Kalama Beach Park: See Why You Need to Visit This Beach in Oahu
If you’re looking for a quieter beach to visit in Oahu, Kalama Beach Park is one of the best places to check out.
It’s located on the windward side of Oahu, Hawaii and it’s not hard to get here from Honolulu or Waikiki.
There are so many things that make this beach awesome. There’s the gorgeous white sand, clear and warm water, and a lot of places to sit down or set up a blanket and enjoy the view. This beach is perfect for swimming, kite surfing, windsurfing, sunbathing, and so much more.
I’m going to tell you about some of our favorite activities, where to park, and other valuable information so that you can better prepare before your vacation.
Overview of Kalama Beach Park
Kalama Beach Park is located north of the famous Lanikai Beach and northwest of Kailua Beach Park.
It’s part of the 4-mile Kailua Bay which breaks down into Kailua Beach Park, Kalama Beach, and Castles Beach. It’s possible to walk from Kailua Beach all the way to Kalama Beach.
Kalama Beach is the perfect alternative to Kailua Beach if you want something a little quieter and secluded, as it’s usually not as crowded as Kailua Beach.
How to Get to Kalama Beach Park
Location: 248 N Kalaheo Ave, Kailua, HI 96734
The best way to get there is to drive, as this can be way more convenient than the bus. You can take a bus, but we strongly advise against doing so as it will take up so much of your time.
Kalama Beach Park is about a 35-minute drive from the Waikiki/Honolulu area.
If driving, take H1 W and HWY 61 to Kailua Road, then take Kuulei Road and N Kainalu Drive to Hauoli Street.
There is parking available at Kalaheo Avenue, and the trail to the beach is located past the bathrooms. There is also parking available on the street.
As mentioned before, you can also park at Kailua Beach and walk to Kalama Beach.
Facilities/Perks at Kalama Beach Park
Shade:
There is lots of shade provided by the large trees in this beach park.
Showers and Restrooms:
There is a bathroom and shower building past the trail from the parking lot.
Picnic Area:
One of the perks about this beach is that it’s very family-friendly. You can relax here, picnic, or try out one of the many activities mentioned in the post.
Grassy Area:
There are lots of grassy areas in this beach park. You can lay out a blanket or sit on the lawn; there’s plenty of room for everyone!
Gorgeous view of the Mokulua Islands:
While at Kalama Beach, you will also get a gorgeous view of the famous Mokulua Islands. This is by far one of our favorite views in all of Oahu.
Please note that there are no lifeguards on duty, so remember to take extract precautions at all times.
Kalama Beach Park: Water Activities
Please be aware of the ocean conditions before trying any of these activities, as they can quickly change. You should always approach the water with caution.
Windsurf/Kite Surf
Kalama Beach Park is definitely one of the best places to windsurf or kitesurf in Oahu.
It gets a little windier here compared to Kailua Beach. This gives you the opportunity to get a little more adventurous if you enjoy windsurfing or kite surfing.
Even if this is not your forte, it’s still a great spot to watch others do it while you relax on the beach.
Kayaking
Since Kalama Beach is part of Kailua Bay, it’s one of the best places to kayak in Oahu. You can rent a kayak and explore the bay or go on an organized snorkeling tour. Some of the best places to snorkel are Flat Island and the Mokulua Islands, which can be reached via kayak.
If you would prefer an organized kayak tour, check out the article on the best places to Kayak in Oahu. We offer some great recommendations!
Swim or Snorkel
The water at Kalama Beach is clear and perfect for swimming or snorkeling.
The ocean floor is shallow until you get further from the shore, so it’s perfect for all swim levels. Please keep in mind that the water conditions change in the winter months.
As mentioned before, there is no lifeguard here; please make sure to watch after your kids and take precautions.
While not the best snorkel spot in Oahu, it’s still worth giving it a shot if you are already in the area.
RELATED ARTICLES: Snorkeling Two Step Beach At Honaunau Bay
Surfing
The waves here in the winter months are great for beginner to intermediate surfers. Winter (specifically March) is the best time to surf here, and the waves get bigger during the winter months.
While not as big as the waves you’ll find on the north shore of Oahu, this is still an excellent place for beginners.
Kalama Beach Park: Surf Report
Make sure you check the surf report before going to the beach. We use Surf forecast for updates on the forecast.
Other Things to do Near Kalama Beach
Below are a few of our favorite things to do near Kalama Beach Park:
Visit Kailua Beach Park
Kailua Beach is a short distance from Kalama Beach Park. You will get the quintessential “Hawaii” feel here with beautiful white sand and gorgeous palm trees.
There are lifeguards on duty at Kailua Beach, so it’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing.
Visit Lanikai Beach
This is another one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Lanikai Beach is known to be one of the best beaches in Oahu. You can rent stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, or just relax on the beach. This is by far, one of our favorite things to do on Oahu.
Visit Waimanalo Beach Park
If you are still looking for more things to do in the area, Waimanalo Beach Park is another beautiful beach on the windward side that offers many of the same activities as Kalama Beach.
Lanikai Pillbox Hike
The Lanikai Pillbox Hike is one of Oahu’s best hikes and one of the easier hikes on Oahu. The views you will get here are absolutely spectacular, and don’t take much effort to indulge in!
Visit the Farmer’s Market
Don’t leave Kailua without visiting the farmer’s market. Trust me, you will thank me later!
See Also: 15 Best Things to Do in Kailua Oahu
Before we wrap up the post, let’s answer some FAQs.
Kalama Beach Park: Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Kalama Beach park open?
The parking lot is closed from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. each day, per Honolulu.gov.
How long is Kalama Beach?
Kalama Beach is part of the Kailua Beach, which is about 2.5 miles long.
The Wrap Up: Kalama Beach Park
Kalama Beach Park is an excellent place for an outing with family or friends.
With the beautiful sun, warm and clear ocean water, and activities galore, it’s no wonder that this beach draws people from all over to enjoy its natural beauty.
The park offers limited free parking, restrooms and showers, as well as picnic areas to make your day feel like you’re at home on vacation with family and friends!
If you’ve never been before, check out what Kalama Beach Park has to offer—we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much fun there is to have in one little spot!
Mahalo for reading our post. Until next time, Aloha!
See Also:
Alan Davis Beach: Hike to Kaiwi Shoreline Trail Plus Some Cliff Jumping
Ehukai Pillbox Hike: Everything You Need to Know
