Mermaid Caves on Oahu

The Mermaid Caves are on the western side of Oahu near Nanakuli Beach. Parking is available at this and other beach parks in the area. The caves are a feature within the lava rock shore, so make sure you have shoes that can handle the wet, rocky terrain.

Use Caution

Any kids visiting the mermaid caves should probably be at least 10 years old. I want to call out early that while this is an amazing destination, it does require some planning. Natural forces that formed this attraction are still present and can be precarious.

This is a great destination that most should be able to handle if they’re over about 10 years, decent swimmers, and have the necessary footwear to walk across the rocks.

These caves do fill up with water when the tide or swell is high, so be prepared to not enter if ocean water is high or rising.

Positively Gorgeous

The caves a spectacularly gorgeous. I’m convinced the reason they aren’t in a movie is it would be difficult to get cameras in and time filming with the tides.

Mermaid Caves is an absolutely fitting name. The light rays filtered through the rock ceiling shine deep into the glorious blue pools.

The pools themselves are deep and the hidden beach awakens both wonder and a sense of being on your own adventure.

Beach Hidden under Lava rock

The Mermaid Caves were formed by ocean water waves eroding the side of the rock cliffs and leaving an overhanging ceiling. Once deep enough under the rock, a sand beach was formed.

The beach is secret for a few reasons.

The caves will only fit a few swimmers at a time. This area could quite easily become too crowded.

Additionally, it does take some work to get there — most anyone could, but you’re going to want to have the right gear.

Once you drop through the hole in the roof the waves are lapping at the beach underneath the rock.

Travel To the Mermaid Caves

Very easy to get to this area Oahu. Arriving on the local bus would also be an option.

Driving

The Mermaid Caves are on the West Side of Oahu, which tends to get less traffic than many other locations on the Island. Take the H1 Freeway around Pearl Harbor and continue toward Ewa Beach – eventually, this turns into Highway 93. Take the highway to Nanakuli Beach Park or any of the other beaches in the area.

There aren’t any turns until you get to the parking lot.

Parking

Since this side of the island is less crowded, you should have no problem parking in the lots dedicated to the local beaches.

Walking to the Caves

You should be able to drop a pin on a maps-app exactly where the caves are, and have the app lead you correctly. I never leave my phone in the car, so I’d recommend taking yours even if you know exactly where to go (Pro Tip: Have a waterproof bag for your phone.)

From the parking lot of Nanakul Beach take the sidewalk towards the ocean and once you get to the lava rock cliffs turn right and begin walking on the cliffs themselves. Make sure you have appropriate shoes for this portion.

The mermaid caves are about even with the second home lot.

H2  FAQ

Are the Mermaid Caves Safe?

Caution is warranted. It’s a good idea to know when the tides are going to be going out and time your visit around that. Also, any children should be at least 10 to 12 years old and anyone entering the caves should be a competent swimmer.

Knowing when the tides will be going out can help you plan the timing of your visit. Additionally, anyone entering the caves should be a proficient swimmer and any minors should be between the ages of 10 and 12.

How were the Caves Made?

They were created by the forces of erosion they are the waves tunneled under the tall lava-rock cliffs. At some point, this rock roof will likely crumble, but that does not seem imminent.

Why are the Caves Secret?

Many reasons. The real answer is they aren’t published, but not necessarily secret.

The caves aren’t advertised since there isn’t a business tied to them. Many natural landmarks in Hawaii are equally secret and social media is exposing those locations to more explorers.

Also, since caution is warranted, there are plenty of families that skip this attraction.

Is there a Ladder into the Mermaid Caves?

Sometimes there is a ladder placed here, but nobody can guarantee there will be one on any given day. Before entering the cave, you should make sure you’ll be comfortable climbing back out.

Cautions

Be cautious here! Knowing when the tides will be going out can help you plan the timing of your visit. Additionally, anyone entering the caves should be a proficient swimmer and any minors should be between the ages of 10 and 12.

Summary & Nearby Attractions

The Mermaid Caves are gorgeous. As long as conditions allow and your entire party feels up to the task, I definitely recommend a visit.

The lighting inside is majestic. You feel like you’re in a movie automatically beginning an adventure.

As long as everyone is capable of handling them, the Mermaid Caves will be a memorable visit for everyone.

Nearby Attractions

On the western side of Oahu there are many other things to see and do. I’ve seen whales and dolphins over here. Depending on the time of year, the beaches may be calmer over here than on other sides of the island. Since you’re already likely in swimming attire, I’d recommend spending a few hours at one of the beaches over here.

The town of Maili is a little further along Highway 93 – from there to the end of the highway are many lookouts and beaches to see an incredible sunset.

You can take an easy hike to the Maili Pillbox or visit the Wainae Harbor.

After the caves, if you’re hungry, check out Spinners Cafe, the Spice House, or grab shave ice at Dan’s Maile Shave Ice.

Tantalus Lookout

Tantalus Lookout is in the mountains above Honolulu and allows you take in the scenery of Southern Oahu and all of Honolulu – Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor. It is a walk-up attraction with additional nature hikes and picnic tables available. The site is wheelchair accessible since sidewalks connect the parking lot to the lookout.

This lookout fits perfectly into a full day at the beach. You can spend all day in the sand and waves, then drive up here for the sunset and then enjoy an evening at one of the many restaurants in Honolulu.

Sunsets!

Tantalus Point has become a popular sunset viewing destination. With the sun setting in the west, the sunset takes place over Pearl Harbor, illuminating the entire south-western sky of Oahu.

The lookout can get crowded during sunset time. Instead of trying to time the sunset perfectly, why not come up an hour before and have a picnic or short hike before the sunset?

With the 180-degree views sunrises would likely be good as well, but the park does not open until 7 a.m. There might a few times a year it’s possible to see, but infrequent.

You could still take in the sunrise on the viewpoint parking available before the entrance to Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Park

The Views

Incredibly, you can see from Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor. And the view of Downtown Honolulu is Spectacular.

You can see the view airport runway, and miles of the gorgeous, azure-blue ocean.

Unless you’re piloting an airplane, there is not a better view of this side of the island.

Wheelchair & Stroller Friendly

There is easy and accommodating access to Tantalus Point and it’s stunning panoramas.

Nature

Since the elevation of Tantalus Lookout and the surrounding area is is 900 feet and above, there vegetation is a bit different up here.

You’ll see plenty of birds as you hike around and the predominant tree is the Cook Pine which replaces palm trees in much of the mountains of Hawaii.

City Lights

I’ve been complete focused on sunsets and the daytime view of the city, but you also get extraordinary views of the city lights at night… well almost.

The park closes at 7:45 (see the timing section below). There is a parking lot a little further down the drive, outside the park gates, and that lot is open 24 hours a day (this is the same place I recommend taking in the sunrise).

Alternative to Diamond Head

The most popular overlook in Hawaii is Diamond Head. Appearing to rise out of the ocean and towering into the air. Diamond Head is a distinct land mark and it makes sense that it gets many visitors and shows up in many photos of Honolulu.

But, as far as actual lookouts go, the views from Tantalus Lookout are a next level of amazing. You can see further and you can see more well known destinations of Hawaii.

Additionally, Tantalus Lookout is free to visit and the only additional planning needed is parking before the crowds show up or the sunset (no reservations needed!)

Are Drones allowed at Tantalus Lookout?

No, there is plenty of signage stating drones are not allowed and drones are not allowed in any Hawaii State Park.

If you do want to fly a drone, the scenic lookout on Round Top Drive outside the park entrance is still and ideal place to pilot drone and get the video footage you want.

Ideas to Plan the Perfect visit to Tantalus Lookout

I’ve put togethe a couple of ideas to make sure you take in a wonderful experience at Tantalus Lookout. Instead of driving for 20 minutes and being out of your car or 5, consider some of the ideas below.

Evening Combined End with viewing the sunset.

Picnic

You can get you spot early be visiting earlier and having a picnic. Grabbing some sandwich on the way up would work well. I’ve had many successful picnics catered by Subway’s drive-thru on my way to the destination.

You could also take this a step further and grab a cheap, portable BBQ at WalMart and have a BBQ with amazing views. Family and other travel companions would remember the BBQ at Tantalus Point for years.

Hike before Sunset

Another way to avoid parking congestion at Tantalus Lookout is to arrive an hour early and take in a short hike. You’ve got a few to choose from with the Ualaka’a Trail being the closest the parking lot.

Day Hike

There are a few trails in the area of Tantalus Point. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, visit during the day for a couple-hour hike in the cool mountain air.

Trails you can look into include:

• Nā Ala Hele Trail
• Ualakaʻa Trail
• Makiki Valley Loop Trail

Getting to Tantalus Lookout

It takes about 30 minutes to get from Honolulu to Tantalus Lookout – and that is if you’re in Waikiki and rush hour is just starting. You should be able to get here in about 15-20 minutes.

The direct route is to take Manoa Road and then Round Top Drive. If you don’t have a GPS, make sure to look at the directions closely in your hotel’s business center and print the directions.

Once on Round Top Drive, you’ll see the 24 hour viewpoint. If you’re within the park’s open hours, I recommend skipping this and going straight to the look out.

However, if you want to use a drone to get some aerial shots, this is where you should stop to do it.

You’ll see the Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Park sign marking the entrance to the park. Pay special attention to the closing time on the bottom right of the sign. This changes depending on the time of year (and officials are consistent about locking park gates in Hawaii on time.)

Time to Visit

The park opens daily at 7 a.m. In the Summer, Tantalus Lookout is open until 7:45 p.m., and 6:45 p.m. in the Winter.

You’ll have plenty of time to see the sunset, but once the sun has set, I don’t recommend lingering very long- officials usually do not delay in closing the park up.

Also, as suggested above, if you’re trying to make the sunset, try to get here a bit earlier so you are not fighting for a parking spot.

Cautions

• Remember Drones are not allowed at Tantalus Lookout and Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside Park.
• Lock your car doors and cover any valuables. This is good advice everywhere. While Tantalus Lookout and Hawaii are safe, car break-ins do happen, especially if valuable items are easy to see in the car.

Summary

If you’re in Waikiki or anywhere on Oahu for a few days, Tantalus Lookout should be on your list of places to visit.

There so many additional layers to the experience you have: the higher elevation’s different climate, an easy hike with amazing views, and a new perspective of Waikiki (where you’ve likely been spending a lot of time).

You will have the chance to drink in so much of the tropical scenery and azure ocean. Tantalus Lookout is also a great place to view the city lights at night.

If you can’t get reservations to Diamond Head or just want something different, make sure to pay a visit.

And if you want to pack a full mountain day in, check out nearby trails to Manoa Falls and Lulumahu Falls.

• Tantalus Lookout: Majestic views of Honolulu & must of the south side of Oahu. One of the best places to see the sunset over Honolulu.

Halona Beach Cove

On the East side of Oahu and nestled between Hanauma Bay and Sandy Beach, Halona Beach Cove offers a wonderful chance to explore natural formations right on the shore. Primary attractions include a lava tube providing a short, safe caving experience, and the Halona Blowhole which shoots water 20 feet into the air and a wavy day.

What to do at the Halona Beach Cove?

There are 4 primary attractions at this cove. While swimming is one of them, we actually recommend doing the on shore activities and then having a full beach day at one of the nearby locations. Read on for more explanation.

Halona Beach Blowhole

The blowhole is what makes stopping Halona worth it. Blowholes shoot water high into the air. This happens when underwater caves have water forced in quickly and violently.

The Halona Blowhole launches seawater 20+ feet into the air under the right conditions. Many days the ocean is calm but it is still interesting to see how far the water will shoot with minimal wave activity.

Lava Tube & Cave

In the middle of the beach against the cliff under the highway is a short lava tube ripe for exploration. During the day you can navigate this tube without a flashlight.

This tube provides the chance to see geology at work. Lava Tubes are formed by flowing lava after the lava about has already cooled and hardened.

Turtles

Turtles can be seen at Halona Beach from time to time. Take a while to watch them if you get the chance.

Can you swim in Halona Beach Cove?

The answer is Yes. However… For Halona Beach Cove, we recommend only wading in the water and only when it is calm. The small channel makes it easy to get pushed into rocks by waves and any day the blowhole is getting large waves, the water will be too dangerous to enter.

There are no lifeguards on duty.

Because it is so small, this isn’t the place to spend an entire day anyway. Instead of getting in the water here, we recommend exploring on shore and then heading to nearby Hanauma Bay or Sandy Beach for the bulk of your day in the water.

Winter – Whales?

In the winter, the lookout is actually a great time to see humpback whales singing & playing.

Don’t rush out of the Parking Lot!

The lookout just off the parking lot toward the ocean has spectacular views of the surrounding area. The gorgeous views are almost overwhelming as you look up & down the coast and out to sea.

If you only experienced only the scenic lookout and then then continue on your way, you would have taken in one of the best activities Halona Beach Cove has to offer.

Getting to Halona Cove’s Attractions

The parking lot just off Kalanianaole Highway is easy to to find. It does fill up quickly, but there should be a fair amount of turnover in the parking lot as well.

The Drive

Halona Cove is on the East side of Oahu. It is easy to find as you pass other prominent locations along Kalanianaole Highway. When you see the sign saying “Halona Blowhole Lookout,” you know you’re in the right place.

• If you’re coming form the Honolulu & Diamond Head area, about 1.5 miles past Hanauma Bay, the beach will be on your right.
• If you make it to Sandy Beach, you’ve gone too far. • If you pass Sandy Beach first, Halona Cove will be on your right on your left after half-a-mile. If you pass Hanauma Bay, you’ve gone to far.

Where do you park at Halona beach?

There is a sign to the parking clearly showing you’re at the right spot. It may fill up quickly, but there is enough turnover in cars that you should be able to find a spot soon.

Getting on to the Beach

After you’ve had the chance to view the scenic overlook, head down to the beach on a trail across from the parking lot sign.

You may notice right away a sign warning not to proceed beyond the point. Or you may not, it is often covered in stickers.

There are many others exploring the cove below. It is okay to go down the trail.

Getting to the water & lava tube.

Caution: this not a paved or maintained trail so be careful as you make your way down. Go slowly.

Once you’re down, feel free to start exploring the cove, or wading in the water.

If you stand in the middle of the beach, you can see the lava tube in the cliff beneath Kalanianaole Highway.

Halona Blowhole

After exploring the cove for a while, you can get out to the Halona Blowhole by going left around the small bay. Follow the rocks and you should see the blowhole soon.

Again, caution needs to be taken depending on the ocean conditions. If the surf is rough or there is a high swell, it is likely best to view the blowhole from the parking lot lookout.

Best Time of Year to see

• Winter (well December through March) make sure to have binoculars to see if you can spot some whales.
• Winter often has the roughest oceans so expect to stay on the shore and at the lookout during this season
• Spring & Fall the conditions are usually moderate. Make sure to use caution when you visit.
• Summer should have the calmest ocean. Again, confirm the conditions when you arrive.

Popular Culture

Movies

There have been a large number of movies scenes filmed here- probably due to there being easy access via the parking lot and the cliffs on both sides make it easy to control backgrounds.

• 50 First Dates
• From Here to Eternity
• Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
• Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Music

Large portions of the music video for Nicki Minaj’s ‘Starships’ were filmed here.

Amenities

• Parking is free, but it can fill up quick.
• Restrooms and showers ARE NOT available. Checkout Sandy Beach if these are needed.

Cautions

There are no lifeguards. As pointed out already, wading at Halona Beach will be enjoyable. For swimming we recommend checking out a different beach after spending about an hour here.

The best time to see the Blowhole is when the the waves are highest but be careful as you’re viewing the blow hole and stay away from the large waves. Imagine the pain if a large wave were to slam you on the punishing on the lava rock. On large wave days, the parking lot lookout is best.

This is a small channel that can easily develop an undertow. Wading only is recommended. As a destination, the on shore activities are more enjoyable.

Conclusion

Halona Beach Cove packs a few amazing attractions and is worth spending about an hour as you drive to various destinations around Oahu. If you’re heading from Honolulu to Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, or Sea Life Park, you’ll enjoy a quick visit to the cove to add some variety to your day.

Same if you’re seeing the various sites when going for a drive around Oahu.

Halona Beach is more about the sites than the swimming experience. Get out, walk around, and see a couple interesting geological formations and possibly some wild life. From there, continue on to your destination.

The small amount of time spent at Halona Beach Cove will be remembered for years and the backdrops will produce gorgeous pictures to be treasured for decades.