Kawela Bay is an island paradise framed by gold-sand beaches and lush greenery. Set on a postcard-perfect bay, the town embodies the laid-back Hawaiian lifestyle. Swim in translucent water, devour banana bread from local farmstands and relax under the shade of the enormous banyan tree.
Things to do in Kawela Bay
Bask on the golden sands of Kawela Bay Beach Park. The crescent-shaped beach wraps around the bay and invites you to bathe in the Hawaiian sunshine and explore tide pools teeming with marine life. A coral reef shelters the bay from swell and keeps the water calm and crystalline. Splash in the shallows and snorkel out to the reef to spot colourful sea creatures. Sunsets in Kawela Bay are breathtaking and light up the horizon in red, yellow and gold.
Kawela Bay is a playground for water activities. Kayak through the calm waters of the bay or rent a paddleboard and explore the shoreline. Nearby breaks like Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay attract surfers from across the island.
Trails wind through the Waimea Botanical Garden and showcase Hawaii's diverse flora. Get lost on paths lined with hot-pink hibiscus, fragrant frangipani trees and towering ironwoods. The garden flourishes with more than 5,000 types of plants, including rare tropical species. Combine your visit with a walk to Waimea Falls, a natural wonder surrounded by emerald-green ferns.
From homemade banana bread to colourful tropical fruits, local farm stands will tempt you with island-fresh produce. Food trucks park at local beaches and serve Hawaiian specialties like fish tacos, pulled pork sandwiches and rainbow-hued poke bowls.
Getting around Kawela Bay
Kawela Bay is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot or by bicycle. The community is in the Koʻolauloa District on Oahu's North Shore, a 1.5-hour drive from Honolulu and two hours by bus. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Kawela Bay and explore the island at your own pace. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is a 1.5-hour drive away.