. While you come and go to this sacred place… know that the Hawaiian People as well as people like me fight to keep this place sacred and un distrubed… One day if some get their way Hotels and Resorts will line this beach covering these graves… Lets pray this never happens because if it does it will be a GOD DAMN SHAME and an embarrasment to the state of Hawai’i. If you want to understand what this place means to the Hawaiian people you will watch this Video so when you go you have a better understanding of this sacred place and cherish the moments you have at this beautiful magical place.
VIDEO: SAVE KAWELA BAY:

If your looking for a chill beach to just lay out. Maybe do some paddle boarding. This is the place for you. I take my dogs down here and let them run. Sometimes you will see some movies being shot here such as lost and Alvin and the chipmunks. But I have to say. If you can find it. It’s relaxing and beautiful. The Hawaii I love