Waianae Attractions

Places to Visit in Waianae - Waianae Must-See Attractions

Things to Do in Waianae

Check out must-see sights and activities:
Ka'ena Point State Park, Makaha Beach Park, Beaches, Swim with Dolphins. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Top Attractions in Waianae

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Remote coastal hike with wildlife-viewing, from albatross to monk seals. Features challenging trails, tide pools, and panoramic ocean and mountain vistas. Essentials include water and sunscreen.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • JFWhite
    Moncton, Canada8,160 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very nice free park to take advantage of if you are around. Lots of free parking as well. Lots of nice views, and lots to see. The water was rough when we came which was a bonus. Highly recommended!
    Written 21 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Christine P
    16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was our last day on Oahu and a big storm system was coming in. We decided we would drive west in search of some sun. We stopped for a bit at Electric beach, which was nice, but we decided to go further. We found Makaha beach and spent the rest of the day there. Lots of parking, as well as showers, restrooms and two lifeguards. There are a few resorts and vacation rentals overlooking the beach. On the far right side there is a surf break and you can easily watch the surfers catching some waves. Long expanse of soft white sand, clear green water and steep shorebreak. It was fairly calm so people were able to swim, but there are rip current warnings posted. We saw sea turtles and a massive whale breach. Fairly exposed but there are a few trees and picnic tables closer to the road. No homeless encampments, if you are worried about that. Highly recommend if you want to escape the crowds of Waikiki.
    Written 30 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Odyssey12931008179
    Anderson, SC23 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A little tricky to get in and out. I’m somewhat overweight and I joke that I might still be in the mermaid caves today if a nice guy there hadn’t boosted me out. 😂 So pretty though. Other reviews here helped us find it. We followed recommendations to make sure we went at low tide. We really loved the beach there afterward but it is somewhat of a party beach.
    Written 19 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CarmenV3
    Fall City, WA1,687 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The hike is relatively short and the views are amazing but this is not a “walk in the park” The first 1/2 mile of the trail is a climb over loose gravel, uneven ground and some large boulders. The remaining trail is series of switchbacks of narrow path and more loose rocks. The views from the pillboxes are amazing. Get inside to get some relief from the sun and wind. Before attempting to climb here, please wear appropriate athletic shoes.
    Written 29 June 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • H P N
    Zebulon, NC134 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The positive: it has the clearest water out there, you can see all the way to the ground
    It’s a beach used by the locals and the military (they have cabins to rent). There is a bathroom that is decently clean (I observed everywhere there are Japanese tourists (not there) they throw the used toilet paper on the ground, probably believing the plumbing cannot handle it. Pearl Harbor was particularly nasty).

    The negative: the whole upper west side beaches are overtaken by homeless people. There are whole villages made up of tents and pallets. They seemed friendly enough though, but it is telling that they reside mostly on the (relatively) poor side of the island. There are also some local gangs in that area, so I don’t know how welcoming they are to haole (white) people.
    Cost of living is extremely high in Hawaii without salaries supporting these costs, and outside of Waikiki and the touristy areas the social problems become visible.
    We were there with a local family, who told us about these issues.
    Written 18 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CarmenV3
    Fall City, WA1,687 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This beach is best enjoyed early in the morning and on weekdays. This is very popular with the locals so if you’re looking for a nice stroll on the beach, best to avoid the crowded times.
    We walked the length of this beach, both directions several times during our vacation to the island. I love the views and the sandy shores.
    Written 29 June 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TravelingSoccerLoon
    Saint Paul, MN7,939 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Scenic mountain range that separates the leeward coast of Oahu from the central valley. Nice views as I hiked the Pu'u O Hulu Trail near the town of Maili
    Written 15 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • OZS_ATW
    Budapest, Hungary4,382 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nanakuli Beach Park was nice but it was not my favorite part of Oahu. We saw a lot of homeless people living tin the car parks in shabby vans, cars or in tents.
    Be careful!
    Written 23 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TravelingSoccerLoon
    Saint Paul, MN7,939 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I hiked the Pu'u O Hulu (Pink Pillbox)Trail located just south of the town of Waianae. Moderately strenuous hike as it is a bit rocky and climbs 880ft where you reach a ridge that offers incredible views of the leeward side of Oahu. 360 panoramic views of the coast, nearby towns and surrounding mountains. Loved hearing the roosters in the morning. There are 2 bunkers or pillboxes located at the top and these can be explored along the hike. Have the right shoes on and hiking poles were helpful. Not many tourists on Oahu make it to this side of the island. Quite frankly it is not as attractive as the windward side. We were staying at The Aulani at Ko Olina, and it was an easy drive up the coast. I was here before 9am and was one of only three people on the hike. It did get a bit busier later in the morning. Start early to avoid other hikers and the mid-day heat as there is no shade. It took 45 min to ascend and a bit shorter to come down, but I lingered at the top as the views and photos were so good.
    Written 14 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • sander3000
    Aalborg, Denmark3 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aki's beach was hard to find at first, as the narrow pathway is located between two private properties.
    Arriving at the beach around 3pm we expected to be too early to spot any turtles, but within 5-10 minutes we saw two turtles making their way onto the beach.
    We didn't plan on snorkeling at the time, but a few local families were snorkeling close to the turtles.
    Great experience.
    Written 20 July 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • alexmak01
    Portland, OR19 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Farmers markets are great, there is nothing especially awesome about this one, but it does offer local art, fresh local fruits and vegetables and that welcome farmers market atmosphere. I would definitely visit if staying in a place with a kitchen, and to shop for local trinkets.
    Written 22 January 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • whiskeysix
    Honolulu, HI629 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I loved this beach! We visited the amazing Mermaid Cave first (please only go at low tide!) then planted our chairs on this beach to have lunch. We saw turtles and dolphins. Some of the friends saw whales! We also did some snorkeling which was awesome!

    It was a wonderful morning here, one of my top beach experiences so far Oahu.

    There is a bathroom that is not in the greatest shape, outdoor showers, and a life guard. There seemed to be rip currents on part of this beach the day we went, so just be careful!

    Beautiful beach!
    Written 1 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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