Yokohama Bay Oahu
Best for. Confident, self reliant visitors who want a wild, remote beach and big sunsets far from the resorts.
Best spot. The northern end toward Kaena Point for the clearest summer water and the best photographs.
Know this. There is no lifeguard and the currents run strong, so this is not a casual swim beach, and winter surf makes it dangerous.
Yokohama Bay, known locally as Keawaula, is where the road simply runs out on the leeward Waianae coast. It is the last white sand beach before the trail to Kaena Point, and that sense of the end of the island is exactly why people make the drive.
On a calm summer morning it is one of the most beautiful beaches on Oahu, all white sand, turquoise water and a wall of dry mountains behind. Hawaiian monk seals sometimes haul out here, and the sunsets over the open ocean are some of the best on the island.
Now the honest part. There is no lifeguard on this beach, the bottom is rocky in places, and the currents run strong along this whole stretch of coast. In winter the surf is heavy and swimming is not sensible at all.
Plan for self reliance. There are restrooms across the road but no shops, no fuel and no services near the end of the highway, so bring all the water, food and shade you need for the day.
Who should skip the water. Weak swimmers, families with small children and anyone visiting in winter should treat Yokohama as a place to walk, watch and photograph rather than swim. For calm protected water, Ko Olina is the leeward answer.
Clubs on this beach
Yokohama is a remote public beach at the end of the road with no club on the sand, so we route you to the leeward Oahu beaches where a club style day exists.
No beach club on this beach
This is public sand with no daybed club on the beach itself. For a club style day with loungers and table service near Yokohama Bay, we gather the options in the Oahu beach clubs directory.
Leeward Waianae coast, Oahu
Yokohama Bay sits at the very end of Farrington Highway on the leeward Waianae coast, past Makaha and Makua, more than an hour from Waikiki by car.
Parking is on the roadside shoulder where the paved road ends. Arrive early on summer weekends, when the small parking area fills quickly.
There are restrooms across the road but no other services. Fuel up and stock up before you reach the far coast, and carry out everything you bring.
Photo: Jose Estrella via GoogleBook a beach club
Tell us your dates and party size and we will help arrange a daybed or table at a club within reach of Yokohama Bay. We reply by email.
We are an independent editorial resource. Booking requests are passed to clubs and operators, and some may earn us a commission at no cost to you. Prices, availability and opening status are set by the venue and are to be confirmed at the time of booking.
Common questions about Yokohama Bay
Is Yokohama Bay safe to swim?
Only with real caution, and mainly in calm summer conditions. There is no lifeguard, the bottom is rocky in places and currents are strong, so weak swimmers and winter visitors should stay out of the water.
Where is Yokohama Bay on Oahu?
It is at the end of Farrington Highway on the leeward Waianae coast, the last white sand beach before the trail to Kaena Point. It is more than an hour from Waikiki.
Are there facilities at Yokohama Bay?
Restrooms sit across the road, but there are no shops, food or fuel near the beach. Bring all the water, food and shade you need for the day.
When is the best time to visit Yokohama Bay?
Summer, from about May to September, brings the calmest and clearest water. Winter delivers heavy surf and strong currents that make swimming unwise.
Can you see monk seals at Yokohama Bay?
Hawaiian monk seals sometimes rest on this remote sand. If you see one, keep well back and never approach, as they are a protected species.
