Have you ever heard of Malaekahana State Recreation Area on Oahu? This is a fantastic spot to enjoy a quiet beach, great scenery, and (when conditions are right) good snorkeling and kayaking.
It’s also one of the few places in Hawaii where you can camp by the beach, which makes it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Malaekahana has gone through many changes in the past decade that allow guests to immerse themselves in Hawaii’s great outdoors.
From Poor Upkeep to Fulfilling its Potential
Back in 2013, we wrote about how Malaekahana has so much potential. It’s a beautiful stretch of white sand that borders the wooded beach park and campgrounds that have been called a place of refuge in an “Old Hawaii” setting. But the park seemed to lack the upkeep needed to help reach that potential, as unsanitary conditions and theft continued to plague the park.
I camped at Malaekahana several times growing up and noticed the conditions getting progressively worse over the years. It wasn’t like the park keepers weren’t trying, though. In the early 2010s, they put in hot showers and a wi-fi and battery charging area called the “comfort station.” They just needed to maintain it.
The comfort station’s metal roof was rusting and falling apart, and by the end of the night, the bathroom floors were usually littered with trash.Theft was also a big problem at Malaekahana, though the main office did offer lockers to guests.
New Management
In 2014, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) began seeking out new management for the Malaekahana campground. That’s when longtime residents took over and created Malaekahana Beach Campground (MBC), LLC. Now, the public land is privately managed, allowing for better attention to guests and greater improvements.
In the years that followed, huts were improved, a store opened onsite, and water equipment rentals were offered to guests.
We think the new management has done a fantastic job of maintaining the spirit of Malaekahana while keeping up with improvements.
Malaekahana Today
Malaekahana Campground closed down again in 2023 as the state began a new set of improvements. When it opens in 2025, we’ll be able to see a new and improved Malaekahana that is hopefully even more comfortable for guests while still honoring the traditions and history of the area.
If you’re on Oahu in the meantime, you can still check out Malaekahana State Recreation Area. The southern end of Malaekahana, away from the campground, is worth stopping at, even if for a day trip. The generally calm ocean conditions make this a prime spot for swimming and snorkeling. Even long walks on the beach offer scenic views you won’t forget.
And contact Hawaii Aloha Travel for help planning an outdoorsy vacation full of adventure, even if Malaekahana Campground isn’t open in time for your trip.
