Beaches Near Hauula

About Hauʻula

Hauʻula is a small windward town between Laʻie and Kaʻaʻawa on Oʻahu's northeast coast. This stretch of Kamehameha Highway hugs the shoreline with the Koʻolau mountains rising steeply on one side and the ocean on the other. The town is quiet, with a convenience store and a few food trucks as the main services.

The windward coast here faces the trade winds, which means consistent breezes and occasional rain showers, especially in winter months. Beaches in this area are generally calmer and shallower than the North Shore surf breaks further around the tip of the island. The Hauʻula Loop Trail in the mountains above town is a popular morning hike you can pair with an afternoon at the beach.

Everything along this stretch is on Kamehameha Highway, so navigation is simple — just head north or south along the coast road. There are no freeways out here, which keeps traffic light except for Laʻie on Sundays and during BYU-Hawaii events. The #55 bus route also serves all these beaches if you prefer not to drive.

Best for families: Punaluu Beach Park (shallow, calm). Best for camping: Kahana Bay Beach (valley setting). Best resort experience: Turtle Bay Beach (multiple coves). Most convenient: Hauula Beach Park (walk from town).

After heavy rain, bacteria levels spike at beaches near streams and river mouths. If a brown water advisory is active near Hauula, Oʻahu:

• Wait 72 hours after rain stops before entering the water
• Avoid brown or murky water regardless of whether an advisory is posted
• Best rain-resistant option: Punaluu Beach Park (North) — generally clearer after rain due to geography
• Check the Oʻahu live advisories page for current conditions