Malaekahana State Recreation Area

Lonely Planet review

Swimming is generally good year-round here, although there are occasionally strong currents in winter. This popular family beach is also good for many other water activities, including bodysurfing, board surfing and windsurfing. Kalanai Point, the main section of the park, is less than a mile north of La'ie and has picnic tables, barbecue grills, camping, rest rooms and showers.

You'll feel all sorts of intrepid pride when you discover the wild and rugged beach, just north of town, in the Malaekahana State Recreation Area. A long, narrow strip of sand stretches between Makahoa Point to the north and Kalanai Point to the south with a thick inland barrier of ironwoods.

Moku'auia (Goat Island), a state bird sanctuary just offshore, has a small sandy cove with good swimming and snorkeling. It's possible to wade over to the island - best when the tide is low and the water's calm. Be careful of the shallow coral (sharp) and sea urchins (sharper). When the water is deeper, you can also swim across to the island, but beware of a rip that's sometimes present off the windward end of the island. Be sure to ask the lifeguard about water conditions and whether it's advisable to cross.