Sandy beach
Yes
Hike-in Required
No
Surfing
Yes
Snorkeling / SCUBA
No
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Makalei Beach Park is a lesser traveled area for a few reasons, one of them being a lack of parking and the other because it's located between two much more famous places. Having Diamond Head to the east and Waikiki to the west means Makalei is often overlooked. The beach is not very big, but it is usually more than large enough to handle the smaller crowd sizes it receives. The sand is nice, but the water can be a bit rocky just off the shore. There is a nice raised platform to watch the waves in the distance and some picnic tables and shade from a large Banyan tree in the middle of the park

Far off shore the surf breaks of Suicides and Graveyards attract a small handful of people each afternoon. The names are much more intimidating than the waves, which usually aren't very big. During summer swells it can get double overhead, but that's rare. Most of the time it's just somewhere for the kids on the south shore to get their surfing fix without dealing with the crowds at Waikiki and Diamond Head.  It's also a decent snorkeling, kayaking and stand-up paddling area.

Park to the northwest of the park in the neighborhoods such as on Hibiscus Way and then walk over. Note that this is known among many as a semi-nude beach. 

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Well maintained. Not crowded. Pretty area.

Cons

Breaks far out. Tough to find parking.

Features

Fishing
Picnic tables
Surfing
Whale watching
Wildlife
Bird watching

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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