Overview
Nanakuli is on the west coast of the island of Oahu, Hawaii
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jan–Dec. Summer highs reach about 89°F; winter lows dip to about 67°F. Wettest: Mar and Nov. (climate data from nearby Honolulu)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- HNL Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Honolulu, Oahu — 16 mi away (major hub). Directions
- MKK Molokai Airport, Kaunakakai — 70 mi away. Directions
Take the H1 freeway westwards. As you round the southwest corner of the island you will see the Waianae Coast laid out before you, with the expanse of blue ocean to your left.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Food for you
A good Korean BBQ spot exists.
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Get in
Take the H1 freeway westwards. As you round the southwest corner of the island you will see the Waianae Coast laid out before you, with the expanse of blue ocean to your left.
Get around
The City Bus will get there. Catch with City Bus# 40/40A - Makaha or Route C CountryExpress!
The Bus One-Way Fare: $2. The Bus Transfer: One free with each paid cash fare.
See
Places of Interest
Nanakuli Beach Park (86-269 Farrington Hwy) The west coast of O'ahu is fairly well protected from strong surf conditions even during the winter months making this beach a haven for the winter traveler. Its coral reef slopes gradually downward providing great swimming year round. It has a beautiful and stable sandy beach area.
This beach park is in an area where it had been customary to name places after a body part - Nanakuli literally means "to look at the knee." This is an interesting beach and offers a diversified recreational activity menu.
Principal ocean activities are swimming, snorkeling, SCUBA and skin diving. Swimming is generally safe during the Summer months, but becomes very dangerous during Winter high surf season. Snorkelers and divers should watch out for Winter's strong currents and turbulence.
This beach park is in the driest areas of O`ahu. Be sure you and any keiki (children) who might be with you drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. SUN GLASSESBe sun safe and sensible: Be sure to wear a broad spectrum sun block, tanning lotion, or cream with a sun protective factor of SPF 15+ - and reapply it every two hours. Don't forget your sunglasses and to wear a hat with a wide brim, too!
Do
Sail with whales, dive with dolphins, snorkel with turtles, with the marine biologist led crew of - see Wild Side Specialty Tours
Buy
Rent surfboards, snorkel equipment and bikes Hale Nalu.
Eat
A good Korean BBQ spot exists.
Nearby
Waianae
City / town · 13 listings · 3 mi away
Kapolei
City / town · 8 listings · 6 mi away
Hale'iwa
City / town · 17 listings · 14 mi away
Aiea
City / town · 4 listings · 14 mi away
Honolulu
City / town · 25 listings · 20 mi away
Pūpūkea
City / town · 11 listings · 20 mi away
Kahuku
City / town · 4 listings · 24 mi away
Kailua
City / town · 27 listings · 27 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.