Bellows Field Beach Park
Waimanalo, HI
Bellows sits on an active Air Force recreation area, which means the beach only opens to the public from Friday noon through Sunday night, a quirk that keeps it noticeably less crowded than every other beach on this coast. When it's open, the powder white sand and clear, gently sloping water make it one of the best swimming beaches on the windward side.
Some of the calmest, cleanest sand on the windward side, but the weekend only access means you can't just decide to go on a whim.
How we score beachesCheck the gate hours before driving out. Show up on a weekday and you'll be turned away at the entrance.
A lot inside the gate serves the beach, open only during public hours, Friday noon to Sunday night.
A flat, paved road leads from the gate to a short walk over sand, easy going once you're inside.
Calmest and safest for swimming in summer, when the water stays gentle enough for kids.
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