Hawaii Travel Update: Oahu May Soon Get A New State Park

Southeast Oahu is known for its rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and beautiful bluffs that provide views of the Koolau Mountains, offshore islands, and endless ocean.

Now, the area may soon become part of a new state park.

Last month, Governor Josh Green signed legislation that paves the way for the creation of Kaiwi Coast State Park. The proposed area would span from Wawamalu Beach Park (adjacent to Sandy’s) around the southeast shore to Makapuu Beach.

The latter is home to the popular Makapuu Lighthouse hike and bluff lookout.

There’s no exact timetable on when the state park might become official, but Green told local media that the “odds are more than good” that the project will be approved.

While much of the area is already undeveloped and managed as a “scenic shoreline,” becoming a state park would allow for more funding and resources to ensure its future preservation.

The funding could also be used to install convenient facilities (bathrooms, showers) for day-use areas and help with crowd management.

Oahu’s southeast shore is a popular destination for both locals and visiting day trippers, including Halona Blowhole, Sandy’s Beach, Koko Head Crater, and Hanauma Bay.

With overdevelopment being a constant local point of contention in Hawaii, nature lovers are sure to celebrate any future protections of wild areas in the islands.