Waimanalo

Waimanalo, a small census-designated place located on the windward coast of Oahu, Hawaii, is a true hidden gem that offers visitors a taste of the old Hawaii. With a population of just over 5,000, Waimanalo is known for its long stretch of pristine beach, lush vegetation, and rich cultural history.

As you enter Waimanalo, you are immediately greeted by the breathtaking view of the ocean and the lush mountain range that serves as its backdrop. The town’s main street, Kalanianaole Highway, is lined with small local businesses, from family-owned restaurants and food trucks to surf shops and plant nurseries.

Waimanalo Beach, also known as “The Longest Beach in Wisconsin,” is a 3-mile stretch of soft white sand and crystal-clear blue waters. It is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing, and is often less crowded than other beaches on the island. The beach is also home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals, making it a perfect spot for snorkeling and exploring.

Beyond the beach, Waimanalo is steeped in cultural history. The town is home to the Waimanalo Hawaiian Homestead, a community of native Hawaiians who live on land granted to them by the government. The area is also home to several ancient Hawaiian temples, or heiau, which are sacred sites that hold great cultural and spiritual significance.

Overall, Waimanalo is a place where visitors can experience the true beauty and culture of Hawaii. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore the outdoors, or immerse yourself in Hawaiian history and culture, Waimanalo has something for everyone.

Flights To Waimanalo

Tips For Booking Cheap Flights To Waimanalo

  • Book in advance: Booking your flight several months in advance can help you secure a better price.
  • Compare prices: Websites like SkyscannerKayakEarlytripsTicketsawayMycityflights and Google Flights allow you to compare prices from different airlines and find the best deals.
  • Be flexible with your travel dates: Flying during off-peak times or days of the week can result in cheaper fares.
  • Consider alternative airports: Flights to Kapolei Airport (JRF) may be cheaper than flights to Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). However, keep in mind that Kapolei Airport is smaller and has limited flight options.
  • Use travel rewards: If you have a travel rewards credit card, consider using your points or miles to book your flight.
  • Set fare alerts: Set up fare alerts for your desired travel dates and destination to be notified of any price drops.
  • Consider a package deal: Booking a flight and hotel package can sometimes be cheaper than booking flights and accommodations separately.
  • Be aware of additional fees: Some airlines charge additional fees for things like checked bags, seat selection, and in-flight meals. Be sure to factor these fees into your overall travel costs.

Places To Visit

Beaches
  1. Waimanalo Beach Park: A 3-mile stretch of pristine white sand and clear blue waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
  2. Bellows Field Beach Park: A beautiful beach with calm waters and shaded picnic areas, popular among families and couples.
Historical Sites
  1. Waimanalo Hawaiian Homestead: A community of native Hawaiians who live on land granted to them by the government, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural history of the area.
  2. Waimanalo Church: A historic church built in 1829, known for its beautiful architecture and scenic location.
  3. Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden: A living museum showcasing the native plants and cultural traditions of Hawaii.
  4. Polynesian Cultural Center: A living museum and theme park featuring the cultures and traditions of Polynesia, including Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, and Fiji.
Nature and Wildlife
  1. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve: A popular snorkeling spot with a diverse range of marine life, including sea turtles, tropical fish, and coral reefs.
  2. Sea Life Park Hawaii: A marine mammal park and bird sanctuary, offering a variety of interactive experiences with dolphins, sea lions, and penguins.
  3. Waimanalo Bay Recreation Area: A beautiful park with picnic tables, barbecue grills, and a playground, perfect for a family day out.
  4. Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden: A peaceful garden with an impressive collection of tropical plants and flowers, as well as a lake for fishing and canoeing.
Outdoor Activities
  1. Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail: A scenic hiking trail with stunning ocean views, leading to the historic Makapu’u Point Lighthouse.
  2. Waimanalo Polo Field: A popular spot for picnics, kite flying, and watching polo matches.
Shopping and Dinning
  1. Waimanalo Shopping Center: A small shopping center with a grocery store, pharmacy, and a few restaurants.
  2. Keneke’s Grill: A popular local spot serving up Hawaiian-style plate lunches and burgers.
  3. Waimanalo Market Co-op: A local farmers market offering fresh produce, artisanal foods, and crafts.
  4. Ono Steaks and Shrimp: A popular food truck serving up delicious Hawaiian-style plate lunches and seafood.

Best Vacation Spots

  1. Waimanalo Beach: With its three miles of pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters, Waimanalo Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to relax and soak up the sun.
  2. Waimanalo Polo Field: If you’re a fan of polo, don’t miss the opportunity to watch a match at the Waimanalo Polo Field. The field is also a popular spot for picnics, kite flying, and watching the sunset.
  3. Waimanalo Bay Recreation Area: This beautiful park offers picnic tables, barbecue grills, and a playground, making it a great spot for a family day out.
  4. Waimanalo Hawaiian Homestead: This community of native Hawaiians offers a glimpse into the rich cultural history of the area.
  5. Waimanalo Market Co-op: This local farmers market offers fresh produce, artisanal foods, and crafts, making it a great place to stock up on souvenirs and gifts.
  6. Waimanalo Valley: This lush valley is home to a variety of fruit farms, botanical gardens, and hiking trails, making it a great spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
  7. Sea Life Park Hawaii: This marine mammal park and bird sanctuary offers a variety of interactive experiences with dolphins, sea lions, and penguins.
  8. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve: This popular snorkeling spot offers a diverse range of marine life, including sea turtles, tropical fish, and coral reefs.
  9. Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail: This scenic hiking trail offers stunning ocean views, as well as the historic Makapu’u Point Lighthouse.
  10. Waimanalo Polo Club: If you’re a fan of polo, don’t miss the opportunity to watch a match at the Waimanalo Polo Club. The club also offers polo lessons and horseback riding tours.

Hotels

Top Hotels

  • Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina: While not located directly in Waimanalo, this luxury resort in Ko Olina offers easy access to the windward coast. The resort features spacious rooms, a lagoon-style pool, and world-class dining.
  • The Kahala Hotel & Resort: Also not located directly in Waimanalo, but this luxury resort in Honolulu offers easy access to Waimanalo and the rest of Oahu’s windward coast. The hotel features lush gardens, a private lagoon, and world-class dining.
  • Halekulani Hotel: This luxury hotel in Waikiki offers easy access to Waimanalo and the rest of Oahu’s windward coast. The hotel features spacious rooms, a pool, and on-site dining.
  • The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki: This luxury resort in Waikiki offers easy access to Waimanalo and the rest of Oahu’s windward coast. The hotel features spacious rooms, a pool, and on-site dining.
  • Turtle Bay Resort: This luxury resort on Oahu’s North Shore offers easy access to Waimanalo and the rest of Oahu’s windward coast. The resort features spacious rooms, a pool, golf course, and on-site dining.

Budget Friendly Hotels

  • Backpackers Vacation Inn and Plantation Village: This budget-friendly hostel in Waimanalo offers dormitory-style accommodations, a communal kitchen, and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Waimanalo Bay Vacation Rentals: This budget-friendly vacation rental company in Waimanalo offers a variety of affordable accommodations, from cozy cottages to spacious villas.
  • Airbnb Rentals: There are many budget-friendly Airbnb rentals available in Waimanalo, from private rooms to entire homes.
  • Coconut Waikiki Hotel: While not located directly in Waimanalo, this budget-friendly hotel in Waikiki offers easy access to Waimanalo and the rest of Oahu’s windward coast. The hotel features spacious rooms, a pool, and on-site dining.
  • Aqua Palms Waikiki: Another budget-friendly hotel option in Waikiki, Aqua Palms Waikiki offers spacious rooms, a pool, and on-site dining.
  • Hotel Renew by Aston: This budget-friendly boutique hotel in Waikiki offers spacious rooms, a rooftop terrace, and on-site dining.
  • Aston at the Waikiki Banyan: This budget-friendly hotel in Waikiki offers spacious rooms, a pool, and on-site dining.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Waimanalo, Hawaii, is from April to June or September to December. During these months, the weather is pleasant, with warm temperatures and less rainfall. The crowds are smaller, making it easier to explore the area’s beaches, parks, and attractions. Additionally, the prices for accommodations and activities are more affordable during these months.

In April to June, the weather is warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit. The rainy season has ended, and the beaches are less crowded than during the peak summer months.

From September to December, the weather is still warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit. The crowds have thinned out, and the prices for accommodations and activities are more affordable.

It’s important to note that Waimanalo, like the rest of Hawaii, experiences a rainy season from November to March. While the rain can be a welcome respite from the heat, it can also make outdoor activities more challenging.

Overall, the best time to visit Waimanalo is during the spring or fall, when the weather is pleasant, the crowds are smaller, and the prices are more affordable.

Scroll to Top