It's a stone's throw from Haunama Bay in Hawaii Kai, but Hunakai beach is one of Oahu's best kept secrets. Sort of like Lanikai Beach in Kailua where tourists usually don't go, Hunakai Beach in Kahala can give you the relaxation and privacy you're looking for.
I definitely would recommend this one, since it's quite pristine and void of humanity on most days, considering that it's in a residential neighborhood and most don't know about. The soothing calm of the weaving waves brings some stress levels down in a wild world that seems almost unbelievable at times, but life is like that. The tranquility of the beach and the surrounding community is as great as you can get, just because hardly anyone is around and knows about this sector of paradise. The public is invited to hang out here and there's almost always street parking here. I usually come here when I want something away from the craziness of Waikiki beach, but close to home where I don't need to travel that far. Hunakai beach is roughly about a smooth 2 miles or so from home, so it ain't that bad. It's location is definitely in the right neighborhood of Kahala, so you can see the luxurious residential areas on the island that go for a pretty penny on any given day. The overall experience each time I come to just hang out at Hunakai beach has been stellar usually. Just come to destress from the work life and enjoy what nature has to offer. We have many opportunities since we make our home in Hawaii-nei. As they say, lucky to live Hawaii and that phrase is so true.
Hunakai beach stretches from The Kahala hotel all the way up to Diamond Head lighthouse, although access through it may be very limited, but go through the shore line and you will eventually hit Diamond Head. The beach does have its loyal following, but usually it's quite calm and overcrowding is usually not an issue for sure. Pick your favorite spot and watch the sunrise over the water and it's quite amazing. I've done that a few times, but waking up before the sun rises can be a pain, but so worth the effort, especially on the weekends. As aforementioned before, the beach is situated in the luxury subdivision of Kahala Avenue. Plenty of parking that's on adjacent streets and thoroughfares. At least you don't have to fight for parking, as opposed to in Kailua or North Shore. There are a couple of openings to the shore from the residential street, saying on signage that that's the public right to the beach. Best bet of all public beaches around the island is that it's definitely free. Yup, no admission fee required. Just bring your sunscreen and towel and you'll be alright. Just don't get a narly sunburn and you'll have a fun outing here at Hunakai beach.
For what it's worth, the scenery here can be quite uplifting and mood boosting. The waves can be that reflective thing that can be the one that will make you happier when life gives you a big lemon. The beach itself is kept fairly clean and litter free, although sometimes there can be some bums who just don't care. It sucks though, but what can you do but educate them. I usually come here for a couple of hours in the morning on the weekend and it feels good. Sometimes I would run Kahala avenue on a random evening, come to the water's edge when it's dark, and take a few minutes to gaze out into the water and hear the gentle roar of the ocean. Quite therapeutic, even at night. Although it would be nice and aesthetically pleasing during the day, visiting the beach during the evening and night periods does have its benefits, but it can get scary, if weirdos come around and do stuff. Still, a nice stretch of beach that's hidden within residential areas that's always there for kamaa'ina and visitors alike.
5 stars for ease of beach access and it's the beach. It's alway from the crowds and Waikiki. Of course, it's not Haunama Bay either. That hill going up and down that is hard for some people - lazy or otherwise! Come here. No hill.
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