Went to Bellows on 23 March for the first time in a long time. It's odd to see people give negative reviews about a beach based on jellyfish being in the water. It's the ocean. The jellyfish don't know that Bellows is a semi private beach that requires military ID access to get onto. They are just there like they are there at Kailua, Kalama, Lanikai, and Waimanalo beaches. Going on a Sunday, the beach was not very crowded. We got there around 1100 and there was still parking available in the main parking lot. Not sure why another reviewer complained about no public shower as there is one right at the point where the parking lot ends and the beach begins, right next to the public restroom building. We brought our two dogs and kept them leashed the entire time. I brought our own dog water bowl but recognized it was too small and our dogs kept knocking them over so I walked to the shoppette and was able to purchase a much larger silicone dog dish for their water. Afterwards, we stopped at the reservation building where we sat on the covered deck and had some chicken and french fries as well as some cold drinks. These are all amenities you won't find at Kailua, Lanikai, or Kalama Beach Parks. Nothing but pros and no cons. The best part is, it is o ly about 20 minutes from where we live in Kaneohe. Will go again. read more

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This is one of our favorite beaches to go to. First off, the view is beautiful. The staff are very friendly. Restrooms are always clean and have toilet paper. There is a shoppette,gas station, laundromat, showers, coffee shop, mwr (to rent out boogie boards and other stuff). Just take a look on their website to see what they have to offer and the prices. There is a section that has no ground disturbance and yet people still put up tents and umbrellas, I suggest you just follow the rules and just go down a bit more where you are allowed to dig into the sand. read more

Beautiful beach!!! Dog friendly, not a lot of people. You need military ID to access. There is a restaurant, coffee counter, they sell snacks for the beach like fresh fruit cups, veggie cups, cold sandwiches...they have everything you need and anything you have forgotten. Friendly staff. read more

Bellows Field Beach Park - Beaches Near Me - Waimanalo, Hawaii

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Awesome beach on the windward side. There's a military checkpoint at the entrance, so it's only accessible if you have military ID. Because of this, it won't get too crowded and not so much riff-raff. Secure area with a large, shaded pavilion and lots of tables. Full bathrooms (not nasty porta potties) and outside showers. Definitely family friendly. Waves on this side of the island are pretty mild to moderate later in the year. Soft sand, warm, blue water, and the occasional jellyfish. Watch out. So darn good, though. Top 3 beach on this island for me. read more

Bellows Field Beach Park - Beaches Near Me - Waimanalo, Hawaii

We are retired and used the military side of the beach where an ID and gate guards do 100% security checks. I've live in the Pearl City side of town for over 35 years. I brought my kids when they were little and now I bring the grandkids. We stay at least 1-2 times a year in the cabins with a/c and we camp probably 2-4 times a year. It's a beautiful place to take your family. They have a beautiful sandy beach as well as nice tent camp sites at a much lower cost. This particular stay was in 2 cabins side by side and the only drawback were the 6 centipedes in 6 days that we killed before one of us getting stung and many ants running throughout our cabins. But the truth is, we always hate leaving!! We timed it perfectly as there were no "Man of War" to sting us this time. The sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking. They have a store with a variety of needs opened from 0800-1800 daily along with a 2- pump gas station. When I started going here 35 years ago things were very cheap but today, you better bring some extra cash and a credit card but because this is our favorite place on the island we pay the going rate without issue. It is worth every penny. Read your contract agreement closely. It has different rules than hotels. If you plan on cutting your stay short for any reason, you need to provide them 24 hour notice or you will need to pay for the day even if you leave early from the cabins. read more

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First time coming! Our kids had a camp program to attend and we were left with nothing to do. We drove around and found this beautiful beach! It's on the air force base so you will need access to get on base. It was stunning, as we waked along the beach it was very relaxing. Life guards were posted and had signs posted about high tide and jellyfish. Very clean! The bathrooms were better than expected! They also had showers, changing rooms and wash of stations. On our walk we saw cabins that can be rented out and camping sites! We will be coming back again with our kids read more

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it was amazing until me and my whole family got stung by jellyfish. Honestly, it all depends on how you handle pain, if you're sensitive and have sensitive skin, the jellyfish stings will be painful. The view is amazing and the beach is very private. just be aware of jellyfish, because I saw a big one wash up on shore, and obviously because I got stung on my BOOB and stomach. But I shouldn't be complaining because my family got stung on their private parts read more

In search of Hawaiian Monk Seals... My friend, Amy M. and I had driven around Oahu, looking for Sea Turtles in the past and were successful. This time, we thought we'd try and find some Monk Seals. I checked Instagram and joined a Monk Seal Group on Facebook to narrow down some locations. We hadn't been to the beach at Bellows Air Force Base, so we thought we'd give it a try. I'm not sure if I have been here before. I might be confused with Sherwood's which shares the same entrance. Look for the sign across from the Polo Field. We followed GPS directions and drove all the way up to the Air Force Base's Guard Shack. Luckily, Amy brought her Military ID and we were allowed in. There was a building at the end of the road. I stopped to take a photo because the name of the place was on a sign. That's when the Military Police pulled up behind us. I drove into the parking lot. I waited and thought that they'd come out of their vehicle to speak with us. Since they did not, I drove into a parking space. They made some kind of announcement on their loudspeaker and pulled their vehicle to face mine. It took them a while to approach us. When they did, they asked for my Driver's License, Amy's Military ID, and my paperwork for my car. They went back into their vehicle for about half an hour and finally came back to give me a citation. There was no monetary value on it. I'm just banned from driving on base for 30 days. They let us use the restroom before we left. LOL! Anyway, we didn't get to see that part of the beach. However, we parked right outside of the Guard Shack, in the open field. We crossed the road, walked along a sandy pathway, and stolled the amazing, peaceful, almost deserted beach! It was almost untouched by humans. The tire tracks in the sand and the washed up debris on the shore were the only clues that humans were there before us. There were no showers, picnic benches, or restrooms. It was only soft, fluffy, beige sand, the open, blue sky, the cool, constant breeze, and the rolling turquoise waves, topped withwhite foam... ahhh! Amy squealed with delight when she saw the sign alerting visitors that this was a nesting ground for Sea Turtles! The area to the far right was restricted, so we kept our distance. We didn't want to get into any more trouble... haha! Gosh... this beach is so different from the one that I went to in California. The water isn't freezing cold and the sand isn't dirty and packed hard like cement. Amy and I waded in the clean, clear, warm water and wiggled our toes in the loose, fine sand. We saw tiny sand crabs run past us. We marveled at the beach glass, opihi shell, Portuguese Man of War, and smooth driftwood. We identified Rabbit Island to the right and the two landmark islands of Lanikai to the left. We saw a few people in the distance, taking a family portrait... what a perfect setting! Wow... it's no wonder that people call Hawaii "paradise"... I hope I can remember this moment forever! Thanks, Amy, for a memorable and wonderful getaway! We need to have more fun adventures together! read more

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You will need to have a military ID to get on base. Bellows is my favorite beach because there is plenty of parking! There are beach cabins for rent, as well as picnic/camping areas. The grounds are so well kept, and you can even rent beach gear at the visitor center! I love bringing my family here when they come to visit because it is such a clean, family friendly beach. read more

Fun and clean. Not as busy and so beautiful. One of our favorites. Big pavilion for gathering and good shade as well read more

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My family and I love the outdoors & camping. Bellows is where we camp the most!! And if camping in a tent isn't for you, they've got cabins with AC and outlets but they are on the military side. Public side is strictly byotent. And you can't just camp there randomly, you have to get a permit online and pay very little. The campsites and bathrooms are very well kept. Morning sunrise is breathtaking! Make sure to wake up extra early for those shots as the sun starts to wake. Although the sun rises early on the East side lol. You can swim, bodyboard, float, or bask in the sun. Portuguese man-o-war is constantly around but some are lucky enough to not encounter it. However if you do and don't have vinegar...just pee on it or flag the lifeguard down..I heard they carry a vinegar spray. And be careful walking the sand and spotting a blue bubble!! That's what it looks like. There is a small exchange store on the military side. They have snacks, alcohol, microwaveable food, and ice. Although the ice runs out during big holiday weekends like 4th of July. You'd have to drive out to 7-11 which sometimes they run out as well.. I'm not sure if Subway is still next door. read more

Beautiful, quiet beach to go to. The sand is nice and soft. Quite a bit of parking. You will need a DOD ID in order to get access to this side. There are also cabins and campsites to rent if you enjoy camping. There is a lifeguard on duty until 5pm. Watch out for the Man of War jellyfish, they look like small, blue bubbles. This is my favorite beach on island so far! read more

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There is Box jellyfish and other jellyfish. Nexts there is fire ants on the sand. do not come read more

Bellows Field Beach Park - Fire ants on the sand - Beaches Near Me - Waimanalo, Hawaii

Easy parking and access to the beach. Gorgeous views and plenty of space. Lifeguards are a huge plus. Beautiful but a little windy.

Non-military side: Opens Friday at Noon. Pretty empty. Great spot for a quiet evening walk on the beach. Military side: Must have base access to enter. They are cabins you can rent out and campgrounds to pitch tents. This beach was very relaxing, I went twice in one day. It was subtle for the kiddos. Definitely should have brought more toys and gadgets for the kids. The bathrooms are maintained with plenty of changing stalls. Only had a few toilets though. There is also a garden trail you can take to walk through on the other side. read more

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Easily one of my favorite beaches on Oahu if not #1 out right. To get on the military side you have to have an ID or a sponsor. There are tennis courts, volleyball courts, a driving range, a mini putt putt golf course, camping in tents and cabins. There is a gas station with beer, liquor, camping supplies, snacks and other things you would suspect. read more

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There are very few things in this world that make my boyfriend happy (besides me of course), Bellows happens to be one of them. Bellows is one of the few places on O'ahu where people can go camping. Campsites can be reserved online and are super cheap. The bathrooms and campgrounds are very well maintained--almost always stocked with toilet paper (bring your own just in case) and the trash is taken out almost daily. Bring your hibachi and BBQ supplies because this place is perfect for it. Heck, bring a cooler, some tunes, and bring the whole family (when it's safe to do so). I'm pretty sure I could spend all day here. There's something about the the clean sand and picturesque mountains that make me feel so at peace. One of my favorite things about Bellows is the sunrise. Being on the windward side of the island you get that beautiful Makapu'u sunrise without having to do the hike. Perfect for a lazy person like me. The beach here is great, perfect for boogie boarding. The sand is soft and clean. I'd say be mindful of when you visit and check out a moon calendar when booking because Portuguese man-o-war are known to frequent the area. The cell service is a bit spotty but makes for the perfect reason to shut off your phone on the weekend, ignore all responsibilities, and enjoy one of my favorite beaches on O'ahu. All-in-all I can see why Bellows makes my boyfriend so happy. It's a great, chill getaway when you want to escape reality. read more

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Really great beach, turquoise waters, super soft sand, and not too crowded. Several areas to park in. Some people fishing others just eating on the beach or swimming. Great place for family picnics. A couple police cars there in the parking lot. Not to sure if someone reported items stolen or they were just patrolling to prevent theft. Would be 5 stars except jellyfish stings were happening left and right despite not being in the forecast and no signs on the beach to warn beachgoers. Otherwise amazing beach if you don't want to fight the parking at Lanikai. read more

Bellows Field Beach Park - Great mauka views - Beaches Near Me - Waimanalo, Hawaii

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So glad me and my hubby found this hidden gem today!!! It's a great spot and it was not crowded at all, then again it was a Tuesday. You can bring a BBQ out and just enjoy the waves and your family. There is also a small exchange for your convenience. I don't know about you but I would much rather get snacks at an exchange rather than out on the local economy, it's cheaper. You also can get extremely close to the beach with your vehicle which makes toting stuff back and forth a breeze...get it? sorry I had to get that one. Finally, this place is for military only so you have to have an ID card of some sort to be able to get on this awesome area. The surf was a little high and there were dead small jelly fish every where, not sure if that's a normal thing but still a great spot to enjoy the view! read more

Bellows Field Beach Park - Beaches Near Me - Waimanalo, Hawaii

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Such an amazingly gorgeous and relaxing place to spend a day on the beach. The campsite outside the base was closed due to covid so we had to enter the gates and drive past the cabins before swinging around the visitors' center. Unlike some of the more popular beaches on the island, this one is usually not crowded at all. And the sand here is really fine and almost as white as the sun. And the water is incredibly clear with a blue/greenish hue. There's not much shade right on the beach, but there are plenty of trees that line the border next to the green grass. Unfortunately the picnic tables were taped off; however, you can still use the bbq, showers, and restrooms. If you're looking for the perfect Hawaiian beach, this is the place! read more

Always a pleasers visiting this place! Been coming here to relax since 1995! Friendly staff. And the beach is second to none!

The beach at Bellows is pristine. The water is blue and clear. The sand is fine. The scenery is picturesque. It's a great place to have a bbq. I know that people also camp here. I'm not too familiar with the permits and how all that works. I've never camped here before but know that people do. The water is kind of choppy here. I wouldn't recommend swimming, but it's great for bodyboarding. It's on a military base, but all the times that I've been here, there wasn't anyone at the guard post. We just drove right in. However, it isn't always open to the public; especially when they're conducting drills. It's best to check before driving all the way out to Waimanalo. read more

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O'ahu is literally surrounded by beautiful beaches, but some are truly nicer than others. Bellows Field Beach Park may be one of the more beautiful on this island. Located on the eastern shore, just north of Waimanalo, it's a quick drive from either Honolulu/Hawaii-Kai, or from Kailua. You simply turn onto Tinker Road, which leads you right to the park. The beach itself is well kept white sand; plenty of area to lay out and tan, or relax swimming in the surf. The waves never seem to be too big, so it doesn't strike me as good surfing area. It's a crescent shaped beach so it's perfect for pictures: mountains to the back with green trees, islands off the coast with clean blue waters. There are two distinct areas to this park. The first is open to the public and allows camping. There is a large bath house and areas under the trees for parking and tents, permits are required. One issue with this area is it's crowded, especially on the weekends. With the beauty, I can understand why but it doesn't seem like an ideal situation to "get away." Traveling down the road a little farther leads to a security check point where the beach becomes part of Bellows Air Force. With valid ID (check their website for specific types), entry will be granted to reach the other facilities. These include free paved parking lots, the rental cabins, castle playground, pavilions, and cabin rental office. Inside the latter, they have a newly renovated bar with pool tables, light food, and beer; a pro shop with golf, water sports, tennis, and disc golf equipment; and public restrooms. In the park proper you'll find the tennis courts, open field for volleyball and other games, and a disc golf course surrounding it (please see my specific review if interested). Staff in all these facilities are friendly and professional, it feels like a family here. There are always big groups having fun for events. The beach is an easy walk; everything is picturesque. Be sure to have a beer on the lanai and just watch the clouds roll in. For anyone with access, whether visiting or living here, this is a must visit beach! read more

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Nice beach but dangerous man o war all over that can be very painful. Can't see them in the water. Be careful

Top three favorite beaches in Oahu. You will need to have military access to get to bellows beach but before the military gate, there's parking and the beach stretched out to there so you can still enjoy the beautiful blue waters if you don't have military access. It's on the windward side, so very windy! The water and sand are perfect though. read more

I was invited to a birthday party at this beautiful beach in Waimanalo. I've lived here on Oahu for many years, but this was my first time here. We had our own private space just steps from the beach. Unfortunately, you must be accompanied by a member of the military to enter, but if you have a chance, be sure to go, you will have a wonderful day at the beach read more

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Hands down..one of the best beaches on island! Parking: Abundant but obviously more crowded during the weekends and holidays. Waters: Perfect for body boarding and wave jumping. Super fine, powder like sand. Ocean bottom is rock free and "silty." Can be a little rougher than south shores but just watch the ocean and swim within your limits. BEWARE of JELLYFISH (you'd think I'd already know when they come out but I don't). They post pictures of when these ocean critters are out so heed those warning or else experience that painful sting. Like other reviewers have mentioned, there is a public side and military side of Bellows. I've been to both and prefer the military side because of the showers, bathrooms and amenities. The sand is so super fine here that a thorough rinse is so welcomed and needed after a day in the water. Access to the military side of the beach you'll have to pass through the secured gate and can only by proper ID or be a guest to Bellows Air Force Station. Once on the beach...you'll be so thankful and blessed to calling the 808 your home! Beautiful crystal blue / turquoise waters with trees and mountains behind you, picturesque islands before you and nothing but fluffy and cirrus skies above you. Truly, lucky we live Hawaii. read more

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Probably my new favorite beach when visiting Oahu. If you have a DoD ID, you can use the beaches inside Bellows Air Station almost anytime. Beach is closed until 12 pm Monday through Friday for military training use. I recommend parking either behind the Shoppette or anywhere close. I parked behind the shoppette which has 8 parking spots. From here, the beach is only less than 10 yards away. Right next to the parking lot, there is a shower stand so you can rinse off as well as a full up bathroom with showers. The restrooms are not that clean, but it does the job. It's not your bathroom at home or hotel so don't expect anything similar to it. Bring your shampoo and soap. Once you make it to the beach, you will find granular sand instead of the crushed rocks/sea shells you would find on Waikiki. The beach is beautiful and the view of the surrounding mountains plus the emerald coastline are breath taking. I would suggest you look up the surf status before you drive out. In June, you can expect 3 to 4.5 ft high waves. Either way, bring your tube or boards because you will have fun. If you need it, make sure to bring life vests for the little ones since the waves can be rough. If you forgot to bring a sandwhich and drinks, stop by the Shoppette. Nicholas and Bruce (Manager) are awesome. They helped us tremendously after my wife locked our car keys in the rental along with our phones plus wallet. If it wasn't for their hospitality by allowing us to use their store phone and iPhone to call a locksmith, we would truly have been stucked their overnight....without shelter. On Bellows, besides the shoppette, there is a Security Forces detachment there, a putting course, beach cottages and open field for campers. I can see why most DoD assigned personnel and families plus vacationers come to Bellows. Outside the base, the town of Waimanalo has your restaurants, Hele gas station and stores. It's a typical quiet Hawaiian town with friendly folks. Why stay at the crowded Waikiki streets and beaches when you can come out here? From Waikiki, take H-1 highway to Pali Highway, and Route 72 to Bellows. For first timers, use your navigation app. read more

Bellows Field Beach Park - View from Bellows Beach located behind the Shoppette. - Beaches Near Me - Waimanalo, Hawaii

This is one of my favorite beaches on the island. It's great for families. Everything that I will mention in my review you need a military ID to get in or to RSVP. BEACH Bellows beach has beautiful sparkling, blue, clear water and soft sand. Some parts of the beach is accessible to the public. Every time I go I see people in their wedding attire getting pictures snapped of them. Bellows offers more than a gorgeous beach that has shallow water for little ones, beginner swimmers, and people who want to try boogie boarding or surfing. W-A-R-N-I-N-G Adhere to the signs if they are posted up about the MAN OF WAR (jellyfish). Inside Turtle Cove (all the way in the back on the right hand side) there is a store that sell remedies if you do get stung by one. If you have kids I would recommend staying out of the water and having the remedy on hand just in case. CABINS Some of the cabins have been recently renovated. The unrenovated cabins are $75 a night and the renovated cabins are $95. Here is a link to pictures of the newly renovated cabins: http://bellowsafs.com/new-rec-lodging.asp There is housekeeping during your stay but you have to make sure that everything is set and cleaned just like the day you arrived or you'll get charged a $25 cleaning fee. There is free Internet but you need your own or ask the front desk for an ethernet cord. ACTIVITIES *Mini Golf It's alright. It's quite small. Not that much shade. There is a indoor glow in the dark mini golf at Winward Mall. Tjhis is a link to my review of Glow Putt Mini Golf: http://www.yelp.com/biz/glow-putt-mini-golf-kaneohe#hrid:tnwdVkDGFZHEviB7hC3EkA There is another mini golf that is one of the biggest outdoor mini golf on the island in Kaneohe. It's called Bay View Mini-Putt and Zipline. A link to their website: http://bayviewminiputt.com/ *Paintball I haven't done this but I saw signs around the beach. *Playground The playground is located in back of Turtle Cove. It's well maintained. There is a small playground for 2-5 year old and a big playground for 5-12 year old. Pictures of the playground: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/bellows-field-beach-park-waimanalo?select=Ksu-JBaFLAH1PEiqy-NfmQ#D7Ta8vHkcp1wGAKhNr8-Zw http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/bellows-field-beach-park-waimanalo?select=Ksu-JBaFLAH1PEiqy-NfmQ#49nwNBDX7zkl5E5fB0vBYw *Recreational Activities -volley ball court -soccer field -tennis ball court -frisbee You can also rent sports equipment, Party Pavilions, Party Equipment, Beach Items, Water Sports Equipment and Camping Gear: http://bellowsafs.com/_library/documents/equipmentandsportrental2012.pdf The mini mart and the store located in Turtle Cove also sell beach items if your local. *Food There is a Subway connected to the gas station/mini mart. At Turtle Cove there is a Keneke's concession. A link to my review: http://www.yelp.com/biz/bellows-afb-snack-bar-waimanalo#hrid:dWXeLJUNcC6-m5eucgImxw Pau Hana Pub & Lanai Offers adult drinks (there are only a handful of drinks available), free wi-fi, lending library, and movie nights w/free popcorn Monday and Wednesday nights. If it didn't take almost an hour to get to this beach from my home, I would be here with my children every weekend. read more

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***Pre/During COVID-19 Visit*** This review is for the non-military side of the house. It's AMAZING! Bellows is flat out AMAZING!!! What's not to like?! When I am on this side, I go right before the entrance to the base and just park. Normally, there aren't a lot of people and I remember during the second lock down, I went and there was obviously nobody there. The waves can be strong so come prepared. The water temperature is just absolutely perfect! You can't go wrong. I've watched the sunset here many times and it just keeps getting better and better. If you haven't gone, please give it a try and I guarantee that you will not regret it. You'll definitely be coming back for more! I'm being bias because I've always said Windward side is the BEST side!!! Mahalo!!! read more

Bellows Field Beach Park - I will NEVER get tired of this view! One of the most beautiful things in the world hands down! - Beaches Near Me - Waimanalo, Hawaii

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Our FAVORITE place to take our kids. They have convenient parking, bathrooms and picnic tables. Having an infant and young children it's hard to find a beach that's safe, kid friendly and fun but this is the place to go! read more

Bellows Field Beach Park - Beaches Near Me - Waimanalo, Hawaii

Drove all the way out here, only to find out they're open to the public on certain days. Should've done my research. It looks like a beautiful beach but didn't get to enjoy it. We went to a neighboring beach and it was still nice. read more

I LOVE CAMPING HERE!!! My family and I always try to make it out here at least every 2 months or sooner. I love that the bathrooms are cleaned every morning, and that the grounds keeper here really takes care of the place. I like the beach, I know it says there's always man-o-war here but I hardly ever see any while swimming. The people around us are always usually friendly. Note: please bring your own firewood. DO NOT burn the sticks/twigs on the ground or the branches off the trees, it gives an uncontrollable amount of smoke & stinks up the joint even for your neighbors it is not advisable. Unless you want angry neighbors then go ahead lol! Seriously tho! read more

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A spectacular beach, with amazing water and lovely sand, not to mention breathtaking scenery on the way there. There's apparently excellent camping here, covered picnic structure, and plumbed facilities with toilets and hot water showers. I suppose Hawaii knows how to make a beach user-friendly, and this one is no exception. Two issues do seem to arise here: wind and jellyfishes. But honestly, I think it's worth enduring these for the beautiful, fairly secluded, and well outfitted military beach. Would definitely spend more time here if I go back to Honolulu! read more

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One of the island's best kept secrets! Bellows is a stunning beach and probably the quietest beach because there was hardly anyone there when I went during the late afternoon on Sunday. The beach doesn't seem to be well-known with tourists, and I hope it stays that way! It was like having the entire beach to myself. This is a great beach if you want to unwind, prop up a chair, and spend the afternoon reading a book without many interruptions. It felt like I was a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life. read more

Bellows Field Beach Park - Beaches Near Me - Waimanalo, Hawaii

One of my favorite beaches on Oahu, because it's so close to Honolulu and so often nearly deserted. Just down the road from Waimanalo Beach Park, and much less crowded. Never been stung by a jellyfish here, but I'll agree with the other reviewer that the Casuarina (ironwood) cones which litter the ground are a pain. You can stop at nearby Keneke's Plate Lunch for authentic local plate lunches (bring your appetite). Not a big fan of their shave ice, though. read more

Bellows Field Beach Park - Bellows Beach, October 2008 - Beaches Near Me - Waimanalo, Hawaii

The beach looks beautiful, just know that this on military land and you can't go to the beach unless you have a military id

We definitely have our favorite beaches on the island for our weekend beach excursions (ones that we frequent often), but sometimes we like to stop at different beaches for a change of pace (and scenery). So, on this particular Sunday, we elected to visit Bellows as it had been some time (years) since we had been here. Upon arriving, we noticed that most of the beach was reserved for campsites. But as you drive further, you come to a dirt parking lot (just before the gate) with access to a wide beach across the street. On on this day, there was a ton of debris that seemed to have washed up on the shore - most of which were plastics. As we typically do, we had our daughters pick up some of the rubbish and put it near the trash bins before playing (and, of course, the parents did as well). + Great beach + Uncrowded + Beautiful water + Plenty of parking + And the occasional coconut waiting to be husked and cracked open I'm sure that we will return to Bellows on another beach outing (especially when family decides to visit). read more

I love this beach. The water is so beautiful and the sand is softer and whiter than the sand in Waikiki. Bellows is a bit too far for us but my daughter and I went came for a snow at the beach event for the holidays and we decided to stop at the beach on the way home. It's winter so the water is freezing, the surf is rough and the sand is cold, but the vibes was still the same. While my daughter enjoyed playing in the sand, I was able to stare into the distance and enjoy the beautiful view. The beach was partially empty (probably because it was cold) but on our way out we did see a lot of people setting up tents. This beach is perfect for camping because it is very spacious. I am not sure if you have to rent or reserve a spot. I did step on what seemed to be a nail in a wooden post from the 19th century. Luckily I didn't bleed but I did go get a tecna shot. So the beach isn't clean right now probably because it is winter. So be careful out there! read more

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Nice view, nice beach, nice sand. Parking is close to the beach area, so you don't have to trudge your things far. However, I went on a recent weekend, and I had honestly never seen such a crowded beach in my life, and I been to a lot of them. Here are my pros & cons: Pros: * If you get there early, you can park really close to the beach. If not, you could possibly be parking 1/4 mile away. * Water is clear, nice sand, and since it is a military beach and no general public allowed, you don't have to worry (much) about theft or homeless or druggies or trashy people, etc. * There is an AAFES gas station/shop right there on the beach, with a Subway if your into that junk food. When I went, the line was out the door and they had ONE person making sandwiches and one old lady on the cash register. Clean bathrooms, too. Cons: * The amount of people on my particular weekend was mind-blowing. We could hardly find a spot in the sand to set up our little tent. When we did get situated, we had to listen to people yelling, talking, music from other tents. * There are almost NO trees and NO shade, nowhere to tie a hammock. * There were a ton of screaming kids running around. Neutral depending on your views: * The water was really tame when I was there, almost no waves; it was like being on a lake. In summary, I honestly don't get why so many people go to this beach. Yes, you need a military ID to get in, and I suppose it's safer than being on a public beach...but I don't see the attraction. It's crowded, parking is tight, very little shade. I won't be back, there are much better beaches to go, with more trees/shade, and less people. read more

Bellows Field Beach Park - I've rarely been to a more noisy, crowded beach. - Beaches Near Me - Waimanalo, Hawaii

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