Malaekahana State Recreation Area
A picturesque, tranquil beach cove and woodland area on Oahu, perfect for camping, picnics, and enjoying nature with fewer crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer people, more tranquility
Malaekahana State Recreation Area
Best Time
Fewer people, more tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque, tranquil beach cove and woodland area on Oahu, perfect for camping, picnics, and enjoying nature with fewer crowds.
"One of my favorite hidden gems. The beach is seldom busy and beautiful."
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Plenty of free parking is available, often close to the shoreline.
🥾 Bring Water Shoes
Essential for navigating rocky areas with coral and anemones.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Secluded Beach Cove
Main beach area
Enjoy a seldom-busy, beautiful sandy beach with plenty of shade. Perfect for a quiet day of sun and sea.
+1
Bird Sanctuary Island
Across the bay
Walk to a nearby island bird sanctuary for a unique nature experience.
Family-Friendly Calm Waters
Left of the bathrooms
A calmer section of water ideal for young children to swim and play safely.
Camping Under the Trees
Designated camping area
Camp among tropical trees with access to clean facilities and refreshing cold showers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Water Shoes are a Must
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Plenty of free parking is available, often close to the shoreline.
🥾 Bring Water Shoes
Essential for navigating rocky areas with coral and anemones. +1
🏕️ Gates Close Early
Remember the park gates close at 6:45 PM. Plan your arrival and departure accordingly.
🐢 Spot Sea Turtles
Keep an eye out for beautiful sea turtles in the water.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Plenty of free parking is available, often close to the shoreline.
🥾 Bring Water Shoes
Essential for navigating rocky areas with coral and anemones. +1
🏕️ Gates Close Early
Remember the park gates close at 6:45 PM. Plan your arrival and departure accordingly.
🐢 Spot Sea Turtles
Keep an eye out for beautiful sea turtles in the water.
🧺 Picnic & Camp
Great spot for day picnics with tables or overnight camping. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Malaekahana State Recreation Area is lauded as a beautiful, tranquil hidden gem with ample parking and clean facilities, making it a favorite for family camping and quiet beach days. While some find the water entry rocky, the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty are consistently praised.
"One of my favorite hidden gems. The beach is seldom busy and beautiful. You can actually walk to the bird sanctuary island across the bay. Quite a lot of parking, bathrooms are nice and clean very comparable to others up and down the east side. Great spot for a family camp or day picnic. I’ve brought visiting friends here and they love the quiet and wonderful beach."
Todd Barringer
"Very beautiful and clean campground. We stayed there two nights. Gate close at 6:45pm so come early. Bathroom and shower clean and always with toilet paper. Shower is cold but refreshing!"
Pavlína
"Definitely one of our favorite beaches. Relatively wide sand beach with lots of shade opportunities, few people. Potential for snorkeling further out, but very rocky and lots of anemones and broken coral starting almost immediately after entry. Definitely need Keene’s or reef booties for most water. The furthest point right/east is sandier."
Paige Wheeler Fleury
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Malaekahana State Recreation Area is located on the northeast side of Oahu. While public transport is an option, having a car offers more flexibility for exploring the island.
Yes, there is ample free parking available at Malaekahana State Recreation Area, with spots often close to the beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Malaekahana State Recreation Area is free. There are no admission fees for day use.
The park gates at Malaekahana State Recreation Area close at 6:45 PM. Ensure you plan your visit to allow enough time before closing.
Yes, Malaekahana offers a beautiful campground among the trees. Reservations may be required, so check with the state park system for details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, bodyboarding, picnicking, camping, and walking to the nearby bird sanctuary island. The calm waters on the left side are great for kids.
The main beach has gentle waves suitable for swimming and bodyboarding. A section to the left of the bathrooms offers particularly calm waters, ideal for young children.
Snorkeling is possible further out, but the entry can be rocky with coral and anemones. Reef booties are highly recommended for exploring the underwater environment.
Yes, Malaekahana has clean restrooms and showers. The showers are cold but refreshing.
Malaekahana is often described as a hidden gem and is seldom busy, offering a more tranquil beach experience compared to other popular Oahu spots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Malaekahana State Recreation Area is primarily a natural park. It's best to bring your own food and drinks for picnics or camping. There are picnic tables available.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the picturesque beach cove, the bird sanctuary island, and the lush tropical woodland. The golden hour in the late afternoon offers beautiful lighting.
Yes, you might spot sea turtles in the water, and the bird sanctuary island is a great place for bird photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Camping here is a memorable experience, with clean facilities and a serene environment among the trees. 🏕️ Budget Travelers & Campers
The opportunity to camp here offers significant savings compared to hotel stays. 🚶♀️ Nature Lovers & Hikers
Keep an eye out for sea turtles in the ocean and various bird species on the island. The relatively secluded nature of the park allows for a more immersive experience with the local flora and fauna. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Malaekahana
It's important to note that the park gates close at 6:45 PM, so ensure you arrive with enough time to set up camp and are aware of the closing time for departures. While the camping experience is generally positive, some visitors mention the showers are cold, which can be refreshing in the Hawaiian climate.
Beach Activities and Safety
For families with young children, a section to the left of the bathrooms provides calmer waters, ensuring a safe environment for little ones to play. While snorkeling is possible further out, the rocky entry can be a deterrent for some.
The easternmost point of the beach tends to be sandier, offering a more comfortable experience for beachgoers. Exploring the Natural Surroundings
This combination of coastal and woodland environments creates a diverse habitat. The presence of sea turtles in the waters adds to the wildlife viewing opportunities.
The park's description as a 'hidden gem' suggests that it retains a more natural and less developed feel compared to more commercialized tourist spots on Oahu. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit