Kawela Bay: sheltered waters and wild coastline

Kawela Bay combines sheltered coastal waters with beach trails and a variety of options for active days on vacation. The bay is protected from large waves and heavy surf; its calm waters are suitable for surfing. Snorkeling is another activity you can plan here. If you’re looking for a vacation rental for a stay on the coast, you can start by considering the kind of outings you’d like: more time on the water or more activity on land.

Snorkeling, Reef, and Kayaking

While snorkeling in Kawela Bay, you may see green sea turtles and endangered monk seals. Sightings are not guaranteed; keep a respectful distance and do not disturb the animals. A shallow reef lies at the eastern end of the bay. You can also explore Kawela Bay and its surrounding waters by kayak. Since equipment availability may change, check in advance if kayaking is part of your plans. Also check sea conditions before entering the water.

Horseback Outings

The Kawela Bay Wagon Ride runs from The Stables to Kawela Bay: a leisurely ride of about 60 minutes in a horse-drawn wagon. If you plan to take this ride, check reservation options in advance. Horseback riding is also one of the existing commercial activities on state land at Kawela Bay. This gives you two different kinds of horse outings to consider: a wagon ride and horseback riding.

Beach Trails and Coastal Conservation

Sandy hiking trails run along the beach. The Kawela Main Trail / West Coastline is listed on the trail map as approximately 1.5 miles long. Check route conditions and access locally, as they may change. The map provides an approximate length for this named route; the sandy beach trails offer another reference point when planning hikes.

The Kahuku Kawela Forever conservation project preserves 630 acres of undeveloped coastline between Kawela Bay and Kahuku Point. The conservation agreement dates to October 2015. As part of the project, public trail access, public parking, and facilities were made available in the area around Turtle Bay Resort; local rules may change. Permits may be issued for Kawela Bay Beach from October through April. If you plan to visit during this period, check in advance on current permit options.

Also Known as a Filming Location

Several films and television shows have used Kawela Bay as a setting. For film fans, this offers an additional perspective on the bay; the water, reef, and beach trails also provide their own reasons to explore the coast.

When looking for a vacation rental, consider what you’d like to focus on during your stay: water activities, hiking, or a horse-drawn wagon outing. Kawela Bay brings these different interests together with a sheltered coastline and a designated coastal conservation area. This makes it easy to consider the area in terms of the experiences that matter most to your vacation plans.

Explore more destinations: Mililani, Kailua, Wahiawa, Honolulu, Laie, Kaneohe, Punaluu, Ewa Beach.

Back to the main travel overview: Honolulu.