Also known as Sherwood Forest, as a gang likening themselves to Robin Hood and his merry men operated here in the 1960s, this broad sandy beach backed by ironwood trees is spectacular, popular with surfers and bodyboarders. Countless weddings take place on the enchanting strand. There are lifeguards, campsites and restrooms. Entrance is opposite the Honolulu Polo Club. At research time Native Hawaiian protests against planned development were taking place, but access to the beach park was not disrupted.
© Ppictures/Shutterstock
Waimanalo Bay Beach Park
Top choice in Windward Coast
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
8.46 MILES
In the shadow of Diamond Head, the former mansion of billionaire tobacco heiress Doris Duke is a sight to behold for art-lovers and celebrity hounds…
Stones of Life of Kapaemahu and Kapuni
9.23 MILES
Near the police substation at Waikiki Beach Center, four ordinary-looking volcanic basalt boulders are actually sacred and legendary Hawaiian symbols…
5.83 MILES
This impressive, little-known viewpoint is at the end of Lumahai St in Portlock, makai (toward the sea) from the traffic lights at the Koko Marina Center…
16.02 MILES
This somber memorial is one of the USA's most significant WWII sites, commemorating the Pearl Harbor attack and its fallen service members with an iconic…
10.9 MILES
Hawaii’s version of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC, the Bishop Museum showcases a remarkable array of cultural and natural history exhibits…
10.4 MILES
No other place evokes a more poignant sense of Hawaii’s history. The palace was built under King David Kalakaua in 1882. At that time, the Hawaiian…
9.82 MILES
This exceptional fine-arts museum is among the best of its kind anywhere. The collection is effectively a 'best of' summary of major art movements…
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
15.33 MILES
One of the USA’s most significant WWII sites, this National Park Service (NPS) monument narrates the history of the Pearl Harbor attack and commemorates…
Nearby Windward Coast attractions
0.99 MILES
By the side of the roadway south of the main business area, this sloping strip of soft white sand has little puppy waves that are excellent for swimming…
1 MILES
An extenuation of stunning Waimanalo Beach, this beach park is only open to civilians on weekends (and national holidays), as it fronts Bellows Air Force…
3.35 MILES
Just southeast of Kailua, Lanikai is an exclusive residential neighborhood fronting a gorgeous stretch of powdery white sand overlooking two postcard…
3.43 MILES
Makapuʻu Beach is one of Oʻahu’s top bodyboarding and bodysurfing spots, but as with Sandy Beach Park, Makapuʻu is strictly the domain of experts who can…
3.92 MILES
A wide arc of sand drapes around the jewel-colored waters of Kailua Bay, bookended by formidable volcanic headlands and with interesting little islands…
6. Hamakua Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
4 MILES
Downstream from Kawai Nui Marsh, this tiny nature preserve provides more habitat for rare waterbirds, including the koloa maoli (Hawaiian duck), aeʻo …
4.13 MILES
Oʻahu's easternmost point was the landfall for all ships from the American west coast to Honolulu. The lighthouse dates to 1909, when it was finally built…
8. Koko Crater Botanical Garden
4.19 MILES
According to Hawaiian legend, Koko Crater is the imprint left by the magical flying vagina of Kapo, sent from the Big Island to lure the pig god Kamapuaʻa…