Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Beaches
From Waikiki, TheBus 22 (no service Tuesday) runs by these beaches once or twice
hourly.
Kuilei Cliffs Beach Park BEACH
(3450 Diamond Head Rd) In the shadow of Diamond Head, this rocky beach draws experi-
enced windsurfers when the tradewinds are blowing. Surfers take over the waves when
the swells are up. The little public beach park has outdoor showers, but no other facilit-
ies. Park in the paved lots off Diamond Head Rd, just east of the lighthouse, then follow
the paved footpath down to the beach.
Diamond Head Beach Park BEACH
(3300 Diamond Head Rd) Bordering the lighthouse, this rocky beach draws surfers, snorkel-
ers and tide-poolers, plus a few picnickers. The narrow strand north of the lighthouse is
popular with gay men, who pull off Diamond Head Rd onto dead-end Beach Rd, then
walk along the shore to find a little seclusion and (illegally) sunbathe au naturel.
Waiʻalae Beach Park BEACH
In between Kahala's multimillion-dollar mansions, a half-dozen shoreline access points
provide public rights-of-way to the beach, but the swimming ain't grand - it's mostly
shallow, with sparse pockets of sand. One picturesque exception is the beach near Ka-
hala's resort. Here you'll find a sandy strand where Waiʻalae Stream flows into the sea
toward a shallow offshore reef.
Sights & Activities
Diamond Head State Monument HIKING
( www.hawaiistateparks.org ; off Diamond Head Rd btwn Makapuʻu & 18th Aves; admission per pedes-
trian/car $1/5; 6am-6pm, last trail entry 4:30pm; ) The historic trail to the summit of
Diamond Head, a volcanic tuff cone, was built in 1908 to service military observation
stations along the crater rim. Although it's a fairly steep 0.8-mile hike to the top, the trail
is fully paved and plenty of people of all ages make it. The return trip takes about an
hour.
The trail, which passes through several tunnels and up dizzying staircases, is mostly
open and hot, so bring plenty of water and wear a hat and sunscreen. The windy summit
affords fantastic 360-degree views of the southeast coast to Koko Head and west to the
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