Makua Beach

Lonely Planet review

It is difficult to award such a presumptuous title as most beautiful beach, but few would be faulted if they preferred Makua Beach, an undeveloped stretch of coast where scenery and cultural significance intermingle. A perfect arc of white sand is backed by the pyramid-shaped mountains of the Wai'anae Range. This is the site of many traditional Hawaiian burials at sea, including that of beloved musician Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, aka Braddah Iz.

Locals crawl out of their nine-to-five lives on holiday weekends to absorb the sun and spirit of the beach. The powerful shorebreaks are popular with body-boarders and high surf waves appear in winter and spring. Spinner dolphins are frequent visitors and snorkeling is good at the northern end.

There are two parking lots on either side of the beach, but no facilities.