I drove along the west coast of Oahu Island.
I aimed for Turtle Bay, where there is a hotel and right next to it is a beach called Kuilima Cove.
This beach isn’t a private beach, so it’s accessible to people other than hotel guests as well.
I summarized my experience playing with my 6-year-old and 8-year-old kids at Kuilima Cove this time.
Additionally, on the way from Waikiki, I was able to see sea turtles at Lanikai Beach.
Both beaches offered a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Waikiki, allowing us to enjoy a laid-back vibe. I highly recommend considering them as options.
※As of August 2023, this information is accurate. However, before heading out, please make sure to verify the latest updates and information.
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Saw sea turtles at Lanikai Beach!！
At Lanikai Beach, if you’re lucky, you can see sea turtles.
Due to the law, touching sea turtles is not allowed, so the turtles are enclosed within ropes.
It was perfect timing when I visited as the sea turtles were entering the water, so I was truly lucky.
It’s a great spot for a quick stop during a drive since you can enjoy it even in a short amount of time.
About Turtle Bay’s parking
It’s about a 20-minute drive from Lanikai Beach to Turtle Bay.
You can use the parking lot at Turtle Bay’s hotel, and it’s available for free.
The parking lot is quite spacious, so even though it was busy, you can find a spot if you wait a bit.
Since it’s within the hotel premises, it’s a good idea to check the hotel’s signs carefully and confirm the parking location beforehand using tools like Google Maps.
The waves at Kuilima Cove are gentle.
The season and time of year can affect it, but when I visited in August, the waves were calm.
There was a bit of water on the beach, making it suitable for playing in the water and even recommended for families with young children.
Compared to other beaches on the North Shore, Kuilima Cove has relatively calm waves, making it a popular spot for snorkeling.
It seems to be favored by beginners as well due to its suitability for snorkeling.
I hardly saw any Japanese people, and I was able to experience a different atmosphere compared to Waikiki.
Points to consider:
The beach has a decent amount of sand and wind, and there aren’t many beach chairs available.
It’s recommended to bring a beach mat or similar for placing your belongings.。
There were rinse-off stations for getting rid of sand, but the water was quite cold, and it felt more like a way to remove sand rather than for bathing.
Also, there were no lifeguards present, and there were rocky areas with abundant coral.
Considering this, it’s advisable to consider water-friendly shoes rather than just beach sandals.。
There are shallow areas as well, making it a delightful spot for even toddlers to play in.
Summary
Turtle Bay’s Kuilima Cove and Lanikai Beach are relatively close to each other, making it a great recommendation to stop by both during a drive.
With clear water and a relaxed atmosphere, you can enjoy a peaceful time. I encourage you to experience a different ambiance from Waikiki.
※This information is as of August 2023. Please verify the latest details before planning your outing.
