Alan Davis Beach on Oahu is a great place to hang out with friends, relax, jump off small rocks, and snorkel. The little cove at the beach’s end has a wealth of fish and other marine life, as well as quiet, safe waters for beginners to swim and snorkel in. Huge waves smash right on the outer banks of the rock piles, giving you a true sense of the ocean’s power. The Koko Head Crater and the Kaiwi Shoreline provide as the backdrop. If you have half a day to spend in the sun, I recommend heading here.
The famous Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail leads to Alan Davis Beach, only a short detour away. What makes this beach on Oahu’s east shore so special? Two wooden boards are wedged into the rocks on the beach’s side, leading out into sparkling water deep enough to allow all the diving and flipping you can bear.
On Oahu’s east shore, Alan Davis Beach is rarely mentioned by tourists, but locals go here in droves on weekends. Hundreds of schoolchildren and beachgoers flock to the quiet beach to jump into the water from the wooden planks. Several wooden boards have been pushed into the rock face to create several diving boards.
Alan Davis Beach is an excellent place to conduct low-key cliff jumping in a pretty safe swimming area. If possible, go to the beach on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowd.
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How To Get To Alan Davis Beach?
Alan Davis Beach is a secluded, hidden beach on Oahu’s eastern side that few people know about. To reach here, park in the same lot as the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail, but immediately after the entry signs at the beginning of the hike, turn right down the dirt path. The map below illustrates that it’s part of the Kaiwi Shoreline Trail. The roundtrip distance is roughly two miles, but it’s a short walk, lasting only 15 minutes or less one way. You’ll come to a white beach, which is an excellent spot to pitch up camp but continue on the left side of the bay until you reach the shore’s edge.
Instead of taking the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail up the hill, park your car in the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail parking lot and swerve into the bushes on the dirt track. Although it isn’t well signposted, this is the KaIwi Scenic Shoreline Trail. After 10-15 minutes on this track, you will arrive at a small beach. You’ll find yourself below Pele’s Chair and directly above the diving boards if you walk along the left side of the little bay.
The best time to visit is early in the morning before it becomes too hot. It’s also not overly seasonal. The beach is quite tranquil throughout the year. It’s preferable to go before the midday heat or during the winter months because there’s a one-mile walk out in the open when the sun will be burning. Also worth noting is that the water’s colors are most excellent when the sun rises from the east. Any time before 10 a.m. is ideal. Finally, late afternoon swimming is enjoyable, but be careful not to remain too long and risk having your car locked in the parking lot.
The park is open during the following hours:
From April 1st through Labor Day, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Summer)
From Labor Day through March 1st, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Winter)
Attractions in the Area of Alan Davis Beach
You can reach the magnificent Makapu’u Tide Pools by heading left down the coast 45 minutes from Alan Davis Beach. Makapu’u Beach, a great hangout location with occasional shore break waves, is also close by. The Makapu’u Lighthouse walk is above the beach, while the Tom Tom Trail is behind Makapu’u Beach. There’s plenty to do on this beautiful part of Oahu’s east shore.
On Oahu, Where Should You Stay?
1. Waikiki Beachside Hostel (Budget Option):
A less expensive option in a fantastic location. Waikiki Beach is within walking distance, and the hotel is in a convenient location for a week of adventures. A dorm accommodation within walking distance of the Waikiki surf beach may be had for under $35 per night.
2. Disney Aulani Resort (Family Choice):
This is a resort that your children will remember for the rest of their lives. The sheer number of pools and activities available makes it feel like a theme park at times. This is the best location to stay for families on Oahu if you can afford it. The resort’s main attraction is a massive lazy river/tire tube lagoon, while the water slides and private beach aren’t far behind.
3. Ewa Hotel Waikiki: (Value):
Waikiki hotels can be pricey. If you don’t have a lot of money, deciding where to stay on Oahu can be challenging. Fortunately, there is a significant discount hotel choice on the outskirts of Waikiki. The Ewa Hotel is only one block from the beach and costs a little more than USD 150. If you’re anything like me, you’ll never swim in a hotel pool.
4. Sheraton Waikiki (Luxury):
A luxury resort featuring the island’s most magnificent infinity pool overlooking the beach. After a long day of island adventures, the Sheraton’s bar and nightclub is terrific spot to unwind.
5. The Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort (Overall Favorite):
Located in the center of Waikiki and is directly on the beach. A private lagoon, luxury accommodations with beach views, and a complimentary fireworks and dance performance extravaganza are all included. The Hilton is the most well-known hotel on the island. Without fear of drowning, children can kayak, swim, and snorkel.
