Kaʻalawai Beach

Oʻahu


Play in the lap of luxury at this little gem of a beach between Diamond Head and Black Point, though it's not the best for swimming. Normally uncrowded, it provides a glimpse of Doris Duke’s Shangri La estate. From the intersection of Diamond Head Rd and Kahala Ave, turn makai (seaward) onto Kulamanu St, then Kulamanu Pl heads off right down toward the beach. There’s limited parking on Kulamanu St.

From Waikiki, bus 14 stops nearby once or twice hourly. It's a pretty one-hour walk from Waikiki.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Oʻahu attractions

1. Shangri La

0.13 MILES

In the shadow of Diamond Head, the former mansion of billionaire tobacco heiress Doris Duke is a sight to behold for art-lovers and celebrity hounds…

2. Diamond Head Lookout

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From this small parking area there are fine views over Kuilei Cliffs Beach Park and up the coast toward Kahala. On the east side of the parking area, look…

3. Kuilei Cliffs Beach Park

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In the shadow of Diamond Head, this strand of sandy beach draws experienced windsurfers when the trade winds are blowing. The popular Diamond Head Cliffs…

4. Diamond Head State Monument

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The extinct crater of Diamond Head is now a state monument, with picnic tables and a spectacular hiking trail up to the 760ft-high summit. The trail was…

5. Diamond Head Beach Park

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Bordering the lighthouse, this rocky beach occasionally draws surfers, snorkelers and tide-poolers, plus a few picnickers. The narrow strand nicknamed…

6. Waiʻalae Beach Park

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At this picturesque sandy beach, a gentle stream meets the sea. Local surfers challenge Razors, a break off the channel’s west side. Swimming conditions…

7. Kapi'olani Regional Park

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8. Kaimana Beach

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At the Diamond Head edge of Waikiki, Kaimana is a prime triangle of sandy stretch of oceanfront that’s far from the frenzied tourist scene. It’s commonly…

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