Just kidding! It’s not a bona fide nude beach. It’s not even a clothing-optional beach. That’s just what we used to call it in our family because people were always making such a big deal about keeping this beach a secret. I would claim that the locals wanted to keep it a secret from the tourists because they liked to go topless there and didn’t want it ending up on Instagram. That is just silliness though! Public nudity in Hawaii is technically illegal, and this beach is very family friendly.
Most people won’t just happen upon this little piece of paradise, hence the name Secret Beach. It is a destination spot, but it’s worth the effort to get there.
The Ko Olina man made lagoons were designed as part of the master planned community, whereas Secret Beach is a natural beach, with crystal clear water, lava rocks, tide pools, lush greenery, and amazing marine animals.
Secret Beach
Secret Beach is a very popular beach for wedding and family photography. There can be up to 10+ photography sessions booked some nights to try to capture that perfect sunset picture. I recommend going in the morning and catching the good lighting instead. It’s just as beautiful but less crowded, and everyone is still happy and not tired from a long day in the sun.
What also draws people to Secret Beach are the Hawaiian Monk Seals. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), they are one of the most endangered seal species in the world and love to rest on Secret Beach. Check out our blog dedicated to the monk seals here.
Getting to the beach is a little tricky. There are six public parking lots within the Ko Olina resort community. Most of the lots only have 18 parking spots, and they fill up quickly. After parking, you can head towards the ocean to the paved walking path and follow it till its dead ends at the Four Seasons. From there you will need to venture off the path and over rocks, big and small, before arriving at the beach. Or, I could just say: walk north on the walking path, and follow the people till you run into the ocean.
This seems obvious to say, but I’ll say it anyway. The rocks are slippery! It always amazes me to see people walking on wet, slimy rocks like it’s something they do everyday, while holding a camera, a toddler, and a coffee. We see people fall all the time. While some falling videos are pretty funny, you don’t want to be one of the unfortunate few who get seriously injured and ruin your vacation. Please be careful!
Hopefully you’ll have an amazing time at Secret Beach and be lucky enough to see the monk seals when there. If the monks aren’t there, then they might be hiding at a SECOND SECRET BEACH nearby. Check back, and I’ll let you know where the other one is.
Location:
Secret Beach is in the Ko Olina resort community on the leeward (West) side of Oahu. The beach is tucked between Paradise Cove and The Four Seasons Resort. The easiest way to access the beach is from the walking path that runs in front of Disney’s Aulani and The Four Seasons Resorts.
Parking:
Parking is very limited. There are 6 public lots for beach access. Go early, as they fill up quickly, and there are always cars waiting in line. For Secret Beach, the ideal place to park is in lots 1A and 1B, and walk the rest of the way on the path. When the path dead ends, walk over the rock and follow the people.
Ko Olina’s shopping center has public parking for retail and restaurant customers. Parking is available daily from 5 am – 11 pm and is currently around $2.50 per hour, with a three hour maximum but they do have dynamic pricing so it could be more or less. Also, THEY DO GIVE TICKETS THERE IF YOU DO NOT PAY!
Things to bring:
- Good shoes to walk over wet rocks
- your camera
- water
- You can bring sand toys, but if the monk seals are on the beach, there isn’t anywhere else to play.
What’s nearby:
The community of Ko Olina is not hopping with activity. There are a few key places where everyone goes. Monkeypod Restaurant is famous for their Mai Tai with foam topper and huge slices of pie.
The newest place we found is 808 Craft House. They specialize in Farm to Table and Grain to Glass, with great, open air seating. They even have a golf cart that will drive you between the restaurant and your “home away from home,” a.k.a. your hotel room.
Cost:
Free!
Bathrooms:
None, but you can walk along the path to one of the lagoons and use the public restrooms which have outdoor showers and drinking fountains.
Random Details:
There are no lifeguards at any of the lagoons/beaches in Ko Olina. Personal shade umbrellas are not allowed.