Mahakea Beach

Mahakea Beach is a white sand beach between Kokololio Beach Park to the south and La'ie Beach Park, also known as Pounder's Beach, to the north. This beach on the northeast tip of Oahu isn't associated with a formal park or signage and is easy to miss if you don't know the landmarks, but easy to find if you do. Pounder's Beach and Mahakea Beach are separated by Pali Kiloi'a Point, a majestic limestone cliff that juts out straight into the ocean. Its name means "Fish Watchers' Cliff" in Hawaiian. In the past, scouts would stand on Pali Kiloi'a and direct fishermen in canoes to the schools of fish they spotted flashing in the waters beyond.

It's good for dogs and their people to learn the landmarks, as Kokololio Beach and La'ie Beach only allow dogs below the high tide line, while Mahakea Beach allows dogs on all areas of the beach. All of these beaches still require dogs to be on a leash at all times, even when splashing or swimming in the ocean. 

The best way to get to this special beach is to park at Kokololio Beach Park and walk north—the imposing limestone cliff blocks the way if you try to walk south from Pounder's Beach. Both nearby beach parks have amenities including trash cans, bathrooms, and showers, but you'll need to bring your own waste bags and water.

Mahakea and the other beaches around it are popular spots for fishing, surfing, and bodyboarding. They're also great places just to lay out a towel and relax. Far from Honolulu, these beaches aren't crowded by tourists, but are popular places for locals hosting family barbecues. The scenery is spectacular, especially the waves crashing against Pali Kiloi'a. Trees and plants grow all the way to the beach, providing little spots of shade. 

Find your way to this special place to create memories you'll treasure furever.