Paradise Cove, a.k.a. Lanikuhonua Beach is, a magical mix of sand, sea, and sky. This beach is squeezed between the former Paradise Cove Luau (now under major reconstruction) and the Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute in the resort community of Ko Olina which is located on the west side of Oahu. Parking is a bit tricky, but it’s worth the effort.
Paradise Cove is a natural lagoon with crystal clear water. The beach is protected by a natural reef barrier, so the water is calm and relatively shallow, depending on the time of day. It’s perfect for swimmers working on their confidence, beginner snorkelers, tide pool explorers, and sand castle builders.
That’s not why this beach is so popular, though.
The main reason people visit Paradise Cove Beach is to see the Hawaiian Sea Turtles. There are almost always turtles swimming in this lagoon. I’ve seen as many as five on any given day.
It’s so exciting to look out into the water and see a turtle’s head bobbing at the surface or the dark shape of a turtle swimming underwater. It never gets old.
The turtles are very curious about humans in the water and will swim right up to you if you stand still. The surest way to NOT see a turtle is to try to chase one. LOL
FACT: All sea turtle species in Hawaiʻi, including the Green sea turtle (honu) and Hawksbill (‘ea), are protected by both federal and state laws. Key legislation includes the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes (Chapter 195D), and Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules (13-124). It is illegal to touch, harass, harm, or chase sea turtles, with violations resulting in significant fines and potential jail time.
Please don’t TOUCH, CHASE, or FEED the turtles!
Sometimes you’ll get lucky and spot a Hawaiian Monk Seal on this beach in addition to the turtles. While being in the water with turtles is fun, you definitely want to keep your distance from the monk seals. Check out my blogs about monk seals in Ko Olina for details about where to find them and fun facts about the endangered species.
As if turtles and monk seals weren’t enough, you might also find an occasional dog at this beach.
Dogs are illegal on all Ko Olina beaches, however, locals often bring their four legged family members to Paradise Cove Beach for morning swims.
If you want to bring your pup to the beach, legally… check out this list of dog friendly beaches provided by the Hawaiian Humane Society (as of 2024).
- Aukai Beach
- Gray’s (Halekulani) Beach
- Haleaha Beach
- Hanakailio Beach
- Kaalawai Beach
- Kahala Beach
- Kahuku Golf Course Beach
- Kaihalulu Beach
- Kailua Beach
- Kaipapau Beach
- Kaiwi Coastline
- Kakela Beach
- Kaloko Beach
- Kaluahole Beach
- Kanenelu Beach
- Kapaeloa Beach
- Kawela Bay Beach
- Kealia Beach
- Kualoa Sugar Mill Beach
- Kuilima Cove Beach
- Laie Beach
- Lanikai Beach
- Laniloa Beach
- Mahakea Beach
- Makao Beach
- Makua Beach
- Manner’s Beach
- Mokuleia Army Beach
- Mokuleia Beach
- Niu Beach
- Oneawa Beach
- Outrigger Canoe Club Beach
- Pahipahialua Beach
- Paiko Beach
- Punaluu Beach
- Puuiki Beach
- Royal-Moana Beach
- Turtle Bay Beach
PHOTOS:
Photographers love (and hate) doing sunset photo shoots at Paradise Cove Beach. They love it because the sunsets are breathtaking. They hate it because everyone knows the sunsets are breathtaking and form a crowd while trying to capture the perfect shot. There could easily be 10+ photography sessions booked per night.
HOW TO GET TO THE BEACH:
There are two ways to access Paradise Cove Beach: the hard way and the harder way.
Most people park near the site of the former Paradise Cove Luau (the first parking area you come to in Ko Olina on the right) and walk from there. You can’t park in the actual luau parking lot, but if you pass their chained off parking area, there is a little lot (about 10 spots) sort of hidden behind it. This lot fills up quickly, and there are often cars waiting in line for people to leave.
Once you park, look for the sandy pathway between the luau grounds and Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute. The path is hidden under a canopy of palm trees and isn’t totally obvious. It’s easily walkable, but strollers and wagons might get stuck in the sand as you get closer to the beach.
The harder way to access the beach is to walk there from Ko Olina’s Secret Beach. You need to walk over slippery rocks and through shallow water, but it is possible. See my post about Secret Beach for directions and other fun bits of info.
Location:
Paradise Cove Beach is in the Ko Olina resort community on the leeward (West) side of Oahu. The beach is tucked between the site of the former Paradise Cove Luau (now under reconstruction) and Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute.
Parking:
Parking is very limited. There is a small lot for beach access next to the site of the former Paradise Cove Luau parking lot. If that lot is full, use one of the other public lots nearby. Lots 1A and 1B are the closest.
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 go to one of the other 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.