A wooded state beach park on the quiet northern Windward coast near Lāʻie, with a long, curving sand beach facing the offshore islet of Mokuʻauia. It has two sections, Kalanai Point to the south and Kahuku to the north, both with picnicking and camping.
Why we love it
It feels like old-time Oʻahu: a long walk of sand with few people, ironwood shade and a view of the islet instead of hotels.
What to expect
Expect a long, natural beach backed by ironwood shade, with room to find your own stretch even on weekends. The water is good for swimming and bodysurfing on calm days, but it faces the open trade winds and there’s no lifeguard, so judge conditions carefully and stay out when it’s rough. The park gates follow fixed hours, so this is a daytime stop unless you’re camping. It makes an easy pause between Kualoa and the North Shore, and Lāʻie town is a few minutes south.
Know before you go
- Hours
- Gates open 7 a.m.; close 7:45 p.m. from April 1 and 6:45 p.m. after Labor Day.
- No lifeguards
- Mālaekahana isn’t on the state lifeguard list. Swim only on calm days.
- Camping
- By permit, Friday through Wednesday, through Explore Outdoor Hawaiʻi: $20 a site per night for residents, $30 for non-residents.
- Fees
- No entrance fee for day use.
- Development
- In 2025 State Parks sought a concessionaire for a commercial campground and day-use beach park at the Kahuku section, so facilities there may change.
Photo: Tony Webster via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
