Kaupo Beach Park

Well, to end this dumpster fire of year that is (was) 2020, I figured I'd write an update of a place that always brings me happy thoughts. And it's not just reminiscing of good ol' days but very recent memories and what I'm sure will be good visits to this place in the future.I've been coming here since I was a kid, fishing, diving, surfing and in the last 15 years or so, photographing its beauty. The area is just so diverse for activity. Just across the way is Makai Pier (currently closed) and the waters between Kaupo park and the pier has some nice areas to fish and dive and you can also get some waves too, I'm actually not exactly sure if this spot has an official name but I've always known it as either baby Makapu'u or cockroach bay. The other surf spot that's to the right of the point is called Suicides. Named that because the waves break in front of the sharp, rocky coastline. As for the photography here, not much more to say than it's a beautiful coastline and pretty much epitomizes the beauty of Hawaii, the coastline with both sandy and rocky shores, the clear pacific waters with waves crashing onto shore, and the sheer uprising mountain face of the Ko'olau mountain range...amazing. This has long been and is still my favorite place to shoot sunrise shots on the island.Cheers everyone to a better 2021!

I am always looking for cool places for photos and found this neat little spot quick run down:Pros:Lots of parking spacesNice views of ocean and photosLots of paved areas for walking and taking photosSome weird and cool little structures that you don't see almost if the timeThe bathrooms had showers and changing areas Cons:Bathrooms had no toilet paper, a broken door, and no working latches

Great tidepools for kids to the left! Came here with my 1.5 yo son at the recommendation of a friend who also has a toddler. When you get there go all the way to the left parking lot facing the water. Great pockets of tidepools, not very rocky at all, great for little ones. Could also see some fish! Easy parking on a weekday afternoon, no shade available, no bathroom or showers nearby.

Beautiful views, adjacent beaches, crystal blue water and surrounding landscapes and areas. Parking is limited, with one way, right turn only it exits. Visited this area 4-5 times during my 2 week visit. This area is a seasonal birthing sanctuary for the great hump back whale. Lots of tourists including buses and vans which adds to the traffic flow as well as parking areas.

Makapu'u beach park is amazing. One of the best on the island. Not too crowded, at least when I was there. The drive out is just as beautiful as the beach itself! Definitely have someone in the passenger seat taking pictures while you head there and back. The beach has a 360 view: to the right you will see the light house (recommend doing the light house trail), to the behind and to the left of you are beautiful mountains and straight ahead are amazing waves perfect for body boarding. The water isn't too cold here with very limited rocks in the water or coral. The sand is nice as soft and there is also a life guard on duty here. We had a good time, my daughter enjoying the waves crashing into her and me just going for a swim and body surfing. All in all, this is a must do, and more than once I may add. Enjoy!!

PICTURE PERFECT POSTCARD VIEWS! Beautiful scenery, cool breezes, and tidepools = 4 stars plus a bonus star for still having free admission, parking, and facilities!http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/Ki8Dys9gprTvQm7CkFjO0g?select=Bx6bRkY2wL4xX0uaSIqkZA#949tt_DkQUV6AFACzJ_Aig"BABY MAKAPU'U" is what my son calls this place, which is just to the left of the adult "Makapu'u Beach". He got to choose what would top the "summer lineup" and this was his first pick!http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/Ki8Dys9gprTvQm7CkFjO0g?select=Bx6bRkY2wL4xX0uaSIqkZA#YPKXRzeK_Tfm3gBn8w_fbwLocated on the eastern side of the island between Waimanalo and Sea Life Park, we love this place because it usually isn't too crowded, even on weekend mornings. By lunchtime this place gets pretty busy, mostly with 1. Brides/grooms taking wedding pictures. 2. Locals fishing out by the rocks. 3. Large extended families hanging out for the day.4. Local families with kids who love playing in the tide pools and shallow water. 5. A few brave body boarders.The sand is not fine white sand (it's more pebbly and full of coral rocks and shells) and the actual "beach" area can be small during high tide, so if you are visiting and want to lay on a "white sandy beach of Hawaii", please pick another beach. K thx.We only stayed in the tidepool area and the shallow swimming area protected by lava rocks. (The other area has lots of mean waves and a strong current.) During their marine discovery, the kids were able to find a sea urchin, tons of fish, an eel, hermit crabs, and lots of pretty shells and rocks. They were thrilled to find so many creatures and wanted to take them all home (!!) but we don't have a salt water tank. (Good thing they didn't know the Waikiki Aquarium sells salt water because that was up next in the summer lineup.)

Makapuu, Sandys and Yokohamas are my favorite beaches to boogie board at. If you didn't get the hint, Makapuu isn't really a beach to lay out in. Boogie boarding, surfing or fishing. So, tourists, go away!Actually, all kidding aside, it's a great place. It's on the windward side over near Sea Life Park. If the waves are pumping, it's a lot of fun but you better know what you're doing because if not, you could get hurt. It's also a great area for pictures because of the vibrant colors of the water and the island backgrounds as well as the lighthouse. Again - if you don't swim well, don't chance this beach. Go somewhere else where the water is more "novice swimmer" friendly.

Like other reviews say, this is a great beach. One, it's a relief to get away from the crowds at Waikiki and Hanauma Bay. Once here, you'll find mostly locals enjoying the day (the whole day) with canopies set up, grills and everything needed for a day a family at the beach. The condition of the beach itself is good. You may seem someerrant pieces of trash, but most of that is stuff that blown about from the wind. When I see it, I pick it up and toss it in the receptacles.Water wise, there is something for everyone. One area is well served for the surfers. Nice waves, sometimes breaking hard. Further north around the a corner area of lava is a more gentle area ideal for kids. The water is calmed by some lava ridges and is about 1 to 3 feet deep. Lots of fish and an occasional turtle.

Makapu'u beach is an awesome place to swim or board, if you are a string swimmer that is.The beach is very nice and sandy, as is a large portion of the shore. I was here in September and the waves were pretty fun, big enough to play in and board but not too dangerous that day.The current can be pretty strong and you should heed the warnings, do not go out far and keep an eye out. There was a manned watch post, even though there were only a few dozen people in the water.Definitely going back!

Makapu'u Beach Park has a small, but fantastic beach. It takes a short stroll to reach the beach from the parking lot. Oftentimes there are jellyfish, but when there are not, it's a joy to swim in. The sunrise can be seen from here, which is awesome. There are a couple of full-sized benches to sit on while you do so. There is a rocky area as well that you can navigate if you wish to sit on the rocks or boulders.