Paradise Cove Beach
A picturesque Hawaiian cove offering serene waters for swimming, snorkeling, and wildlife encounters, especially sea turtles.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Secure limited parking spots
Paradise Cove Beach
Best Time
Secure limited parking spots
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque Hawaiian cove offering serene waters for swimming, snorkeling, and wildlife encounters, especially sea turtles.
"SO GORGEOUS once you do!! Many sea turtles came in while we were there and one touched my leg!"
🚗 Limited Parking Alert!
Public parking is scarce; arrive before 9 AM or use paid resort parking.
🚰 BYO Amenities
No restrooms or trash bins. Pack all your essentials and pack out what you pack in.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 416 reviews
Type
Beach
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sea Turtle Encounters
Paradise Cove Beach
Witness majestic sea turtles in their natural habitat. Local guides ensure respectful viewing, making for a magical experience.
Snorkeling Paradise
Paradise Cove Beach
Explore vibrant underwater life in this protected cove, known for its calm waters and abundant fish nurseries.
Sunset Spectacle
Paradise Cove Beach
Experience breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific. The golden hour light transforms the cove into a photographer's dream.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for Prime Parking
Pack Your Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Limited Parking Alert!
Public parking is scarce; arrive before 9 AM or use paid resort parking.
🚰 BYO Amenities
No restrooms or trash bins. Pack all your essentials and pack out what you pack in.
🐢 Respect Wildlife
Observe sea turtles from a distance and never touch them.
🤿 Snorkel Ready
Calm waters make it ideal for snorkeling and spotting marine life.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Limited Parking Alert!
Public parking is scarce; arrive before 9 AM or use paid resort parking.
🚰 BYO Amenities
No restrooms or trash bins. Pack all your essentials and pack out what you pack in.
🐢 Respect Wildlife
Observe sea turtles from a distance and never touch them.
🤿 Snorkel Ready
Calm waters make it ideal for snorkeling and spotting marine life.
🌅 Sunset Views
The beach offers stunning sunset vistas, perfect for photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Paradise Cove Beach is lauded for its stunning natural beauty, calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and the magical opportunity to see sea turtles. However, visitors frequently cite significant drawbacks, primarily the extremely limited public parking and the lack of basic amenities like restrooms and trash bins, which detract from the overall experience.
"Hard to find the pedestrian entrance but SO GORGEOUS once you do!! Many sea turtles came in while we were there and one touched my leg! There was a local there making sure no one would approach the turtles and let them come to us. It was so magical. Walking distance from Aulani, about 10 mins."
Samantha Day
"Disappointing how the local government manages this small beautiful beach. There are no rubbish bins and restrooms. Someone attached a couple of big rubbish bags to the fence, and they have been full for unknown time. Public parking is free but very limited (about a dozen car bays). Paradise cove nearby has restrooms (not allowed for beach visitors) and uses beach for their commercial activities every evening (from 5 pm). You can't go anywhere alongside the beach: you need to return to the main street if needing anything. The closest restroom is near the lagoon behind Dysney resort."
Marat G
"Such a beautiful Cove perfec5 for fish nurseries. I SNORKELED and saw a SEAL such a treat.Qmazing sunset ."
Nidia G Simental
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Paradise Cove Beach is located in Oahu, Hawaii. Public parking is extremely limited and fills up quickly, often by 9 AM. If you miss the public spots, you may need to pay for parking at nearby resorts like Aulani or the Four Seasons, or at the Ko Olina shops across the street. Some visitors suggest parking at the Paradise Cove Luau lot and walking to the cove access.
Yes, there is a small public parking lot, but it only has about a dozen spots and fills up very early.
While the Luau uses the beach for commercial activities, there's a small parking lot near where the buses park that offers access to the cove.
There are two distinct locations named Paradise Cove. Paradise Cove Beach in Malibu, California, is known for its beach cafe and filming locations. Paradise Cove Beach in Oahu, Hawaii, is a public beach popular for snorkeling and sea turtle sightings. This guide focuses on the Hawaiian location. 
Paradise Cove Beach is a short 10-minute walk from Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Paradise Cove Beach is a public beach, so no tickets are required for entry. However, access to the beach itself is free, but parking can be an issue.
There are no entrance fees for Paradise Cove Beach itself. The cost may come into play if you opt for paid parking at nearby resorts.
As a public beach, Paradise Cove Beach is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, the Paradise Cove Luau operates in the evenings, which may affect access or ambiance.
Yes, the Paradise Cove Beach Cafe in Malibu offers dining options. For the Hawaiian location, while the beach is public, the nearby Luau and its associated facilities are commercial operations.
Yes, the cove is often calm and placid, making it good for small children to play. However, be aware that the tide can come in strongly at times. There are no lifeguards on duty.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. It's also a fantastic spot for wildlife viewing, especially sea turtles and fish nurseries. The sunsets are spectacular.
Unfortunately, there are no public restrooms or rinse-off stations directly at Paradise Cove Beach. Visitors often need to use facilities at nearby resorts or shops.
The cove is generally calm and protected by rocks, making it good for swimming, especially for families. However, there are no lifeguards on duty, so always exercise caution.
Yes, Paradise Cove Beach is a known spot for sea turtle sightings. Local guides are often present to ensure respectful viewing.
The beach features soft, golden sand, perfect for lounging and enjoying the coastal scenery.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
In Malibu, the Paradise Cove Beach Cafe offers dining with ocean views. For the Hawaiian location, while the beach is public, the Paradise Cove Luau offers a dinner experience. Otherwise, dining options are limited directly at the beach, and you may need to travel to nearby resorts or shops.
The Paradise Cove Beach Cafe is a well-known restaurant located at the Malibu Paradise Cove. The Hawaiian Paradise Cove Beach does not have a public restaurant directly on the beach, but the Luau offers a dining component.
Yes, as it's a public beach, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks. Remember to pack out all your trash.
The Paradise Cove Luau typically features a traditional Hawaiian feast with local delicacies.
The Paradise Cove Beach Cafe in Malibu has a bar. The Paradise Cove Luau in Hawaii also offers drinks, including a complimentary welcome Mai Tai or punch.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire cove offers stunning backdrops, from the sandy beach and palm trees to the ocean views. The sunsets are particularly photogenic. Look for opportunities to capture sea turtles and the unique rock formations.
Drone footage is often highlighted for weddings at Paradise Cove in Oahu, suggesting it's a popular spot for aerial shots. However, always check local regulations regarding drone usage.
The 'golden hour' before sunset provides beautiful lighting for photography. Mornings can also be great for capturing the tranquility before crowds arrive.
Yes, the Luau grounds offer many photo opportunities, including traditional Hawaiian games and cultural performances.
While general photography is usually fine, be mindful of private events like weddings and respect the privacy of other visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit