The Waianae Coast, with Makaha Beach as its best-known stop, runs along Oahu's leeward side, about 35 miles (56 km) west of Waikiki in Hawaii, United States. The drive along H-1 West and Farrington Highway (Route 93) takes about one hour, and TheBus Route 40 to Makaha takes about two hours from Ala Moana Center. A car is the most flexible option, and beach parking is free. The coast is known for its long sandy beaches, strong Native Hawaiian community and surf heritage; Makaha Beach hosted early big-wave surfing contests and remains a respected surf site. Waianae itself, near 84-369 Farrington Highway, offers the small boat harbor at Waianae Harbor and local eateries along the highway. Beach conditions vary by season: summer brings calmer water suited to swimming and snorkeling from April to October, while winter swell makes the shorelines dangerous for most swimmers and attractive for surf watching. Popular stops include Makaha Beach Park, Papaoneone and Pokai Bay Beach Park, which has a protected, breakwater-sheltered swimming area known for calmer water. Dolphins are often seen offshore in the early morning. A suggested one-day arc is to drive out in the morning, stopping at Pokai Bay for a swim, continue to Makaha for the afternoon beach time and sunset, and eat at local plate-lunch spots along the highway. The coast is a residential community, so visitors should treat it with respect, avoid leaving valuables in cars, follow lifeguard instructions and observe local etiquette. Services thin out beyond Makaha, so fuel, snacks and water should be arranged beforehand.
| Distance | About 35 miles (56 km) west of Waikiki |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 hour by car |
| Getting there | Drive H-1 West to Farrington Highway (Route 93); free beach parking |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | 84-369 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI 96792 |
How to get there
- Mode
- Rental car
- Cost
- About $50-110 per day plus fuel
- Frequency
- On demand
- Operator
- Enterprise, Hertz or Avis
- Departure point
- Waikiki
- Mode
- TheBus
- Cost
- $3 with HOLO, 2-hour pass; about 2 hours
- Frequency
- Varies by route; check thebus.org
- Operator
- TheBus Route 40 Makaha
- Departure point
- Ala Moana Center
Location
84-369 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI 96792
21.4770, -158.2200 View on map
Highlights
- Visit Makaha Beach, famed for big-wave surfing history
- Swim in the sheltered waters of Pokai Bay Beach Park
- Watch for dolphins offshore in the early morning
- Enjoy sunsets on the leeward coast
- Sample local plate lunches along Farrington Highway
Tips for visiting
- Drive out in the morning; the coast is best for swimming from April to October.
- Swim at Pokai Bay for calmer, breakwater-protected water.
- Do not leave valuables in parked cars.
- Bring water and snacks, as services thin out past Makaha.
- Respect the residential community and local etiquette.
- Avoid winter swimming at Makaha because of large surf.
When to visit
April-October for swimming; winter suits surf watching only. Morning arrivals have calmer conditions.
Accessibility
Beach parks have paved parking and some restrooms, but sand access is uneven. Confirm specific facilities with lifeguards on site.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How far is Makaha from Waikiki?
About 35 miles (56 km), roughly one hour by car. TheBus Route 40 takes about two hours.
Is Makaha Beach safe for swimming?
Summer conditions are usually calmer. Winter surf is large and dangerous, so check with lifeguards.
Where is a calmer swimming spot?
Pokai Bay Beach Park has a breakwater-sheltered area known for calmer water.
Is parking free?
Yes, beach parking along the coast is free.