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Kalama Beach Park

4.6 (98 reviews)

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Emergency location sign for the beach.
Justin B.

Shhh! Don't tell anyone about this great beach, otherwise there will be too many people there. Went on a Thursday 9/5, and was perfect amount of people. Enough to feel safe with your stuff out and not too many that you feel like no one has their own space.

Entrance before the beach
Gail U.

3-3-2021 Kailua has pretty beaches and this is one of them. We found it completely by accident and it made our day. Why? You know how people say things happen for a reason? We tried to go to 3 places: P, a Chinese restaurant in Kaneohe, C a popular eatery in Kailua but they were take out only. How times have changed! Hubs refuses to eat in the car during the pandemic. Eons ago he loved to pick up dinner plates and go to outdoor drive ins and eat in the car. Those days are long gone. What to do? We were at the stop light at the intersection by Fat Boys and Formaggio, and Just by chance I spotted the words India Cafe and the illuminated red OPEN sign. Left turn into that parking lot with determination and a smile. Alas, take out only again! You know the scenario, hungry tired kids start getting agitated? Yep, hubs gave in and said just get it and take it home to eat. He took off to the left in search of a restroom so I ordered. Yum! Chicken tikka, how I adore you and mango lassi. Can't forget the garlic naan too. You do everything at the blocked door entrance, not a step inside - order and pay. Just love the rare opportunity to eat this kind of food. Perfect timing, once hubs was back the food was soon ready to go. Every morsel of the chicken tikka was delightful. I ordered level one out of ten for heat just in case. I suggested eating at a park or beach. Hubs said you're the driver. Somehow the Yelp directions brought us almost back to this restaurant. Whaaat? Out of nowhere we saw two signs on the lamp post. Left to park and right to beach. Okay to the beach it is...we saw a young person with a towel walking towards us and then a guy with a surfboard walking toward the beach. Not trusting directions and winging it...Follow that surfboard... There is a small parking lot in the front of Kalama Beach. Luckily we found a stall as close as you can get. Must be fate Don't think we've ever been here before. Adventure! Even better, there is a men's and women's restroom before you head down the path to the sand and water. There are showers outside those facilities. Lo and behold the ironwood trees, naopaka bushes, glimpse of the most welcoming bright blue water was a stunning sight!!! Excited, had to stop and take several photos. Saw a large driftwood log wide and sturdy enough to hold our weight and lunches. Although it was in the sun I motioned my companion, come hither...The view was breathtaking. What a million dollar spot, better than any indoor dining for sure. I'm not letting his dark mood saying I don't have my sun glasses get to me... Glad we at least were wearing shorts or would stand out freakishly amid the string bikinis, tanned muscular bods of some scantily clad figures of youth walking & jogging along the water's edge. There were a few families, dogs being walked on leash and a few need to get with it folks dressed like us. The entire time the weather was beautiful. Not scorching hot as there was a strong breeze and the waves kept unfurling white foam. Just looking out I thought to myself you'd never know at that moment that Covid was still lurking around- those at the beach weren't wearing any masks, only before or after hitting the sand. It was picture perfect. For just a little while it seemed like all was well. Thank goodness the number of cases has started to plummet. Why not 5 stars? There was a sign Strong Current but I didn't see a lifeguard in sight although Very few people entered the water. What a glorious place to be in Hawaii. Discovering a beach as precious as this is everything! Sometimes Plan B is better than Plan A. Adds spice to life in more ways than one.

Nicole T.

Beautiful spot. We drove to north shore to visit a beach and this is where we stopped. It was quiet and not too many people were there. The water was great and the visitors we had were nice too!

Only few people are in here.
Feb W.

A day where I was stuck in Kailua is truly a wonderful day to embark digging a gem on the sand! Roaming around Kailua by myself is one of my "juanderlist" (goal). And I feel so proud and I feel so fulfilling within myself. I'm a bit tired so idling at WholeFoods is the best idea I can think of. While waiting for my husband to fetch me, I was checking google map, minding my own business then noticed the Kalama Beach Park that is 8mins. away from where I am. And sure enough we ended up in here! Almost an impeccable paradise for me. Unlike Kailua Beach which is usually crowded, this one is the opposite. Powdery white sand that is so clean & a wonderful stretch to just idle the day. Who would have thought that in this area lies a pristine beach? The moment you park your car in the parking lot you'll notice an old abandon house and it's clean grassy ground with a paved path that will help you lead to the beach area. Guess what? They also got restrooms and outdoor-shower in here! Perfect gateway! I guess only people who's willing to escape and look for a new places to dock are the only few who knows this area. Luckily, I'm one of them! Hihihi. Thank goodness for the time of boredom and idling, and I was able to find a gem that fine afternoon. I will surely come back in here when the sun is ready to stay up whole day! Right now, I can feel the chills through my bones. Hahahah, not a good timing for taking a dip. Mahalo & HAPPY JUANDERING fellow yelpers! www.juanderbandit.world @hello.juanderpinay

#luckyiliveinhawaii
Lurine J.

Very Quiet compared to its Kailua beach neighbor. The parking can be tricky, just be respectful when parking in the neighborhoods. Beautiful blue waters pretty calm surf much like Kailua, again just nice that it is not aaa crowded. It's so pretty here!

Kellan M.

Wonderful beach and place to relax. Not as busy as nearby local areas. Small parking lot that fills up early, especially on weekends. Parking in neighborhoods is pretty easy.

Christal P.

Kalama beach is similar to Kailua beach only in that it is less crowded. The waters in this area are a brilliant turquoise color unlike anywhere else on the island. The beaches in Kailua are a must see for any visitor or new transplant to Hawaii. This area really does offer some of the best beaches in the country. Kalama is also a great starting point if you plan on a walk through Kalama, Kailua, and Lanikai beaches. We started out the day at the western end of Kalama and rested for a bit in a shady area before making the half an hour trek along the beautiful white sand to Kailua beach before our final stop in Lanikai. All three beaches are close to downtown Kailua by car or bus, where there are plenty of restaurant and shopping options. What I like about Kailua is that it still retains a small town feel with all the amenities of a city like Honolulu.

Title island
Melyssa D.

Gorgeous beach without a lot of people there! Quite a few people with their dogs so just be aware(it didn't bother us) the waves were a little stronger than down in Waikiki but that might have been due to swells that day...overall it was perfect except the bathrooms were kind of nasty......soooo prepare yourself if you need to use them

Social distancing
Angela W.

Hard to know where the boundaries are, it's one long stretch of beautiful white sandy beach. I think round trip end to end is 5 miles. I grew up in Kailua so coming here brings back many memories. When I was 13, I got stung by 3 tangled Portuguese man-o-war jellyfish at once, covering my entire lower body. Warning- this beach tends to get them badly in north winds. My cousin offered to pee on me but I refused. Meat tenderizer or vinegar works best FYI. The pain and heat of 3 combined man-o-war was so intense, I practically fainted. It took over 6 hours to feel better. Then 2 weeks later, I broke out in severe rash where the stingers had sunk into my skin like an evil alien. Ahhhh memories! Supposedly box jellyfish on the South and West side is worse or deadly. Today we parked on a side street (mauka) and walked down a public access right of way. So it wasn't the official park. I don't know if the park has a restroom but since Coronavirus shutdown it would be closed today anyhow. There are many people walking their dogs, mostly leashed. We didn't swim because there were no showers and didn't wanna mess up my new car. However I know there is nothing to see as far as snorkeling here because there is no reef. Lanikai has good snorkeling anywhere east of the boat ramp.

The color of the ocean... wow...
Nadine C.

A secluded, peaceful beach in Kailua, Oahu! After dinner, Roz and I were too full for dessert, but didn't want to go home yet, so I suggested a stroll on the beach since it was almost sunset and Kailua is known for its pristine beaches. We did a search on the Yelp app and found Kalama Beach which was a little over a mile from where we were. We both had never been there before, so we thought we'd be adventurous and go exploring! The first obstacle was a gate at the opening of the parking lot. Yes...there were cars locked in the lot. The caretaker was walking across the lawn with the key to rescue them. Roz and I backed out and found parking in the residential area. Next, we had to ask the caretaker for directions to the beach. The entrance to the paved path is not clearly visible and you wouldn't know that there was a beach past the grassy area, the outdoor shower, and enclosed restrooms. Once you pass these landmarks, you will come across what Hawaii is known for... a place where the sky meets the ocean and the ocean plays on the beach... the wind is cool and the water is almost warm... the sand is soft and clean...the water is clear with various hues of blue and teal ... wow... breathtaking... Roz and I enjoyed the golden rays of the setting sun, reflecting off the ocean's surface, and watched the moon's glow in the distance... we promised to return with some friends and a picnic dinner... would you like to join us?

Nat N.

One of my favorite spots in Kailua to take in a sunrise after a morning run. If you come early enough, you'll score one of the coveted parking spots in the parking lot. But if not, just park across Kalaheo Avenue on one of the sidestreets (please be mindful of the residents). There are bathrooms and showers - a definitely plus! Walk across the nicely-manicured grass towards water and you'll arrive at one of Oahu's most beautiful beaches. There's not much shade so bring an umbrella.

Zara-Maria R.

If you want to watch the sunrise in a semi secluded beach, then Kalama is one of the spots you should head to. There is a good amount of parking and with a short walk to the beach, you'll have a breath taking view of the ocean in front of you, Turtle island to the left and the mesmerizing sunrise to the right. There is endless beach to walk on and with minimum people interaction. Of if you're like me, pick a spot and sit in the soft clean sand. Take in the sounds of the waves crashing, the views of the water rolling into the shore and the salty smells of the ocean. The water is not very cold and perfect for dipping your toes in even at 7am in the morning.

Joe C.

More of a local spot, it was pretty crowded on a dreary days probably cause the waves were a bit nicer. But significantly less crowded than Kailua and Lanikai. Limited parking, Sad thing is I saw a lot more plastic debris on the shore of the beach. Maybe its from the recent bout of severe weather. Bathroom is out of order. There is still a shower. Fair amount of dogs we had ours. The surf was a bit rougher that day so the first wave to break on shore pushed her back a bit. Surf report oddly said 25-30 ft waves. Maybe it was far out. Looked more like 6' to me.

One of the entrances to Kalama Beach from Kalama Beach Park.

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6 months ago

One of the most beautiful beaches in the 50 US states. Parking is a challenge. Family friendly.

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Kalama Beach Park Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Kalama Beach Park

Is this a good spot to snorkel?

Aloha Ari and Happy New Year! To be honest, it is just an all right spot for snorkeling. There isn't much to see as the reef is a little further from the shore and in deeper waters. If you go further down south to Lanikai, the snorkeling there is… Read more

The parking lot gate is locked before 6pm? How do we get out.? I read the signs and they say the…

We had the same experience only the police officer who showed up and provided no help and gave everyone a parking ticket.

What time do they lock the bathrooms? I've noticed they close them before they lock the parking lot (around 4pm like 2 hours before they lock the parking lot!!) and it would be nice to know the "last call" time ;-)?

Aloha Carrie. The parking lot and bathrooms tend to close at the same time, from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m., but typically the bathrooms are closed first to minimize locking vehicles in the park. Mahalo and take care.

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Review Highlights - Kalama Beach Park

Kalama is also a great starting point if you plan on a walk through Kalama, Kailua, and Lanikai beaches.

Mentioned in 13 reviews

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Friendship Garden - The Ridge Lookout - go left when the trail splits... For a beautiful View of Kaneohe Bay!

Friendship Garden

4.4(75 reviews)
2.4 mi

Friendship Garden has 72 reviews as of 1/17/2025 and I was wondering why. I think the name explains…read moreit. It's a short, garden trail inside a neighborhood rather than a real hike. As I was walking this trail, my brain is telling me this is a mini Aiea loop trail with great view of the Windward side of Oahu. Parking is a challenge. The location is inside, one way, Kokokahi Place neighborhood so there's only street parking. We were lucky to find spacious area to park. The view here is great considering we only hike up 20-30 minutes. Total trip length was 2 miles. That was little disappointing because I like to get most out of my hikes. I feel like I got ripped off on this hike with little sweat. As for intensity, you do have to climb up but lots of ropes to help you. Luckily it was a dry day so no mud. This trail is quite narrow so it may not be kid friendly. Also, if you're on the taller side, watch out for branches. This is not State trail so it seems like it's not kept up regularly.

If you need an escape from daily life to catch a breath and rekindle friendships, then the…read moreFriendship Garden is the perfect place. This is a very short hike that loops around, so you shouldn't be running into anyone on the narrow pathway. Start right, like driving! There's nothing steep, treacherous, or difficult. The Friendship Garden is very well maintained. Maps and information are provided at the beginning. At the top, you'll find beautiful views Kaneohe Bay. There's also a pathway that leads to another hike that's clearly more difficult and not apart of the Friendship Garden. Warning signs posted! The only difficult thing might be finding this place because it's quite hidden, deep in a residential area. It's located on Kokokahi Pl, which you can reach from Kaneohe Bay Dr. Just drive all the way up, and it'll be to your left. You can only park along the side of the road. Make sure to leave enough space, and also be mindful of the signs! No parking from 6-11AM on Wednesdays and Saturdays, which is probably trash pick up days. Overall, a really nice, easy hike with well maintained pathways. It might be a journey to get there, but it's worth it. Bring friends and make new friends!

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Friendship Garden - Pretty and rare

Pretty and rare

Friendship Garden - Cony's birthday was spent with her best friends - Brown and Choco!

Cony's birthday was spent with her best friends - Brown and Choco!

Friendship Garden - Someone's house is right below

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Someone's house is right below

Hi Keiki Indoor Playground - These boys are born ready for FUN!!!

Hi Keiki Indoor Playground

4.4(14 reviews)
1.0 mi

Cute, indoor playground with a ton of activities all in a manageable space. Located in the heart of…read moreKailua the location is unassuming among the other small shops. The location has a parking lot. Upon entry you are struck by the amount of activities all in one space that really is hours of play where you can see everything and keep track of your kids. The double trampoline is a hit. The colorful ball pit where the kids can dive through and slide into are points of interest. A large climbing maze like structure with suspended bridges and padded stairs. Market area for kids to pretend to shop for foods. Ice cream trolley that's kid sized. Tiny spinning carousel that continuously goes around and around. All these activities provide hours of entertainment and fun for the kids. It's a fun neighborhood hangout for the little ones to enjoy.

Another indoor playground for the keiki? YES!!!…read more It seems like over the last few years, business owners are realizing how sought after these indoor playgrounds are for working parents, stay at home parents, young kids, and old! Location is in Kailua, right off the main drag on Hamakua Street (look for the bright yellow building). The parking lot has about a half dozen stalls on the right hand side (beware you may be towed if you park on the left side). I asked the manager where to park as the signage wasn't very clear, so be warned. Pricing: Rates are per child: $15 for one hour, $20 two, $27 for three, and so on. Adults are $3 each. Grip socks are required for all (customers are allowed to bring their own). They also offer all day rates and monthly passes (M-F only). They also feature a stamp card for loyal customers: buy 10 sessions, get one free! There's a bunch of toys and entertainment for all ages: a carousel, obstacle course, slide, Lego stations, and play supermarket. A few unique stations are the rock climbing wall, concert/band area (with drums, piano, ukulele, and microphones), and a big screen TV that featured cartoons for the kids. Open seven days a week. The kids love the trampolines, lego sets, ball pit, and rock climbing wall. Restrooms available. Thanks Hi Keiki Playground for bringing the FUN to Kailua! We wish you all the joy and success!

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Hi Keiki Indoor Playground
Hi Keiki Indoor Playground
Hi Keiki Indoor Playground - Outside

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Outside

Kalama Beach Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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