From Aukai north to Malaekahana, these are the beaches of Oahu's Windward Coast. Read this "Star-Bulletin" article about beach safety in Hawaii.

Aukai Beach Park

Windward Oahu, Hawaii. A tiny, flat beach lying at the estuary of a stream, Aukai is located smack in the middle of the town of Hauula. An old town, Hauula's town center consists of two gas pumps and two supply stores, Masa's, and Ching Jong Leong's.

Location :: Hauula, along Kamehameha Highway.

Access :: Kamehameha Highway.

Services :: None.

Notes :: Near the Hauula bus stop, look for a man selling high quality, authentic lei at bargain prices.

Hauula Beach Park

Windward Oahu, Hawaii. An improved beach park located alongside the highway, Hauula Beach is protected by a coral reef and so offers safe year-round swimming and good snorkeling. Surfing is best in the winter months.

Location :: Along Kamehameha Highway, north of Hauula.

Access :: Kamehameha Highway.

Services :: Restrooms, picnic facilities, a pavilion, volleyball court, camping is allowed (with permit).

Notes :: A few words of caution. Rip currents are present at breaks in the reef at both ends of the beach, while deep holes in the brackish bottom are formed where Maakua stream enters the sea. The ruins of the historic Lanakila Church can be found across the road from the beach.

Pounder's Beach

Windward Oahu, Hawaii. A devout Mormon town on the island of Oahu, Laie is home to a campus of Brigham Young University. Located at the southern end of Laie, Pounder's Beach was named by BYU students in honor of its pounding surf. Though it is privately owned, Pounder's is open to the public, and has an excellent shore break for bodysurfing.

Location :: Southern end of Laie.

Access :: Kamehameha Highway.

Services :: None to speak of.

Notes :: The remains of an old pier is visible where inter-island steamers used to stop.

Laie Beach County Park

Windward Oahu, Hawaii. Lying north of Pounder's Beach, Laie Beach County Park is an unimproved beach popular with the local fishermen. An offshore coral reef allows safe swimming, though the surf can grow heavy and potentially dangerous during the winter months.

Location :: Laie.

Access :: Follow the stream from the bridge near the Laie Shopping Mall.

Services :: None.

Malaekahana State Recreation Area

Windward Oahu, Hawaii. Malaekahana is a popular camping/picknicking ground as scattered groves of ironwood trees provide shade. The beach is narrow, but just long enough for a leisurely half-hour stroll from end to the other. The waves never grow too large, and at times, can be just perfect for the novice bodysurfer.

Location :: Makai of Kamehameha Highway, half-mile north of Laie.

Access :: Kamehameha Highway.

Services :: Changing houses, indoor/outdoor showers, picnic tables.

Notes :: Tiny Goat Island, a bird sanctuary, is located just offshore from Malaekahana. At low tide you can wade out to the island, but wear sneakers as the coral is sharp and can cut your feet.