Keawa'ula Beach (Yokohama Beach)
Like Dislike Save
 
Address Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI 96792
 
Map & Directions Map & Directions
Nearby places Nearby places
Huge beach, tons of sand, rarely used on weekdays. In winter, waves may try to kill you.
Features
• Facilities: Bathrooms • Facilities: Grassy Area • Facilities: Lifeguard • Facilities: Showers • Type: Kid Friendly
• Type: No Dogs Allowed • Sand Type: Regular • Parking: Good / Plenty • Good For: Bodysurfing • Good For: Snorkeling
• Good For: Sunsets • Good For: Swimming • Good For: Turtle Sightings • Good For: Whale Sightings • Surfing Level: Advanced
• Surfing Level: Intermediate
Keawa'ula Beach is known locally as Yokohama, or even just Yokes. You will find this beach in Waianae on the island of O'ahu and you get here by taking the Farrington Highway (west side of Oahu) as far north as it will go. When the road ends you are at Yokohama Beach as well as Ka'ena point (in Ka'ena State Park) which is the westernmost tip of Oahu. This is also home to the Ka'ena Point Trail - West Shore that leads to the Ka'ena Point Bird Sanctuary and the Kaena Point Pillbox Bunker & Cave Trail.


If the road would keep going then you'd end up on the north shore (west side of it anyhow) but the road does not go around the tip of the island. If you're planning on hiking the Ka'ena Point Trail - West Shore to the Ka'ena Point Bird Sanctuary, then parking at the very end of the road is where you'll start. Otherwise, you'll park in the lot near the showers and restrooms.


Although it can get busy on weekends, this place is usually slow during weekdays as it's mostly visited by locals and they're probably working during the week (and it's a bit of a drive to get here). This is a beautiful beach and can often have some crazy-high waves (especially in the winter months) and if that's the case you shouldn't go near the water unless you know what you are doing. See those locals riding the waves and crashing surf like it's nothing, that's because they know what they're doing and you may not!


If the waves are calm then this can be a good spot to bob around in the waves, break out the boogie board, do a little snorkeling, or maybe some shell collecting. This can be a great place to spot whales during the whale season (Dec - May) as well. There is a lifeguard here so check with them before entering the water, this beach can be dangerous. For facilities, there is a bathroom and shower but no shade at all. There is plenty of parking in the lot and on the main road here. If the wind is really blowing this may not be a great option as the winds tend to come down the mountain with great speed and make a sand storm on the beach.


We tell a lot of people about this place and they always end up loving it because it's a great place to hang out, play in the sand, watch the waves (especially if they are pounding), and just relax due to it's spectacular ocean views and mountain backdrop.


Most didn't know it was here and those that did avoided it due to the shady reputation that the Waianae coast tends to get. If you are avoiding Waianae due to some sort of fear of the locals (or whatever) then you are missing out and have some really bad and really outdated information. In fact, we've been saying that Waianae is home to some of the friendliest people on the entire island and we've never had any issues out here. It's always quite the opposite with super friendly locals who are just hanging out and having a good time. Be nice to others and they'll be nice to you.