Kaimana Beach

Such a wonderful beach! Right next to the giant field, and pretty close to Waikiki. It's pretty small, I'm not sure if there's parking anywhere, but the area around is very walkable. It's also free to enter, and there were no bathrooms.

Good spot to swim, snorkel, or look for seals. Parking was pretty full but I didn’t have to wait long for a spot. Saw two Hawaiian monk seals on the beach from 10am-12pm! There is a lifeguard that makes sure people don’t get too close to the seals.

Beautiful little beach right outside Hau Tree. Not very crown and the water is so calm and clear. Bathrooms available just inside the hotel.

Nice little beach where there is less tourist! Sunset there is amazing!

May 2025 A bit more secluded though a bit far to get here by foot

Nice beach area further past all the tourist swamped beaches in Waikiki. Nice sandy beach easy to walk on and water was nice with limited waves. Not as good for snorkelling as hoped but if you go out a bit further you will find pockets of fish around the rocks. It is shallow so watch the tides.

This is a hidden gem on the edge of Waikiki at the base of diamond head. Lots of sand and clear water that is not crowed with tourist. Some it is closed down due to the monk seals, but there is still plenty of beach left for everyone.

LOVED this beach. Lots of dogs and locals at the foot of San Souci Condos. Lifeguard and shower. Waves too strong this day to see much of anything but planes in the sky. BRING your quarters to park nearby.

Spent an afternoon snorkeling here in mid November. The weather was perfect. We set up on a small beach in front of the adjacent hotel, which is also a good choice for a nice lunch at the outdoor patio restaurant. The water is very calm here. Which is nice. But be careful during low tides. The coral, which is where the best fish viewing is, come up high and makes snorkeling a little tight. It is easy to get caught between the coral and the top of the water. I got a tiny scrape on my knee from not paying enough attention. But it is a nice mellow place to snorkel. There are beautiful fish here to see. So worth going to as a daytime excursion.

This is a very small beach that is located right next to War Memorial Natatorium. It is at the end of beach row and is not as crowded as the other more popular beaches. There is metered street parking available within a reasonable walking distance. You may also be able to find a free spot at the Natatorium, but they are limited. The beach is also known as Sans Souci (means "without a care" in French) and is known for its shallow waters, and being free of strong currents. It is great for families and easy to get in and out. In my opinion, this is a hidden gem and not too many visitors venture to this beach outside of those staying at the Kaimana Beach Hotel. There are restrooms available at the neighboring Natatorium for visitors to use. You will find picnic tables, benches and open space behind the beach that is available for visitors to hang out. It is a well shaded area and I hung out there for a bit to cool off. Some people set up pop-up tents in the area and had a party. This beach is popular among swimmers and kayakers who use it for its calm waters. Surfers use the beach to access the waters beyond the reef through Kapua Channel, which leads to Old Man's, a popular surf site. This beach is very clean and tidy. It is a very chill and laid back beach and just as picturesque as the big boys down the road. I highly recommend checking out this beach to slow things down a bit from the fast past beaches to the North and relax.

Great beach. Terrible Karen today however. Nooo moooooore Karens! Wish the lifeguards would tell her to move on.

This used to be one of my normal beach spots back in the day. Whether it was alone with my dog or friend and family gatherings. The park area has many great spots to have a picnic, and most weekends there will be a handful of people having parties here. The beach is just a short walk over. The beach front is calm and great for kids to play. While also having a small break for boarding if the surfs up. You can also bring dogs to the beach, but technically they aren't allowed in the park area. Albeit, I used to have my dog at parties in the park and never had an issue except for a few times peeps calling cops cause of the barking. They were usually cool about it with friendly warnings. SOMEtimes, parking can be a pain as there isn't much at the park. So usually you just park in Kapiolani park metered parking. It's those times with events at the park that can cause parking woes. The only real down is the bathrooms are blah haha......but it's ok I go here for the park and beach and not the bathroom haha.

This beach is located to the left side of the Natatorium. As is the case for most of Waikiki, parking is wherever you can find it. There is a short road that goes up to the Natatorium but unless you are extremely lucky you will not get parking there. I have had to park at the Waikiki Shell lot. It is decent for snorkeling, especially with the costs and restrictions and reservations needed at Hanauma Bay these days. Obviously not as good but less hassles. We did run into some turtles while snorkeling and they didn't mind us being there so we swam with them for quite some time. There were also Hawaiian monk seals hanging out on the beach (see photos).

My FAVORITE beach on the island. Though it can be busy at times, it is the most calm and perfect balance of city and calm. Huge park near by, restaurants near by. Love going in the mornings. Had the Best memories here!

Here's a favorite spot for enjoying the sand and the sea. Add monk seal spotting and I'm all in! Mama monk seal Rocky has given birth at this beach on several occasions. Enjoy the sightings, from a safe distance, of mama Rocky and her pup, until the weaning period ends. Since Hawaiian monk seals are an endangered species, please observe the minimum 150 feet distance on land and in the water, for your safety as well as theirs. Rocky will protect her pup if she senses you are too close or pose a threat to her pup. In late July, a swimmer was attacked while Rocky and her pup were returning to shore, after the pup wandered off and Rocky went to find him. Glad to see DLNR enforcement officers on shore and on jet skis and Hawaii Marine Animal Response staff this weekend.

One of my favorite beach spots to come with friends and family! Don't forget to bring sunscreen!

This gorgeous beach next to the Kaimana Beach Hotel is also known as Sans Souci Beach. The water is calm and great for children or for adults to swim and snorkel. The ombre colors of the water range from pale aqua to deep turquoise to royal blue. Bbreathtaking! If you are seeking a big Sandy beach with few people and calm waters, this is your spot! The Natatorium War Museam is right next door and the wall makes a great place to sit or jump into the water. There are bathrooms and showers there making it super convenient. With the park right next to the beach, there are plenty of shady spots close by in addition to the sun. Plus picnic tables and benches. Metered parking on Kalakaua but it fills up quickly, especially weekends. No worries, it's an easy walk if you have to park further away.

Amazing and chill beach that seems worlds away from Waikiki even though it's just a 20 minutes walk. Our studio condo in Waikiki was three blocks from the main beach but we couldn't stomach the crowds. Not having a car allows for great freedom but means that you'd best be prepared to walk. And the extra time it took to come to Kaimana Beach was worth it. My gosh, this spot is glorious, crowded but not overwhelming, the nicest mix of locals and tourists.

Kaimana Beach, despite its popularity among tourists, holds a special place in my heart. This picturesque beach has been the backdrop for intimate birthdays and parties, creating cherished memories for my family and me. Its versatility and welcoming ambiance make it an ideal destination for gatherings with loved ones. While the crowds of tourists can be overwhelming at times, the beach's ability to cater to the whole family is undeniably its greatest charm. A solid 4-star beach that continues to offer beautiful moments and treasured celebrations.

Happy earth day! Yelp reminded me to show some loveeee and this was the recent beach I visited last week. So here goes! What's not to love! It's at the far far end if the beach. Much less busier but also very busy at times. Kaimana hotel does valet for $10 if you can't find street parking. There's a gorgeous giant banyan tree if you want shade. But why would you! Bring your kind of board, sunscreen and enjoy! So many kids and pups here too. Being able to get food at outrigger canoes club/ Kaimana hotel after is a bonus!

What a perfect beach to just relax...right just outside of Waikiki with a super chill vibe and lots of parking it's just absolutely heavenly here. The reason though is to see the new pup momma Kaiwi has given birth to here recently and I just didn't want to miss that rare opportunity to see them and oh was it worth it. I was so lucky my timing was perfect as when I got there they were in the water swimming which was the cutest thing. So I waited until they came out and the cuteness was just off the charts gah!! Hawaiian monk seals are extremely endangered species and mom will remain with her pup nursing for about five to six weeks then leave them...ohhh! Hawaiian beach therapy should be a real treatment, we're so blessed to have this constant view! Thank you!!

I absolutely LOVE this beach. While only a few minutes away from Waikiki beach, it feels like it's actually several miles away. The vibe at this little stretch of sand is so laid back, relaxed, and rarely feels crowded. I've been here about a dozen times and even threw myself a birthday gathering at the picnic table closest to the beach. The beach is located right next to the Natatorium Memorial, which honors the 10,000 men and women from Hawaii who served and the 101 who gave their lives during WW1. The structure, though a shadow of its former self, is still quite gorgeous, awe inspiring and thought provoking. The lifeguards here are very helpful and friendly and will happily share any tips and knowledge they have about the beaches specific topography, lines of current and underwater swimming structures. If you're ever looking for an amazing beach, away from the hussle and bussle of the tourist areas, Kaimana is your spot.

The perfect beach in town to kick back and relax is Kaimana Beach. It is located in between the Nanatorium and the Kaimana Beach Hotel. Although this beach is smaller compared to others around the area it is much wider. Most of the times, the water is crystal clear. If you like to surf, this beach gives access to one of the popular surf spots in town, Old Man's. In my opinion, one of the many reasons I like coming here is that there are less tourist. I feel Kaimana gives off the vibe as a beach where locals go to. I always seem to bump into someone I know. Come here early if you want to score parking and an ideal spot on the lawn to have your bbq.

I'm not a beach bummer. But what can I do? I am here in Hawaii, & for those wishing to be on my foot just to be on the beach, somehow I am grateful for the gift of water. Yaaay! Waikiki beach will be my last option to hangout along the seashore. It's just too touristy & it's hard to gather peacefulness I need for myself. But behold! Still within the vicinity of Waikiki Beach but a part away from the pack of touristy bustle, you can still manage to enjoy Waikiki beach. For the very least I'll consider this one within Waikiki. This beach is for everyone too, children & adults alike. A good place to do barbecuing or picnic. Sunset chaser? You bet it! Especially if there are kayaks & boat present on the area, make sure you include them on your frame! They'll make your photo picturesque for sure! Blessed we live Hawaii. Indeed not a bad place to get quarantined during Covid19! Mahalo for reading & happy juandering fellow yelpers!

The last day of summer 2020... May I vent a bit? This year had some disappointments. My trip to Korea was canceled... at least I got a refund! My trip to Las Vegas was cancelled... at least I got my money back. The Doobie Brothers 50th Anniversary Concert was supposed to be in LA on 9-19-20... at least it's postponed until 2021. I usually go to Los Angeles for the Orange County Fair and the Huy Fong Foods factory tour (sriracha tour) during Chili Grinding Season every autumn... not this year. So, instead of traveling, I want to find things in Honolulu that make me happy and show the world the natural beauty of the 50th State! A long time ago, my high school classmates gathered at Kaimana Beach for a picnic. It's a relatively safe beach towards the end of Waikiki, next to the Kaimana Hotel. I don't know why they chose this location because the free parking is scarce. Across the street (Kalakaua Avenue) there's metered parking and those are usually full, too. However, when there's a picnic, there's a lot to carry, so, walking from a far distance isn't the best... lol... somehow, we managed to survive all obstacles. Recently, I've been interested in photos from fellow Yelpers and wanted to follow their examples. The Last Day of Summer 2020 was a motivator... like... how can we make this year better? As I was driving to Waikiki, I almost turned around to go back home because it was raining and the sky looked gloomy. Then, I saw a rainbow while I was on the freeway and it told me that I might get good photos! Too bad the rainbow disappeared by the time I reached Waikiki. A car was leaving and I easily parked on the street, right in front of Kaimana Beach... Was it a sign? I walked along the sidewalk until there were less people. A retaining wall was sheltering the shore from erosion, making the waves splash upwards... it looked like a water show... more unpredictable than the one in front of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas and - instead of synchronized lights and music, there was the gorgeous sunset for a backdrop and the soothing sounds of the waves! It was magical! It was mesmerizing! It took some patience and timing to get a few "good" photos. I enjoyed capturing them all here... each one is unique and special! Aloha to Summer 2020! Welcome to Autumn 2020!

We love this isolated gem of a beach at the most south eastern part of Waikiki. It's an easy stroll from many of the hotels and generally offers plenty of room to enjoy the ocean and wonderful sand. Swim gear snorkels n and kayaking are very common. The waves aren't the best for surfing but that means easier for swimming and snorkeling. And the most eastern jetty area has always had a turtle or two hanging out. It's usually a little murky in terms of visibility but very easy place to go. Parking is good and during the shutdown wow just fantastic. But other times easy to drop off folks and supplies for a long day on the beach. Then drive around kapio'lani park to park. The vehicle. There are public showers to wash off at the edge of beach and walkway and grass which is very conv

What's not to love about Kaimana Beach? I absolutely love it for its soft, sandy shores, the gorgeous reef for snorkeling and for sunbathing. You can't go wrong! If you can't find parking in the little half circle near the beach, you could usually score parking in Kapiolani Park somewhere and make the short and sweet walk to the beach. I love setting up my stuff and laying out and sunbathing, and then diving right in for a swim! There's a good mix of people here, mostly swimmers, but you can see paddle boarders and boogie boarders when the surf is up. There will be snorkelers here, too. On a lucky day, you may see a Hawaiian Monk Seal laying on the east side of the beach - what a special treat! Make sure you obey keeping your distance from them, as they are endangered! What a sight, though, to see a monk seal basking up the sweet Hawaiian sun! Overall, I love the beach for swimming. It's relaxing and wonderfully close to my home. I can even ride my bike here. What a dream!

I hesitate writing this review with selfish thoughts of keeping the beach less crowded and more importantly to myself. But alas in the spirit of public service, here's my 2 cents. Nestled between the buildings on the Gold Coast and the WWI Memorial, this little gem on the outskirts of Waikiki is my favorite beach in town. A large reef sits about 30 feet from where the ocean laps on to the beach which helps to slow down and break up the waves and making it an ideal place to cruise on your flotilla or frolic in the water. This reef runs almost the entire length of the beach which helps to create a natural swimming pool like environment. Thus a perfect place to swim laps. Hint: get out of my way when I'm doing laps. My focused exercise is more important than your purposeless frolicking. Sheez! A small channel leads surfers out to a favorite surf spot called Old Man's. The lifeguard, Ken, said it's named for an old man who, many years ago, used to surf there every day. Swimmers like to swim the small channel out to a red windsock hung on a pole deeply imbedded in a reef about 1/8 out. That's a 1/4 mile round trip. Yeah go ahead and put your calculator away. A rock wall separates the beach from the large grassy area interspersed with tall swaying palm trees. There you'll find locals kicking back on a towel or beach chair. Some BBQing with small and big grills while others, with more ambition, exercising and contorting their bodies in deep yogic breathing. If you see me with my headphones on staring aimlessly into the ocean, please bring red wine. But keep in mind, it's technically not legal to drink on the beach. The law has been known to abruptly manifest from thin air on ATVs. There's free parking in marked stalls on both sides of the road leading into the beach. In the back, a small parking lot sits in front of the WWI Memorial. There you'll also find bathrooms and showers. If free parking is full, then you'll need to fork out $ for metered parking on Kalakaua Ave. So remember to bring change because with your luck, free parking will be full. A little sundry store affronts the New Otani Hotel located a stone's throw away from the beach. Legal Disclaimer "Do not throw stones there or anywhere. People are trying to eat for God's sake!!" But if you fancy something more than sandwiches wrapped in plastic then have a go at the Hau Tree Lanai where there's a full bar and restaurant with excellent food and service. FYI, it's a bit pricy but the rent on the beach ain't cheap. You know what I mean right? So bring a towel or beach chair and a book or headphones and melt your stress away. But seriously, you're much better off going elsewhere. Happy Beaching!!

I don't really like beaches and I think it's because I worked next to one for about 4 years when I was younger. Either way, I live in Hawaii and with the limited things one can do, I'll eventually end up at a beach from time to time. When I was younger, I would come here late at night on dates. Even though I didn't like beaches, if a pretty girl wanted to go, I'm not stupid to tell them "no". The life guard tower area was a great spot to admire the ocean, stars, lights of Waikiki and "talk". Now that I'm older, I come here for BBQ's as this is a popular spot to have them. They have free parking available if you can secure a stall but if not, there is metered parking along Kapiolani Park. There are clean restrooms in the hotel next door one can use (I'm not sure if you're suppose to use them so I won't name the hotel). The park area immediately before the beach is where people have BBQ's and it's clean (lots of rubbish bins to toss your trash). Solid spot and I'm sure I'll be back sooner than later.

Love, love, love this beach. Located across from Kapiolani park so metered parking is available should the limited, free stalls fill up close to the beach. Honestly Ive been there at 9 AM and the parking was almost filled -- Mix of early morning surfers and swimmers and then family's tenting for the whole day. Grassy area is large enough for multiple groups. BBQ-ing and animals welcomed. Bit of homeless who walk through so dont leave your belongings unattended on the grass. Beach itself is always beautiful and relatively clean. Wall to jump off of if you can climb the slick rocks, water goes from shallow (1' to 2') to deep drop a few feet out so all types of swimmers welcomed. Always tons of families and kids here on the weekends. Water is generally clean with lots of beautiful clear water moments. Cold fresh water showers available to rinse afterwards as well -- Bring your own soap! Private stalls and toilets available but wear your slippers lol. I always bring my dogs as the setup is convenient and easy for a quick dip in the ocean.

Kaimana Beach is a great little beach to go to. We sometimes go here for BBQs and just to go to the beach. My husband likes to paddle in here from Hawaii Kai so we meet him here to pick him up. There isn't a lot of parking in the round about parking lot but if you leave the lot, there are lots of metered parking right across the street at Kapiolani Park. My daughter and I have been here a few times just to relax at the beach. It's a nice little cozy beach that's not overrun by tourists like other beaches in Waikiki.

Kaimana Beach is fairly small beach, but the water is clean and so is the sand. Great location for children, but like any other beach please watch your children. Parking is sort of hard to find, but there are lots of metered stalls on Kalakaua or come early. enjoy!

Great beach near Waikiki beach. This is more of a local beach. There is a monk seal here with her baby. She was also here last year with another baby. Across the street from a park and walking distance to aquarium and zoo. Parking is a challenge during the day.

Lovveeee this beach. Super chill. Water is clear and there are almost no waves. We always find a good spot.

Daughter is a local and said it's right behind a hotel, location not so great. A sun-screen-filled murky ocean. Lastly please be mindful of the monk seals. Seal recently attack a tourist who got too close to a mama and her baby.

Mixed feelings about this beach. It's popular with both tourists and locals. It can get as crowded as some spots on Waikiki. Mix of sand and small rocks as you enter the water. Swimmers like to swim out to the windsock. A few small fish to see if you are snorkeling but there are much better places to do that. No shade on the beach but there is a park area behind the beach with trees. Some people stand up paddle board and there is a small surf break off shore. Parking is limited so you have to be lucky or patient sometimes. Bathrooms with showers available at the War Memorial. On many days there is an annoying stench that lingers in the air and intensifies if the breeze goes on the wrong direction. There has been more traffic this past month due to visitors stopping by to look at the Hawaiian monk seal and her pup on the beach.

Located on the edge of the Waikiki away from the bustle of the strip lies a tiny family-friendly beach. This beach is perfect for a sunny Sunday BBQ with the family. The waves are usually small and perfect for kids to swim. There's a tiny shower with two shower heads to rinse off after laying out in the sand all day and a bathroom located in the natatorium. I've come here many times in the past to barbecue, hang out, and even watch the sunset. Parking in the tiny lot connected to the park can be pretty tricky but there's plenty of metered parking on the street around Kapiolani park.

This is my go to place to shoot the sunset when I am pressed for time. Kaimana Beach is very close to home for me. I would highly suggest that due to limited amount of parking here at Kaimana Beach and if you are in a bind for time, your best bet would be to try to find parking across the street at Kapiolani Park. If you are parking at Kapiolani park you must pay for metered parking anytime between 10-6pm. Anytime after 6pm, you don't need to pay. This beach will normally have a mix of locals and tourists so it can get pretty crowded, especially during sunset.

Small little beach a short walk from our resort. There were lots of people on a Thursday afternoon and the sand is rockier than beaches further down towards Waikiki.

I went to Oahu recently by myself under the impression that Honolulu had a more "hip" vibe to it as opposed to my experience in Maui and Kauai. It was true, somewhat, but totally not at all. For all of those in my position, Kaimana Beach is the beach to go where you can avoid a majority of your eye-sores and prepubescent children. When I explored Waikiki Beach on my first day, I thought I walked into hell. It was populated with homeless people, teenagers, and dad bods galore around the clock. What the fuck? It felt like I had never left Kirkland, being one of like 20 people who is childless and single in the area. I spent a lot of time here and Lanikai Beach, which felt like an utopia compared to the hot mess that is Waikiki Beach. I am still sporting scars from the cuts on my big toe I got from the god damned coral at Waikiki. I was genuinely shocked my toes were still in tact when I got out of the water. Oahu provided amazing views and oceanfront experience. If you're looking for a getaway type of experience, Kaimana is a much quieter spot to watch the sunset, to gather space to contemplate the meaningless existence of your life, and or to tan in peace; just a skip and hop away from Waikiki Beach, the Disneyland of Hawaii.

This is a small, chill beach at the end of Waikiki. Less crowds and free parking along the streets. It has a wall on one side of the beach. And the waves are calm. A great beach if you have kids for those reasons. There's warning signs everywhere for aggressive seals that bite. I didn't see any while I was swimming...not a quiet beach but not as crowded.

We have been coming here since my daughter was 2 years old. I was wondering if she would love it the same as a 7 year old and this beach did not disappoint. Because of the reef wall that surrounds this beach the waves do not crash as hard as they do in other parts. Anyone with small children who are looking for a great introduction to a beach experience should definitely come here.

I hesitate to write this review because part of its charm is that it's not as saturated with tourists as the other parts of Waikiki. This beach has its own parking lot, though it has limited space and fills up quickly. Luckily, there's usually plenty of street-parking leading up to this beach and war memorial. If you go early, it's usually not a problem finding parking. What I love about this beach is that it has all the beauty of Waikiki beaches, but not all the dirtiness. The water is so much clearer on this side and the crowd here is much more chill. This is a perfect spot to spend the day with your family or even a quiet day for yourself! Oh!! And no matter what the surf conditions are on other parts of the island, Kaimana is usually calm and swim-able. Love this gem! It's best to pack your own food since it's far from all the hustle-bustle of Waikiki!!

Great place; mostly tourist-free! So close to the hell of Waikiki but far enough away to keep most of the tourists away. I hate Waikiki due to the throngs of people. I was so surprised to discover this beach a few weeks ago while walking along the promenade. Very clear water and only a handful of folks there. The beach itself is narrow and not great. But ... behind the beach is a huge grassy park and restrooms. The reward for me was the super clear water out past the former breakwater. The whole area is very shallow coral -- so be careful. I saw plentiful fish; the only thing I didn't see was my favorite honus. I was lucky enough to see an eel :-). As others have said, parking here is tough. So far my parking karma has been with me!

Kaimana Beach is located at the end of Waikiki near Diamond Head. It's located across the street from Kapiolani Park and is the backyard beach to the Kaimana New Otani hotel and is much less crowded than Waikiki beach itself, which is why this is one of my favorite beaches in Waikiki. It might be tough to find parking, especially on the weekends. There's a really tiny parking lot for the beach, otherwise there are metered stalls on the street that tend to fill up quickly. There's a lifeguard on duty and showers to rinse off the salt water. Beware, there's some sharp coral reef in the shallow parts of the water on the Diamond Head (east) side of the beach so if you're just wading in the water, I recommend sticking to the Ewa (west) side of the beach. Stand up paddle boards are available to rent at New Otani's activity desk in the lobby. They have a wide variety of SUP boards and their prices are reasonable and they offer Kama`aina rates. Kaimana Beach is great for everything-including cookouts. They have a large grassy area before the actual beach where you can have gatherings and set up your BBQ grill. If you like being in Waikiki but don't feel like dealing with the large crowds at Waikiki Beach, Kaimana is probably the beach for you! Hau`oli Makahiki Hou! Wishing you all a 2015 full of sandy toes, salty hair and sun-kissed adventures!

Thank You to All Whom served and are Serving for this Great Country I call Home! Enjoyed the park, beach and the team from Wolfgang's. Akola was strumming and that made it even more special. The fireworks were Fresh, Colorful and a sensation to the eyes. Happy Independence Day!

Going to the beach? I'm always up for Kaimana beach, cuz I absolutely LOVE this beach! And here's why: -The location is after the aquarium and the natatorium so it's outside the hustle and bustle of tourists and busy cars from waikiki. -There's ample park areas where families and friends can set up tents and volleyball nets to hangout and have a potluck. -There are benches facing the wall before the beach starts for people to watch the sunset or just people watch -you can SWIM here, from the buoy and back. It's definitely more of a challenge, for me at least, compared to ala moana beach because of the current, but it's a good challenge! -It has big clean bathrooms in the natatorium area, where you can shower too! -There are MUCH less rocks at this beach than some other beaches, which makes this a great beach for children as well. This beach is very relaxing and fun. I love coming here with my friends to just lay out and play in the water, or solo to just read a book and enjoy the ocean and people. The only drawback experienced here is parking, on busy days of course. On weekends I suggest going early to grab parking. Doesn't it make you wanna go to the beach too!? Yelp challenge- 11/365

I'm reluctant to review this beach because it's such a hidden gem. But it's not fair to keep such a delightful place a secret. This beach is located on Kalākaua Avenue between the Natatorium Memorial and Kaimana Beach Hotel. It is on the Diamond Head end of Waikiki, which is very quiet compared to the busy, crowded part of Waikiki with all the big hotels and stores. This uncrowded little stretch of beach has a nice range of local families with their kids, to young supermodels wearing thong bikinis, to all sorts of chill people in between. There are no obnoxious people throwing balls on the sand, which hit people lying on the sand, or drinking alcohol in a bag like other parts of Waikiki. The water is almost always calm, and once you get in the water there are few rocks to walk on. In general, it's a nice, sandy bottom. If you love swimming like I do, you can swim out to the windsock, for a nice workout. There are also clean, well-maintained restrooms in the Natatorium building, and they even had soap in there the last time I went! What a nice beach to come to to just relax and get away from it all!

A very nice beach located past the Aquarium and away from the craziness of Waikiki. It's not a large beach, but it has showers, a grassy area, a lifeguard on duty and plenty of parking both free and metered. Nice gentle surf and a good beach for families and little ones. There is some shade if you're looking to escape the sun. I always see families BBQing on the grassy area, which is a great area for families to get together. It appears more people are beginning to find-out about this gem, but you'll always find locals and tourists alike. If you're looking for a more relaxed beach and close to Waikiki, this is the spot.

Dog friendly!!! In Waikiki where the waves are minimal? That alone is worth 5-stars. But there are a few more pluses that makes this place great! Lifeguard: there is one for just this small strip of beach. Safe! Shade and space: there ain't no shade on the sand. And thought it can get pretty crowded, there is usually a good chunk of room for for you, your family AND your umbrella. If you want a pop tent, there is room for that on the grass area which is a mere 20 feet from the water. You can leave tutu up there and feel pretty safe that if she like call you, you will here. Or you can watch the kids in the water from up there. Parking: you would think not, but it really ain't that bad. But I'll let you figure it out yourself. I don't want to p/o the regulars off, lol. Hint, some times are better than others. Barb-Q: You can do this up on the grassy area, which is real nice especially when compared to some other popular beaches with minimal waves where you can't have dogs or barbequing, and get hard time finding parking for...on the west side...close to a famous mouse. Anyway, I love this beach and it gives me an excuse to check out some of the places in THAT direction.

This is one of my favorite beaches. I like that there is usually plenty of metered parking outside the park even though I can walk from my apartment. I also love the fact that there is a shower faucet so that I can rinse off before heading to monsarrat for shave ice. I also feel very safe because there is a lifeguard station at this beach. Eating at Hau tree lanai is also a viable, but expensive option when coming to this beach, otherwise it is perfectly acceptable to bring your own food. The park side offers big grassy areas for get togethers and barbecues, while the beach offers a smallish sandy area and not a lot of reef. There is a good combination of tourists and locals and on the weekends, the music from the parties at the park can be heard while you sit on the beach.

A cute little beach in Waikiki, kinda crowded and small though. Lifeguard on duty most of the day and a shower available. Still worth a visit!

Great place to go with kids. Not rocky like other beaches. You're welcomed by shallow, calm water. Not as crowded as Waikiki beach. Just a walk from Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium.

Over certain weekends I'll jog around the entirety of Kapiolani Park, be it either a fast jog or a lazy stroll, depending on my mood. After that, I'll go to Kaimana just to cool off from the wet hot sun. Kaimana Beach is what is almost the 'last beach' at the eastern edge of Waikiki. Parking, like any other place in Waikiki, is fairly easy if you get there early. Free parallel parking is at the Natatorium entrance, but if it's full, don't expect them to open up soon. Consider the paid parking area at the park (.50/hr.); Otherwise, wait for a space to open up. Kayaking and swimming seems to be beach's great points. Every once in a while a monk seal may show up for a neat sight for instagram. It's a place for either lazy or active families, all are welcome. Now, unlike some other beaches where the sand is literally washing away to merely a sliver between the water and the street, the sand here is plentiful and wide, perfect to spend the day without worrying about the tide. A convenience store merely steps away are perfect for when you forget to bring your slippers, or need a refreshment or a bite.

Good, beautiful, clean little beach away from the craziness of Waikiki beach without sacrificing the views. It's located in front of the Kaimana hotel but also has public acess. Parking can be a little tough sometimes But that's only because you have to park on the street in one of the metered spots or along the street. Sometimes you have to circle around a few times before scoring a spot. The water is super calm, hardly any waves, which makes it great for my 1 year old daughter. There is also a park here with grass and shade if you have gotten too much sun. It's not as crowded here that's why I like coming to this beach in comparison to Waikiki beach which is literally a stones throw away.

Contrary to belief, there is more than one beach in Waikiki. That whole stretch of sand is not all part of Waikiki Beach. There are a few other beaches as you walk further east. There is Kuhio Beach which is my usual spot in Waikiki, Queen's Surf Beach which is where the Sunset on the Beach movie events are held and lastly Kaimana Beach. Kaimana Beach (aka Sans Souci Beach) is located next to the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial and across the street from Kapiolani Park. Waikiki Aquarium is also nearby. The name of the beach is derived from the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel that it fronts. If you are looking for a secluded beach in Waikiki, this is your spot. There is a lifeguard station here so this beach is watched. There is a backside of the beach that is park like where there are a few benches if you prefer just to take in the beach and water and don't want to get sand in your feet and shoes. Though it is quieter, I feel like the view is not great. The Natatorium obstructs the view here a bit. You would have to venture towards the eastern edge of the beach for a view of Waikiki. Otherwise this beach is simply sand with a view of the ocean. If you are looking for a beach with a view, Kaimana Beach is not that place. You are better off at Kuhio or Waikiki Beach. However if you just need a quiet beach to lay out on the sand and get a tan, Kaimana Beach will work for you.

If Waikiki is a tourist, this beach is the local stepsister. She still carries a camera around her neck and wasn't actually *born* here but she's pretty local. Seriously though, this beach has great advantages and brings locals to Waikiki. First of all, it is very close to Kapiolani Park. It's always great to have a beach to cool off on after your workout and Kap Park is a popular workout spot! Secondly, it is close to Waikiki but also has pretty good parking. Yea, you have to feed the meter but at least you are pretty much guaranteed to find a spot! Plus, even if you park a 1/2 mile away, you have a leisurely walk alongside the picturesque Kapiolani Park. There are spots along the U- driveway that marks the entrance to Kaimanas and in back in a super small lot. If you can get these spots, buy a lottery ticket, because you are definitely one of the more lucky people I know. This is the site for many parties.... read: many tents, BBQs and delicious food smells. I've been here lots lately for sunset yoga and have come to two conclusions: 1. This is one of the best spots to catch the sunset! .... Who can resist sailboats cruising in front of a setting sun? Certainly not me! 2. This is a great place to continue or have your workout. There is plenty of space for our yoga sessions on the grass in front of the beach. Plus, you can use this grassy area to stretch, do some boot camp moves or just drink a beverage! (In a red cup of course!) Okay, here's the info you were really looking for.... Dogs are allowed. Not positive on the specifics, though so don't quote me on this! All I know is that this beach is so much more dog-friendly than Magic Island. In my opinion, the best time to bring them is sunset, stay on the grass and then bring them to the beach after some people have cleared out!