Kaimana Beach
Kaimana Beach
4.5
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Neighbourhood: Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis
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4.5
342 reviews
Excellent
172
Very good
144
Average
25
Poor
0
Terrible
1
happy4travel
Northern California1,221 contributions
Nov 2019
Actually, it’s must be more fun to stay in the beach area sometimes. The beaches can be crowded, with locals. We like the friendly staff, they are welcoming and very friendly! We often attend with the visitors. It’s great to know a few more folks, as well.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica O
Boston, MA432 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
Kaimana Beach is a small, quiet beach south of Waikiki nestled between the War Memorial natatorium and the lava fields of Diamond Head.
My husband and I stayed three days at the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel which, as the names suggests, is on Kaimana Beach. The beach was literally right outside the back door of the hotel.
All beaches in Hawaii are public, so people came from elsewhere and parked along the street bordering nearby Kapiolani Park to use the beach. The beach is only about 200 yards long and 25 yards wide at most. But it didn’t feel crowded when we were there in February. The beach is protected by one lifeguard station.
Skimpy swimsuits were not uncommon. There were several super cheeky bikinis on the women, and a few speedos on the men. I wore a g-string swimsuit and went topless, and my husband wore a thong swimsuit. As is often the case, we had the tiniest swimsuits on the beach. Thongs and topless are legal in Hawaii, so we weren’t bothered.
There’s not really any place to walk, so we sunbathed and did some swimming. The waves were unexpectedly calm. There was no problem using paddle boards or kayaks off shore.
An interesting occurrence at this beach is newlyweds having their pictures taken. Every day in the afternoon, at least one couple appeared in wedding attire to have professional photos taken. It made for a vivid contrast to all the bare skin on the beach. I’m not sure of the significance of this, but all the couples were Japanese.
If you like a small, quiet beach a short walk from Waikiki, Kaimana Beach will suit your needs.
My husband and I stayed three days at the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel which, as the names suggests, is on Kaimana Beach. The beach was literally right outside the back door of the hotel.
All beaches in Hawaii are public, so people came from elsewhere and parked along the street bordering nearby Kapiolani Park to use the beach. The beach is only about 200 yards long and 25 yards wide at most. But it didn’t feel crowded when we were there in February. The beach is protected by one lifeguard station.
Skimpy swimsuits were not uncommon. There were several super cheeky bikinis on the women, and a few speedos on the men. I wore a g-string swimsuit and went topless, and my husband wore a thong swimsuit. As is often the case, we had the tiniest swimsuits on the beach. Thongs and topless are legal in Hawaii, so we weren’t bothered.
There’s not really any place to walk, so we sunbathed and did some swimming. The waves were unexpectedly calm. There was no problem using paddle boards or kayaks off shore.
An interesting occurrence at this beach is newlyweds having their pictures taken. Every day in the afternoon, at least one couple appeared in wedding attire to have professional photos taken. It made for a vivid contrast to all the bare skin on the beach. I’m not sure of the significance of this, but all the couples were Japanese.
If you like a small, quiet beach a short walk from Waikiki, Kaimana Beach will suit your needs.
Written 18 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mgcushman
11 contributions
I swam and snorkeled here after walking around Diamond Head. The beach is gentle in comparison to nearby Waikiki. The bottom is sandier with less reef rock and has some limited snorkling closer in towards the shore near the breakwall. Be careful of the current. At mid morning, the crowd was light. Enjoyable.
Written 10 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toan D
Waikiki, HI103 contributions
Apr 2019 • Solo
I hesitate writing this review with selfish thoughts of keeping the beach less crowded and more importantly to myself. But alas in the spirit of public service, here's my 2 cents.
Nestled between the buildings on the Gold Coast and the WWI Memorial, this little gem on the outskirts of Waikiki is my favorite beach in town.
A large reef sits about 30 feet from where the ocean laps on to the beach which helps to slow down and break up the waves and making it an ideal place to cruise on your flotilla or frolic in the water. This reef runs almost the entire length of the beach which helps to create a natural swimming pool like environment. Thus a perfect place to swim laps. Hint: get out of my way when I'm doing laps. My focused exercise is more important than your purposeless frolicking. Sheez!
A small channel leads surfers out to a favorite surf spot called Old Man's. The lifeguard, Ken, said it's named for an old man who, many years ago, used to surf there every day. Swimmers like to swim the small channel out to a red windsock hung on a pole deeply imbedded in a reef about 1/8 out. That's a 1/4 mile round trip. Yeah go ahead and put your calculator away.
A rock wall separates the beach from the large grassy area interspersed with tall swaying palm trees. There you'll find locals kicking back on a towel or beach chair. Some BBQing with small and big grills while others, with more ambition, exercising and contorting their bodies in deep yogic breathing. If you see me with my headphones on staring aimlessly into the ocean, please bring red wine. But keep in mind, it's technically not legal to drink on the beach. The law has been known to abruptly manifest from thin air on ATVs.
There's free parking in marked stalls on both sides of the road leading into the beach. In the back, a small parking lot sits in front of the WWI Memorial. There you'll also find bathrooms and showers. If free parking is full, then you'll need to fork out $ for metered parking on Kalakaua Ave. So remember to bring change because with your luck, free parking will be full.
A little sundry store affronts the New Otani Hotel located a stone's throw away from the beach. Legal Disclaimer "Do not throw stones there or anywhere. People are trying to eat for God's sake!!" But if you fancy something more than sandwiches wrapped in plastic then have a go at the Hau Tree Lanai where there's a full bar and restaurant with excellent food and service. FYI, it's a bit pricy but the rent on the beach ain't cheap. You know what I mean right?
So bring a towel or beach chair and a book or headphones and melt your stress away. But seriously, you're much better off going elsewhere.
Happy Beaching!!
Nestled between the buildings on the Gold Coast and the WWI Memorial, this little gem on the outskirts of Waikiki is my favorite beach in town.
A large reef sits about 30 feet from where the ocean laps on to the beach which helps to slow down and break up the waves and making it an ideal place to cruise on your flotilla or frolic in the water. This reef runs almost the entire length of the beach which helps to create a natural swimming pool like environment. Thus a perfect place to swim laps. Hint: get out of my way when I'm doing laps. My focused exercise is more important than your purposeless frolicking. Sheez!
A small channel leads surfers out to a favorite surf spot called Old Man's. The lifeguard, Ken, said it's named for an old man who, many years ago, used to surf there every day. Swimmers like to swim the small channel out to a red windsock hung on a pole deeply imbedded in a reef about 1/8 out. That's a 1/4 mile round trip. Yeah go ahead and put your calculator away.
A rock wall separates the beach from the large grassy area interspersed with tall swaying palm trees. There you'll find locals kicking back on a towel or beach chair. Some BBQing with small and big grills while others, with more ambition, exercising and contorting their bodies in deep yogic breathing. If you see me with my headphones on staring aimlessly into the ocean, please bring red wine. But keep in mind, it's technically not legal to drink on the beach. The law has been known to abruptly manifest from thin air on ATVs.
There's free parking in marked stalls on both sides of the road leading into the beach. In the back, a small parking lot sits in front of the WWI Memorial. There you'll also find bathrooms and showers. If free parking is full, then you'll need to fork out $ for metered parking on Kalakaua Ave. So remember to bring change because with your luck, free parking will be full.
A little sundry store affronts the New Otani Hotel located a stone's throw away from the beach. Legal Disclaimer "Do not throw stones there or anywhere. People are trying to eat for God's sake!!" But if you fancy something more than sandwiches wrapped in plastic then have a go at the Hau Tree Lanai where there's a full bar and restaurant with excellent food and service. FYI, it's a bit pricy but the rent on the beach ain't cheap. You know what I mean right?
So bring a towel or beach chair and a book or headphones and melt your stress away. But seriously, you're much better off going elsewhere.
Happy Beaching!!
Written 12 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gabysue
Cairns, Australia56 contributions
Sept 2013 • Couples
located right in front of the Kaimana hotel, but a public beach, nice and clean and quieter that Waikiki. The hotel provides a sunblock so there are some shade parts which suited us. As it is located about a ten minute plus walk form Waikiki there is not food/drink vendors and I don't think there are any toilets expect those in the hotel. Good for peace and quiet or perhaps little kids
Written 28 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
legsbell
Martinez, CA989 contributions
Nov 2019
I preferred this beach to the more crowded adjacent beaches. The beach area itself was larger, but this beach, unlike Kuhio beach doesn't have the beach wall. While making for great boogie boarding, it was not so good for less skilled swimmers.
Written 13 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cathy L
Frisco, TX225 contributions
Nov 2014
Bring your snorkel gear and underwater camera! You and NOT going to want to miss the marine life that will be swimming along side of you. Beautiful fish and small sea creatures. We were lucky enough to share the water with sea turtles!!! Priceless!!
Written 15 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dawn W
Highland Park, MI16 contributions
Apr 2013 • Family
The weather was great for seating on the beach or snorkling in the water. The fish came in all shapes and sizes and were beautiful.
Written 16 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RaringtoGo8
Toronto, Canada213 contributions
Feb 2020
Ok- this place is really why I go to Hawaii, but it's small and quiet and probably not up to everybody's taste. It tends to have local families with kids. Crowded on weekends. .
Written 25 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
raywkchan
Honolulu, HI16 contributions
Feb 2015 • Family
this beach was so beautiful, Robert Louis Stevenson called it "San Souci Beach", now its unofficial name.
sheltered by the outer reef, the waves in this small lagoon inside is perfect for family; popular with MILFs & DILFs :)
there's also a channel widey used by the paddlers to reach beyond the reefs. this channel is commonly used by swimmers, swimming to the windsock hanging on a pole on the reef, designating where the channel is.
bonus - Hau Tree Lanai restaurant in the New Otani Hotel is situated right on the beach. you can have breakfast, lunch, dinner, right next to the beach!
sheltered by the outer reef, the waves in this small lagoon inside is perfect for family; popular with MILFs & DILFs :)
there's also a channel widey used by the paddlers to reach beyond the reefs. this channel is commonly used by swimmers, swimming to the windsock hanging on a pole on the reef, designating where the channel is.
bonus - Hau Tree Lanai restaurant in the New Otani Hotel is situated right on the beach. you can have breakfast, lunch, dinner, right next to the beach!
Written 4 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes if you walk over to Barefoot Beach Cafe, past the aquarium, there are restrooms.
Written 20 September 2023
Is the water clear? Is the sand soft or dirty? Is this beach crowded with tourists?
Written 12 March 2019
Water is clear unless it's been stormy. Sand is fairly soft. Kaimana is mostly locals so a different feel than Waikiki. Great place to watch Sunset as well as the Friday night fireworks. Can BBQ from the grassy area. It's a walk to the nearest bathroom. FYI
Written 13 March 2019
BLH1024
Seattle, Washington
Would you recommend this location for a beach wedding?
Written 17 February 2019
Absolutely recommend this beach for a wedding. There is a hotel there to do the catering. Quiet, unobtrusive, tres romantique
Written 18 February 2019
Hi everyone
I have never been to Hawaii and have wanted to go my whole entire life I am booked to go there and stay at Waikiki on my way home from New York to New Zealand. Could anyone please tell me will I be able to walk to Kaimana beach from Waikiki park shore hotel?? I'm from New Zealand and would prefer to visit a less crowded beach if I can thank you so much for any help or any other suggestions you can give me.
Katy.
Written 25 August 2015
Yes, its a walking distance 10 minutes away.
Written 25 August 2015
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