Kawela Bay
Kawela Bay
4.5
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8 within 3 miles
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28 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
48 reviews
Excellent
33
Very good
14
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Susana L
Silver Spring, MD45 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
We came here before the crowds overwhelmed the island as is typical for this time of year. Luckily, COVID has deterred the crowds for now and we were able to enjoy this piece of heaven in relative solitude and peace. Although the winter swell was high the waves crash on the rocks/reef allowing for calm waters and gentle waves. We really enjoyed it here.
Written December 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tphybridtx
Cedar Hill, TX371 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
Kawela Bay is a perfect example of the hidden surprises that lay off the beaten path throughout the Hawaiian Islands. It is located on the North Shore about 12 miles past the town of Haleiwa. It is a beach that has very little foot traffic, especially if you go early morning or late afternoon. The scenery is stunning and the bay is relatively calm. It is not your typical swimmer’s location, but it is perfect for a picnic on a secluded beach or going snorkeling. This is one of the best spots for a sea turtle sighting, sometimes even on the beach. Two significant sightseeing bonuses are the WWII pillbox on the point of bay and the Banyon Tree (Jumanji Treehouse) located a hundred yards back from the beach. For the regular Oahu tourist, the best way to Kawela Bay is to park near the fruit stand right before Turtle Bay Resort. There is a gate across the road that is open and leads you right to the Banyon Tree and the bay. If you are staying, or want to park at Turtle Bay, they have several easy, scenic hiking trails (about 2.5 miles round trip) that will take you to Kawela Bay. I usually do this hike two or three times before sunrise each time I stay at the Turtle Bay Resort. Sitting on the pillbox at the point at sunrise by myself is one of my favorite travel experiences. If your looking for something romantic, then bring a picnic meal near sunset and you will find yourself almost alone on the beach with the sun setting into your lap. This is why I keep coming back to Hawaii.
Written May 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hlk2
Rock Island, IL41 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
There are designated parking spots at Turtle Bay Resort for people who want to access the beach. (Free parking). We parked here. And then we spent a couple hours exploring the area. We hiked to Kawela Bay and back. On the hike there we saw no one. There were about 5 other people at the actual Bay while we were there. And on the hike back we saw about 4 people. So different than Waikiki!
We followed the walking directions on my Apple map app to get to Kawela Bay, and it worked great. However, if you walk the coastline, you’ll get there fine. We did see one hona turtle on the hike, which was a great bonus.
Look out for horse poop since you share trails with the horses.
The Banyan Tree is great!
P.S. Part of Catching Fire was filmed here, so my husband had fun acting like Katniss.
We followed the walking directions on my Apple map app to get to Kawela Bay, and it worked great. However, if you walk the coastline, you’ll get there fine. We did see one hona turtle on the hike, which was a great bonus.
Look out for horse poop since you share trails with the horses.
The Banyan Tree is great!
P.S. Part of Catching Fire was filmed here, so my husband had fun acting like Katniss.
Written December 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trips Guy
California11 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
Entrance is across from the Kahuku land farms fruit stand. You will see the green wood posts that marks the entrance. Then you take a short walk on a path to the beach.
Saw little crabs pop out from the sand.
Seemed more sunnier on the either ends of the beach as the middle was cooler/shadier.
Not many people on this beach. Good location for a proposal.
Saw little crabs pop out from the sand.
Seemed more sunnier on the either ends of the beach as the middle was cooler/shadier.
Not many people on this beach. Good location for a proposal.
Written December 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
benjietrip
Red Deer, Canada275 contributions
Dec 2015 • Family
We surfed the bay. It is fairly shallow so we were comfortable in the water as we could touch. There is also turtles everywhere! They didn't seem afraid of us at all... of course we would do nothing to make them afraid. There was plenty of people on the beach but it should be noted that it's fairly secluded and there are no life guards here. You can access from the highway across from the fruit stand by turtle bay. If you want a more authentic beach experience then give this one a try!
Written December 31, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dar L
6 contributions
Sep 2019
I scattered some flowers in my brother's memory here. The waves lapped lightly at my feet. It is a special place.
Written October 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda and Stephanie
Sydney, Australia134 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
This is a little hidden from the world, situated way up north - went to find a food truck and ended up finding a beach. Great discovery, situated within a hotel - would definitely look at staying at this hotel for a little R&R, distant from the “Tourist” attractions however looked like a great spot to chill.
Written June 23, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kleic
San Antonio, TX1,085 contributions
Dec 2016 • Family
We spent 10 days on the North Shore and visited a lot of beaches. This one is by far our favorite! Park directly across the street from the fruit stands just west of the Turtle Bay Resort at the end of the chain link fence and walk down the path. You'll pass some amazing banyan trees and then, just 5 minutes later, you'll be on the edge of a calm, protected bay that's literally ringed by a sandy beach and palm trees. It isn't private but it feels that way as there are very few people there! A great place for swimming and hanging out, even in the windy winter!
Written December 30, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bobby Claudia S
Lomita, CA72 contributions
Sep 2015 • Couples
Simply Gorgeous views, right next to Turtle Bay Beach. Rocky so water shoes would be a good idea. Great for swimming and relaxing.
Written September 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lindas286
Columbus, OH798 contributions
Jun 2015 • Family
On a tip from someone at Turtle Bay, we found this beautiful secluded beach. A bit hard to get to, but well worth the trouble as we almost had the whole beach to ourselves. Beautiful walk in the afternoon.
Written June 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are there turtles you can swim with? Are the turtles still there in July?
Written December 29, 2017
Are there Sharks that come into this beach? Has there ever been a accident with a human?
Written June 25, 2017
Not that I'm aware of. But it's Hawaii....there's always the risk of sharks at any beach.
Written June 26, 2017
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