Where are the Secluded Beaches in Hawaii?
Visions of Hawaii often conjure up those postcard pictures of long stretches of beaches where not a soul lingers…
Alas, upon arrival, many visitors are shocked and disappointed to find that they are within an arm’s reach of the sunbather next to him/her as space becomes a premium at the most popular beaches like Waikiki and Hanauma Bay.
Here’s a truism and a tip: The more accessible the beach is, the more crowded it is. That is to say, if there is a (free) public parking lot, available streetside parking, a footpath to the beach and on the beach, public restrooms and showers, and the beach is viewable from the road, you can conclude that you will be flogged by your fellow visitors and locals alike.
I encourage you to be a traveler, be an explorer, be an adventurer - NOT A TOURIST! Go off the beaten path and it’ll take you to some of our wondrous beaches - the ones you see in magazines, in the movies, in postcards - afterall, why should only photographers and celebrities monopolize these jewels?
Here are my three personal jaunts:
*Pray for Sex Beach, near Makua Valley (Oahu); must park your car amongst the brush off the main road and walk along a clearing; pass the military security gate (on weekends it’s open) and the open stretch of sand is yours! This is the beach where the ashes of Izrael Kamakawiwaole’s (world-reknown Hawaiian singer) were strewn. You’ll soon know why. Who wouldn’t want to spend the rest of their next life here?
*Kiholo Bay (Big Island) - The first time I laid my eyes on Kiholo Bay, it left me bereft of speach. My heart soared - it was breathtaking. Azure blue ocean before you, a mini fantasy island you can swim to and call your own (for the day, at least!), and sea turtles frolicking within a few feet - framed against jutting patches of jet black lava fields - could God create a picture more perfect? To get there, you have to park your car literally off the side of the main highway and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a hike - over lava fields…wear very good shoes (no flip flops!). You will get a few scratches and maybe some cuts as you may have to negotiate some prickly brush and at times climb over boulders…but the end result will be worth it!
*Makalawena (Big Island) - Rewards come to those who are patient AND determined. This is an arduous hike over lava fields and boulders. Start your hike early to beat the heat! And (as I learned), head out way before sunset so you can see where you are walking, on your way back! Like Kiholo Bay, you will have to park your car just off the main highway. Here, you will reward your eyes with an infinite stretch of white sand beach! Think lava fields, then some green brush, a forested stretch, then an adjacent abundance of white powdery sand, and then a pristine beach (in that order). While sunbathing, don’t be surprised to here the rustling of friendly curious deer behind you! I’m not lying!
You’ll notice that I left some details out (like road markers and stuff) - if I did, these beaches wouldn’t be secluded now would they. So I’ll leave some of the adventure for you to seek out on your own! Enjoy!
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