Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Maunalua Bay Beach Park

    4.0 (23 reviews)

    Maunalua Bay Beach Park Photos

    More like Maunalua Bay Beach Park

    Recommended Reviews - Maunalua Bay Beach Park

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Gary N.

    This park is located along the coast in wonderful Hawaii Kai. I wouldn't say there's much of a beach though. Seems more like a place to take your boat out, your jet ski, or your dogs. There are public restrooms, which is good if you need some place for a pit stop along your drive. Parking is plentiful and the atmosphere is nice.

    2/11- very rocky
    Margret C.

    Located across the street from Koko Marina Shopping Center, we stopped for a bit, on our first driving day. It's nice for pictures but other than that, the rocky part deters from any beach feeling (don't even attempt to take off your sandals and shoes). It's primarily a launch site for power boat rides or jet skiing. The sign says "no animals" but I noticed some dog prints. I suppose the grass part of the area qualifies this as a "beach park." One guy was on the picnic table talking on his cell phone (it was windy, but whatever) and another guy was fishing there. And then there was us, that's it. No wonder it was dead. On the web, states, "parking, showers and restroom", as the facilities, but I don't remember seeing them. On the farthest side, I noticed signs that stated "Private Marina." I suppose if you live in the area, and don't want to lay on the beach (trust me, it's super rocky), or just want to take your dog for a walk, it can serve a purpose. Or fish like that one local.

    Ray L.

    This is a beautiful bay located on the east side of Oahu. It is mainly used by private boaters, canoe clubs and commercial tour divers nearby. I recall coming here as a child with my parents to walk the reef in search of the sea life and this area of Oahu seemed almost like another far away destination since we grew up in the central town area. The draw of this bay is if you are driving eastbound along Kalanianaole Highway and as you pass the last of the home fronting the shoreline, the entire bay and kokohead mountain range appears to the right. It is quite a breathtaking scene for the visitors driving this route and even until today as I take this route back home, enjoy all the expansive views this bay has to offer.

    Today's sunset. End of a great day.
    Darrell P.

    This is a good place to paddleboard, kayak or one man canoe. The good side to launch has a small parking lot near the bathroom and fills up fast with the regulars so your going to have to park in the big lot. This is definitely a great place to watch the sunsets too.

    Ed L.

    What's not to love about the beach? It's one of those places we all yearn to go to, especially in the summer time and just lay there to enjoy life each year. Thankfully for us local people in Hawaii, we can do that anytime of the day - at least when we're not busy working. Maunalua Bay is what I would call a hidden gem when it comes to beaches. It's usually not crowded like other beaches since it's not well known. While Waikiki and Haunama Bay usually is swelled with locals and tourists, Maunalua Bay is one of Oahu's best kept secrets, following beaches in Lanikai, Kahala, and Yokohama Bay. All these beaches, much like Maunalua Bay do not generate much foot traffic, so there's a good chance you could be there by yourself and nobody would bother you. That's a good thing! While the privacy is peaceful while you are lounging around and having fun, there's always that chance of people knowing about this place and trying to encroach on your happiness and serenity. Fear not though, as long as you are there in early in the mornings and late evenings, you can avoid the heat of the mid day sun and have that peace and quiet to yourself without much people bothering you. The overall experience here is quiet nice. You're kind of off the grid here in east Oahu, but still have that sense of serenity and love of the aina. The Maunalua Bay beach park is located confidently in Hawaii Kai. It's pretty much off of Kalanianaole Highway, across the street from Hawaii Kai towne center shopping mall. You'll see it when you drive there or take TheBus. There is plenty of parking here, as there is private parking for beach goers. If you are like me, TheBus routes 1, 1L, 22, and 23 come through here and stops relatively nearby. On a desolate but populated spot along Kalanianaole Highway, this beach is probably the best spot, since you can find good food and drink nearby at the Hawaii Kai Towne center shopping mall / Costco. Or if you venture a little more east, you'll hit Koko Marina shopping center too for your picnic grinds and drinks. The heat of the mid day sun really matches the thrills of the beach at any point of the day. You can see the perfect sunrise or sunset here, although some days it can get cloudy and that's alright. The best part of Maunalua Bay beach park is that, like all public beaches and parks, it's absolutely free. No fees charged and that's just awesome! The only thing that you'd have to worry about is pretty much how much sunscreen you need to put on yourself. The beach can be littered with trash and discarded junk, so best come here and leave nothing of yours when you leave. The waves are really soothing and have that calming effect that just may be the best thing to do on a Saturday or Sunday, if you have nothing to do - or are looking for something to do. The beach itself is relatively clean and there is a boat house that's there to complete the scene. I've passed by here numerous times while running the annual Honolulu marathon and it keeps me going. While you don't need to run 26.2 miles to see Maunalua Bay beach anytime of the day or even night time. It does get kind of dark at night, as there is very little light. I've seen some people do night time fishing and just enjoying the evening land and seascapes. It's quite nice to just sit there and enjoy the ocean at night. Seriously, kind of makes you reflect on a variety of stuff and life. Oceans and nature tends to do that. Funny how that works out. Still, the Maunalua Bay Beach park is one of those beaches that you'd find that would be a fantastic find on any given day. Stay clear of the popular ones and you'll get this one all to yourself - depending when you get here. Sun, sand, and surf at your fingertips. 5.0 stars. Nothing beats the beach! Lucky live Hawaii for sure. Support local! A+

    See all

    4 months ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gary N.
    896
    792
    5521

    7 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Family friendly places nearby to rent kayaks. The water is clean areas see picnic beautiful scenery. Definitely recommend coming here.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ray L.
    33
    727
    34490

    10 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ed L.
    992
    2767
    10464

    10 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jane A.
    400
    2767
    6423

    13 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Paul N.
    293
    1485
    4275

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 0
    Love this 13
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tim O.
    203
    14
    0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ron D.
    613
    1612
    120

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Deep S.
    33
    41
    118

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Maunalua Bay Beach Park Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Maunalua Bay Beach Park

    Are dogs aloud at this beach?

    Yes! As long as their well mannered! My dog isn't so he stays on the leash.. lol!

    Does it have much indoor areas, and it admission free?

    No indoor area other than the Men & Women Restrooms. Public Park no admission. Picnic tables, nice place to relax and enjoy life.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Maunalua Bay Beach Park

    It's pretty much off of Kalanianaole Highway, across the street from Hawaii Kai towne center shopping mall.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park

    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park

    4.8
    (173 reviews)
    7.2 mi

    Visiting Pu'u Ualaka's State Park is on my top ten favorite things to do in Honolulu. The Park…read moreoffers spectacular views of the entire Southside of the Island. I travelled up Mount Tantalus to the Park yesterday with my daughter. We travelled through beautiful dense forest at the Park entrance. At the highest overlook, we could see everything and more from Diamond Head out to (and beyond) the airport. We could see all of Honolulu. I felt like we were on top of the world! Plaques offer fascinating overviews of the history and geology of the landmarks below. We could even see inside the famous tuff cone, Punch Bowl! Nearby is the first macadamia nut orchard in Hawaii. The overviews are paved with railings and easily accessible. The Park offers picnic areas with a couple pavilions and picnic tables. There is a charge for non-resident parking of $7 that can be paid electronically. Resident parking is free. Parking is limited, but there are several parking areas. We had no trouble finding parking mid week. Warning signs tell guest not to leave valuables in the car. Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park is only two miles from downtown Honolulu (maybe a couple more miles to the top). The Park is an easy 5 star and worth a visit.

    Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Park offers some of the best views of the greater Waikiki and Honolulu area…read more It's well worth the drive up for the panoramic vista that stretches from Mānoa all the way to Diamond Head, and out toward Honolulu Airport and Pearl Harbor. The park officially closes at 6pm, but I've walked in after hours before to enjoy the city lights, and the views are just as impressive at night. It's a bit off the typical tourist path, so it doesn't get overly crowded. Highly recommended if you want a different perspective of Honolulu.

    Photos
    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park
    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park
    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park

    See all

    Leahi Millennium Peace Circle Garden

    Leahi Millennium Peace Circle Garden

    4.8
    (12 reviews)
    5.5 mi

    Peace and tranquility. Nature and realistic rustic surrealities converge here at the Leahi…read moreMillennium Peace Garden. It's one of those places that can bring peace in a troubling world. Be forewarned though, it can get warm and humid here during the summer months, so you might want to go in the winter. You never know what you can find when you least expect it. Even in your backyard or neighborhood, there's always something cool to find, whether it's hidden or out there in plain view. I have come to know the Leahi Millennium Peace Garden during my days attending Kapiolani Community College, but those days are long gone. These days, I've come to rediscover the gardens during my time here on the KCC campus and appreciating the gardens each time I come to visit. It's one of the many bright spots in the ol kaimuki neighborhood. Although it is usually combined with the Kapiolani Community College campus, the Leahi Millennium Peace Garden is as therapeutic and majestic, as nature is always is. As often as I come through Kapiolani Community College to run through the campus, play Pokémon Go with friends, or just enjoy my alma mater on any given weekend. I would usually come here on the weekends though and be reminded of life and how fragile it can be, among random things. The Leahi Millennium Peace garden is a great compliment to the campus and I always look forward to strolling through the area when I come over. Even though the garden isn't technically on the Kapiolani Community College campus, it's maintenance is provided by volunteers connected to the KCC campus. Best bet would be to come here in the morning hours before it gets warm, or late afternoon so it isn't too terribly hot. The unique flora makes it an interesting walk through the gardens. Seeing the bees and other various insects do their thing with the plant life here gives the area its purpose and life meaning. The overall experience here at the Leahi Millennium peace garden is as good as it can be. The garden isn't as large as a community park, but it's quaint and beautiful any time of the day or night. The location of the peace garden can be found at 4184 Diamond Head Road in Honolulu, HI. It's literally across the street from Kapiolani Community College's Diamond Head Road border. Since it is a peace garden, there is not an entrance admission fee to be found. Like all community parks in Honolulu, it is free to come here and I am happy to come here whenever I can. It is connected with the Fort Ruger Pathway and the Bryan Clay workout stations are nearby too. Since I live close to the Leahi Millennium Peace Garden and the Kapiolani Community College, walking there is usually not a problem. You can drive there and park on the Kapiolani Community College lower campus and walk across the street to enjoy the gardens. If public transit is more of your thing, bus routes 3, 9, 23, and 24 come through the area from Waikiki and stop at the Diamond Head State Monument bus stop. From there, you can walk about 50 feet and into the Peace gardens. Uber and Lyft are always options too, if you prefer. For the most part though, a trip to the gardens provides an excellent way to spend the morning or afternoon. It's a way to not spend money and a place to declutter your mind and soul while reorganizing yourself. Much like the beach or public community parks, the Leahi Millennium Peace garden works the same way. It functions easily as a way to minimize stress and helps you focus on what's important in your life. Mindful and spiritual opportunities are abound here and it is definitely helpful when you can get away from the television or your mobile devices and just experience nature in your back yard. Do yourself a favor and come and visit the Leahi Millennium Peace garden one of these days and you would possibly be surprised at how magnificent and magical it can be. It is an uplifting experience that can be one that can fulfill your dreams. Well, maybe not, but it does have a way of brightening up your spirits when life throws curve balls at you. 5.0 stars for the overall experience. Definitely recommend coming here if you are in the area. If you are climbing Diamond Head anyway, take a moment and go through the gardens on the way out. It would be a good cool down from the hike. Support local! A+

    Kind of a sketchy place to run through when it is dark but it's definitely a nice effort at trying…read moreto give some greenery and a place of respite in this area. Would I venture into this place at night? No. But an effort was made and that is being acknowledged. I also enjoy seeing the resident feral cats that frequent this area when I go for my runs. They are so cute.

    Photos
    Leahi Millennium Peace Circle Garden
    Leahi Millennium Peace Circle Garden
    Leahi Millennium Peace Circle Garden

    See all

    Moanalua Gardens

    Moanalua Gardens

    4.3
    (146 reviews)
    12.2 mi

    Moanalua Gardens is a nicely maintained wide open park with many large "Hitachi" monkeypod trees…read morespread out. Definitely more so a park than a garden. Been wanting to visit here for years as the last time was probably in elementary school for a field trip, and I forgot what exactly was here. It was closed during and after covid for years, then reopened to private functions only, and had no idea when it was reopened to the public. $10 for adults ($4 for Kama'aina and military) 7 for ages 6-12, under 6 (and Kama'aina and military) is free. Moanalua Gardens is conveniently located right next to the H-1 freeway. Heading westbound direction is very easy. Note: the parking entrance is literally right before the off ramp. Look for the "Moanalua Gardens" signs. Take the Tripler exit. Look for the entrance on the right. If you're on the off-ramp, you passed it. But that's okay! You can make a right (H-1 eastbound, you'll make a left at the Triper off-ramp), then left on Mahiole St, and turn in the next driveway. You'll drive through the service entrance to the parking lot. Plenty of parking! Pay at the entrance kiosk where they also sell snacks and drinks. Once inside, there's a moss/algae and leaf filled pond. There's koi fish, but the water is dark and murky, you can barely see their bright colors. King Kamehameha V's cottage that looks like a like a usual house. A Chinese style structure that looks like it has seen better days. Both are not accessible. As for the rest, the "Hitachi" monkeypod trees are all well maintained. Even though, there's PLENTY of monkeypod trees around the island, there's not many that's grown in this wide, umbrella shaped figure with branches close to the ground. Overall, it's cool to see the umbrella shaped Hitachi trees in a wide open, park-like space, but the other areas are not very well-maintained. There's not much else to do with some places restricted making it difficult to appreciate the history and importance. Charging $10 regular entrance fee, even the $4 Kama'aina fee, isn't worth it to just go in a what is basically a park. Isn't Hitachi paying atleast $400,000 per year to use the image of the tree in their advertising?

    5star beautiful trees,ginger, taro patch, mango trees, ulu, koi pond right off the freeway,…read moreliterally. Look for the green patina gates. Lots of free parking on a Monday morning . Entree fees are a bit pricey if u not a kamaaina @ $10, so minus a star. Restrooms available, no food or drink to buy, so bring your own bentos and mat,only about 4 tables. And its hawaii, so ants and flies!

    Photos
    Moanalua Gardens
    Moanalua Gardens
    Moanalua Gardens

    See all

    Foster Botanical Garden

    Foster Botanical Garden

    4.5
    (287 reviews)
    9.4 mi

    I visited the Foster Botanical Garden while vacationing in Honolulu, and I think it's the perfect…read moreactivity to do during a gap in between longer activities or even the first thing to do on a day-long itinerary. First off, the $5.00 per person admission fee is reasonable considering that the garden itself isn't particularly huge. The fairly small space notwithstanding, the Foster Botanical Garden is very peaceful and calming. The entire time I was here with my brother, we both felt the urge to slow down and really take in the atmosphere as we're both very accustomed to the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. The staff are welcoming and exceptionally knowledgable about the foliage and history of it as it pertains to Honolulu, and the different types of wildlife who inhabit the garden are really cool too. All in all, I'd strongly recommend the Foster Botanical Garden for anyone looking for something a little more peaceful and intimate while hanging out in Honolulu.

    Loved this place. Great place to just decompress and walk around for a good 45 mins. or so. The…read morebotanical garden is basically right in the middle of HNL. Check this place out. The collection of plants and trees are remarkable.

    Photos
    A closer look inside a Cannonball Tree (Couroupita guianensis) flower. These trees are commonly seen around Hindu temples in India.
    A closer look inside a Cannonball Tree (Couroupita guianensis) flower. These trees are commonly seen around Hindu temples in India.
    The Corpose Plant is one of the most popular specimens in our collection! This endagered species only blooms once every 2 to 5 years.
    The Corpose Plant is one of the most popular specimens in our collection! This endagered species only blooms once every 2 to 5 years.
    The Main Lawn located on the norther, mauka most portion of the botanical garden.

    See all

    The Main Lawn located on the norther, mauka most portion of the botanical garden.
    Booth District Park

    Booth District Park

    4.6
    (25 reviews)
    8.5 mi

    We went to Booth District Park a few weeks ago. It was my first time going there that I remember…read more It's a pretty big park and they have parking spaces all around the park. We went there for the playground but there wasn't any spaces in front of the playground so we had to walk just a little to get there. It's a really nice park to go to if you're in the area. They have a nice field, playground, basketball courts, and pickle ball courts. The playground is a little different from others because it has a zip line for kids. You hang onto a handle and with enough momentum you can swing yourself to the other side. My daughter loved that when we went to a park in California and we just never saw one of those in Hawaii. But now we know... They do exist! The playground is also in the shade so you won't get fried when waiting for your kids to finish playing. And there is a bench to sit and rest while you wait. Great park, we hope to go back there soon.

    This is a hidden gem in the heart of Pauoa…read more When I heard about the Yelp Earth Day Challenge, Booth Park immediately came to mind. My husband works for the DOE and wanted to "check out" this park last year. Although we live in Moiliili, the drive is quick since it's right off the freeway. So glad we did... It's now one of our top 3 parks to take the boys! The facilities are well maintained, shaded by the huge trees that offer parents and kids shelter from the midday sun. My oldest son (4.5yrs) loves the swings and riding his scooter around the basketball and tennis courts. My youngest (3rd) enjoys jumping off the concrete benches and mastering the playground (which is more elaborate than the usual city park playgrounds around town). There's spinning chairs, slides, a mini zip line, drums, and chimes that kids can make music with! So cool! Parking is fairly easy to find around the park perimeter. Area has been consistently safe when we take the kids (about once every couple of weeks). Great for all ages but adult supervision is still recommended esp for the littles.

    Photos
    Booth District Park
    Happy 100 Mr. Ing- thank you for sharing
    Happy 100 Mr. Ing- thank you for sharing
    Ing display 2015- Where's Waldo? Mahalos Mr. Ing!

    See all

    Ing display 2015- Where's Waldo? Mahalos Mr. Ing!

    Maunalua Bay Beach Park - parks - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...