Kahala Beach

Kahala Beach, near Waikiki, offers a serene escape with soft sand, calm waters, and an upscale atmosphere, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation.

Kahala Beach, located on Oahu’s southeastern coast, just a few miles from Waikiki, is a serene and upscale beach known for its tranquillity and exclusivity. Unlike the bustling beaches of Waikiki, Kahala Beach offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, making it a hidden gem for those seeking peace and solitude.

The beach is lined with luxurious private estates and the renowned Kahala Hotel & Resort, which adds to its secluded and elegant feel. Its soft golden sand and calm, shallow waters are ideal for swimming, wading, and sunbathing. Although the beach is less popular for activities like surfing due to the shallow reefs, it’s great for strolls and enjoying scenic views of the Pacific Ocean.

While Kahala Beach lacks the tourist crowds and extensive facilities found at other beaches, it’s a great spot for those looking to escape and unwind in a more refined setting. The surrounding area is also known for its high-end neighbourhoods and scenic beauty. 

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Honolulu
Downtown Honolulu
Downtown Honolulu is the city's bustling epicenter, not only the main business district but the most historic, known for its skyscrapers and Iolani Palace
Iolani Palace
The only royal palace in the US, Iolani Palace in Downtown Honolulu dates back to 1882 and served as an official residence for Hawaii's last reigning monarchs
Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay, a protected marine preserve on Oahu, is famous for snorkeling, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, with educational programs for visitors.
Diamond Head
Diamond Head, Oahu’s iconic volcanic crater, offers a scenic hike with panoramic views of Honolulu and Waikiki, blending natural beauty with historical significance.
Waimanalo Beach
Waimanalo Beach, located on Oahu's windward coast, boasts soft white sand, clear turquoise waters, and stunning mountain views.
Halona Blow Hole
The Halona Blowhole on Oahu's coast shoots water through volcanic rock formations, offering scenic ocean views and nearby Halona Cove, a movie-famous beach.

Related Tours

Discover Oahu's Scenic South Shore: Private Half-Day Tour

The South Shore of Oahu is one of the most vibrant parts of the island, home to the bustling capital city of Honolulu, historic landmarks, iconic beaches, and picturesque coastal views. This private half-day excursion offers the perfect combination of scenic views, history and local flavours, allowing you to experience the very best that Oahu has to offer.

On this private half-day excursion you will:

  • Relax and enjoy round-trip transportation from your Waikiki hotel;
  • Meander along the stunning South Shore of Oahu with a friendly, knowledgeable driver-guide;
  • Take in the incredible views of the island from Diamond Head, the spectacular volcanic crater located just south of Honolulu;
  • Uncover the tranquil hidden cove at Kahala Beach;
  • Learn about the incredible marine life found at Hanauma Bay;
  • Wander the scenic Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail;
  • Stroll along the sumptuous white sands of Waimanalo beach;
  • Visit Kailua Beach Park and the beautiful Lanikai Beach;
  • Get a crash course on Hawaiian cuisine and try a delicious Malasada doughnut from the legendary Leonard’s Bakery.

Your delectable day out will begin at your hotel in Waikiki, where your driver-guide will pick you up and bring you to your first stop at nearby Diamond Head. One of Oahu’s most iconic landmarks, this spectacular volcanic crater offers panoramic views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. Your guide will share stories of Diamond Head's formation, its historical significance as a military lookout, and its cultural importance to ancient Hawaiians. Nowadays, it is also one of the ritziest neighbourhoods in Hawaii home to the rich and famous, so you can also spot some of the island’s most luxurious houses. 

Following your descent from Diamond Head, your guide will lead you to the gorgeous Kahala Beach, a serene hidden gem just a stone’s throw away. Next, you’ll visit the world-famous Hanauma Bay, a protected marine life conservation area known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. As you overlook the crescent-shaped bay from the scenic viewpoint, your guide will provide an overview of the bay's rich marine ecosystem and its role in preserving Oahu's aquatic life. 

Your journey will continue along the dramatic coastline to the Makapuʻu Point lookout, where you'll find the trailhead to the Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail. Stretch your legs and embark on a scenic walk along this paved path that offers unparalleled views of the rugged cliffs, shimmering ocean, and even humpback whales (from December to April) as they migrate through Hawaiian waters. At the summit, you'll see the historic red-roofed lighthouse and experience panoramic vistas of Oahu’s southeastern shore.

The itinerary will also include a visit to three of Oahu's most beautiful beaches. First, you will stroll along the soft, white sands of Waimanalo Beach, a local favourite known for its calm waters and lush, forested backdrop. Then, you will make your way to Kailua Beach Park, where turquoise waters meet gentle trade winds, creating the perfect setting for locals and tourists alike. Last but certainly not least, you'll stop at Lanikai Beach, often rated one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with its crystal-clear waters and iconic views of the offshore Mokulua Islands.

No tour of Oahu would be complete without sampling some of the island's fabulous cuisine. Throughout your time together, your guide will introduce you to the most emblematic flavours of Hawaii and make a delicious pit stop at the beloved Leonard’s Bakery. Here, you’ll try a warm, sugary Malasada doughnut, a Portuguese treat that has become a Hawaiian favourite. As you savour this local delicacy, your guide will share stories about the bakery’s long history and its role in Oahu’s food culture.

Once your time together comes to an end, you will return to Waikiki, where your driver-guide will leave you back at your hotel with plenty of insider tips for what to see and do during the rest of your time on the island.

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