There are multiple secret beaches on Oahu. Actually, there are multiple secret beaches just within the resort area of Ko Olina. None of them are secrets anymore, and generally people don’t even know which secret beach people are referring to, which makes them extra secretive. The beaches are challenging to find and even more challenging to communicate which one is which to others.
The most popular “Secret Beach” in Ko Olina, which I have written about extensively in other blogs, is commonly referred to as Secret Beach #1. It’s the OG of secret beaches. For simplicity, I will refer to this blog’s secret beach as Secret Beach #2 (SB2). To make matters more confusing, some people refer to this beach as Sacred Beach. I’m not even going there, though.
Secret Beach #1 is often very busy with beachgoers, photographers, and monk seals alike. The little lagoon (SB2), just north of Secret Beach #1, is still somewhat less known and might be the best hidden gem around Ko Olina.
There is not a path to SB2. In order to get there, you need to walk over rocks and tide pools and make your way across another incredible beach. I think that is why fewer people actually find it. Once you arrive at Secret Beach #1 or at Paradise Cove Beach, you think you’ve hit the jackpot. (A little tie-in to my Vegas peeps!) People often stop at these beaches and assume they’ve made it all the way. I encourage you to keep going, though. It’s worth the little extra effort.
SB2 is a natural lagoon with a well-protected, sandy beach. Since this lagoon is protected by a raised coral reef shelf, it has less choppy water than the other lagoons, making it great for beginner snorkelers and anyone looking to spot small fish, turtles, monk seals, and other marine life.
SB2, like with Secret Beach #1, is a popular spot for photography. Our daughter, Emily, had a great photoshoot at this special beach.
If you go in the evenings, be prepared to wait for your turn and hope you have an experienced photographer. It will be busy! Additionally, if there are any Hawaiian Monk Seals on the beach, you will need to wait until they leave, which may be all night, or share the beach with them from at least 50 yards (15 meters) away.
Fun Fact
The beach scenes of Murder Mystery 2, the movie featuring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston, were filmed at SB2.
General Information
Location:
Secret Beach #2 (SB2) is in the Ko Olina resort community on the leeward (West) side of Oahu. The beach is tucked between Secret Beach #1 and Paradise Cove Beach. The only way to access SB2 is by walking through Secret Beach #1 or Paradise Cove Beach. See my posts on those two beaches for their specific directions.
From Paradise Cove – walk south over the slippery rocks to SB2
From Secret Beach #1 – walk north over the slippery rocks to SB2
Parking:
Luckily the monks can swim up and don’t need parking places, because the spots are few and far between. Parking is very limited! There are 6 public parking lots for beach access. That might sound like a lot, but the lots are small! Go early, as they fill up quickly, and there are always cars waiting in line.
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 the wet rocks
- Your camera
- Sand toys
- Snorkeling gear
- Goggles
- Life vests
- Water
- Towels
- Common sense
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.