Sandy Beach

Sandy Beach, located on the southeastern coast of Oahu, isn’t your typical sunbathing destination. Known affectionately by locals as “Sandy’s,” this stretch of golden sand and powerful shore break is where thrill-seekers, bodyboarders, and wave-watchers converge. It’s raw, dramatic, and exhilarating—offering one of the most intense beach experiences in Hawaii.

Just a short drive from Hanauma Bay and nestled between Koko Crater and the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail, Sandy Beach is easily accessible via Kalanianaole Highway. The beach is about a 30-minute drive from Waikiki, making it a perfect stop on an East Oahu day trip.

Halona Cove

Halona Cove If you’ve ever dreamed of finding a secluded paradise with turquoise waves, rugged cliffs, and cinematic charm, then Halona Cove might just be the secret spot you’ve been searching for. Tucked away along the southeastern coast of Oahu, Hawaii, this tiny beach is a hidden gem that locals cherish and adventurous travelers are just beginning to discover.

A Cove with a Story (and a Movie Credit or Two) 🎬

Halona Cove isn’t just any beach—it’s a slice of Hollywood history. Movie buffs may recognize it from the iconic kissing scene in From Here to Eternity (1953), where waves crash romantically over Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr. Since then, it’s made appearances in films like Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and 50 First Dates, adding to its mystique.

But beyond the screen, Halona Cove (also called Eternity Beach by some fans) is a real-life adventure waiting to happen.

Waialae Beach

Waialae Beach: Oahu’s Tranquil Hidden Gem

Tucked away just minutes from bustling Waikiki lies one of Oahu’s best-kept secrets: Waialae Beach. Quiet, scenic, and frequented more by locals than tourists, this peaceful shoreline offers a slice of serenity amid the vibrant energy of Honolulu.

🌴 Where Is Waialae Beach?

Waialae Beach is located in the upscale Kahala neighborhood on Oahu’s southern coast, right next to the luxurious Kahala Hotel & Resort. Though it’s often overlooked by guidebooks, this beach is open to the public and easy to access — with a small parking lot near the Waialae Beach Park entrance off Kahala Avenue.

🏖 What to Expect

Waialae isn’t your typical white-sand, surf-and-snorkel destination. Instead, it’s a more relaxed, community-oriented beach with shallow, reef-protected waters and a laid-back vibe. Here’s what makes it special:

Minimal crowds, even on weekends

Palm-fringed coastline with plenty of shade for lounging or picnicking

A charming footbridge leading to a small offshore island — perfect for photo ops

Gentle waves and reef patches that make it safe for wading (but not ideal for swimming)

Secret Beach

Secret Beach

Tucked quietly between the bustle of resorts and the manicured lagoons of Ko Olina, there’s a slice of coast known locally as Secret Beach (also Lanikuhonua Secret Beach or Makaiwa Beach Park) that feels like nature’s little reward. For many, it’s one of the most peaceful places on the leeward side of O‘ahu.

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• More natural, less polished — unlike the man-made lagoons, this beach has more rock, tidepools, lava rock outcroppings, and natural features. That means more interesting marine life, more textures, and more to explore.
• Marine wildlife — you might see Hawaiian Monk Seals resting on the sand, turtles swimming near the shore, small fish, crabs in tidepools. If you’re lucky (and respectful), nature puts on a show.
• Serenity — because it’s less obvious and trickier to access, it tends to be quieter, especially early in the day. Great spot for reflection, photography, escaping the crowds.