Baby Makapuu Beach

Not too many people know about Baby Makapuu Beach, where there are tidepools that kids love. It is located just past Makapuu Beach if you are heading north towards Waimanalo Beach, before the long fishing pier. There is an entry road that leads to a parking lot and a strange abandoned concrete structure of some kind. Next to it are clear tidepools that are perfect for toddlers to explore. Little waves splash over the rocks refreshing the pools. Just out where the surf forms, people bring friends to teach them to surf. The waves are small and relatively close to shore so it is less intimidating than most surf spots.

Don't swim here after rains because of run-off from the nearby shrimp farm.
The mountains of Waimanalo form a gorgeous panorama behind this beach. Also lovely are the views of colorful grass-covered Rabbit Island, which does in fact have rabbits, bred by a rancher in the late 19th century.
Between this beach and Makapuu Beach are some healing rocks that have been set up for tourists to visit, in a spot where a healer used to dwell.
Nearby, take your child to look at the plumeria tree forest (blooms in summertime) and horses at Koko Crater Botanical Garden. It is eight minutes drive away, to the south.
Oahu has mostly generic playgrounds that are quite boring, but if you want a really fun one, take your child to the playground at Honolulu Zoo. Another unique playground is Aikahi Playground in Kailua, with a sea monster wall- the playground is open when school is out.

Directions

Take Kalanianaole Hwy northwest past Makapuu Beach. Turn right into an unmarked entrance road. You will immediately come to a fork in the road. Turn left and there is a parking lot.
No showers or restrooms.

Click on map for interactive view