For some of the best views of Oahu’s southern shores, go to Kewalo Basin Harbor. I like to post up at the end of the jetty and pretend I’m sitting in the middle of the ocean. But it’s usually pretty busy with surfers leaping into the water or fishermen reeling in a big one, so, of course, it’s not nearly as isolated as the ocean we see beyond the horizon.
A Photographer’s Paradise
Aside from that, the jetty is a place where you’re guaranteed to get that money shot of Diamond Head. The one you’ve only seen in postcards and magazines, the shot that you’ve been anxious to capture ever since seeing it in all its glory. Kewalo Basin is the place to be, especially during the golden hour at sunset.
Watching the Boats Roll In
It’s also nice to watch the slew of boats and vessels returning from the sea.
Or, maybe you’re catching one of the boats at Kewalo Basin Harbor. A number of excursions depart from this Honolulu location, including fishing tours, chartered yachts, and dive trips.
A Scenic Picnic
There are often food trucks lined up by Kewalo Basin, complete with picnic tables and a fun atmosphere. You can pay top-dollar for an Oahu restaurant with a view, or settle into a picnic table at Kewalo Basin Harbor for one of the best waterfront dining spots there is.
A Note About Swimming at Kewalo Basin Harbor
Although near the ocean, I wouldn’t recommend swimming at the harbor. There’s no lifeguard on duty and no sand. Large boulders form a slippery seawall, below which is reef.
The “Kewalos” surf spot is known as a shark hangout, and there have been shark attacks here in the past. Just another reason why swimmers are better off at a real sandy beach with lifeguards.
Your best bet for swimming and snorkeling would be next door at Ala Moana Beach Park. Many people take this walk daily.
A Sunset Walk near Kewalo Basin
Whether you want to get to Ala Moana to swim or simply for a stroll, there’s an easy path for you to take. Starting at the jetty, the pathway leads parallel to the ocean and directly to the beach park. If you’re really up for an adventure, you can make your way across the beach park to Magic Island and then circle back to Kewalo Basin.
