Mākua Beach (Tunnels Beach)

Situated at the northern end of Oahu’s west coast between Ka’ena Point State Park and Makua Kea’au Forest Reserve, Makua Beach is one of the island’s most undeveloped and natural. The golden sand extends for approximately 800 metres (half a mile). Backed by atmospheric mountains, Makua is sometimes called Tunnels Beach.

Its ribbon of light sand is met by verdant foliage to one side, and startlingly clear waters on the other, which hasn’t gone unnoticed by the snorkelling community. Visibility can extend for 10 metres (30 feet). The prevailing offshore winds and open ocean make it popular with experienced surfers, windsurfers and kite surfers during the winter months of November to April.

However, the big waves that roll ashore limit the beach’s practicalities for everyday swimmers. Winter is also the time to look out for breaching whales, while dolphins are also a common sighting. Overnight camping and beach fires are permitted, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the beach’s sunsets.