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Overview
Located in the small town of Haleiwa, Kaunala Beach is small and wide beach on the north side of Pu’u O Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site. Kaunala Beach is a well-known surfing spot as the waves can reach 30 feet high in winter months. Kaunala Beach is also an incredible destination for photography as it is close to many waterways and has beautiful Instagram-worthy views of the very famous Banzai Pipeline.
Amenities
Kaunala Beach offers many amenities including lifeguards, restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.
Activities
There are many fun activities at Kaunala Beach including swimming, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, paddleboarding, bodyboarding, photography, picnicking, and beach walking. Please note that swimming here during the winter can be very dangerous because of huge waves and strong rip currents.
Parking
Getting to Kaunala Beach is very easy – the beach has a free parking lot at 58-302 Kamehameha Highway and provides easy access to the beach.
Attractions
If you are looking for attractions near Kaunala Beach, you can drive 35 minutes to many nearby options. USS Missouri Battleship Museum features the remains of the Iowa-class battleship Missouri that received a total of 11 battle stars for service in World War II and has been the setting in many movies including Pearl Harbor, Battleship, and Under Siege. Wet’n’Wild Hawaii is an incredible water park that is spread across 29 acres and has more than 25 rides and attractions including Big Kahuna, Cutter’s Island, Hawaiian Waters, Shaka, Surfsliders, Tornado, Volcano Express, and Waimea Whirl. If you like to golf, Ko Olina Golf Club is an 18-hole golf course that was designed by Ted Robinson and has multi-tiered greens, water features, and a clubhouse. Another great attraction near Kaunala Beach is the Ala Moana Center, the largest open-air shopping center in the world featuring shops, restaurants, twice-weekly hula shows, and a ride-simulating movie theater.
Restaurants
If you get hungry, you can drive 10 minutes to many restaurants near Kaunala Beach. Kehau’s Kitchen is a nice Hawaiian restaurant that offers taro, poi, breadfruit, limu, taro tops, and sweet potato. If you like Japanese food, Gyotaku Japanese Restaurant serves sushi, unagi, soba, udon, and onigiri at very affordable prices. Another good restaurant near Kaunala Beach is Button Up Café, a breakfast restaurant featuring pancakes, omelets, sandwiches, tacos, burgers, and homemade pies.
Hotels
If you are looking for a hotel near Kaunala Beach, there are many hotels within a 20-minute drive. The luxurious 5-star hotel Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina offers many amenities including a private beach, pool, bar with live music, spa, fitness center, kids’ club, tennis courts, as well as Asian, Italian, and seafood restaurants. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is a 4-Star hotel with a pool, adults-only pool bar, spa, movie nights, and pool parties with Disney characters. If you are looking for affordable hotels near Kaunala Beach, the 3-Star Hampton Inn & Suites Oahu/Kapolei features a pool, gym, and snack bar – and Pagoda Hotel is a 2-Star hotel that has a nice Japanese-Hawaiian fusion floating restaurant.
Amenities
Dogs
Activities
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Surfing
Volleyball
Rentals
Kayaking Canoeing
Food
Restaurants
Access
Car Access
Foot Access
Parking - Street
Public Bus Stop
Features
Top Traveler Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!
Does Kaunala Beach have parking? If so, is it free or paid?
No, this Beach does not have dedicated parking but has street parking near the entrance.
Does Kaunala Beach have lifeguards?
No, this Beach does not have lifeguards monitoring the beach - please be careful when swimming on this beach.
Is Kaunala Beach a family-friendly beach?
No, this Beach is not family-friendly and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food.
Is Kaunala Beach good for swimming?
Yes, this Beach boasts excellent swimming conditions, attracting swimmers of all skill levels with its gentle waves and clear waters.
Does Kaunala Beach have restrooms?
No, this Beach does not have restrooms on or near the beach.
Is Kaunala Beach a nude beach?
No, this Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.
Is there food near Kaunala Beach?
Yes, this Beach has multiple restaurant options near or on the beach.
What are the activities at Kaunala Beach?
Yes, this Beach is renowned for its vibrant beach scene, offering various activities for everyone to enjoy Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Surfing, Volleyball.
Does Kaunala Beach have accommodations for people with disabilities?
No, this Beach does not have accommodations for people with disabilities.
Is Kaunala Beach a dog-friendly beach?
Yes, bring your dog with you to this Beach!
Is Kaunala Beach good for surfing?
Yes, surfing is an activity that is frequently enjoyed at this Beach.
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