5 Reasons To Visit Halona Beach Cove in Oahu
A cove in an unmarked location
The different photo spots at the Halona Beach Cove
The Halona Beach Cove, otherwise known as “Eternity Beach” is one of O’ahu’s most incredible hidden gems. Tucked away underneath the Kalanianaʻole Highway on the island’s southeast side, this beach gets its fair share of visitors every year despite its unmarked location, and for a good reason.
Not only is it a gorgeous place to catch picturesque sunrise or sunset views, but the cove’s unique features and historical background are also unlike any other beach in O’ahu. We’d say the view certainly speaks for itself, but here are a few more reasons to add Halona Beach Cove to your O’ahu itinerary if you’re still unconvinced.
Key Information
Location: 72 Kalaniana’ole Highway
Google Map Coordinates: 21.2817° N, 157.6775° W
Parking: Available
Facilities: None
Postcard-Worthy? Absolutely
Catch a glimpse of cinematic history
An empty Halona Beach Cove | © Pray It No Photography
You might have heard of the Halona Beach Cove being referred to as “Eternity Beach.”
But why?
It’s not a particularly large beach, though it sure does feel like a place where time stretches out and slows down. The soothing waves and calming ambiance alone were enough to keep us mesmerized for hours on end.
Alas, that’s not the actual reason for its nickname. It was coined “Eternity Beach” after being featured as a filming site in the 1953 Hollywood film, “From Here to Eternity,” which won eight Academy Awards, including best picture.
Halona Beach was where the passionate scene between Deborah Kerr and Burt Lancaster’s characters were filmed - watch the scene on Youtube.
The Halona Beach Cove also became a popular film site for other blockbusters. Recent movie buffs might recognize the area in films such as “50 first dates” and the fourth installment of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series, “On Stranger Tides,” where the cove was dubbed as “Whitecap Bay.”
Pop culture fanatics—this stop is not to be missed! Perhaps you (or your folks who were fans of the classic film) would appreciate the trip down to Halona Beach Cove to view this scenic piece of cinematic history in real life.
The Halona Blowhole
Many end up at Halona Beach Cove while on their way to see the famous Halona Blowhole, so we’ve included this a must-see scenic stop for obvious reasons.
Created thousands of years ago, the Halona Blowhole is among Hawaii’s greatest natural wonders. Molten lava tubes formed past volcanic eruptions on the island gave rise to the natural phenomenon of the Halona blowhole. If you’re not heading to Maui on your trip, this is an excellent alternative (albeit not as grand) to volcanic formations like the one at Red Hill, Haleakala in Maui.
On days when there is high surf in the area, you’d be able to catch the blowhole shooting water some 20 feet or higher into the air as waves get sucked in. While active volcanoes are no longer present on the island of O’ahu, the blowhole serves as a fascinating piece of the past worth checking out.
In Hawaiian, the term Halona means “lookout,” and right on the viewing deck above the cove is where you’ll be able to see the blowhole in action. There, you might be able to spot the neighboring islands of Lanai and Molokai in the distance on days when the sky is clear. The higher the waves, the higher the water will shoot up.
If you’re there during winter, you might also be able to spot some humpback whales off the coast. Take in the sight of this natural phenomenon before you head down to eternity beach!
Hiking Down to the Beach
Path down from the carpark to the Halona Beach Cove | © Gage Skidmore
From the Halona Blowhole Lookout, you could stay there and admire the view from above or trek down to get to the beach if you’re up for the adventure.
From the parking lot, head to the right and look for the gap between the guardrail and stonewall-this will be your entry and exit point to the beach.
As there isn’t a set trail and rocks can get slippery from seawater, you’ll want to be extra careful as you navigate down the path.
Pro tip: Make sure to wear covered shoes as you descend and carry your flip-flops in hand instead, as some of the rocks can be sharp.
Once you’re there, marvel at the stunning views up close. On any given day, you might be accompanied by kids or adults, playing or surfing in the waves that roll into the shores of Halona Beach Cove.
Others could be enjoying a chill afternoon by the shores on beach chairs that they somehow managed to maneuver down the rocky path.
While it may be fun to surf or snorkel in the waters, proceed cautiously, as it can get dangerous during high tides. A strong riptide effect could pull you under when there’s a south-side swell and the waves are big.
Given that this Oahu beach is (technically) off-limits, there are also no lifeguards on duty, so heed these warnings and monitor the tidal conditions before you wander into the cove!
Explore the Secret Cave
Okay, I guess our posting about the hidden cave at Halona Beach kinda dials down the whole “secret” aspect of it, but it’s still a pretty cool feature to check out if you make it to the base of the beach. Besides, a shot like this is not one to be missed.
The cave itself is actually a tunnel formed by a lava tube that travels through the surrounding cliff to the opposite side of the freeway. If you do decide to venture in, be careful, as it is quite a narrow and dark path.
Proper footwear is also an absolute must due to the uneven rocks that line the cave.
Insider Tips
Alternate Photo Spots
Be sure to walk around the area around the Halona Beach Cove. There are a ton of incredible photo spots just around either side of the cove that most people don’t bother going to.
As always, exercise caution when walking around the area as there aren’t any lifeguards.
Captivating Views on the Drive to Halona Beach Cove
The Lanai Lookout | © Daniel Ramirez
One of the reasons to visit Halona Beach Cove is the scenic drive there.
Along the Kalanianole Highway, situated between Hawaii Kai and Waimanalo, you’ll be able to find many view-worthy points along the way. Another scenic drive would be the road to Hana where you can see gorgeous waterfalls like the Upper Waikani Falls & the Hanawi Falls.
As the two-lane highway rests on the sea cliffs, you’ll bask in picturesque views of the ocean beside you. One lookout point you’ll pass by before reaching Halona Beach is the Lanai lookout, and that’s where you’ll see the three neighboring islands—Lanai, Maui, and Molokai when the skies are clear.
Along the highway, you’ll also be able to see the Koko Head Crater on your left. Standing at 1,208 feet tall, this tuff cone is one of the standout landmarks along Oahu’s south shore.
The Driving Route to Upper Waikani Falls from Paia
The drive there will take about 15-25 minutes if you’re traveling from Waikiki
Get on the H-1 Kalanianole Highway
Follow the coastal freeway across the residential region, down to Hawaii Kai, and around Koko Head Crater.
After you’ve made it past Hanauma Bay, drive through the road winding around the cliff for several miles until you see the Halona Blowhole sign.
Make a right into the parking lot.
Head down the rocky path located to the right of the parking lot.
If you can't drive or aren't driving
Thankfully, the Oahu Bus can take you there. Just board bus number 22 or 23 from Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki, which is headed towards Diamond head. Your entire journey should take no longer than an hour.
These buses run every hour on the weekdays and every half hour during weekends. Check out the bus schedule, stops and route here.
Gear Tips & Checklist
Proper Footwear
Camera!
Beach Towel & Umbrella
Swimming Clothes
Sunscreen & Snorkel
Nearby Beaches and Attractions
As Halona Beach Cove is a natural beach with no amenities, only nature, you may also want to check out other beaches that are manned.
Vintage Makapu’u Lookout shot in 1990 | © Images Alight
Continue driving along the Kalanianaole Highway, and you’ll reach the Makapu’u lookout, where you’ll enjoy a view that overlooks Makapu’u beach, Sandy Beach, and Rabbit island.
Fun fact: Rabbit island was a rabbit-raising farm until 1994 when overpopulation was deemed to be affecting the island’s ecosystem. It now exists as a state-protected bird sanctuary.
Sandy Beach, located about a quarter mile down from Halona Beach Cove, is where you’ll find outdoor showers, restrooms, picnic tables, and lifeguards on duty. You could spend a couple more hours here admiring views of the pacific ocean and surrounding mountains.
Further along the highway, you arrive at Waimānalo Town, a mall town known for its hole-in-the-wall eateries, numerous plant nurseries, and family-owned farms that grow leafy “Nalo greens.” These adopt a farm-to-table concept, and you’ll also see them being sold at local farmer markets!
If you’re worried that driving may distract you from the stunning views during the journey there, consider going on an island tour of Oahu, which can take you to all the spots we mentioned and a few more gems worth checking out.
Final Thoughts
Jumping into Halona Beach Cove in Oahu, Hawaii | © Joe Parks
Whether you're looking for a new place to explore or if you're just curious about what Halona Beach Cove has to offer, we recommend you check it out if you’re in Oahu! And if you've already been there, let us know what you think and if we've missed something out in the comments below!
