The Hawaiian Islands are home to 750 miles of stunning coastline – putting the island state behind Alaska, Florida, and California when it comes to coastline length. And while among that coastline you will find countless rock formations and sea cliffs, the beaches are what truly matters. On Oahu alone, there are more than 125 different beaches! With so many stunning stretches of sand throughout Hawaii, how can you possibly choose the best ones? Well, today, we have a contender for you: a beautiful beach found on Oahu’s leeward coast that is easily one of the most underrated beaches in Hawaii.
This is Yokohama Bay, and it is one of our favorite destinations. It’s also wildly underrated and little-known. Let’s take a look:
Juliane Schultz/Flickr
Keawa’ula Beach — or as it is commonly known — Yokohama Bay, is the northernmost beach on Oahu’s western coast before you reach Kaena Point, making it one of the most secluded beaches on the island.
Sean Munson/Flickr
Whether you live on Oahu, or are vacationing in Waikiki, it is a definite fact that the island’s leeward coast is severely underrated. It’s a true shame, because most tourists will never know the beauty of this stunning stretch of sand we call Yokohama Bay.
jmcd303/Flickr
The beach is home to stellar surfing during the winter months, and was once a popular hangout for squid.
Sean Munson/Flickr
Unfortunately, the rocky ocean bottom, strong currents, and high waves can be dangerous — especially during the winter months when the beach is pounded by epic waves surfers love. The coastline surrounding the bay is also popular among fishermen.
Sean Munson/Flickr
With crystalline turquoise waters and sparkling white sand, Yokohama feels like a dream.
Juliane Schultz/Flickr
Backed by the striking Waianae Mountains, it doesn’t get much prettier than this rugged stretch of off the beaten path coastline that’s untouched by development.
Annie/Flickr
If you’re looking to explore Oahu’s raw beauty and get away from it all, if only for an afternoon, this is the place to go. You’ll often find the beach empty, perhaps because it’s 45 miles from the heart of Waikiki.
Annie/Flickr
It doesn’t get more remote or beautiful than Yokohama Bay, and we don’t care what anyone else says: the west side is the best side.
Patrickmoos/Flickr
Want to explore more of Oahu’s underrated leeward coast? Check out these 12 hidden gems!
Juliane Schultz/Flickr
Sean Munson/Flickr
jmcd303/Flickr
Annie/Flickr
Patrickmoos/Flickr
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