Anahola Beach Park

Kapaʻa & the Eastside


Despite having no sign from the highway, this locals’ beach is an easy getaway. Backed by pines and palms, it's blessed with excellent swimming thanks to a wide, sandy bay with a sheltered cove at the south end. At the beach's choppy northern end is the surf break Unreals.

Because this county park sits on Hawaiian Home Lands, you’ll probably share the beach with Hawaiian families, especially on weekends. Remember, it’s their beach: respect the locals. There are two ways to get here: for the south end, turn off Kuhio Hwy on to Kukuihale Rd at mile marker 13, drive a mile down and then turn on to the dirt beach road. For the north end, take ʻAliomanu Rd at mile marker 14 and park in the sandy lot.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kapaʻa & the Eastside attractions

1. ʻAliomanu Beach

1.28 MILES

Secluded ʻAliomanu Beach is a spot frequented primarily by locals, who pole- and throw-net fish and gather limu (edible seaweed). It’s a mile-long stretch…

2. Hole in the Mountain

1.82 MILES

Ever since a landslide altered this once-obvious landmark, the puka (hole) in Puʻu Konanae has been a mere sliver. From slightly north of mile marker 15…

3. Paliku Beach

2.25 MILES

Once unofficially known as a nudists' playground, this scenic beach is rarely swimmable, but the rugged and isolated terrain makes for fun beachcombing…

4. Kealia Beach Park

3.59 MILES

Blessed with a wild, near-pristine location, a laid-back vibe and easy access via car or the coastal path, scenic Kealia is the Eastside's best beach…

5. Moloaʻa Beach

3.8 MILES

This classically curved bay appeared in the pilot for Gilligan’s Island. There's a shallow protected swimming area good for families at the north end; to…

6. Larsen's Beach

4.72 MILES

This long, loamy, golden-sand beach, named after L David Larsen (former manager of the Kilauea Sugar Company), is stunning, raw and all-natural, with a…

7. Kapaʻa Beach Park

4.88 MILES

From the highway, you’d think that Kapaʻa is beachless. But along the coast is a low-key, mile-long ribbon of golden sand. While the whole area is…

8. Orchid Alley

4.9 MILES

Tucked down a little path off the main drag is this orchid nursery and butterfly garden. The owners have been here for over 20 years. They sell orchids…