Home / Oahu Beaches / Yokohama Bay
Yokohama Bay on the West Side
You'll discover beautiful Yokohama Bay when
you head towards the most west northern tip of Oahu,
known to as
Ka’ena
Pt. Also referred to as
Keawaula Beach, this Oahu beach resides in one of the most secluded
areas of the island.
Yokohama Bay & the Westside
Most tourists never see this side of Oahu. When people claim to have driven around the island, the Westside is typically cut off since the road dead ends at Yokohama Bay, and the most sensible and popular route is to head up and around to the North Shore instead.
But there is something to be said for discovering the quiet Westside
of the island, which tends to be more local and simple.
Yokohama Bay is pristine, beautiful, and untouched by development for
miles around. It is framed by the Waianae Mountain Range in the
background. You’ll usually find this Oahu
beach empty, with an extensive sandy beach to explore all to
yourself.
If
you’re looking to explore Oahu’s raw beauty…this is it!
It’s a long drive to get to Yokohama Bay, which could take up to, an
hour and a half from Waikiki. You’ll pass though Waianae, a large
Hawaiian-based (locals only) community, and through Makaha, which is known for it’s
phenomenal winter surfing & white sandy beach.
FUN FACT: Makaha Beach
was also originally slated to be the designated spot for hotel
development before Waikiki Beach was ultimately chosen. How different would that have been!
Unfortunately it’s not ideal for swimming, unless flat sometimes in
the summer. The waves tend to
get big, especially in the
winter. Local, experienced body boarders and surfers love the surf
break in
this bay.
There’s also a steep drop off, and the shore-breaking
waves can be a bit dangerous if you’re not used to it.
History of the Bay
History of Keawa’ula
Beach translates to “red
bay”. The Hawaiian community gave it this name because of
the
large squid population that spawned in the area, and literary would
turn the bay red during this process. The early Japanese
fisherman that later frequented the area popularized it as we know it
today “Yokohama Bay”.
Getting There
The only way to get to Yokohama Beach is by car, which will take you
about 1½ hrs from Waikiki. The Oahu bus
turns around at Makaha, and you have
another 15 minutes to travel by vehicle from there. Consider renting a car for the day...
- From Waikiki, take the H-1 highway heading north
- Stay on H-1 until it ends and turns into the Farrington Hwy (Hwy 93)
- Follow the coast until the road ends at Keawa’ula Beach
Need a good rental car option for the day? Whether you would like to visit a beach, a popular Oahu attraction, or explore the island for just a day, consider these great, discounted rent-a-car rates with Discount Hawaii Car Rental. They also have great packages for your entire trip...
Oahu Map
Beach Facilities
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Lifeguard station
- Parking
Visiting Tips
No shade – there is no shade to be found at
Yokohama Beach. Pack
an umbrella, water, hats, and lots of sunscreen. It tends to get
very hot on the West Side of the island. I would even recommend
starting early or late afternoon at this Oahu beach.
Food – the closest store or restaurant is located in Waianae. Make sure to bring a picnic lunch or snacks. For a treat, stop and pick up a BBQ plate lunch for the beach at L&L Drive-Inn at 85-080 Waianae Valley Rd.
Catch a sunset – the sun melts into the ocean on the Westside, so you can imagine how beautiful it will be if it’s not too cloudy.
Warnings for the area
It’s pretty safe out here, but you should never leave your personal
belongings unattended on the beach or left behind in the car.
High surf advisory – the
Westside is an extension of the North
Shore, and so are the notorious big waves. Even the smaller
shore break waves are rough and sometimes create a strong undertow. Check in with the lifeguard for advise before entering the
water.
In the Area
North Shore Tandem Skydive
Another way to take in stunning views of Kaena Point, Haleiwa, Waimea Bay, and the North Shore coastline is from 10,000 feet in the air.
You won’t be doing it alone, but with a professional guide who will guide and ride tandem with you in the air. A unique experience and memory for life! Learn more and reserve your spot
Hiking Ka'ena Pt
Ka’ena Pt – the road may end at Yokohama Beach, but the Oahu hiking trails start from here. Take a two-mile journey hiking out to the westerly tip of the island, and explore beautiful Ka’ena Pt Park, trekking the sand dunes, and along the jagged reef coastline.
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Aloha & Enjoy!
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