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    Papa'iloa Beach

    4.6 (48 reviews)

    Papa'iloa Beach Photos

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    Megan K.

    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.

    Ellen C.

    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.

    Brian M.

    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!

    Baby coconut, shells and some freshly washed beach coral
    Krys W.

    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.

    Christal P.

    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.

    Micah B.

    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.

    Heather S.

    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.

    Sandie L.

    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!

    John F.

    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.

    Crab
    Ronald C.

    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.

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    9 years ago

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

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    Review Highlights - Papa'iloa Beach

    As we walked down the path we saw a cute hand-painted sign that notified you to care for the sea turtles.

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    Laniakea Beach - Reserve volunteers

    Laniakea Beach

    4.2(501 reviews)
    1.6 km

    Always a great stop while on the Northshore to hopefully sight turtles either resting on the beach…read moreor tumbling in the waves. In January we came by 2x in a week and did not see turtles on the first day but enjoyed the beautiful views. On the second day, we lucked out and got to see a large turtle laying on the beach and then enjoyed the beautoful sunset. There is usually a volunteer at the beach and they are so helpful to answer any questions and protect the turtles. We learned that there are more turtles in the summer there, and that the waves wash away the sand in the winter and then return the sand in the summer.

    It's hard to believe that it's been over thirteen years since my 1st visit here. I've been back a…read morevariety of times, bringing travel companions to experience this. As the years went by, the traffic and parking situation became a nightmare for all. After parking your vehicle across the road, you start the video game Frogger in trying to navigate and dodge passing cars to cross the road. Coming this year with another 1st timer, we found a dedicated spot to park ((https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=vvIKqY2lR0itJ69ZUlXhJA).) where even the sanctuary volunteers leave their vehicles. The best part is that they installed a marked crosswalk (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=N7ZkG2n7jMLelhcy1vzRdQ) for people to cross in a more safe manner; do still exercise caution in crossing the Kam Highway. On the Tuesday early afternoon we went, the waters were rough with 30 to 40 ft waves. As a result, the beach was taped off as a safety measure. I walked to the primary beach section were the sanctuary volunteers monitored the situation to make sure visitors do not bother the wildlife here. As I spoke with a volunteer originally from St. Louis, she pointed out a seal (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=U6UBzjIUZhr2lFKcMbobiA) that made it's way to the beach to find a resting spot. As my friend and I walked back towards the open area across the parking section, we stared with other visitors towards the break line and saw smaller turtles struggling to make their way in, often catching their bobbing heads out of the water or the outline of their bodies contrasting to the clear waters. None made it to the beach, what little sand space there was, while we were there. The key to seeing the turtles is to check the tide times and trying to come when it is close to high tide. We'll see how things on my next visit, whether we have time or interest to see the turtles.

    Photos
    Laniakea Beach - Turtle at Laniakea Beach

    Turtle at Laniakea Beach

    Laniakea Beach - Turtle at Laniakea Beach

    Turtle at Laniakea Beach

    Laniakea Beach - Reserve volunteers

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    Reserve volunteers

    Haleiwa Alii Beach Park - Can't beat living in paradise

    Haleiwa Alii Beach Park

    4.5(99 reviews)
    2.2 km

    Took a drive to Hale'iwa today, so made a stop at Ali'i Beach Park. It was certainly better than…read moreWaikiki Beach. Not nearly as many people and lots of empty sand for people to lay their blankets down without being too close to each other. Was so peaceful just sitting on a rock to watch the surfers coming in on the waves (or at least trying to!). There were young ones on their body boards close to the shore, too. I think there must've been folks trying to learn to surf here. There were two groups of people with boards beyond the first few waves. Was wonderful just to sit and watch them! I just wish there were turtles and monk seals there, but we weren't fortunate enough for that!

    It's not really alii beach park but a little to the left there's a PRIME spot some people call…read morefresh airs (or so I think lol). If you're lucky you can get a parking at the back gate on Pikai street and walk through straight to the beach! The bathrooms are pretty far from here but you can always drive to the beach park or there's even Kaiaka beach park next door with showers too. ***The one thing about parking here and coming here is to be very respectful as you're in a residential area. Lots of locals but also lots of places are rented out to tourists. You're pretty much at their back yards. It's also the best place for the sunset! Which it gets a little busier at the time with families walking or driving over just to catch the last hour. It's clear and good for children. Sometimes it can be a little choppy so of course still use caution anytime you're at the beach. There's not a lot of shade but still my favorite spot. We recently moved to waialua so this'll be my favorite place to come with my family at least once a week

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    Haleiwa Alii Beach Park
    Haleiwa Alii Beach Park - I could sit at this bench all day!

    I could sit at this bench all day!

    Haleiwa Alii Beach Park - The sun is nearly gone, making the sky a wonder.

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    The sun is nearly gone, making the sky a wonder.

    Kaiaka Bay Beach Park - Fireworks

    Kaiaka Bay Beach Park

    4.3(27 reviews)
    3.2 km

    I couldn't search for Pohaku Lana'i in Yelp, so I was finally able to find a place where the…read morebalance lock existed. Balance Rock is a historical landmark located at Pohaku Lana'i in Haleiwa, HI. This ancient Hawaiian site for God worship was recently visited by world-famous Japanese baseball great Shohei Ohtani who came to see it because it is known for its "big energy". On a recent visit, it was easy to feel the aura of peace surrounding the unusual natural rock configuration that appears to balance one large rock on top of another. Pohaku Lana'i offers plenty of parking for easy access to the grassy park area where the Balance Rock is located. Close to the ocean, the park is a comfortable place for people to gather, enjoy the beach, and restroom facilities are available as well. Yelp でポハクラナイが検索できなかったので、バランスロックが存在する場所を探してようやく此処に辿り着く事が出来た。 大谷翔平効果で一躍有名になったバランスロックは特に日本人の間でブームなのかも知れない。 この古代ハワイの神崇拝サイトは、その「大きなエネルギー」で知られており、世界的に有名な日本人の偉大なベースボールプレーヤー大谷翔平が訪れた事で一躍注目を浴びる事となったのです。 最近私達が訪問した時も、大きな岩を別の岩の上に、まるで人工的にバランス良く設置したように見える珍しい岩の周りには、とても安定した平和のオーラを容易に感じ取る事が出来ました。 ポハク・ラナイには、バランス・ロックがある芝生の公園エリアに簡単にアクセスできる十分な駐車場があります。海に近い公園は、人々が集まり、ビーチを楽しむのに快適な場所であり、トイレ施設も利用出来るので是非ハワイ訪問の際には此処に来て大きなエネルギーを感じ取ってください!

    Being raised on the North Shore of Oahu I would say Kaiaka Bay is the North Shore's version of…read moreMagic Island. When I worked in town (Honolulu) I would run Magic Island on my lunch breaks. Here at Kaiaka Bay - There aren't any paved walking paths but it's still fun to run around the the perimeter of park (dirt) or the paved road. There is plenty of parking. There are clean bathrooms and showers. There are BBQ areas and campground. There are several picnic tables, mostly shaded. I see people surfing and fishing here but have honestly never swam. I have spotted several turtles here. The park is located Haleiwa on Haleiwa Beach road, right next to Haleiwa Elementary School and is a great place to picnic at.

    Photos
    Kaiaka Bay Beach Park - Fireworks

    Fireworks

    Kaiaka Bay Beach Park
    Kaiaka Bay Beach Park

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    Haleiwa Army Beach

    Haleiwa Army Beach

    5.0(1 review)
    2.9 km

    This is a secret beach, see. No one ever wrote a Yelp review about it or nothing. It's a great…read morebeach, one of my favorites. But it's secret, OK? So after you read this review, just try to forget you ever heard of this beach. One of my favorites because the snorkeling is really nice here. The beach is broad and sandy, with very few rocks in the water as you enter or exit. The beach is kind of protected by an underwater reef that does a pretty good job shielding the beach from any big waves. For most people, it's pretty easy to enter the water here. Yeah, I'm not most people. I'm super uncoordinated. So uncoordinated I'm convinced that sooner or later someone is going to video me entering or exiting the water, send it in to America's Funniest Home Videos and win $10,000. Here, I'm trying to get into the ocean and do some snorkeling. I love to snorkel, but I always struggle with the equipment. Especially the stupid flippers. There's no way I can walk into the water, stand on one leg and slip my flippers on one at a time like everyone does. The way I do it is I wade out to where the water is a little less than knee deep. Then I just sit down in the water and try to get the flippers on between waves. Usually this method works pretty good. Ideally, after my flippers are on I can just flip over on my back, kick my legs a little and just and float out. But this time, the spot I picked wasn't quite deep enough. When I flipped over on my back to try to float out, there wasn't enough water underneath me to lift me up. Couldn't float. And I was in the worst possible position, with my back to the ocean. Almost immediately a wave broke over my head, pushing me back up toward the beach, driving my butt into the sand like a pile driver. Before I could even sit up the wave washed back out. As the water went under me and I felt my butt sink still deeper into the sand. In the back and forth of that wave about six pounds of sand was packed into my swim trunks. I was left inverted, my feet were higher than my head. I didn't realize it immediately, but my legs were actually out of the water. Only my upper torso was still in the water. I pushed myself up on my elbows and surveryed the scene. I had to twist back and forth to pry my ass out of the sand. Then it was a struggle to get to my feet with that six pounds of wet sand in my shorts. I still had my flippers on. I was in about three inches of water. I shook out as much sand as I could from my swim trunks, but that sand was wet and it wasn't going anywhere. It was my sand now. So I did that crazy walk on your heels thing you have to do when you have flippers on to get far enough out in the water where I could actually swim away. That's the story about getting into the water at Haleiwa Army Beach. Now, please just forget you ever heard this story, just forget this beach. Mikey C says: Haleiwa Army Beach? Never heard of it.

    Photos
    Haleiwa Army Beach
    Haleiwa Army Beach - The reef stretches parallel to the beach, right about where this SUP guy is.

    The reef stretches parallel to the beach, right about where this SUP guy is.

    Haleiwa Army Beach - Haleiwa Army Beach, June 24, 2021, 10:45 am. High and outside.

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    Haleiwa Army Beach, June 24, 2021, 10:45 am. High and outside.

    Puaena Point Beach - Beautiful sunset

    Puaena Point Beach

    4.7(11 reviews)
    1.9 km

    Is there such a thing as a hidden gem in Hawaii?…read more This place comes very close to it. While Wifey and I were exploring North Shore after having crossed off Giovanni's Shrimp Truck and Matsumoto's Shave Ice from our bucket list, we needed a place to wind down and relax. We drove along Kamehameha Highway and pulled into Kahalewai Place and found a parking spot along the side road. One thing we noticed right away that it seems to a a local spot and there weren't too many tourists around, even though we were up in North Shore. We walked towards the beach and followed some people with surfboards in tow. I could see a bunch of locals out by the beach on their paddle boards and surfboards, and most of them were kids and young adults. It seems to be the local surf spot for beginners as the waves were pretty tame, but it was consistent with the North Shore winds behind them. It also seems to a be a good fishing spot for locals as there was a Filipino family enjoying themselves having a picnic. I got into a conversation with one of the local fisherman (P. Sherman), who told me what types of fish he was catching and how to cook 'em. He showed me his bucket of his catches of the day, and they were enough to feed his family. He didn't have to, but he was nice enough to let me take photos of him as he was more than accommodating. I thanked him for his time and appreciated his hospitality with my intrusion on his daily life. We explored the area some more as there were trails to follow, but there were also "Private Property" signs posted everywhere. I was beginning to wonder if Mark Zuckerberg bought half of this place with all those signs around. But we skirted around it as we went around the beach and enjoyed the relaxed vibe and energy of the beach. We also liked that it wasn't very crowded compared to the hustle and bustle on the main strip of Haleiwa as it felt like a cocoon shielded us from that source. We could have spent more time on this beach, but we wanted to see and experience as much as possible on the North Shore of Hawaii. Definitely a place you could spend a day at if you were a local.

    Great beach to learn to surf. Lessons from Sand n Sea were here; waves about 3-5' when we were…read morethere. A few other surfboard rental n lesson places are set up in the parking lot. Each place has a different number of surfboards in different sizes. Reservations are best if you have specific board needs.

    Photos
    Puaena Point Beach - Long walk here lol

    Long walk here lol

    Puaena Point Beach - Beautiful proposal spot!

    Beautiful proposal spot!

    Puaena Point Beach - Crashing Wave over Rocks. This could be a name of a cocktail drink. It will definitely have coconut in it.

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    Crashing Wave over Rocks. This could be a name of a cocktail drink. It will definitely have coconut in it.

    Aweoweo Beach Park - Sunset

    Aweoweo Beach Park

    4.1(25 reviews)
    5.3 km

    I love adventuring around and finding new little beach parks. This beach park is in Wailua on the…read moreNorth Shore. Although there isn't a parking lot (the only thing that makes it a 4/5 stars), this is a great public beach park. There is a basketball court and a playground that has a swing set. All steps away from the ocean. I'm such a sucker for swings on the beach, it's absolutely epic. They even have a public bathroom ( I didn't check them out though). This feels more like a neighborhood beach with a decent amount of people but not too crowded.

    Fun, sun, sand, and a slice of North Shore charm, Aweoweo Beach Park is a perfect addition to stop…read moreto your day. Tucked away in the town of Waialua, this beach park has it all. With a playground for the children, a basketball court for a quick game, and the beach steps away, it is a perfect stop for any day of the week. Whether it's a beach date, grilling with friends, playing with your fur baby, or taking a quick dip, this spot is one of my new favorite spots that I have found. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for cooling off after a run. The best thing is that there is plenty of street parking, bathroom facilities, and an outdoor shower. Pro tip: You need to stay for sunset. Each one I have seen is even better than the last. I'm here almost every week for my afternoon run followed by a dip, and I have to stay every time to see the sun light up the evening sky.

    Photos
    Aweoweo Beach Park - Sunset

    Sunset

    Aweoweo Beach Park - Sunset

    Sunset

    Aweoweo Beach Park

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    Papa'iloa Beach - beaches - Updated May 2026

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