Yokohama Bay

This was by far my favorite stop on my Hawaiian honeymoon. We hung out at the tidepools for a few hours and it was amazing. It’s so clear and you can see tons of little fishes as well as some cool volcanic rocks! If you’re on Oahu with a car, this is a must!

Had a great time at this beach. Only a few groups around. We were a little worried about car break-​ins reported here. But parking along the road felt pretty safe. The only down side of our visit is we forgot our swim suits.

Still like Yokohama although I’ve found a better beach for chillin’ and snorkeling on the west side.
Stopped here about a month ago after hiking up on the mountain by the golf balls. The beach was closed due to huge waves. Wow! Got some shots of the waves — and the pics just don’t do justice for the size and power of the waves.

One of the many amazing beaches on the WEST side. We drove towards the «third dip» and parked right up on the beach side. The weather was amazing (as it usually is). I had to re-​apply sun screen three times from jumping in and out of the water. The sun was no joke for my daughter and I. The tide pool area is awesome. The kids were able to swim carefree and there weren’t too many people around us which was even better. The waves were pumping that day but because of the gigantic reef it made for perfect tiny waves for the kids to enjoy. It also washes the water in and out so you’re not swimming in stagnant water.

06÷17÷11 (last visited)
If you are on vacation and your destination was O’ahu but you want to get away from the touristy beaches in Waikiki, this West O’ahu beach might be your new «secret refuge». We went on a weekday and had the entire place to ourselves. The beach wasn’t overly crowded and we didn’t have to wait for a parking space. The beach is Big and Beautiful. The majestic mountain backdrop is one of a kind and the beach is clean. This beach park is the last one on the Waianae coast before you reach Kaena Pt. This is not Waikiki. You probably will not find a single tourist, just locals.
There’s parking, bathroom and changing facilities and a shower for rinsing off the sand. Bring toilet paper, just in case there’s none there. That is really the only discouraging feature of the beach. You can also hike around the tip of the Island if you are the athletic type. Just park your car near the life guard station and hike or bike around the tip of Oahu. Yokohama Beach is at the end of the paved road where the hiking trail to the Nature reserve at Ka’ena Point begins.
For security, park your car near the lifeguard tower. There is a parking lot where the road ends and becomes a trail. As in any remote area, there’s always the chance for car break-​ins. Nice place to visit but west side of Oahu is known to be a rough area of drug users and crime so please be careful. Please enjoy the beach, but also remember LEAVE NO FOOTPRINT… Carry out ALL of your trash. There are trash cans available – use them!
NEED TO KNOW…
*Most tourists never see this side of Oahu. When people claim to have driven around the island, the Westside is typically cut out since the road dead ends at Yokohama Bay, and the most sensible route is to head up and around the North Shore.
*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 Westside of the island. I would even recommend starting early or late afternoon at this Oahu beach.
*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 under toe. Check in with the lifeguard for advise before entering the water.
*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.

This is one of the best beaches on the island by far. You can park on the side of the road and it’s always sunny. The surroundings are something out of a postcard. The mountains are so green, they almost look fake. This beach is great for photos. The sunsets are beautiful and if your lucky you might be able to see a green flash.
The waves can get pretty big at this beach so be careful. They have lifeguards on duty, but this beach gets pretty busy. It’s great for bbq’s, swimming, and photo shoots. I always see people taking photos at this beach. I highly recommend venturing out to this amazing beach. You won’t be disappointed.

If you’re looking for a more quiet beach away from the tourist and townies, this is a great place to come. Be sure to bring your camera because the sunset epic!

Great beaches along this bay for watching the sunset. Down the furthest end where the sand stops there are rocks and tide pools. It used to be my favorite spot to come with a special someone in the middle of the night, just to sit on the rocks and watch the ocean. Best on a moonlit night.
Be careful if doing that though, the water tends to be rough and slams up against the rocks pretty high. Always light your way when walking on the rocks. If you’re going swimming, be careful also. Most times of the year the water here can be pretty choppy and rough.
Other than that, not much to say about Yokohama, otherwise known as «yokes.» It’s a great place to come to get away from everything else and feel as far away as possible from the city. It’s also an amazing place to look at the stars at night on a cloudless night. There are just so many and because there are no lights around, no streetlamps, etc, the view of the sky is pretty much as clear as you can get.
Lastly, be sure that if you’re driving at night, to be careful. You DON’T need your high-​beams, you can see just fine with your headlights but if you use them, be aware of other people on the road please.

The western shore of Oahu is incredibly beautiful. Definitely the most underrated side of the island. After living here for 5 months this is definitely my top 3 favorite beaches on the island. Currents can be rough here at times and there are rocks at certain spots on the beach you would want to avoid swimming near, but the scenery is second to none. Come on a weekday and you’ll probably have a nice semi-​empty beach.

BF and I had such an enjoyable day here! We left Waikiki around 11. We loaded the car up with picnic supplies, blanket and a cooler with a 6 pack of Kona Longboard. It’s on the West Side about an hour trip. It felt like we were going on vacation. We arrived at the beach and backed our CRV into a spot on the beach and laid our blanket down near the ocean and had such an awesome time. We swam, ate, drank beer, read books and relaxed. Hardly anyone was there. This beach is surrounded by beautiful mountains and sweet seas!!! What a fabulous getaway!

My favorite place in the whole entire world.
I grew up going to this beach. Back then, it was a lot more secluded… where we might see only a couple other groups on the beach. When we went recently, it was slightly more crowded, but not so much that you throw a rock at the next group.
This beach is a drive, but that’s what makes it so wonderful and more secluded. You can easily find space and enjoy. Because it is a long stretch, there is also a good mix of waves, calm beach, and tidepools.
They do have a life guard on duty during the day and you can now get reception down there, which is nice in case of an emergency.

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Aloha VISITORS!
Before you go out to Yokohama’s, read the reviews for Sandy Beach Park (
). Consider Yokohama’s the Sandy’s of the Wes’ Side.
Only thing… Yokohama’s LOOKS gentle, the water colors are beautiful, it’s very seductive. But stay on the beach. Don’t let those little 8 – 10 year old local girls body boarding make you think you can go in the water.
Yokohama’s has a mean shore break. It’s not obvious, like Sandy’s. Back in the day I body surfed Sandy’s a lot. Nothing huge, but a lot. Trust me, you don’t want to learn the hard way out at Yokohama’s that it’s deceptive, and very probably not safe for you.
Stay safely on the beach and enjoy the rest of your vacation.

My favorite beach of all time. This may sound weird but I even enjoy the long car ride to Yokohama from Town.
The first time we came here, the beach was completely empty and it was nice to have it all to ourselves. The second time we came, there were a few groups scattered along the beach. But I don’t think it’s ever been crowded like Waikiki or North Shore.
The sunset is really beautiful here if it’s not cloudy. So if you’re looking for a cheap romantic date, this is the place to go!

My claim this as one of their favorite beaches on Oahu.
It’s clean, good wave action and good snorkeling when it’s a bit calmer.
You are surrounded by these amazing mountain peeks and feel like you are somewhere really special. Such a unique place and worth the drive from Waikiki.
You should be a decent swimmer if you are going to get into the water.
We return to this place again and again.

Also known as «yokes».
I love this beach! It’s super clear! One time I was heading there and I saw dolphins flipping and what have you in the water about a couple hundred feet away! It was beautiful. The mountains are super green, the sand isn’t rocky, and it’s just an absolutely perfect place to hang out and have a beach day at. There’s calm areas and areas with waves to catch.
I usually park in the parking area across the street with the restrooms and shower area. It’s after the first dip. The shower has only one shower head and is being held up by a caution tape. A worker there gave us a hose connected to an outdoor faucet which was like a second shower head LOL. (thanks ah braddah)
In regards to the shower area, this is definitely a great beach to go to. It’s kind of a far drive through nanakuli and waianae, but you will not be disappointing. A lot of people come here to camp or bonfire too, but just don’t get caught!
SIDE NOTE** I learned from an uncle that I met there, «If you gon bonfire, use regular wood, not palettes. Palettes get dakine nails in um. The wood gon burn but not the nails. Kid run around on the beach and if it were your kid, you wouldn’t want them to step on a hot nail brah.»
So go to Yokes and have a great taste of paradise, but remember to please malama da aina! (keep our land clean)

Who knew you could review beaches? Haha!
I’m torn between a 4.5 and a 5 for this beach. I’ve gone a couple of times this summer so far (most recently this past weekend) and both times have been good.
Parking can get crowded but never had trouble finding a spot to set up shop. Definitely bring shade and/​or sunblock cause it can get hot. I love to snorkel, but both times I’ve come so far, the waves have been a bit intense for my liking. The current can be strong, but can’t complain on the pure beauty of the coastline. Okay one complaint… pick up your trash when you leave. It was sad to have a good time partying with friends, and then see a different group just leave their trash strewn across the beautiful beach :(I had to go pick it up just because it bothered me :(This last time, I saw a guy walking up and down the beach with a trash bag picking up trash. Our group said «Thanks» for taking care of the beach. Good man! :)
There was a lifeguard on duty, but the beach is pretty long so I’m not sure how far they are looking. Just be safe when you go out :)

Unilocal 365 CHALLENGE 2014−(150÷365) «Surf Session at Yokes»
Situated WAAAAY at the end of Waianae and the beginning of Kaena Point,
Yokohama Bay (properly known as Keawa’ula Bay), or «Yoke’s» as the locals would call it is a beautiful stretch of sand, sea, and mountains that depending on the time of year offers killer waves, great fishing/​diving/​snorkeling, and makes for a great day out with family and friends.
When its flat, the snorkeling conditions are beautiful and you can also relax by the tide pools along the rocks. When the surf is pumping, be very careful of the strong currents, mean backwash, and most of all, do not drop in on anybody’s wave! Remember folks, this ain’t Waikiki! Respect the locals, and when in doubt, DO NOT paddle out!
Not sure if people still camp or do overnight fishing trips here during the summer, but if you do so, mosquito repellent is also a must! I learned the hard way when I was a kid and got eaten alive, I’m talking hundreds of bites on my arms and legs, luckily not on my face??? Other things to think about:
Food: Pack a lunch, drinks and snacks before coming here, remember, you’re pretty far out there, even from Ko’Olina…don’t leave a mess, pick up after yourselves
Sunscreen/​Sun Protection: It gets HOT here, sand included, no trees, shaded areas. Bring an umbrella/​tent to avoid the direct UV rays… STAY HYDRATED!
Toiletries/​First Aid Kit: Not to sure about the upkeep from the City and County regarding the public restrooms there, but just come prepared for minor injuries, or when nature calls. ALOHA!!!
Shaka Meter: \uuu/​\uuu/​\uuu/​\uuu/​\uuu/​5
Pristine waters, beautiful mountains, and no buildings… take the drive

If you don’t mind driving all the way past Ko’Olina, Nanakuli, and all the way to the end of Waianae, this beach is worth the journey. Lots of parking and not filled with tourists. The water is pristine and blue, and the view is gorgeous. Be sure to bring a tent/​beach umbrella (or some form of shade), as it does get very hot. Pick up poke, snacks, and drinks from Tamura’s on the way in. & Don’t forget to pick up your trash before you leave. :)

If you haven’t visited this beautiful beach in while or not at all — add this to your list of places to go!
Most people find the west side beaches and attractions too far and just a bit «sketchy» for their liking. There used to be a time when this beach was considered extremely unsafe because of the high incidence of theft and vandalism (I think partly because there were so few people going there and the high amount of homelessness in the area).
Like any area, I still take all the precautions of locking up my valuables and not leaving items in the car in plain view. Commons sense dictates that if you don’t want things stolen, you stash and lock it up (I like to pre-​plan and place everything that I’m NOT going to take onto the beach in the trunk BEFORE i get to the place I’m going. This way, the person on the lookout for visitors/​tourists stashing valuables doesn’t «see» that I have anything valuable in the car).
Also, as I woman I do not recommend going to this beach alone — especially if there is hardly anyone there. On the day of our visit, the beach was teeming with families and young adults all sporadically placed on the beach. It wasn’t «crowded» at all (by Waikiki definitions) but this is the most I’ve ever seen here. It was a good feeling!
Today, the beach and park is free of homeless encampments and clutter and once again restored to the beauty it once was. Ka’ena Point /​Yokohama Bay is no exception! There’s a long stretch of beautiful, pristine white sand beach and at the very end of the road begins the entrance to Ka’ena State Park. The beach itself is breathtakingly REFRESHING! There’s nothing but SKY above and the VAST MOUNTAIN RANGE behind the beach. It’s the perfect combination!
Beware though, if you should enter the water — use extreme caution as the water could be quite tricky in some spots. The undertow is strong and the waves deceivingly powerful. There is an area to the right of the main sandy beach where you can enjoy the tide pools without fear of getting a workout in the ocean. This beach is unshaded and it can get hot rather QUICKLY. So beware — you will leave sunburned if you don’t take sunscreen with you. I made the mistake once of not putting on sunscreen and played all day in the water. The trades were up and the sun was out — it didn’t feel hot at all. But lo and behold, by the end of the day — solarcaine was my new best friend!
There is a bathroom on premise as well as a lifeguard (the lifeguard is new to me — I guess I haven’t been back to this beach in a long time myself)(well needed in my humble opinion).
I do not know the conditions of the bathroom as I try to avoid public bathrooms all together — especially if it’s at the beach (yes…I hold it and if I really, really HAVE to go — well it may be TMI for this review).
What I love most about this place is the sunset! OMGoodness… most beautiful sunset ever (ok, well it doesn’t compare to Oia, Greece but this IS Hawaii)! There’s a very peaceful and magical feeling witnessing something so magnificent. Words cannot describe the feeling and all the pictures I’ve taken through the years of these sunsets do not do the place justice. When I think of Hawaii… my mind takes to places such as this. Untouched by the masses; majestic… and simply put, nature at it’s best.

This beach is nice. Great shoreline views. When this place is pumping, the waves are something to see.
This review is about the restroom. The urinal was stopped up and it was full to the lip where if something went it, it would flow over on to your feet area so I opted for the toilet instead. I would avoid bumping the walls or touching anything. The smell was overwhelming. I would’ve took a picture but didnt want to contaminate my phone. The wife said their side was bad too so women prepare to hover or hold it to Makaha and still hover. Hey, we’re all human so we know the drill. Gotta do what you gotta do. Remember to have your own TP and hand sanitizer because you never know.