Makaiwa Beach Park Ko Olina Hidden Beach - Beaches On Oahu Kapolei, Hawaii

Makaiwa Beach Park actually goes by many common names such as Ko Olina Hidden Beach, Ko Olina Secret Beach, and even Banyan Tree Beach. This is an incredibly tiny beach located inside the Ko Olina Resort and used mostly by residents and guests of that resort.

On a weekday and during the day it's often completely empty, which is good considering how small it actually is. On weekends there are usually a few people here and towards sunset it sometimes gathers a large crowd to watch the fiery orb in the sky go down. So on that note, it is a great spot to watch a sunset.

It's not great for swimming due to a rocky bottom but there is a nice sandy path that leads out to the ocean so it's a great place for snorkeling if the ocean is calm. The water here is usually very clear and the waves are usually easy to handle except in the winter months when we've seen some seriously pounding surf. Remember, there is no lifeguard here so it's not for everyone.

Kayakers and those who like to stand up paddle board like to launch from here as well. Be on the lookout for turtles as there are usually a couple here just about any time you go. Occasionally a Hawaiian Monk Seal likes to come ashore here so if that happens you can expect Seal Team 6 (or whatever that group is) to come in and rope the beach off until the seal chooses to leave.

When the surf is gentle it's good for kids to splash around right on the shore but watch out for the occasional bigger set of waves that will come in when you least expect it and knock people down.

There is some shade under the giant banyan tree and near all of the trees on the north side where you'll also find a picnic table. There are no bathrooms, no showers, and no lifeguards (garbage cans are scattered around).

If you are staying in the Ko Olina Resort area then walking here is your best bet, just follow the train tracks from anywhere in the resort towards the main Ko Olina entrance and then keep going passed the Paradise Cove Luau area, along the bushes. When the bushes end you'll turn left towards the ocean and walk towards the giant banyan tree and ocean. You won't see the beach until you are right up on top of it.

If you drove a car here then you'll need to park it somewhere, like the Ko Olina Lagoon 1 (Kahola Lagoon) parking lot or the Paradise Cove Luau parking lot, though these offer very few spots, and walk it from there.

• Facilities: Grassy Area	• Type: No Dogs Allowed	• Type: Shady	• Sand Type: Regular	• Good For: Kayaking
• Good For: Snorkeling	• Good For: Sunsets	• Good For: SUP	• Good For: Turtle Sightings

Makaiwa Beach Park (Ko Olina Hidden Beach)