Hawaiian Princess Beach, Makaha

Hawaiian Princess Beach, also called Papaoneone Beach, is pretty much how a perfect beach looks! Golden sand leads down to clear blue-green water. It's wonderful to sit on the shelf of abundant sand and take in the views. Sometimes you'll see turtles, which is lovely.  Three tall condo buildings provide shade that lasts until late in the morning- this is super nice! There are some rocks here and there, so be careful as you get in the water. A steep dropoff makes this beach a little scary, as you can rarely stand while swimming, and there are sometimes huge waves. There is also no lifeguard. Swimming here is solely for strong swimmers.

If you walk ten minutes north through the neighborhood you will come to the access path for Aki's Beach, a delightful little cove which looks a bit more sheltered for swimming.
If you walk south you can explore the rocky headland, check out little puddles of sea water in the rocks, examine the many pieces of white coral, and look up at the pointy mountain, Lahilahi Point, above. You can walk both directions around the headland. The inland direction takes you past a homeless encampment, and to views of the next beach over, Mauna Lahilahi Beach Park. The outer direction dead ends unless you're willing to try some climbing around serious rocks.
You can rent timeshare apartments in the Hawaiian Princess condo and enjoy incredible views of this beach day and night.
Eleven minutes drive south, check out the tropical plants and ocean views at Bettini Gardens, behind the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center.
Eleven minutes drive north, have a swim at stunning Makua Beach, where tall mountains loom above you and the horizon is a vibrant inky blue. It's more shallow here, so easier to swim, and you can park right by the beach under some trees.
If you want a beach with a lifeguard, check out Makaha Beach, a three minute drive north. It has fairly calm summer swimming. In winter the swimming is dangerous but you can watch surfers close to shore.

Directions

To find this beach, use the address 84-104 Jade St, Waianae HI 96792. You can park along Farrington Highway where it meets Jade St, right by the beach access path. Beware: There are stripped cars everywhere in Makaha, so park at your own risk. Don't bring any belongings to the beach or leave any in the car, especially not ones that you will need later like prescription glasses.

Click on map for interactive view