Waimanalo Bay State Recreation Area
Waimanalo, HI
Locals still call this stretch Sherwood Forest, for the ironwood trees that shade the sand along Waimanalo Bay's quieter northern half. It's part of the same long beach as the main Waimanalo park, but the tree cover and the walk in from the access road keep the crowd noticeably smaller.
The ironwood shade and thinner crowd make it a favorite over the main Waimanalo lots, though facilities are minimal and it can feel isolated enough that going with a friend is smart.
How we score beachesCamping requires a state permit booked in advance, but even a day visit here feels calmer than the main Waimanalo lots.
A gravel lot sits off Aloiloi Street, with a shaded path in through the ironwoods to the sand.
A short, flat, sandy path under tree cover connects the lot to the beach, not paved.
Calmer in summer, while winter trade wind showers pass through more often, usually brief.
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