Papa'iloa Beach is a relatively quiet beach in Oahu's North Shore area. It's not as well-known as other beaches in the area but has gained more notoriety in recent years as the TV series Lost was partially filmed here. It's tucked deep in a residential neighborhood and can be difficult to find. There are only about 10 parking spots and there's a very small and narrow pathway to the beach itself. However once you find your way you'll come across a beach with blue water that has minimal foot traffic. We stayed here for about an hour and it was really relaxing. We saw the beautiful sun out and about and even saw multiple rainbows. We eventually saw a snake show up on shore. We looked up what it was and found it was a sea krait. It was said to be venomous and dangerous and we quickly walked away. It might not be as popular as other beaches in North Shore but it's still a really good one that has fewer people and just as much beauty. read more

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Beach was great for beauty and lots of lava rock didn't walk too far parking limited. Beach sand kind of course but nice to lay on swim. I know some people site sea turtles but none were seen the we were there. read more

Such a pretty and relatively remote beach. Th parking is sparse, but somehow my husband and I managed to find a spot. We walked pretty far down to explore as much of the beach as possible because my husband is a fan of LOST and many scenes were filmed at this site. While he was walking around in a certain area, I decided to walk past some rocks to wade in the water. When my husband came to find me, he asked if I notice anything while pointing at the rocks. For about a second, I did not notice anything, but later realized I was standing about 10 feet away from some sea turtles that were napping ! I cannot believe I did not notice them earlier, it was so surreal to see them just sleeping there and so close ! I had to take a few photos on my camera. I don't think the water was as nice or calm to play in, but the beach itself was relaxing. The turtles were definitely a plus (after I took my photos, I distanced myself further and let them be). On our way back to our car, we saw antoher turtle in the water trying to make its way to the shore. Beautiful beach ! read more

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Really nice beach tucked away in a nice neighborhood. Have to get there early to find parking. I was a little off put by people saying there are random people loitering and breaking into vehicles. I didn't have this issue but I was very cautious and only stayed about 2 hours. Be careful where you park with all the tow away zones too. The beach is gorgeous, I didn't see any sea turtles but a lot of people were surfing or body boarding. There were a lot of stray kitties at the entrance to the beach. They were very friendly and so cute. read more

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Come here to see the sea turtles. Limited parking but beware, thieves are here to steal. We parked and saw a shady guy stop at the parking lot, then he came back and asked us if we wanted to "buy his bike" that was sitting at the parking lot for $40. We said no and he came back again and asked if we had rope. My husband ended up staying at the parking lot since the guy was so shady while I went to find the sea turtles. Another local was there and told us thieves hide in the bushes at the parking lot and wait till you walk to the beach. Be cautious if you are coming here. read more

Papa'iloa Beach - Beaches Near Me

Beautiful beach! Get there early if you are trying to get sunset photos as there is extremely limited parking spots in the parking lot and then a few on the side of the road parking. Recommend leaving the truck home and bringing the Prius instead. The walkway to the beach is directly across from parking lot and is between two houses. You come out and WOW!! There was at least one couple getting married and three families getting photos taken. Keep this in mind if you are just trying to enjoy the beach and soak in the sun. Nobody wants to photobomb anyone's family Christmas photos (or maybe they do) but they tend to stick the the rocky areas for their photos. No reason everyone cannot enjoy the beautiful scenery! read more

Papa'iloa Beach - Beaches Near Me

Beautiful, public, but quite private white sand beach with majestic sea turtles, coconut trees, and breathtaking sunsets! A must visit if you come to Oahu's North Shore. Be sure not to miss the sprawling real estate just behind the beach. read more

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All I can say is that the sunset was to die for. We stopped by Ted's and picked up some delicious pie and it was such a vibe. Highly recommend! read more

I'm reminded of the saying "Lucky we live Hawaii" whenever I visit the many beaches along the North Shore of Oahu. Honolulu feels more metropolitan with each passing year, and it becomes easier to forget that there is still so much beauty that exists on this island once one leaves the growing number of high rises and office buildings being built in the city. Papa'iloa is another great beach find on the North Shore. It is a fairly secluded beach that is very easy to pass by if you didn't know that it was there behind a street of beautiful beachfront homes. I had not known this until reading the other Yelp reviews, but this beach has become famous as one of the locations where the television show Lost was filmed. Fortunately, with the passage of time and it being nearly a decade since Lost went off air, there were not a lot of tourists and Lost fans on the beach when I was there on Christmas Day. I took some magnificent photographs at sunset. I would love to return whenever I need to take more portrait photography. This isn't the best beach to go swimming but the gorgeous rocks and vibrant green moss along the shoreline are picture perfect. It amazes me to see so many couples and newlyweds taking their wedding photography in Chinatown (?!) and crowded Waikiki when there are stunning beaches like this just begging to be photographed. The beach is relatively easy to find. Turn onto Papa'iloa Road and you will see a small parking lot to your left before the dead end. There is a pathway directly across the parking lot and in between private residences. read more

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The husband and I went to North Shore, wanting to explore and hit up a new beach. We decided to check out Papa'iloa Beach and I'm so glad we did. It is such a beautiful, quiet, and relaxing beach. It is fairly secluded as it is located behind a street of beachfront homes (please be respectful!). There is very limited parking with approximately 10 or so spots. Overall, really enjoyed this beach and I look forward to visiting, again the next time I'm back. read more

We enjoyed this beach - not as nice as the ones near Lanikai in terms of the turquoise, blue waters and powder fine sand but we got here and my boys (8,9) immediately spotted a turtle swimming around them. Huge plus. We also saw a few spear fisherfolk. About 10 feet into the water there was pretty extensive coral reef which attracted all types of cool fish. Very laid back, clean, and chill beach with gentle waves and very few visitors. Had a few local families that came once the school a block over let out. Has bathrooms with changing areas and good outside showers with high pressure. Seems to be dog friendly as there were a few dogs on the beach. I would come back! read more

Beautiful beach! I went here because I saw it was the famous "Lost survivor beach" and to snorkel. If you don't have any experience around a reef BE CAREFUL!!! You'll see why. If you go In the water or snorkel you'll want water shoes. Water is pretty clear and there's some fish, did not get to see the turtles :( We didn't stay too long because there were at least 2 signs up to be careful because of car break-ins even during daylight. read more

Papa'iloa Beach - Beaches Near Me

National Geographic may want to check this beach out if they haven't already! Turtle action easily found here =D and after many days of searching while vacationing here in November I was wonderfully grateful! While I had so much fun seeing multiple sea turtles, I really enjoyed this beach because it was not overpopulated! A few groups here and there and locals beach combing. Great grassy area for picnic with toliets. Beach is nice and sandy with some rocky spots. No seaweed on my visit as pictured in some of the pictures. Parking is located on the street with the expeception of handicap parking in a small parking lot. Overall great experience! Beach is located further away from the main beach entraces which offers a nice sparse beach experience! read more

Papa'iloa Beach - Beaches Near Me

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Papailoa Beach is easily accessed through a passageway between some private homes. There is also a small parking area directly across the beach access lane. It is really a secluded unknown beach of Oahu that I would definitely have not gone to but for a friend who is really a nature girl. We were actually on a turtle hunt. The views were spectacular and she did a few yoga poses but unfortunately there were no turtles at this beach on the day that we were there. It's definitely recommended if you are looking for a secluded beach with no tourists but there are also no amenities like a restroom anywhere in sight. Since I'm not an outdoor person, I'm glad that I went but I have no plans to return. See my pictures for a couple cool, nature-luvin yoga poses. read more

Papa'iloa Beach - Beaches Near Me

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Quiet but watch or at least check on your car. The parking is shady. There may nice houses in front but don't let that fool you. It's not their job to watch your ride. Limited parking as others have said. Nice beach quiet. I feel bad chillin In front of someone's house but eh they don't own the beach. :-) seriously though if you have a real nice car either get dropped off or periodically check it. One person there said someone stolen her car as she was in the water. Took her bag keys and all from the beach. So shitty that has to happen around here but unfortunately it does. read more

I'm 10 years behind the times , but I visited this beach specifically because it was where the TV show Lost was filmed . It took about an hour from Honolulu and was an easy drive . Parking is limited but not impossible . The beach was beautiful and not very crowded. I really enjoyed my visit. read more

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There definitely are about 10 parking spaces. No turtles on my day. If you are unlucky enough go to be here with no turtles, the beach is, meh. The crime is a joke. I think the owners of the homes, at the dead end street are trying to scare everyone. There is no crime, except for trying to scare everyone not to come. read more

I've been going to paipailoa beach for sometime now. This beach used to be a "secret" but lots of people have learned about this beautiful beach and although it is not super crowded, it's not as empty as it used to be however it's still a great beach to go! Parking is scarce and they do tow if parked illegally so be careful where u park and obey "no parking" signs, I've been lucky enough to have always found parking but sometimes I've had to wait. Paipailoa beach is known for turtles, during turtle season you can see so much turtles swimming in the water and they also often come up and just sun bath. I've also seen Monk Seals a few times as well. There's lots of sandy swimming areas and lots of rocky areas too, the sunsets are amazing and the ocean there is a magnificently beautiful backdrop for all those photos and selfies! read more

Saw some sea turtles! We walked quite a distance away from the crowd to be able to see them. A big one laying on the beach and another one swimming in the rising waves. Highly recommend visiting! Parking space is very limited though. Best to go on the weekdays. read more

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We found this beach when we were at Laniakea Beach unsuccessfully looking for turtles and a girl I talked to told me this beach had tons of turtles. We did not see a turtle (although we were here in the early morning and it seems like the turtles like to come out to bask once the sun gets higher in the sky) but we did enjoy this beach, which has very pretty scenery and a nice gentle tidepool for kids to explore. My 3 year old immediately spotted a crab and a sea cucumber, and we all got a kick out of that. It's a little more off the beaten path than many other beaches it seems, although parking is very limited so it can still be challenging if you don't get here early. read more

First off let me say, do not follow the directions given by Yelp! It will not take you to the right beach. I attached a photo of the right road. It's right after historic Haleiwa. Okay. Now the beach. Absolutely amazing. We saw 9 turtles on the beach and countless more floating around in the water! There is a small area where you cam park which I assume has gotten bigger cause it fits about 6-7 cars. Right in front on that lot is the path to the beach. Once you walk to the beach go left and walk down around the corner and that's where they seem to all hang out. This place is a must see! read more

Papa'iloa Beach - Beaches Near Me

Love walking on the shoreline here, clean, not crowded and lots of sea turtles. I seen many photographers doing photo shoots here it really is beautiful. Parking is a pain but just be patient. Be quiet and courteous by the housing as you will need to bypass them going in. There is a beach access walkway there. read more

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Great place to relax in North Shore after shrimp trucks and Matsumoto. It used to be less commercialized but still beautiful. Small, small parking lot and you'll see the occasional sea turtle. read more

Nice hidden beach. I'd like to think it's hidden because the entrance is tucked away between houses. Not too many parking stalls so you can get a just of how packed this quaint little beach is. Hubby and I had our Save the date/wedding invitation photoshoot at this beach. Our photographer was from the East side and had no problem finding it on his own. It wasn't too crowded on a Sunday evening. We caught the beautiful North Shore sunset as people were leaving. The only thing I absolutely despise of is that I cannot watch my vehicle once I enter the pathway between the houses and set up at the beach. Who knows what kinds of skeptical things can be going on back there while you're basking out in the sun. It wouldn't be a nice surprise to walk out too.. read more

Another of the many beaches originally featured in the Lost TV series, this is a great and secluded location on the North Shore. There are a few parking spots and then a narrow public access way to the beach itself. No amenities available, however. But you do have great scenic views of the beach itself and then portions of the North Shore. Papa'iola Beach is not great for swimming due to the rocky shoreline that runs for quite a stretch. read more

This was a nice beach due to not having very many tourists around. My wife and I had one section of the beach all to ourselves with a green sea turtle. We so at least four sea turtles while we were at this beach during the early afternoon hours. Very easy to find. It has no public restrooms or showers that I saw. read more

Papa'iloa Beach - He was just chillin on the beach!!! - Beaches Near Me

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Super cute secluded beach on the north shore. While the Beach was beautiful it was a bit rocky which is great for snorkeling but made swimming hard. We saw a sea turtle which was cool! read more

Papa'iloa Beach - Private beach on the north shore away from tourists took me about an hour from Honolulu but the views are with it!! - Beaches Near Me

If you've rented a car on the island you definitely have to make a trip to north shore! This beach was absolutely amazing and filled with turtles if you want to see some! MUCH less crowded than Waikiki Beach. Unfortunately the currents were way too high to go into the water but it was just nice to get away from the crowds. Make sure to stop and get some shaved ice from Matsumoto on the way back! P.S. The parking is kind of hidden in the residential area and there are about ten spots. read more

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This beach was gorgeous and secluded . We spent our last evening in Oahu here, eating Indian food we picked up from the Haleiwa farmers market. Beer, Indian food, and sunset . Couldn't get any better. This was the location they used for the camp on the show Lost. read more

Papa'iloa Beach - LOST dinner - Beaches Near Me

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Papa'iloa Beach...better known as Police Beach...and today known as LOST BEACH....Well...lets go over those details first before we get to the really good stuff... The reason why it was called Police Beach is because the Police Department actually had a Lease a while back on the Beach to use it for recreational activities. The reason why it's called LOST Beach is because Papa'iloa was the beach used in the TV SERIES LOST...even to this day many of the props are still located on the beach used in the show and many other items, but have only recently LAST RESORT has been filming here so some items have been removed. Originally the Beach used for LOST was Mokuleia Beach, but the waves had been eroding the filming area and on top of that Tourists and locals got wind of the filming location which is easily accessible so they choose to move the LOST CAMP to a more secluded location which was harder to reach and less known. In fact they filmed so much here for the show since mid first season till the final season that they built a sand parking lot for all the camera trucks...and that is the place you park...Beach access is right across from the parking lot. Papa'iloa is a beautiful long white sand beach, fronting the beachfront community of the same name. There is major Algae here...MAJOR....so with all the good green stuff...I'm sure you know what that attracts...YEP YOU GUESSED IT...MORE HONU then you could possible imagine...FORGET Laniakea beach...THIS PLACE IS HONU HEAVEN! I have seen 20 Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles here at one time... I respect these amazing beings and it's very important to keep such pristine locations away from tour buses, vans and even tourists...but if you can find this place...well, you will be in for a treat...Lost sets, Honu heaven...and yes...HAWAIIAN MONK SEALS are found here as well. If you find this location congratulations...I'm excited and happy for you...but *PLEASE do me a favor...Do not come within 6 feet of these sacred Aumakua, our sacred Honu, Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. Do not feed them, do not harass them and not not come more then 100 feet from the Monk Seals, they will chase you and catch you if you bother them, they are beings not to take lightly....Please, respect Hawaii and the beings that live here...If you take a good look at the images posted on this location you can CLEARLY SEE from "Angela H.'s" Photo that she is DOING SOMETHING ILLEGAL and her action is punishable with a huge fine and jail time so PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH or get closer than 6 feet to the Honu...Mahalos~ read more

Papa'iloa Beach - Beaches Near Me

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Walked here from Puaena point beach park in Haleiwa few miles away next to Haleiwa Beach Park. About 10 stall in this beautiful neighborhood. Take Papa'iloa road, small parking area on left. Trail with blue n yellow signs saying public access across of parking stalls. A lil private/secluded to me, which is nice. Didn't walk to the honu area where the reef is abundance w algae and we didn't see any honu on the beach but nice place to spend a few hrs. Small sandy areas but mostly rock/reef to the front n left of access trail. read more

The most amazing beach on the whole island. It's secluded, and the views are breathtaking. We also saw two huge sea turtles basking in the sun. We visited in winter so the surf was very rough and I wouldn't recommend swimming or anything during that time of year. The beach is a little hard to find. If you are headed north on 83 make a left on Papailoa and follow the road pretty far down until you see about 6-7 parking spots on the left. Park there and walk through the public beach access alley. So worth it! read more

We stopped by this beach which is tucked away on a neighborhood street in Haleiwa. There's a small dirt lot which can hold three cars otherwise you will need to park on the street in front of the homes. In between two homes theres a narrow path that leads to the beach. As we walked down the path we saw a cute hand-painted sign that notified you to care for the sea turtles. I thought I would be so lucky to see one and sure enough I saw more than just one. The beach was filled with lounging turtles and even more were swimming around in the water. This was such a wonderful treat! read more

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I love love love this beach. Did I say I love this place???? Hahah it is very pretty and my favorite part is that it is secluded. No tourist!! You don't have to worry too much about people walking by and getting sand all over your things. Parking is extremely limited. It is in housing area so basically is a first come first serve kinda deal. read more

The beach was amazing. The water was perfect temperature. Parking was easily available. And swimming with sea turtles was epic. read more

Papa'iloa Beach - The view is gorgeous. Of all the beaches this has to be one of the best on the island. - Beaches Near Me

Absolutely beautiful beach! Amazing view of the pacific and hills. Very secluded and a little hard to find but worth it! I was hoping to see turtles but didn't unfortunately. Also, I am a huge fan of lost and when I found out this was the filming location for the beach campsite, I dorked out a little. read more

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Not crowded.. Very pretty..definitely have to look for it..We were hoping to find sea turtles but no luck.. They say the algae attracts them..Worth finding :) read more

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I love that it's secluded. There was only a few families. I didn't like that all those familes overcrowded a poor sea turtle that was pushed towards the shore by the waves. You can tell it was really fighting the waves, probably felt scared seeing all those people waiting for it. Besides that, my love for the aina grew more seeing this beautiful beach and watching a lovely sunset :) read more

Papa'iloa Beach - Beaches Near Me

Honu galore! This beach is off the beaten path in a residential neighborhood. Not so easy to find...go past where google tells you and turn into the park on the right. There were maybe 7-8 other people on the entire beach and we saw two HUGE turtles! Absolutely beautiful! Stop by a local grocery store, pack a lunch and plan to stay for the afternoon. We loved it here! read more

This is where Lost was shot. Good beach. There is some walk to reach to the actual location.